D31 How to Run a Workshop That Doesn’t Suck (Facilitation Tips That Work)

In this episode of unDUBBED, Fiona and Sarah break down what actually makes a workshop work – and why most sessions fail before they even start. They argue that a great workshop is an outcome, not an event: it should produce real progress, shared clarity, and momentum that carries into action. The key is being explicit about purpose and value, designing for participation (not passive attendance), and resisting the temptation to cram too much into a vague agenda. They also share why “structure with flexibility” is the facilitation sweet spot, and how discovery, pre-work, and smart questionnaires can dramatically lift alignment and engagement before the day.

The conversation also covers practical facilitation techniques to ensure many voices are heard, plus the realities of running virtual workshops where inclusion, clear norms, and deliberate interaction matter more than the tools themselves. Finally, they unpack how to handle resistance through preparation and in-room strategies, how to define and measure workshop success beyond vibes, and when a workshop series can outperform a single session for learning, energy, and outcomes.

Takeaways

1. A great workshop is an outcome, not an event

A workshop is only “great” if it produces movement: meaningful progress, high engagement, and those shared moments of clarity that carry into real action afterwards.

2. Make the purpose and payoff obvious

Workshops cost serious time and money. If people can’t clearly articulate the problem, the value, and what “done” looks like, the session turns into theatre instead of work.

3. Design for participation, not attendance

Invite contributors, not spectators. Set the expectation that everyone shows up present and involved – no silent observers, no laptop hiding, no multitasking.

4. The biggest planning fail: too much, too vague

Most workshops fall over for two reasons: the agenda is overloaded, and the core problem isn’t defined crisply. That combination destroys pre-comms, dilutes focus, and kills engagement.

5. Use structure, but stay adaptable