The Facilitation Studio

Should we be living in a dotocracy?
Everyone uses dot-voting. It's fast, it feels democratic, and it gives a room full of people a satisfying sense of progress. The problem is that most of the time, it's being asked to do something it was never designed for.
In this episode I'm talking about the difference between narrowing a list and making a decision — and why confusing the two is one of the most common ways workshops quietly go wrong. I'll cover why dot-voting without criteria is just a popularity contest, why the dots are contagious, and why not everyone's vote is equal — and why that's absolutely fine.
If you've ever watched a cluster form on a wall of post-its and wondered whether anything actually got decided, this one's for you.
In this episode:
• Why groups surface options but individuals make decisions
• Yhree ways dot-voting goes wrong
• How to set it up so it actually means something
• When to put the dots away entirely
Links and resources mentioned:
Issue #8 — Drive good decision-making with criteria
Read the full article
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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit facilitationstudio.substack.com

In this episode, we dive into the essentials for running successful in-person workshops. From packing the ultimate kit—including agendas, print materials, Sharpies, and super sticky Post-its—to setting up the perfect environment and managing logistics, this issue has got you covered.
Learn the tricks to handle tech failures, plan ahead, and keep your workshop running smoothly. Plus, get tips on efficient time management and prepping your space for an engaging, collaborative session.
00:00 Introduction and Recap
00:23 Preparing for In-Person Workshops
00:49 Essential Workshop Kit
06:45 Additional Important Items
11:25 The Process Checklist
13:51 Final Preparations and Execution
15:22 Post-Workshop Follow-Up
15:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit facilitationstudio.substack.com

Mastering Remote Workshops: An Essential Toolkit & Checklist
Join me for this jam-packed episode where we dive into the essentials of running a remote workshop; get a sneak peek into an expert’s desk setup designed to boost workshop delivery, from must-have gadgets to delightful extras. You'll also find a step-by-step checklist for a stress-free preparation, ensuring your tech and participants are ready to rock. Plus, learn about the tools to keep sessions dynamic and engaging. For those ready to up their game, explore an exciting course on crafting impeccable workshop agendas.
Let's make remote facilitation fun and effective!
00:00 Issue 17: Your remote workshop checklist.
00:13 Introduction to Remote Workshop Facilitation
01:09 Essential Tools for Remote Workshops
05:05 Advanced Gadgets for Enhanced Facilitation
07:20 Pre-Workshop Planning and Preparation
12:21 Post-Workshop Follow-Up and Feedback
13:10 Conclusion and Further Learning Opportunities


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit facilitationstudio.substack.com

Remote, In-Person, or Hybrid: Choosing the Right Format for Your Workshop
In this issue, we dive into the pros and cons of delivering workshops in different formats: in-person, remote, and hybrid. You'll learn about the key benefits of each, such as building relationships and managing environments in-person, achieving global reach and pre/post engagement in remote sessions, and the complex yet rewarding hybrid setup. We highlight ideal scenarios for each type to help you make a deliberate choice for your next workshop
00:13 Introduction: Choosing Your Workshop Format 00:47 In-Person Workshops 05:30 Remote Workshops 11:25 Hybrid Workshops 15:19 Summary and Conclusion


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit facilitationstudio.substack.com

#15 - The Art of the Presentation pt 2: Slides, Structure, and Strategy
In this episode from the Facilitation Studio, we jump into presentation slides and structure. Learn about the effective use of slides, keeping presentations concise, and prepping like a pro. Plus, get top tips on slide design and pacing, explore the intense PechaKucha method, and discover why practice is your best friend.
00:00 Introduction to the Art of Presentation
00:22 Upcoming Online Course Announcement (survey link - https://maven.com/forms/1a1043)
01:00 Effective Use of Slides
02:54 Guidelines for Preparation and Presentation
07:13 Practice Makes Perfect
10:41 Encouraging Audience Engagement
11:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit facilitationstudio.substack.com