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Whether you're a facilitator, a team leader or a manager or simply someone interested in improving how you create space for others to connect and feel comfortable contributing to discussions, this episode is for you!

Emily Gardner is a trainer, facilitator and coach. She specialises in facilitation skills, and has equipped over 1000 innovators and 250 facilitators.  Emily is the author of: The Path of the Guide: A Framework for Effective Corporate Facilitation.  

Here are just a couple of tips Emily shares: 

• Mindset and Intention Matter: setting a clear mindset and intention at the beginning of any session is crucial. Emily emphasized using catchy phrases like "share the air" and "digimindful" to create a memorable framework for participants. This not only helps everyone understand the expectations but also fosters a sense of belonging and engagement throughout the session.
• Equality in Conversation: We also discussed the importance of equality and turn-taking in conversations, especially in diverse settings. Emily shared practical techniques like the "round technique," where everyone gets a chance to speak, and utilizing the chat function in virtual environments to balance voices. This approach not only empowers participants but also enriches the discussion by incorporating a variety of perspectives.

As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! 

What strategies have helped you create spaces for genuine connection?

Timestamps:

[00:02:04] Discussion on Vulnerability in Facilitation
[00:04:57] Balancing Vulnerability and Professionalism
[00:06:44] Mental Barriers to Deep Connections
[00:09:05] Challenges of Introversion in Virtual Spaces
[00:11:34] Importance of Early Engagement
[00:12:18] Facilitator's Role in Virtual Spaces
[00:13:08] Avoiding Front-Loading in Sessions
[00:14:45] Setting Mindsets and Intentions
[00:17:19] Must-Have Phrases for Inclusive Spaces
[00:19:05] Empowering Participants in Virtual Spaces
[00:20:04] Successful Hybrid Facilitation Example
[00:23:13] Ensuring Equality in Hybrid Sessions
[00:24:42] Three Practical Tips for Connecting Spaces
[00:27:06] Curiosity as a Key to Connection

Emily’s book: The Path of the Guide: A Framework for Effective Corporate Facilitation.  

https://amzn.eu/d/aR6E9sq

Connect with Emily: 

Website: https://www.emilyfacilitates.com

Email: hello@emilyfacilitates.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilygardnerfacilitator/

Connect with Lisa: 

Website: https://www.sixcomms.org/

Email: lisa@sixcomms.org

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisasing/

If you’d prefer to watch episodes, check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@sixcommsconversations517

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