When I started developing and running career development workshops in 2019, I spent hours researching content, crafting activities and creating powerpoints. Yet, my workshops often fell flat. No-one really participated, and I felt like I was doing acrobatics to generate minimal engagement. I was nervous, scared and intimidated by process and practice.
My pain point? Actually generating engagement.
Here is what I've learned along the way!
· Connecting informally first: Using the first few minutes to just connect, say hi, and greet folks is a game changer. I let my curiosity lead me – what brought my attendees here, what work they are engaging in, and how their days are going? This gives all of us in the room a chance to see each other as people, not just facilitator or attendee.
· Fostering connection throughout: It’s helpful for me to gauge my audience with informal questions over the course of the workshop. How do they feel about Personal Branding? What are some myths they’ve heard about Networking? Do they even like writing resumes (not really loll)? What’s worked or not for them?
I’m noticing that the more I look to my audience for their input, the more they begin to participate in the experience. This type of informal connection leads to more participation in everything else.
· Conversations: It’s a gift to be able to turn workshops into conversation spaces where dialogue and differing opinion are welcome. Asking people to expand on their answers, and getting curious about their experiences helps.
Does it work every time? No - sometimes folks are tired or stressed out and don’t really feel like talking, and that’s ok too.
· I am not the expert: students are connected to flows of information in ways greater than ever imagined. Respecting all knowledge and wisdom in the room goes a long way. For me, this means allowing space for others to counter what I am facilitating, or offer different opinions, tactics or solutions.
· Give people space to answer: Facilitation can feel so vulnerable. When I ask a question or implement an activity and there is little or no response, it is very easy to think ‘oh I’m doing a bad job’ or ‘oh maybe this workshop sucks’. But it’s not really about me.
Allowing myself to be vulnerable enough to stand in silence while the room takes it time to reflect, think and choose to respond (or not) – this has been perhaps the biggest learning of all.
Different groups require different adjustments. Some groups are simply more participatory and expressive, others quieter. I’m learning to respect the dynamic and needs of the group above my tightly-designed workshop plans!