How can you improve your large group facilitation skills with new techniques?

1 Learn from others

One of the best ways to improve your large group facilitation skills is to learn from other facilitators who have experience and expertise in different fields and settings. You can observe how they plan, prepare, and execute their sessions, and what tools and methods they use to engage their participants. You can also ask them for feedback, advice, and mentoring on your own facilitation style and challenges. You can find other facilitators through online platforms, networks, and communities, or by attending events and workshops that interest you.

2 Experiment with new formats

Another way to improve your large group facilitation skills is to experiment with new formats and structures that can enhance your sessions and create more variety and interaction. You can try different types of sessions, such as panels, fishbowls, world cafes, open space, or lightning talks, that can suit different purposes, topics, and audiences. You can also mix and match different formats within a session, such as using breakout rooms, polls, quizzes, or games, to create more dynamics and engagement. You can also use online tools and platforms that can support your facilitation and enable more participation and collaboration.

3 Seek feedback and evaluation

A third way to improve your large group facilitation skills is to seek feedback and evaluation from your participants, co-facilitators, and stakeholders. You can use different methods and tools to collect and analyze data and information that can help you assess the effectiveness and impact of your sessions. You can use surveys, interviews, testimonials, or observations to gather feedback from your participants on their satisfaction, learning, and outcomes. You can also use indicators, metrics, or reports to measure the results and achievements of your sessions against your objectives and expectations. You can use this feedback and evaluation to identify your strengths and weaknesses, and to improve your facilitation practice and performance.

5 Update your knowledge and skills

A fifth way to improve your large group facilitation skills is to update your knowledge and skills on the latest trends, developments, and best practices in facilitation. You can use different sources and resources to access and acquire new information and insights that can inform and enrich your facilitation practice. You can use books, articles, blogs, podcasts, or webinars to learn from experts and practitioners who share their facilitation knowledge and skills. You can also use courses, workshops, or certification programs to gain more formal and structured learning and recognition for your facilitation competencies and credentials.

6 Connect and collaborate

A sixth way to improve your large group facilitation skills is to connect and collaborate with other facilitators and stakeholders who share your interests and goals. You can use different platforms and channels to communicate and interact with your facilitation peers and partners, such as social media, forums, or newsletters. You can also use events and activities to network and build relationships with your facilitation community, such as meetups, conferences, or projects. You can use these connections and collaborations to exchange ideas, experiences, and opportunities, and to support and inspire each other in your facilitation journeys.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?