Tool 4: Facilitation techniques When to use Purpose Time Resources Stages 2 - 4 Techniques to support the HRCLD facilitation process Various Various NOTE: The following are standard facilitation techniques and may not be appropriate in all contexts. Use your discretion when you are working in your communities. You will know what is appropriate. Mirroring Mirroring is repeating, in a summary version, what a person said. It speeds up the tempo of a slowmoving discussion and is often used during brainstorming. Gathering ideas If the pace is slow, with many gaps between contributions, or if the group is slowed down by too much discussion, try quickly building a list of ideas. This is a time to gather the ideas, not to discuss them. If it is the group’s first-time listing ideas, spend a little time discussing freely, encouraging people to be creative – and brave, even if they think their idea will be unpopular. Making space This technique sends a message to the quiet participants that there is always a space for them to speak, should they choose. As a facilitator, watch the quiet members of the group and be aware of their body language and facial expressions which indicate their desire to speak. Invite them to speak. If they decline, be gracious and move on. If necessary, hold the ‘noisy’ ones back. If participation is very weak, try a structured “go around” to give each person a chance to speak. Drawing people out This is a way to encourage people to clarify and refine their ideas. The most basic technique of drawing people out is to paraphrase the speaker’s statement and then ask open-ended, non-directive questions - can you say more about that? Paraphrasing This is a fundamental listening skill which has both a calming effect and reassures speakers that their ideas are worthy. It also gives speakers a chance to hear how their words are being heard by others. Preface your paraphrase with something like “this is what I’m hearing you say ...”. Ask for clarification from the speaker until you understand what was meant. Stacking This technique helps everybody take turns when there are several people who want to speak at once. It also signals to everybody that they are going to have their turn to speak and they are free to listen to the discussion without distraction. Stacking has four steps: • The facilitator first asks those who want to speak to raise their hand. • A speaking order is created by assigning a number to each person with a hand raised. • People are called upon to speak by number. • When the last person has spoken, the facilitator asks if anybody else wants to speak. If so, another round of stacking is done. APF HRCLD Guide 71