Effective Facilitation 101

What is the primary role of a facilitator?

• a) To give direct instructions and lead discussions

• b) To ensure that only the most knowledgeable participants speak

• c) To guide discussions, encourage participation, and keep the group focused

• d) To take control of the conversation and provide all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key skill of an effective facilitator?

• a) Active listening

• b) Imposing personal opinions on the group

• c) Adaptability

• d) Managing group dynamics

Why is neutrality important in facilitation?

• a) It helps the facilitator take control of the discussion

• b) It allows the facilitator to push their own agenda

• c) It ensures all voices are heard and respected without bias

• d) It makes the facilitator appear disinterested in the topic

Which of the following best describes active listening?

• a) Nodding along while thinking about what to say next

• b) Waiting for a chance to interrupt and add your opinion

• c) Fully engaging with the speaker, asking clarifying questions, and summarizing key points

• d) Allowing one person to dominate the conversation

What is an effective way to deal with a dominant participant in a discussion?

• a) Ignore them and hope they stop talking

• b) Politely ask them to leave the session

• c) Let them continue speaking to avoid confrontation

• d) Acknowledge their contributions and invite others to share their thoughts

You are facilitating a group discussion, and one participant remains silent throughout the session. How should you encourage them to contribute?

• a) Call them out and ask why they are not speaking

• b) Provide an open-ended question and invite them to share if they feel comfortable

• c) Ignore their silence and continue with the discussion

• d) Assign them a topic and force them to speak

During a facilitation session, two participants start arguing intensely. What is the best way to handle this?

• a) Take sides and support the person you agree with

• b) Allow them to continue arguing to reach a conclusion naturally

• c) Intervene, acknowledge both perspectives, and guide the discussion toward common ground

• d) Ask both individuals to leave the session

You notice that the group is losing focus and getting distracted. What should you do?

• a) Continue talking and hope they refocus

• b) Take a short break or introduce an energizer activity to regain engagement

• c) End the session immediately

• d) Raise your voice and demand attention

A participant challenges your facilitation style and insists they know a better way to conduct the session. How do you respond?

• a) Shut them down to maintain authority

• b) Thank them for their input and, if appropriate, integrate useful suggestions

• c) Ignore their comment and move on

• d) End the session early to avoid conflict

You are facilitating a planning session, and the group is struggling to make a decision. What is the best approach?

• a) Ask open-ended questions to explore different perspectives and guide them toward consensus

• b) Make the decision to help them to save time

• c) Keep repeating the same question until someone decides

• d) End the session without a resolution