You win before you win.

At a ski and snowboard freeriding contest, athletes navigate a lane in off-piste terrain that they haven’t previously ridden. It’s almost impossible to train for. The day before the event, riders who have passed the qualifying rounds gather for a “facecheck.” From a mountain opposite, they visualize a lane they want to ride in the contest.

Certainly not as life-threatening, but comparably challenging is moderating a workshop. You don’t know beforehand what situations you’ll encounter. However, when they arise, you must react correctly—there are no second chances. Once the mood shifts, it becomes very difficult.

The beginning is crucial for setting the mood. Never start without a warm-up! The first laughter in a workshop group indicates that you’ve relieved tension and broken the ice.
Having a toolbox of warm-up options will make it easier for you to choose the right one in any situation.

Let’s build your toolbox together.

A well-moderated workshop is characterized by the fact that no one has looked at their phone.

A dramaturgy with a continuous sequence of short impulses and active participation of each individual in breakout groups – in the right dosage – is the key to success.

The art of workshop moderation is the art of paraphrasing. It’s about summarizing what has been said before in your own (often better) words, so that it resonates and garners agreement. Pay attention to your ego—it should always serve the group’s outcome!

A good workshop moderator can fluidly shift into different roles as needed. Sometimes you’re at the front leading the group, even if the nominal leader is a participant. Other times, you act as a servant, filling in gaps and offering support. Occasionally, you play the role of a midwife, assisting others in achieving a successful outcome. In rare cases (be cautious), you may even provide guidance that advances the group’s content.

The more adept you become at transitioning into these roles depending on the situation, the more successful you’ll be. The key is recognizing which role is appropriate at any given moment.

Learn and practice your moderator roles with us.