STARTING A WORKSHOP: Opening Address & Introductions 41PR
ESEN
TATIONFACILITATORPresentation : Opening address and introductions
Method : Large group presentation and dialogueTools : Sign-up sheet, course outline, notebook and pen for each personReferences : “Ice breakers “ appendixObjective : People will be introduced to the aims and rules of the courseFacilitator introduction
At the very beginning of a Permaculture workshop, introduce yourself and tell participants
a bit about your background and the work you have done to date, which relates to the
course.
If you work for or are a member of an organization which runs programs relating to the
course materials, take this opportunity to introduce your organization and its mission and
activities so that the participants can get a sense of the group that you are representing
as a facilitator.
If you are from another area or country, ask a local participant or organizer to help
introduce you before you address the group.
Ice breaker and participant introductions
You can use an icebreaker to get everyone moving, interacting, and relaxed. This will
help set the tone for a learning environment of open, respectful, and creative dialogue.
See “Ice breakers” in the appendix for examples of fun ways to “break the ice”. Once
the participants are warmed up and enjoying themselves, ask them to gather in a circle
and introduce themselves.
Ask each person to let the group know (in 2 minutes or less):
- Their name.
- Where they live.
- Family status (do they have kids, are they married, etc).
- Why they joined the training.
- What they hope to gain from the training.
- Prior experience they have relating to Permaculture.
These introduction can be organized is several ways:
- Each person can introduce the person to his/her left or right.
- They can choose a partner and each partner introduces the other.
- The participants can introduce themselves.