Facilitation: Greasing the wheels of public engagement

Facilitation is an integral part of conducting public engagement meetings. From running the overall meeting, to working with participants at individual tables, skilled, neutral facilitators keep the meeting on target to reach its goals. They also allow meeting organizers to listen and engage fully in the meeting instead of having to manage the process. Effectively directing discussions on individual values and preferences among participants with different styles and personalities, drawing out the quiet people and not letting one or two voices dominate, is a true skill requiring an understanding of not only the meeting itself, but of human nature. This roundtable will cover the background and skills needed to become an effective facilitator as well as provide tips and techniques for facilitating public engagement meetings. We'll share a sample facilitation guide and suggestions for conducting an efficient training session to orient facilitators to the process. Attendees will also learn how to find and identify the appropriate people to recruit as facilitators, whether volunteer or professional. No matter the method used or your engagement's venue, facilitation is a crucial part of the process and helps to “grease the wheels” of participant commentary.