Page 23 - The ART of Facilitation

Give Space for Variations & Trust the Pause: Your pacing and expected response may be different from the group’’s pacing | response.
Waiting or Silence: Remember that sometimes the best thing to do is nothing in some moments.
Let the person finish what they're saying – don't jump in to the conversation too soon. Pause a few seconds before giving feedback or answering a question – take time to think about what was said.
Give the person time to correct an obvious mistake – this shows respect.
Careful of the response to take care of or “save” in an uncomfortable situation.
Refrain from evaluating what is being said.
Show support. Say, "That's good; anyone else have anything to add?"
Don't let a person ramble – guide them to their main point keeping your tone helpful but not condescending.
Honor with Persistence: It is honoring to include all voices–even reluctant ones.
Don't confuse content with delivery – assume the person has something to say even if they are having trouble saying it.
Show encouragement. Use simple gestures or phrases to show you are listening, e.g., say "uh-huh", nod your head.
Pursue those that give up on making their point and those that resist sharing their point of view. It is honoring to make sure their perspective is included in the discussion.
Connect the Dots: Spotlight shared themes between a variety of perspectives.
Link the perspectives, concerns, and goals in the room to help the group process. Connect to what may be missing or unsaid, the challenges and solutions, and the themes among the group’s perspectives and goals.
ARTiculate: Real&Clear 2020© All Rights Reserved 19
Tips from the stage to assist in activating your listening
Listen with lips slightly parted. Not mouth breathing, just a little parting of the lips. It may seem odd at first but it's effective and as an additional benefit: the speaker often feels they are being better heard. Inhale through the noise if you get distracted. Actually think of it it as smelling the other person (not sniffing them!). We rarely engage our sense of smell and it will bring you back to the moment at hand.