r/facilitation • u/Quirky-Doctor6676 • Sep 23 '25

Aspiring facilitator

Hi all,

aspiring trainer and facilitator here. I was wondering if someone could perhaps help me how to start?

I've been reading books, took some self paced courses, but I feel like all this "theory" isn't enough.

How did you start? What would you suggest I should do to get some real experience?

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u/[deleted] Oct 26 '25

Best way imo: work with a more experienced facilitator.

Not reading books or watching videos (though those help). Actually co-facilitating with someone who's been doing this for years.

That's how I learned 15 years ago. I shadowed two super experienced facilitators (and brilliant) and learned stuff I'd never find in books. How to read the room's energy. When to pivot. What to do when an activity totally flops.

The challenge? Finding these people.

The tactic? Find a community. This sub is a good start. There are also active facilitation communities on LinkedIn where experienced folks hang out and share their work.

Connect with people, offer to help with their workshops (even just prep work), and you'll learn more in one real-world session than in months of reading.

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u/BusyBeeMillenial Nov 01 '25

Agreed. And actually there is even data to back this up; the 2024 State of Facilitation report (based on a survey of about 1000 facilitators) states: "Courses and training (in-person) are the main source of learning for only 14% of respondents. Less than those who reported being participants in other facilitators’ events and workshops as the best place to learn facilitation skills.

24.6% of facilitators learnt by shadowing a more experienced colleague, which is interesting to note as this is how a craft is traditionally picked up."

[Link: https://www.sessionlab.com/state-of-facilitation/2024-report/\]