Learning Outcomes

This session will provide an introduction to techniques for facilitating groups such as focus groups and advisory boards, both in-person and virtually. Specific techniques will include: building trust among participants and facilitators, encouraging reluctant participants, developing questions and probing for genuine feedback, methods for sparking creativity and garnering non-verbal feedback, and tips for increasing engagement in virtual groups. Throughout the session participants will complete a worksheet designed to help them prepare a mini-session and will then have time to practice these skills in small groups. At the end of the session, participants will have the tools to conduct effective focus groups or just lead better meetings at their libraries.