Knowing how to effectively facilitate a meeting is a highly valuable skill. The best method to acquire these skills is a combination of formal facilitation training and working with an experienced facilitator. However, there are many good facilitators who got started by reading resource materials, observing others and learning by doing. The following resources are recommended for information on the basic concepts and techniques used to facilitate successful meetings:

• Tips for Understanding Groups will help design better agendas and facilitate more productive discussions
• Facilitation Tips and Interventions provides a chart of commonly used methods to help groups accomplish meeting objectives and conduct appropriate interventions if needed

Tips for Videoconference and Webinars

Due to the remote locations of many coral reefs areas, it is increasingly common for managers to use conference calls, videoconferences and webinars. Tips for facilitating meetings where one or all group members are participating via video, phone or online include:

Before the meeting:

• Ensure that all participants have directions for how to access the meeting, including call-in codes, directions for joining the webinar, etc.
• Deliver all meeting materials in advance

During the meeting:

• Conduct a roll call so participants are aware of others and participation is encouraged
• Set ground rules
• Note who does not participate so that quieter participants can be asked to join the discussion

Test Your Understanding

Test your understanding of the information in this section by taking the quiz.