If you've been to one of my workshops or training sessions, you'll know I love a good prop!
But I promise, they're not just for my own entertainment (although I do love them!).
I've been reflecting on this after my recent travels to the 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 (𝗜𝗔𝗙) 𝗢𝗰𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, where I joined around 160 facilitators from across the world to share ideas, learn and challenge our thinking. One thing that was reinforced for me was the power of surprise in facilitation
Neuroscience tells us that novelty and surprise can grab our attention and interrupt predictable patterns of thinking. And that's exactly where a well chosen prop can help. It can break the monotony, refocus concentration, spark a new idea, explain something complex or simply help a group move from one conversation to the next
The trick is making sure the prop has a purpose. It should support the flow of the workshop, not interrupt it. Help people think, not just entertain them. Because at the end of the day, I'm not interested in running a talkfest. I want people engaged, thinking differently, making decisions and leaving with something useful.
So yes, the props will keep coming! But there's method behind the madness.