Why is Connection Before Content so Important?
Facilitator Tips Episode 07

The Benefits of Connecting Before Content

This week’s Facilitator Tips episode explores the extraordinary value and benefits of building connections before diving into your content.

<< Go to Episode 6   Go to Episode 8 >>

As this video describes, intentionally building trusting and healthy relationships prior to the delivery of your “program” will reward you and your group in many ways.

Click the play button above to learn more.

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Useful Links & Resources

• playmeo’s Philosophical Framework – explore our philosophical framework and programmatic approach which can help you build and strengthen relationships within your group.
• Partnership for 21st Century Learning – a collaboration between governments, business, education and community organisations that has developed a powerful educational framework that prepares students for success in life, and not just school. In short, they value connection before content.

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Video Transcript

Hi and welcome to Episode 7 of the Facilitator Tips video series.

My name is Mark Collard. I’m the founder of www.playmeo.com, I work as an experiential trainer and author. And today, I want to talk to you about connection before content.

In my book ‘Serious Fun’ I go through a lot of detail to explain the benefits of building connections or relationships before you even bother with the content. No matter what it is, whether you’re a PE teacher, Maths teacher, corporate trainer, camp leader, whatever, if you are responsible for the well-being of your group, I guarantee you and the research clearly shows, that if you intentionally look to build relationships and connections with your group, even a bit of time upfront, it will show many, many benefits in the relationships you build with the group that you’re working with.

And when you’re doing that intentionally and building those relationships, not only will it make your content richer and far more productive, but you’ll be building trust which of course leads to all of those wonderful social and emotional learning benefits too.

And it also removes barriers to participation. That’s a key because everyone will tell you that one of the biggest issues they have is engaging their group. And if you could just engage the group the rest of it comes easier. Well, this is the secret. Look to build connections before you get to your content, and that’s important.

If you want more details about this you can go to www.playmeo.com and go to the show notes at Episode 7 and I’ll give you some more details about where you can learn more about the value of connections before content.

And please leave a comment. Perhaps you don’t agree with me, that would be okay. I would love to hear from you.

And know that every episode we have one lucky commenter who will receive a free subscription to playmeo’s activity database.

In the meantime have fun. I’ll see you next time.