Episode 72: Space to Connect with Emily Gardner

Update: 2025-04-04

Description

Whether you're a facilitator, a team leader or a manager or simply someone interested in improving how you create space for others to connect and feel comfortable contributing to discussions, this episode is for you!

Emily Gardner is a trainer, facilitator and coach. She specialises in facilitation skills, and has equipped over 1000 innovators and 250 facilitators. Emily is the author of: The Path of the Guide: A Framework for Effective Corporate Facilitation.

Here are just a couple of tips Emily shares:

Mindset and Intention Matter: setting a clear mindset and intention at the beginning of any session is crucial. Emily emphasized using catchy phrases like "share the air" and "digimindful" to create a memorable framework for participants. This not only helps everyone understand the expectations but also fosters a sense of belonging and engagement throughout the session.
Equality in Conversation: We also discussed the importance of equality and turn-taking in conversations, especially in diverse settings. Emily shared practical techniques like the "round technique," where everyone gets a chance to speak, and utilizing the chat function in virtual environments to balance voices. This approach not only empowers participants but also enriches the discussion by incorporating a variety of perspectives.

As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode!

What strategies have helped you create spaces for genuine connection?

Timestamps:

[00:02:04 ] Discussion on Vulnerability in Facilitation
[00:04:57 ] Balancing Vulnerability and Professionalism
[00:06:44 ] Mental Barriers to Deep Connections
[00:09:05 ] Challenges of Introversion in Virtual Spaces
[00:11:34 ] Importance of Early Engagement
[00:12:18 ] Facilitator's Role in Virtual Spaces
[00:13:08 ] Avoiding Front-Loading in Sessions
[00:14:45 ] Setting Mindsets and Intentions
[00:17:19 ] Must-Have Phrases for Inclusive Spaces
[00:19:05 ] Empowering Participants in Virtual Spaces
[00:20:04 ] Successful Hybrid Facilitation Example
[00:23:13 ] Ensuring Equality in Hybrid Sessions
[00:24:42 ] Three Practical Tips for Connecting Spaces
[00:27:06 ] Curiosity as a Key to Connection