I've found that starting with a fun icebreaker, like a quick improv game, really helps people drop their guard. Present your workshop as a shared mission rather than just another training session. Mix in some team challenges, but keep the atmosphere supportive - you want people to feel comfortable sharing their ideas. When energy dips, a quick movement break does wonders. And don't hesitate to pull in inspiration from unexpected places - music, videos, even concepts from different fields. The key is finding that sweet spot between challenging your participants and making them feel supported.

One thing that we always need to be aware of is: " We are here to serve (to help) the colleagues achieve their goals" After we acknowledge that, we can proceed without ego involved. My first step would be: 1. Get to know your group 2. Afterwards I would speak open to them and to find out what motivates them, whats the reason they are here and what they need to accomplish that. 3. Go through the gathered information, and tailor the rest of the workshop, as "needed". That way we would incorporate them even more into the workshop and we would help them find or ignite their intrinsic motivation :) Till now it worked, they feel heard and valued!

Incorporate games and hands-on exercises. For example, use icebreakers or team challenges that encourage collaboration and creativity. Celebrate milestones and recognize individual contributions. Simple shout-outs or small rewards can boost morale and motivate participants to engage more actively. Invite guest speakers or industry experts to share their experiences. This introduces fresh ideas and can inspire participants to think differently. Create opportunities for participants to give and receive feedback throughout the workshop. This can help them feel more involved and invested in the process. Tailor activities to participants' interests or backgrounds. This makes the content more relevant and engaging.

In my workshops, I use several methods to inspire engagement: 1) I bring my full self into each session, whether through personal introductions, open thoughts about the material, or sharing my relevant lived experiences. This authenticity encourages participants to reciprocate, creating a sense of belonging. 2) By incorporating multiple breakout sessions with different group arrangements, I foster greater participation, confidence, and motivation. These sessions serve as ongoing icebreakers, keeping energy and engagement high. 3) Each group has unique needs, so I listen actively to understand their interests and expectations. Flexibly adapting my approach and content focus, stimulates curiosity and supports an interactive environment.