Learn How to Design and Deliver Presentations and Workshops With Our On-Demand & In-Person Courses

Facilitation and Presenting: Practice Without Pressure

Presenting or facilitating without practice is like opening night with no rehearsal—except your audience isn’t politely clapping, they’re checking their email.

In our workshops, you get to rehearse—without the tough crowds, bright lights, or painfully awkward silences you’ll see in the videos below. Facilitating and presenting are like improv: you think you know what’s coming, but then someone raises their hand and says, “This could have been an email.”

That’s why we bring in professional actors to recreate the real-life curveballs—so you can practice handling tough questions, side conversations, and that one person who just won’t let it go. Our workshops give you a chance to test strategies, workshop your delivery, and see what lands—so you’re not finding out the hard way, under the glare of a PowerPoint projector, with no escape route in sight.

Presentation Skills Workshops

Facilitation Skills Workshops

Facilitation By Design Workshop:

Dialogue, Decisions, Action

May 8, 15, 22, 2025

Ever had a game night?

It starts out friendly—snacks, a casual round of Monopoly, and a fun evening with friends and family. But then…

One person insists all fines and taxes go into Free Parking. Another (who actually read the rules) strongly disagrees. Meanwhile, the banker, suspiciously rich, swears everything is legit.

Accusations of "house rules" fly. Tensions rise. And before anyone can pass Go, someone flips the board (accidentally, they say). Game night ends with a thud.

Ever feel like your meetings go the same way?

You start with a plan, but people bring their own interpretations, strategies, and personal stakes into the mix. Conversations take unexpected turns, and without a clear process, things can derail fast.

That’s where a skilled facilitator makes all the difference.

Why You Should Attend

This workshop blends valuable facilitation theory with hands-on, real-world practice. You’ll gain valuable insight about facilitation and you’ll try it out in a safe, low-stakes setting—where mistakes aren’t just allowed, they’re part of the learning.

What You Will Learn

By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

  • Design effective group processes – Set clear objectives, choose decision-making methods, and structure agendas to guide productive discussions.

  • Maintain content neutrality – Stay focused on the process rather than the content, ensuring fairness—like a referee keeping the game on track.

  • Facilitate diverse discussions – Adapt your approach for brainstorming, analysis, and decision-making, practicing techniques for each.

  • Read group dynamics in real time – Step back to identify participation patterns, power shifts, and communication styles.

  • Intervene with impact – Address common challenges and apply strategies to keep discussions constructive and on course.

  • Refine your facilitation style – Experiment with techniques, get real-time feedback, and build confidence in your unique approach.

What You Will Gain

Live Practice with Professional Actors – Simulate tough real-world group dynamics before facing them in real life.


Your Own Facilitation Playbook – A set of strategies for designing and leading discussions with confidence.


Practical Tools & Resources – Access agenda templates, a workbook, video tutorials, and a resource-packed class website.


Hands-On Learning – Learn by doing, so you don’t have to figure things out in front of an actual group.

Meet the Facilitation Team

  • Alison McEachern

    Alison is a facilitator, educator, and course creator helping experts lead engaging presentations and group discussions. She blends theory and action for impactful, hands-on learning.

  • Lindsay Kyte

    Lindsay Kyte is a Cape Breton playwright, performer, and songwriter. Her award-winning works, including Tompkinsville and Dear Rita, have been staged across Canada. www.lindsaykyte.com

  • Rhys Bevan John

    Rhys Bevan-John is a Halifax-based actor, writer, and somatic coach, known for A Christmas Carol at Neptune Theatre and award-winning performances. www.rhysbevanjohn.com

  • Darrel Cameron

    Darrel Cameron is a Halifax-based music producer, songwriter, and certified music therapist, blending 20 years of experience with songwriting, production, and facilitation. www.makeindiefolkmusic.com

Workshop Details

  • Dates

    May 8, 15, 22: 1:00-4:30PM (AST)

    ✔This is a 10 hour live workshop delivered over 3 online sessions on Zoom.

  • Who Should Attend

    This workshop is for:

    ✔ Professionals, community leaders and students who lead meetings or group discussions
    ✔ Public consultation facilitators
    ✔ Team leaders, project managers, and consultants
    ✔ Anyone who wants to make group discussions more productive

  • Tuition

    $850 + HST

    📍 Live Online Workshop
    📅 Register for the workshop in the section below
    📢 Limited spots available
    🔥 Join Us & Build Your Facilitator’s Playbook!

Register for Our May 8, 15, & 22 Workshop.

  • 1. Registration & Payment

    Your registration is confirmed once full payment has been received. Payment is processed securely via Stripe or PayPal through our online booking system. If you require an invoice for payment, please contact us before registering.

    2. Cancellations & Refunds

    If you cancel more than 14 days before the workshop start date, you are eligible for a full refund minus a $50 processing fee. If you cancel less than 14 days before the start date, no refund will be issued, but you may transfer your registration to a future session. Transfers to another participant are allowed if requested before the workshop.

    3. Participation & Conduct

    This workshop is interactive and involves group activities, discussions, and simulations.

    To maintain a safe and professional learning environment, we ask all participants to engage respectfully with facilitators and peers.

    4. Intellectual Property & Recording

    All materials provided in this workshop, including slides, handouts, and exercises, are copyrighted and for personal use only. Recording of workshop sessions is not permitted without prior written consent.

    5. Technology & Accessibility

    This workshop is conducted live via Zoom. A stable internet connection and a functional microphone/camera are required. Please test your setup before the session to ensure a smooth experience.

    6. Agreement

    By registering for the Facilitation in Action workshop, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms & Conditions.

    If you have any questions, please contact alisonmceachern@me.com before completing your registration.

Presentation Skills Workshops

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Presentation Skills Workshops 〰️

Have You Ever Wondered…

How fast should I speak?

How much info should I include?

How can I survive the Question & Answer Session?

How can I make it interesting?

You Are Definitely Not Alone!

We created The Presentation Lab to help you present well.

Registration now open.

A one-month membership to a flexible, self-paced workshop with four optional live sessions for feedback and support.

About Alison.

Alison McEachern

I started teaching piano in high school and university, where I found that I really enjoyed helping others learn. By the time I graduated, I had built a small piano school, teaching both adults and children with a hands-on approach. That experience led me to pursue a career in teaching—specifically, experiential education.

That focus took me into advanced studies in education and a teaching role at Dalhousie University’s Henson College. In 1992, I founded McEachern & Associates, and in 1995, I began a 25-year teaching contract with St. FX University. Over the years, I’ve designed and delivered experiential learning programs for organizations across Canada and the U.S., with more than 30,000 participants attending my courses.

Outside of work, I spend as much time outdoors as possible—traveling, horseback riding, and tackling long-distance hikes. I’m certified in wilderness first aid and navigation, and while I can’t say I’ve never been lost, I’ve always found my way back. If you’re in Chester, NS, drop by my office at 20 Pleasant Street to say hello to me and my canine coworker, Bear!

FAQ

  • You’ll have full access to the course materials for 6 months from the date of purchase.

  • Once you purchase the course, you’ll receive a registration email which allows you to create your account. You can watch the videos and access all course content on your computer and learn on demand, wherever and whenever you like for your 6-month access.

  • The best way to access the full features of the course is on your computer. Your computer will allow you to use the fillable forms, calculators and templates. If you’re using a mobile or tablet, you can watch the videos, read the course content and workbook but not be able to access some of the more interactive features of the course.

  • If you are unable to access your course, for technical reasons, contact us at 902-293-6688 between the hours of 9:00 and 4:00 AST. We will attempt to help you fix the problem or refund your money.

  • Your participation in the online course is private and confidential and will never be shared with others.