Facilitation Tools

Why should you use this method?

• Synthesize: catpture and share outcomes immediately with the group
• Clear the noise: this will help you to stop the blah blah during workshops
• Visual snapshot: people remember pictures better than written minutes
• Document: Easy to share after the session

We know that every human being is very visual. A picture says more than 1,000 words. But how can we be more visual when facilitating sessions?

Writing on a flipchart

A good thing about flipchart paper is that you can move it around the room. You can use this technique to guide and facilitate whenever the team has a conversation. Remember, if it is not on a flip, if didn’t happen! Here are some tips on how to make the best use of it:

• Have the right markers. Make sure they are working and are not leaking through the paper and leaving spots on the wall.
• Write capital letters.
• Write big. Make sure the person in the back can still read what you write down.
• Give every flip a title.
• Write using bullet points and alternate colours.

Use of templates

The objective of using templates is that they will focus the conversation. So, what are the tips and tricks about using templates?

• Use templates for group conversations. This will make sure the team stays focused on the conversation they need to have.
• Don’t give people too much time to fill out a template. Typically, 20-30 minutes should be enough.
• Make sure they have a large print of the template (A1 size/24x33 inches).
• Make sure people filling the template are using post-its. Never let them write on a template!

Post-its

The beauty of post-its is that people can move them freely around or entirely remove them if they change their minds. Post-its also help you to be more specific about what you want to say. It will help to summarie and draw conclusions. And it is easy to cluster and group different thoughts and ideas. Some tips and tricks:

• Write with black marker with a tip of around 1mm. Make sure every team member has one of these markers.
• Write with capital letters only.
• Every item is a new post-it. Never create a list of bullet points on a post-it.
• Use color coding when helpful.
• Encourage the team to draw on the post-its!
• Peel it off side to side to get a flat post-it that is easier to read and sticks better.

Drawing

It is about drawing icons. Very simple icons that are understood immediately by everyone. How do you do that?

• Practice. Write down a list of 10-20 words, Google these words, and add the words ‘doodle icon’ in the search bar. Copy or make your own drawing for each.
• Learning to sketch takes time but you will see that it will get easier once you have the first drawing in your repertoire.
• You should draw the word almost as fast as writing the word.
• Add a word to it to make it super clear.