Free eBook:
Download our free 28-page ebook jam-packed with outrageously fun activity ideas.
Engaging Groups
There’s a powerful difference between appreciation and affirmation – and it changes everything about how you connect with the people in your groups and beyond.
In this week’s Lazy Facilitator video, I unpack what makes a question truly magical, why most icebreakers fall well short of the mark, and how to craft a question so perfectly suited to your specific group that every single person leans in to answer — and to listen.
Forcing reluctant participants never works – it only makes things worse. In this week’s Lazy Facilitator video, I share why honouring someone’s choice to opt out is actually your most powerful professional move – and why that’s only half the story…
Nothing’s worse than a clunky program where each activity feels disconnected from the one before it, breaking momentum & making your facilitation feel amateur. What if two simple secrets could transform choppy transitions into seamless flow that makes…
Pushing quiet people to participate only makes them retreat further into silence. This video reveals three strategies that create the right environment to invite shy, reserved or less ‘extroverted’ people contribute willingly, without force or pressure…
Every facilitator faces moments when they need to fill time fast – sessions ending early, waiting for setup, or unexpected gaps. This video reveals two zero-prep activities that create instant engagement without props or planning and are super fun…
Late arrivals kill your momentum, waste everyone’s time, and make you look unprepared – yet most facilitators have simply accepted this as inevitable. What if you could eliminate chronic lateness without lectures, penalties, or awkward confrontations using a simple FOMO strategy…
You can never have too much energy in the room. It’s always easier to pull too much energy down than it is to boost it up. Always. But the key is learning how to spot low energy before it kills your session, because by the time you feel it, you’re already behind…
Your program does not start when you say, “Welcome everyone…” It starts the moment the first person walks through the door. I’ve been doing this for decades, and I’ve learned three secrets that transform those first opening minutes from dead time into productive…
Got a group that’s feeling flat, or perhaps they’ve been sitting too long & need an energy boost? Try this 60-second energiser and you’ll soon have them bouncing off the walls. This simple, no-props activity creates instant energy through a fun finger-catching game that requires…
You have less than 10 seconds and you need to lift the energy in the room dramatically. You need your group leaning in, their brains switched on and ready to focus on something new. Whether you’re facilitating a workshop, leading a team meeting, or teaching a class, these two…
Worried about resistant participants ruining your team-building event? This post reveals three brilliant team bonding activities that even the most reluctant, arms-folded participants will enjoy. These aren’t typical cheesy team builders – they’re scientifically-backed activities…
Ever walked into a room full of folded arms, sighs, and people avoiding eye contact? Whether you’re leading meetings, facilitating workshops, or managing teams, these four simple yet powerful strategies will help you win over any group and earn their trust from the very first…
Ever faced a group that just doesn’t want to join in? In this video, I share three proven strategies I’ve used to engage even the most reluctant participants, without embarrassing anyone or pushing too hard. Through a true story from one of my early workshops, I unpack…
Need to calm a loud or high-energy group quickly? In this post, I share five simple, non-disruptive strategies that help restore focus without killing the vibe. Whether you’re working with teens or adults, these techniques will strengthen your facilitation skills….
Struggling to spark engagement in your team meetings? In this video, explore seven unique and fun icebreaker questions designed to break down barriers, encourage meaningful connections, and set the tone for productive conversations.
Struggling to capture your group’s attention without straining your voice? In this post we share practical facilitator tips to engage participants and preserve your energy. From creative nonverbal cues to voice-saving strategies, these techniques will transform the way…
Are you tired of people arriving late to your meetings or events? Learn how brilliant ‘unofficial starts’ can engage your group before the official start time, boosting energy and making sure no one wants to miss out. Discover simple strategies that will transform your gatherings…
Curious about why team building is more than just fun activities? Discover how it can boost productivity, build trust, and unlock your team’s full potential! This video breaks down the real benefits of team building and how it strengthens relationships, enhances…
Not all icebreakers are created equal. There can be lots of reasons why your icebreakers are not working. Two of the most common reasons are the type of questions you are asking and/or the way you prepare your…
A senior university lecturer reached out to me recently to ask a thoughtful question: What curriculum must be presented at a minimum to develop the…
Two weeks ago, I shared links to a bunch of useful articles that would help many educators prepare themselves and their students for the return-to-school…
Okay, now that I have your attention, I’m not saying that interactive group games & activities don’t work. My point is – don’t fall into…
There was a time amid the height of the recent health pandemic I was invited to present a short session to a virtual audience in…
Latest Posts
Appreciation vs Affirmation – What’s the Difference?
Share this with friends and colleagues.
Choose a plan that’s right for you
We offer a range of membership plans with no surprises.
Click an option below & discover our simple pricing.
Individual
Click here if you’re a:
- Teacher
- Corporate trainer
- Outdoor educator
- Camp leader
- Youth leader
- Conference organiser
- Therapist/counsellor
Membership Plans
Enterprise
Click here if you represent a:
- School
- Corporation
- Community-based Organisation
Explore plans for
10, 50, 200 or more
potential users
Membership Plans
Login
Just one more question:
I am interested in…
Wow, you’ve been busy!
You can open 1 more
activity for free.
Limit resets every 24 hours
or Sign-Up to get UNLIMITED access.