Here's how you can acquire practical experience in leading meetings and workshops as an intern.

1 Observe Closely

The first step to gaining experience in facilitation is to observe seasoned professionals in action. Pay attention to how they set the agenda, encourage participation, manage time, and handle conflicts. Notice the techniques they use to create an inclusive atmosphere and how they guide the group toward consensus or decision-making. By actively observing, you'll start to understand the nuances of effective facilitation and can reflect on what styles or methods resonate with you.

2 Volunteer Early

Once you've observed enough meetings, offer to assist or co-facilitate a session. Volunteering shows initiative and eagerness to learn. Start with smaller, less formal meetings where the stakes aren't as high, and gradually work your way up. This hands-on experience will be invaluable; it's where you'll learn the most about group dynamics, the importance of clear communication, and how to stay neutral while steering the conversation.

3 Seek Feedback

Feedback is crucial for improvement. After any facilitation opportunity, ask participants and your mentor for their honest feedback. What did you do well? What could you improve? Be open to constructive criticism and use it to refine your skills. Remember, even experienced facilitators continuously seek feedback to grow and adapt their approach.

4 Practice Regularly

Practice makes perfect. Use every opportunity to lead small group discussions or workshops, even if they're informal. You could facilitate a discussion among fellow interns or take the lead in a project team meeting. Each time you practice, you'll gain more confidence and become more adept at managing the flow of conversation and keeping participants engaged.

5 Reflect Often

After each facilitation experience, take the time to reflect on what went well and what didn't. Consider keeping a journal to note down your observations, feelings, and ideas for improvement. Reflection helps you internalize lessons learned and develop a personal facilitation style that feels authentic and effective.

6 Expand Knowledge

Lastly, expand your knowledge by reading books on facilitation, attending workshops, and participating in online forums or courses. Learning from a variety of sources will give you a broader perspective on facilitation techniques and strategies that you can adapt and apply in your own practice.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?