{"id":4047,"date":"2020-12-28T17:36:00","date_gmt":"2020-12-28T17:36:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/digitalscientists.com\/?p=4047"},"modified":"2024-02-13T15:06:37","modified_gmt":"2024-02-13T15:06:37","slug":"remote-workshop-facilitation-the-art-of-communication","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/digitalscientists.com\/blog\/remote-workshop-facilitation-the-art-of-communication\/","title":{"rendered":"Remote workshop facilitation: The art of communication"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Design workshops lay the foundation for the most critical steps in UX design<\/a> \u2013 helping us understand the user, collaborate as a team, find patterns in data, prototype, and sketch ideas. In this article series, we explore four vital attributes of organizing successful remote workshops and share some secrets as to how we have adapted this iconic physical activity for the remote world. In Part 2 of our 4-part series, Remote Workshop Facilitation,<\/a> we share communication insights that we\u2019ve gleaned over the years from having facilitated dozens of design workshops. Hope it\u2019s useful to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The art of communication in design workshops <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

During a workshop, communication needs to be seamless and simple. To achieve smooth communication, facilitators need to first organize their internal team and the workshop structure. Here are some tips to set the stage for a natural flow in conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"UX<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Establishing communication with the team <\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Your team will be your first line of support as you lead or facilitate a workshop. Not only will your internal team be critical during workshop prep, but they also can help you stay focused during workshop exercises. To get the most from your team, you\u2019ll need to clearly communicate workshop goals and how the exercises will move you toward those goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prepare well <\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Fail fast, fail often \u2013 or prototype your workshop.<\/em> Take a dry run through your workshop using your team as participants. They\u2019ll be your most honest critics. Walk them through your exercises and seek their feedback on presentations. Dry runs are fabulous for uncovering communication gaps and highlighting superfluous activities. Demand honesty from your team and be open to change. Like your clients, your colleagues may be short on time and attention. Therefore, a dry run will help you test how efficiently you\u2019re communicating and the overall flow of the workshop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Establish roles <\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Be clear about the role of each team member, and clarify well in advance what you expect, especially in regards to preparation, assistance, and output. We also suggest you assign the following roles prior to the workshop:<\/p>\n\n\n\n