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 I always felt overwhelmed & exhausted around crowds. I feel that at most times people suck you dry! LOL. I Pride myself on being able to get along with everybody and that’s no issues for me, it’s just that – large group sometimes scares the big introvert inside me! I know I’m not alone, for sure large cliques of our kind, ended up in rewarding roles where they can stand in need to speak in public, event hosting and manage a big team. There were even some great leaders who were identified as introverts, so who says we are shrinking violets who lack social skills?

As an introvert, my range of energy frequencies for high engagement event is only limited. It takes a LOT of push to stay “ON” –  which something that I see my fellow sunshine yellow extroverts excel at! They seem to refuel at all times & I’m so jealous LOL. I’m not a people person but GOD always finds a way of putting me on careers either related to customer service, sales and now in Training. It’s so funny that how my personality evolved from being reserve to curious, since then I’m really pushing myself to do more even if it’s out of my comfort zone.

Facilitating is something I enjoy immensely without a doubt! It is something new that although exhausting but will put a smile on your face after, A rewarding experience knowing that I can share and perhaps contribute to team member’s development. I had grown so much in every Concept Induction because every batch is different. Just recently I had finished the train the trainer workshop. I feel that I’m not “the accidental facilitator” now. Anyway, I have a major in Computer Education’ so this would be probably the best time to practice it’ and why not!

Well enough of my Intro’s and let’s get back to business. Here’s my Introvert’s guide to successful facilitation.

• Learn from others! Facilitation may sound straightforward, but there is an art to getting it right. Do a shadowing from a fellow trainer and learn from their styles.
• Deliberate Practice! Be prepared and know your stuff, it will look more natural if you continue gaining experience in facilitating, Experiment and change your teaching styles every now and then depending on the crowd.
• Read the Room! Aside from coming in early to know where the HDMI cables are, it is important to read the room so you can adjust your own tone & approach in front of groups. Since I’m an introvert and get conscious when everyone stares at me I always make sure to dim the lights to where I will stand. A little trick to avoid social anxiety LOL.
• Add Humor – Embrace the nerves and have fun. Actually no one would ever believe that I’m a full-blown introvert by heart, because inside the training room, I’m a different person full of sunshine and stories. It was funny how I made these people laugh in our concept Induction. FACT: Don’t be afraid to crack jokes!
• Feedback – I was too excited to get my response on my first facilitation, only to found out most of my attendees doesn’t like my type of music in between activities. This made me laugh so hard I can’t get over’ They don’t like taylor swift! Wherein I thought most of the millennial do. So far, I got 93% positive feedback, of course I have some couple of bad responses but that keeps me getting better every session.
• Retention – One thing maybe to keep them up to speed is to give them assignments after you did your debriefing. Ensure everyone understands the purpose and benefit of the workshop & what can it bring them and why are they listening to you.
• Reflection – I ask myself some questions every after training, did I do well? How’s the batch engagement? What will I do differently next time. I usually list all the “what went wrong” so I can improve it on the next session. These tricks helped me overcome my introverted hesitancies and manage to improve in each training.

What’s next: Introverts need some Me-time. For me, Netflix are the best source of recharge PLUS Cinnabon.

Hopefully these guides can help you too, fellow introvert! (If you are my same kind LOL )

“Extroverts sparkle, introverts glow. Extroverts are fireworks, introverts are a fire in the hearth.”― Sophia Dembling, Introverts in Love: The Quiet Way to Happily Ever After

Photo by Markus Spiske from Pexels

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Solace by Rhea

Duchess of Sunshine, Ambassador of Positive Vibes & Chief Idea Officer

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