Why effective facilitation is crucial
If you’ve ever left a long meeting feeling frustrated or confused, you’ve seen the impact of inadequate facilitation. At trainEQ, we’re dedicated to helping teams and leaders harness the power of structured, inclusive discussions. Our program addresses both the art and science of running productive sessions, from strategic planning to daily stand-ups
All staff members who frequently use email communication.
Half-day course.
Run at your offices or virtual classroom
training goals are to:
- learn when to email and when to not email
- understand the power and the pitfalls of this digital medium
- plan and write with a clear purpose and aimed at the reader
- write with clarity
- compose emails that are concise and not too wordy
- write emotionally intelligent emails
- manage expectations and use appropriate tone
- know what to check before hitting ‘send’
Our facilitator will adapt the content and workshop style of this highly practical email writing course to the needs of the group.
introduction and workshop overview
Participants will review the agenda and will discuss their email writing training objectives.
choosing to email
We cannot imagine workplace communication without email. But it is also an overused medium. Participants learn to stop and consider alternatives to email writing before they start typing one.
email pros and cons
The group will also discuss the far-reaching impact of email. For example, how it can be shared with a wider audience than the intended recipient. They will also think about security and confidentiality challenges and other issues that can arise from poorly judged emails.
email protocol
Language changes and the tone of email has changed over the years. Text message writing and social media have influenced writing styles. Finding the right balance in modern day workplace email writing can be hard, so the group looks at how to adjust tone according to the person or people they are writing to.
The group will explore why it is difficult to convey emotions in emails by looking at the components of communication: words, tone of voice and body language. They will learn to write emotionally intelligent emails without the voice and body language to express the tone.
writing skills
We all know how to write, right? The participants look at how they can write better, with a clear purpose, a clear structure and clear of clutter. They will review common punctuation and grammar mistakes. Participants will learn to write emails using the simple but powerful SPIT framework.
Paying special attention to writing concisely, participants will practise reducing wordiness and replace old fashioned phrases with modern wording.
Participants will also practise reviewing their email in light of their original aim ‘Is my message clear to the reader?’
action plans
Applying what has been discussed in this course is critical. Throughout this course on email writing participants will create personal action plans to put what they have learnt into action for writing powerful emails.
why is EQ important to email writing?
Understanding how emotions impact on the writing and interpreting of emails is critical to transferring the right meaning. Emotional Intelligence is therefore an important skill in email writing and therefore has a central place in this email writing training course.
In verbal communication the meaning of the message is conveyed through:
- words
- tone of voice
- body language.
Often people refer to Mehrabian’s research, which stated that 7% of the meaning is conveyed through the spoken word. Although the research’s findings have often been misinterpreted, it is certain that words are only a small portion of the message in verbal communication.
When writing an email, we don’t have the luxury of body language and intonation, so how do we support our words with the right emotions?
In recent years emoticons have slowly made their way from short messaging to email writing. They have even been introduced to professional email writing, despite sometimes passionate opposition. Because many people are still not fans of emoticons, you should only use them when you know your reader will be OK with them.
If emoticons are not the answer, what is? Well, we still have ways to use our tone of voice, even though we don’t have intonation. We can use our words in such a way that we build a connection with our reader and we soften strong messages. The answer lies in carefully thinking about what we want to achieve with our writing and always keeping the reader in mind.
Another critical element of emotional intelligence in email writing is being aware of our own emotions when writing emails. Most people now realise you shouldn’t write and send emails when you are emotional, such as being angry, sad or even when you are bursting at the seams with glee. Our emotions heavily influence how we communicate in our email writing. It is OK to write the email when you’re angry with the person receiving it – but you should definitely read it again when your anger has subsided before sending it. Our email writing training will build this emotional awareness and the discipline to use emotional intelligence in email writing.
"How to write a good email:
1. Write your email
2. Delete most of it
3. Send”
-Dan Munz
Emotional intelligence (EI or EQ) - the capability of individuals to recognise and manage their emotions and those of others.
Being aware of the concept of EQ and then developing it is essential for employees, regardless of their role. High EQ is no longer an add-on but a ‘must-have.’
read more about facilitation skills training
Key elements of successful facilitation
Facilitators don’t just show up and hope for the best. They prepare meticulously, communicate openly, and keep a sharp eye on timing. These core elements help ensure gatherings remain purposeful, engaging, and energising.
1. Preparation
- A well-planned session sets the stage for meaningful outcomes. Before starting, facilitators clarify the meeting’s objectives, agenda, and expected outputs.
- Organising materials or visual aids can prevent surprises, allowing participants to follow the conversation with ease.
2. Clear communication
- Facilitators must speak concisely, guiding discussions without dominating them. This involves asking open-ended questions, summarising points, and preventing tangents.
- Listening skills are equally important—when you truly hear participants’ concerns, you can bridge ideas and maintain a respectful tone.
3. Time management
- Keeping track of time ensures that crucial points are addressed without rushing. Skilled facilitators allocate minutes for each topic, gently steering the group when it drifts.
- This balance helps participants stay focused, leading to solutions or decisions efficiently.
A strong grasp of these fundamentals, reinforced by facilitation skills training, can make the difference between a dull, chaotic session and a lively, outcome-oriented one.
Overview of traineq’s unique training approach
At trainEQ, our facilitation skills training goes beyond theory. We recognise that confidence and clarity in front of a group can’t be learned through lectures alone—hands-on experience is vital. Here’s how our program stands out:
1. Interactive role-plays
- We simulate real workplace scenarios, where participants practise facilitation techniques. These might include brainstorming sessions, conflict resolution exercises, or project kick-offs.
- By navigating group challenges in a safe space, attendees refine their abilities and gain insights for genuine events.
2. Practical frameworks
- Our facilitation skills course introduces step-by-step methods for setting agendas, structuring conversations, and guiding decision-making.
- Checklists and templates help participants plan thoroughly and lead with confidence, whether they’re facilitating meetings training in small teams or larger forums.
3. Incorporating emotional intelligence
- Effective facilitators read the room, gauge participants’ engagement, and adapt accordingly. Emotional intelligence underpins this, ensuring no one feels overlooked or discouraged.
- For instance, we highlight how empathy reduces tension when group members disagree, maintaining a positive tone and constructive dialogue.
4. Flexible, real-world focus
- Each session draws on current workplace contexts, ensuring the techniques translate directly to your organisation’s culture.
- We also integrate presentation and facilitation training elements, so you can combine facilitation with strong presentation skills where needed.
With these features, our facilitation skills training nurtures facilitators who can organise discussions, steer them to tangible outcomes, and keep participants motivated throughout.
Outcomes and benefits for participants
By the end of our facilitation skills course, attendees typically notice a significant boost in their capacity to lead and inspire. Below are some of the key benefits:
1. Higher confidence
- Hands-on practice helps overcome stage fright, letting you speak up with ease.
- Structured role-plays and feedback sessions show you where you excel and where you can fine-tune.
2. Better team collaboration
- Skilled facilitators can unite diverse opinions, giving every voice a platform.
- Sessions become more inclusive, leading to a stronger commitment to group decisions.
3. Improved engagement
- Rather than passive attendees, you’ll see participants actively discussing, brainstorming, and problem-solving.
- This involvement fosters a sense of ownership, enhancing morale and productivity.
4. Reduced meeting fatigue
- Focusing on clear objectives and time management minimises wasted energy.
- Participants leave meetings feeling satisfied, with next steps or deliverables in hand.
5. Enhanced leadership profile
- Being able to guide complex conversations without confusion or conflict sets you apart as a capable leader.
- These skills shine in various roles, from project management to facilitating meetings training at an executive level.
Such outcomes underscore why more and more organisations are prioritising facilitation skills training. With better alignment, teams spend less time struggling and more time advancing their goals.
Strengthen your team with facilitation skills
Meetings don’t have to be dreary or inconclusive. Through facilitation skills training, professionals learn to structure discussions, respect different viewpoints, and deliver clear, productive outcomes. At trainEQ, our blend of role-plays, emotional intelligence insights, and real-world frameworks ensure you gain not just theory but the confidence to put it into action.
If your organisation frequently hosts brainstorming sessions, client briefings, or problem-solving huddles, consider how our facilitation skills course can elevate every conversation. We even incorporate presentation and facilitation training elements, equipping you to manage group discussions while communicating ideas compellingly.
Ready to see the transformation in your teams? Contact trainEQ today to explore how managing discussions can become a strategic advantage. Whether you need facilitating meetings training for large conferences or small internal gatherings, we tailor our approach to match your unique setting. Empower your workforce to lead sessions that spark innovation, unity, and progress—one well-facilitated meeting at a time.