Library of facilitation techniques

find the right tool for your next session

Featured Author – Melanie Martinelli

Melanie Martinelli has spent more than 20 years helping organisations create learning that leads to real change. Melanie is passionate about helping L&D teams move beyond delivering great training and start designing for lasting learning transfer.

Melanie Martinelli Profile Melanie Martinelli
Learn more Learn more
656 results

Methods (631)

Sunny Tan

Passing the Baton

Using an item as an symbol to allow everyone to have an opportunity to speak.

Liberating Structures

Discovery & Action Dialogue (DAD)

DAD makes it easy for a group to discover better practices that only a few members are using to solve a common problem, called positive deviant behaviors.


We’re going to uncover the behaviors and practices some of us are already using to tackle our shared challenge. It’s like going on a treasure hunt to find the solutions hidden in our midst.”When held in a local setting close to where the problem manifests, it creates a safe space to invent new and more effective practices, sparking imagination and strengthening resolve to take action. It also builds relationships between people in diverse roles. This structure enacts LS Principle #2, Practice Deep Respect for People and Local Solutions.

Liberating Structures

Mad Tea/Calm Tea

In Mad Tea/Calm Tea, everyone rapidly completes sentences related to a shared challenge to quickly provoke a deeper set of reflections and strategic insights among group members. Mad Tea is the louder, more energetic face-to-face version, while Calm Tea is the quieter online alternative. They both get people thinking differently, sharing new ideas, and understanding different perspectives while generating fellowship and laughter. Both bring to life LS Principle #9, Engage in Seriously Playful Curiosity. The questions focus attention and produce a fresh understanding of strategic options and next steps.