FTF245: Preparing to be spontaneous in your workshops with Lisa Leong

38 snips

Mar 20, 2024

Join broadcaster and facilitator Lisa Leong as she shares her expertise in spontaneous workshop facilitation. Delve into her journey from corporate lawyer to engaging presenter, uncovering strategies to connect authentically with participants. Lisa discusses the importance of preparing for spontaneity, creating inclusive environments, and leveraging personal anecdotes for effective communication. With a dose of humor, she highlights how mindfulness and adaptability can transform your approach to facilitation, making it not just effective but truly engaging.

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ANECDOTE

Facilitation Fear to Mindset Shift

Lisa Leong feared facilitation because she was scared of being questioned and exposed as an imposter.
A mindset shift to viewing participants as callers changed her perspective and helped her embrace facilitation.

ADVICE

Prepare to Be Spontaneous

Prepare thoroughly but hold your plan lightly to allow spontaneity.
Keep your senses open and meet the energy of the room where it is.

ADVICE

Use Mindfulness for Presence

Use mindfulness to be fully present for others during facilitation or live radio.
Focus on curiosity rather than nerves and let the moment guide your responses.

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Send Leanne a message

Today, I'm joined by Lisa Leong, a broadcaster, author, and facilitator.
Watch us chat on YouTube.

Her superpowers, which you'll hear very clearly in this episode, are curiosity and creativity.

She's a former IP, technology, and wine lawyer—yes, that's actually a thing. She caught the radio bug in 2001, which is exactly why I brought her on the show.

Wedelve into the parallels between having talk-back radio and getting listeners to call in to hosting workshops and being truly present.

We also talk about energy, meeting the room where it's at, and the best ways to prepare to be spontaneous—an awesome oxymoron, right?

And Lisa shares how she does this, even down to the detail, like her unique research approach, which includes a bit of LinkedIn stalking.

Lisa draws on her unique experiences, combined with design thinking and mindfulness practices, to bring a fresh approach to conversations and connection.

She presents on ABC Radio Melbourne on Sundays and also hosts 'This Working Life' on ABC Radio National, which is an awesome show.

Connect with Lisa Leong

Why you can't miss this episode
It's not every day you get to hear from someone who's mastered the art of engaging people through radio, law, and facilitation. Lisa's stories are not just inspiring—they're packed with actionable tips you can use to level up your facilitation game. Plus, her take on mindfulness and presence is a game-changer for anyone looking to connect more deeply with their audience.

Memorable Quotes:

"Jumping into facilitation was like jumping into a whole new world with both feet. Scary, but thrilling!"
"You don't have to be a Zen master to make mindfulness work for you in workshops."
"Inclusivity isn't just nice to have; it's a must-have for unforgettable workshops."
"Preparation meets improvisation—that's where the magic happens."

Resources Mentioned:

Lisa's Favorite Mindfulness Apps
"The Skilled Facilitator" by Roger Schwarz

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