The workshop participants were well-acquainted with each other, so it was wonderful to see their genuine curiosity and occasional surprise as they heard new stories about one another. For many, it was a chance to view their friends in a fresh and unexpected way.

Beata Kras

Some of the exercises were so exciting and engaging that it was hard to interrupt them—plus, doing so would have disrupted the flow of the group process. We remained flexible, adjusting the exercises to fit the available time and the participants' needs.

Beata Kras

Participants initially resisted the exercise 'Movie poster about… You,' mainly due to fear of failure and doubts about their artistic abilities. However, once we adapted the exercise to be done in smaller groups instead of individual assignments, the resistance faded. After creating the posters together, they were surprised by their own creative potential.

Beata Kras

It’s essential to tailor exercises to the unique needs of each group, considering factors like age, skill level, cultural context, social exclusions, and the group's goals. This kind of adaptation calls for flexibility and creativity from the facilitator.

Beata Kras

Together with participants we created a very safe space free of judgement in which everyone could be themselves. I also felt very supported by my co-facilitator—I thought it was very important to have another person supporting to attend to the needs of participants.

Jordi Cortes

When encouraging story-sharing, we must ensure emotional safety – for both the storyteller, the group, and ourselves. We never know what emotions a particular story may trigger. That’s why it’s so important to prioritize voluntariness, non-judgment, flexibility, and space for reflection, without interrupting it.

Alicja Przepiórska-Ułaszewska

Time management was challenging, especially when interrupting sensitive sharing or translating information into multiple languages. In the end, I adjusted by reducing the number of activities to fit the workshop's time frame.

Jordi Cortes

I would suggest extending the length of the planned workshop; two hours might be a very short time for activities if we want to include other elements such as translation, feedback form and introduction to safe space agreements.

Jordi Cortes

The given duration of the exercise should be treated as flexible, as it depends on the size of the group and their willingness to share stories. It’s hard to predict which exercise will trigger something or how it will open up a participant. However, we must never interrupt their story in those moments.

Alicja Przepiórska-Ułaszewska

I was touched by the raw emotions of some of the participants when sharing their stories and the shift from being really energetic at the beginning to becoming more relaxed and able to connect with deeper feelings towards the end.

Jordi Cortes

When introducing discussions on sensitive topics make sure that facilitators trained in Psychological First Aid to effectively respond when participants share deeply personal stories, such as those involving suicide, death, or extreme violence.

Jordi Cortes

It’s important not to rush through any exercise once it's started – it's better to skip it than to cover it too briefly. It's also crucial for facilitators to give participants space to speak, ask open-ended questions, and only take the floor during the debriefing to highlight key aspects and capture important contributions from participants.

Alicja Przepiórska-Ułaszewska

Come into the workshop with an open mind. Do not imagine what will happen, just let it flow and build with the group you are hosting. People want to tell their stories and if they´re surrounded by people sharing, they will be more inclined to do so as well.

Jessica Lo Monaco

Be sure to include a brief description outlining the workshop’s purpose and goals. Participants might find it unclear whether they were developing storytelling skills or simply sharing stories without an artistic objective.

Jessica Lo Monaco

One session wasn’t enough—people wanted more. We asked them to be vulnerable, and they were, but it felt a bit disappointing not to have a follow-up event or additional time for those who were eager for more.

Jessica Lo Monaco