Facilitation and chairmanship

A chairman or facilitator can transform the experience and outcome of a meeting or conference, whatever its aim and agenda. And there is a vast difference between those who handle these experiences with panache and style and those who merely manage a pedestrian contribution to the occasion.

The establishment of the chair's strength of character and physical presence from the outset, whether listening or speaking, is of considerable importance. Manner and body language can affect the tone and success of the event. Subtle nuances of vocal tone, inflection and modulation, the control of pace, use of pause, choice of vocabulary are all of paramount importance. It is also important that the chair has the ability to adapt to the changing rhythm and dynamics of the meeting and to be aware of the possible subtext of any of the contributions.

It is also desirable that the chair stays in control of the meeting through strength of personality rather than vocal force and to develop the sensitivity and perception to anticipate and, where necessary, deflect potential areas of personal or professional tension or distress. These interventions should be handled with dignity and integrity. When managed discreetly and professionally, these skills look easy, but to be executed well, and to look natural, good training is essential.

We work with individuals to refine their physical presence, projection of energy and personality, vocal tone and subtlety of vocal delivery, timing, use of pause and modulation. Ideally, this training should be on-going so that the trainee has time to put the experience into practice before returning a few months later to further develop and hone the skills already acquired.