Understanding and Challenging Stigma toward ... - Pact Cambodia

Tips for Facilitating Participatory Workshops
Giving Summaries
At the end of each exercise, after participants have fully discussed the issue, you should
give a brief summary of what participants have mentioned that they learned. The
summary is important – this is the time you help participants consolidate what they have
learned – so make sure you give yourself enough time to do it well. Here are a few tips:
Make your summary on the basis of:
what participants have said during the session
other points which may not have been mentioned – see list at the end of the
exercise.
If you have the time to prepare, write your main points in key words on a flipchart and
then explain them.
Keep it short and simple – no more than ten minutes.
Managing Energy
Check on energy level at regular points in the workshop and respond if energies are low.
Observe their body language. Are they yawning? Do they look bored? Tired?
Ask, “How are you feeling? Is it time for an energizer or a break?”
When people are tired, change the activity to get more participation (e.g., break
into buzz groups or do an activity standing up), do an energizer, or take a break.
Use your own energy as a facilitator, communicated through a strong voice and
active body language, to energize the group.
Managing Space
Change the space and the organization of the chairs to suit your activity and provide variety:
Start off with a circle or semi-circle so that everyone can see each other.
For some activities such as report backs, use a formation with participants sitting in
rows close together. This adds energy and helps everyone hear better.
Change the front of the room, from time to time, suited to the activity.
Where possible organize some activities outside the training room in the open air.
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