Facilitation Technique: E.L.M.O.
If you’ve ever been to an engagement event or training that was facilitated by Delaney + Associates, you know that we come equipped with a suitcase full of “tricks.” These aren’t gimmicks or anything trendy, really – we bring all kinds of fun toys to keep participants interested and focused during our sessions.
Pipe cleaners, stress balls, playdoh and other tools can help keep hands busy and get creative juices flowing. Far from being a distraction, table-top toys actually help promote focus, especially for kinaesthetic learners. Participants tell us how much these items help with concentration. They also help reduce stress for participants who might be nervous to speak up in front of a group.
Another fun item we bring in the suitcase is a familiar, red, furry stuffed toy – Elmo. But our stuffed Elmos aren’t there for playtime. E.L.M.O. is one of our favourite facilitation techniques. What does it stand for? Enough, Let’s Move On.
We provide colourful, warm and fuzzy Elmos for each group at our events. Participants are empowered to hold up Elmo when they think it is time for the group to move forward in its discussions. This typically occurs when discussions move beyond the scope of the engagement, become repetitive or “get stuck”.
Elmo is a fun and positive way to get the group to re-focus, if that is necessary, or to identify issues that require clarification.
D+A is at the HealthAchieve conference and exhibition in Toronto this week, and if you come visit us in Booth 707 you can see Elmo in action – and even have a chance to win a big, friendly Elmo to take home! There are three ways to get a ticket to enter our draw: Like Delaney and Associates Inc. on Facebook, follow @DELANEYinc on Twitter, or leave us your business card.
The draw will take place at Booth 707 at 3:20 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3. You must be present at the booth to win!
HealthAchieve is one of the largest, most respected health care events in North America, and D+A is proud to be an exhibitor and participant. We hope to see you there!
