Author(s): Nikki Highmore Simms

Business

Anyone who has endured 'death by PowerPoint' or suffered a dry 'chalk and talk' session will know the importance of getting group sessions and workshops right, but how do you know what to do and what it takes? "How to Run a Great Workshop" is your quick fix solution to running successful group sessions. It takes you through the early stages of planning and preparation, through to showing you how to build a great session, step-by-step. Group activities, how to use materials and how to be remembered for the right reasons are all covered, along with a brief overview of training theory and learning models. Whether you are a first time manager, a coach wishing to add workshops to your repertoire or you are simply looking for a way to improve your delivery at meetings, all you need to know and do is here. And not only that - the skills and tools you will learn will enliven interviews, meetings and even parties and weddings! Contents: Contents WHY CHOOSE THIS BOOK? What this book doesWhat this book doesn't do WHO, WHAT, WHY AND WHEREYour natural styleDelivery stylesStyle developmentBeliefs and the importance of make believe ... Success ritualSession subject and outcomesSubject Outcomes Why bother - application of learningWhat type of session? One or many? Your participantsParticipant profileOvercoming resistanceGroup sizeLocation, location, locationThe ideal roomSolutions to non-ideal roomsDifferent room stylesInformation vs Learning Information made easy WHOLE-BRAIN LEARNING PRIMERThe biggest myth in trainingAll you need to know about learning theoryThe 4 main precepts of whole-brain learning Honey and Mumford's four learning stylesUsing musicEnergy The 70/30 ruleBreaks Bluffer's guide to facilitation BUILDING A GREAT SESSIONOverview Time checklist 1. Strong frameworkStructure and flowTimings Learning outcomesThemingThe Title The Welcome Pack 2. Step by step activitiesIntroduction and welcome The 4matWarm up vs 'ground rules'Warm-up activities/IcebreakersMetaphors and their useBrainGymOff-the-shelf exercisesActivities to convey information or factsActivities to practise skillsActivities to review learningActivities for idea generationEnergisers Tricks of the trade Cunning linguistics Quick wins Group dynamicsStrong finishFuture pacingEvaluationSetting the scene Visual aidsIntelligent spaceFollow through 3. Materials Canny material designParticipants' materialsUsing the bodyHandouts and handbooksYour materialsFacilitator's notesFlipcharts Music player/musicEquipment case/bag/box 4. Meetings makeover ADIEU APPENDICES Appendix 1: Some themes suitable for workshopsAppendix 2: Bingo sheetAppendix 3: Glossary and 'trainer speak' RESOURCES First published 2006.