A professional facilitator at a conference can bring pace and objectivity to the proceedings and greatly increase attention among the audience.
Expert in the techniques of stagecraft, a facilitator can take on a range of functions: master of ceremonies; running live journalistic-style interviews on stage with key protagonists; neutral professional handling of question and answer sessions and of potentially difficult people; summarising discussions.
Situation
A conference to benchmark three existing technologies and to decide which ones to develop to the next level.
Challenge
To have a 'politically neutral' chair
To present the technologies in a dynamic and interesting way
To maintain efficient time keeping
To have impartial summaries of positions and discussions
To remain focused on action
Method
Advice on designing the agenda to ensure realistic objectives and timing and optimisation of facilitation tools
Upbeat, professional introduction and animation of the discussions
When problem solving, to ensure the process of positioning, exploration and resolution
Live journalistic-style interviews on stage with project champions as alternatives to standard presentations
Professional handling of question and answer sessions
Maintaining the focus on action plans and determining responsibility for next steps
Results
Sensitive and politically difficult issues tackled in the open through neutral facilitation
Action objectives always kept firmly in view throughout the meeting
Dynamic, motivational and fair meeting leadership dramatically reduces frustration and increases attention and will from participants to tackle the important issues