Special Self Directed Module

Focused Conversation Method

Powerful method to create dialogue and generate decisions.
Hold important discussions safely, and actually get somewhere.
This method is core to all facilitation.

Focused Conversation Method

One of the most powerful methods for any facilitator.

Move beyond “seat-of-the-pants” facilitation and reliance on instinct. Instead use the Focused Conversation Method, the most vital method for professional facilitators giving you a thorough grounding in all facilitation practice. This one method allows you to take any group safely through a discussion on any topic and get results without loosing your way.

The Focused Conversation Method is central to the Professional Facilitator Program (PFP), the ToP Facilitation Essentials Program (TFE), the Advanced Facilitator Program (AFP) and the Facilitative Leadership Program (FLP).

The Focused Conversation Method is the first half of the Group Facilitation Methods course and is available only as a Self-Directed module.

Learn online at your own pace with classroom videos, with personal assignments and with downloadable texts and examples.

Theory

This self-paced, self-directed course contains all the theory of the in-person and the online versions. Manuals and books are downloadable in this self-directed course.

Theory is transferred through readings, videos of classroom lectures, interactive games and practical assignments. Thee videos remain available for a year.

Templates are included to prepare for real client work. Live practice with a small group is required by the course.

Demonstration

Videos of instructors using the method show actual classroom case studies. This demonstrates best practice use of the method.

Stages, steps and procedures of the method are explained in detail.

Application

This self directed course includes examples of products from actual clients as pictures, Portable Document Formats (PDFs) and PowerPoints (PPTs), so you know what can be achieved. These are downloadable.

Practice

The course includes assignments that help build confidence in your use of the method. Some assignment are done by yourself, and others with family, friends or co-worker groups or colleagues for your enhanced learning.

Your assignments are uploaded for comments from ICA instructors or facilitators. You can contact them for further explanation.

Benefits

Focus group energy and move to resolution

  • Hold discussions and dialogue that actually gets somewhere
  • Explore the most difficult and contentious topics safely
  • Use a method with decades of proven success

Build motivation and improve morale

  • Help groups resolve conflict
  • Build respect and trust in groups
  • Create lively effective teamwork
  • Generate positive interaction

Make groups more productive and effective

  • Conduct easier, faster meetings
  • Save time and money on meetings
  • Involve participants in discussions
  • Get more ideas into the mix

Focused Conversation Method

  • Demonstrations of the Focused Conversation
  • Theory and group dynamics
  • Where to use the Focused Conversation
  • Practice
  • Design effective conversations
  • Practice Focused Conversation
  • Variations of the method
  • Experienced facilitators by reinforcing what you are already doing well and pointing out those areas that need work.
  • New facilitators by starting you out on a solid foundation with best practices used by professional facilitators around the world.
  • Executives, managers and other leaders by acquainting you with key facilitation skills that will immediately enhance your leadership capacity.
  • Consultants by showing how to engage your clients more effectively in discussions and solutions.
  • Presenters and trainers who will get new practical tools that will enhance the adult learning principles they know are important.
  • Anyone who wants to be assessed by the International Association of Facilitators as a Certifies Professional Facilitator (CPF)

Learn one of the most powerful methods to enhance your facilitation

  • The Focused Conversation Method is central to all facilitation and can be used with all other tools and methods to enhance products and generate commitment.
  • The four levels of the Focused Conversation Method can be used in facilitation, coaching, team building, planning, conflict resolution, leadership and much much more.

Testimonials

"ICA Associates Inc. provides the best training I have come across. Their decades of learning and development have resulted in methods unsurpassed by anyone else in the field."

Dr. David Burman Assistant Professor, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto

"ICA methods have made a tremendous difference in my work. Many of my clients have benefited from them and they have generated positive results in some very tricky and challenging situations. I also make good use of the post course support and I always get first-rate advice."

David Kraft Director of Research, Strategic Communications

"I have used ICA methods in preparing for lectures, student assignments, professional presentations and leading meetings, and in all events they have proven to be invaluable in organizing and harvesting ideas to fruition."

Dr. Laura MacDonald Associate Professor, University of Manitoba

"Thank you again for contributing effectively to our training curriculum aimed at developing the interpersonal skills of both staff and management."

Mary-Jane Jarvis Haig Director, Development Support, Information Services, Hudsons Bay Company