You want to lead a large group facilitation. What are the first steps you should take?

2 Know your audience

The next step is to research and understand your audience. Who are they? What are their backgrounds, interests, challenges, and aspirations? How do they prefer to learn, communicate, and interact? What are their expectations and motivations for attending your facilitation? Knowing your audience will help you tailor your content, style, and tone to their needs and preferences. It will also help you anticipate and address any potential issues, questions, or conflicts that may arise during your facilitation.

3 Choose your methods

Once you have defined your purpose and know your audience, you need to choose the methods and tools that will help you achieve your objectives and engage your participants. There are many methods and tools available for large group facilitation, such as brainstorming, dialogue, world cafe, open space, fishbowl, appreciative inquiry, and more. Each method has its own advantages, disadvantages, and requirements, so you need to consider factors such as the size, diversity, and dynamics of your group, the time and resources available, the level of participation and interaction desired, and the complexity and sensitivity of the topic. You also need to select the appropriate tools and platforms to support your methods, such as flipcharts, slides, polls, surveys, breakout rooms, chat, and more.

4 Design your agenda

After you have chosen your methods and tools, you need to design your agenda. Your agenda is the blueprint of your facilitation, and it should outline the structure, sequence, and timing of your activities, as well as the roles and responsibilities of yourself and your co-facilitators, if any. Your agenda should be clear, concise, and realistic, and it should balance the content, process, and outcome of your facilitation. You should also include some flexibility and contingency plans in case of unexpected changes or challenges. Your agenda should be shared with your participants in advance, so they can prepare and participate effectively.

5 Prepare your materials

The final step before you deliver your facilitation is to prepare your materials. Your materials include everything you need to facilitate your group, such as your script, notes, slides, handouts, worksheets, props, and more. Your materials should be consistent, coherent, and relevant to your purpose, audience, and methods. You should also test and practice your materials, especially if you are using technology or new tools, to ensure they work properly and smoothly. You should also prepare yourself mentally and physically, by reviewing your objectives, rehearsing your delivery, and taking care of your well-being.