First Time Facilitator

Leanne Hughes from the First Time Facilitator blog reveals all of her group facilitation, training and workshop tips and tricks so you can be ahead of the curve the next time you step out in front of a group.Discover how you can tweak elements of your facilitation style, or incorporate new techniques to engage your audience and leave with lasting impact (and 5-star feedback). Icebreakers, leadership, group interaction, preparation, games, conflict, props, flip-charts, delivery, voice, body language, confidence, discussions and everything that works (and doesn’t work) to help you better understand how to deliver and connect with your audience, every single time.

First Time Facilitator is a business podcast hosted by Leanne Hughes, with 281 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Leanne Hughes hosts First Time Facilitator, a business show with 281 episodes published.

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  Episode #261

  FTF261: How to Design High-End Client Experiences with Alan Weiss (Talk the Walk replay)

  Apr 24, 202628 minS1

  <p>Send Leanne a message</p><p>Leanne Hughes and Alan Weiss explore what it really takes to design premium client experiences — from large-scale thought leadership conferences to intimate high-touch group gatherings in penthouse suites around the world. Alan shares the frameworks, courage, and lifestyle philosophy behind his most successful events, and Leanne reflects on her own recent red carpet camp-out experience.</p><p><b>Topics Covered</b></p><b>Defining high-end experiences</b> — Alan's two models: large group conferences (125–150 people) vs. intimate groups (7–10 people in premium locations)<b>The large format event</b> — Outside speakers (Dan Pink, Jonah Berger), a $30–35K...

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  Episode #260

  FTF260: The Campfire Method with Jan Keck: A Better Way to Build Trust in Groups

  Apr 1, 202638 minS1

  <p>Send Leanne a message</p><p><b>Jan Keck i</b><b>s back on First Time Facilitator for a pop-up episode, and this one is for anyone who wants to create connection without making people cringe.</b> </p><p>Jan first appeared on the podcast in Episode 156, and in this conversation he shares the thinking behind his new book, The Campfire Method, plus what he’s learned from three years of writing, testing, and refining his ideas in public. </p><p>We talk about why Jan moved away from the old “icebreakers” framing, and how his work evolved into a b...

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  Episode #259

  FTF259: Exceptional Experiences with Neen James

  Oct 16, 20251h 5mS1

  <p>Send Leanne a message</p><p>Today, I’m thrilled to welcome back my friend, leadership strategist, and powerhouse of positivity — <b>Neen James</b> — to the show!</p><p>If you haven’t seen the YouTube version yet, go and watch it. Neen radiates light, energy, and fun — she’s truly a walking champagne moment.</p><p>Fun links:</p><p>Discover Your Luxury Mindset Self-Assessment</p><p>Luxury Is A Mindset</p><p>Neen James Luxury Mindset Research Executive Summary</p><p>You might remember Neen from her earlier book Attention Pays. She’s since continued her global journey...

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  Episode #258

  FTF258: From Surgeon to Facilitator: Dr Liz O'Riordan's First Workshop

  Sep 18, 202525 minS1

  <p>Send Leanne a message</p><p>In this episode of First Time Facilitator, I chat with Dr Liz O'Riordan about her leap from the operating theatre to the workshop room. </p><p>After being diagnosed with cancer and leaving surgery, Liz turned to speaking, writing, and now — facilitation. With only days to prepare, she discovered my book The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint, raided her kitchen cupboards for props, and built a session that participants called “brilliant — don’t change a thing.”</p><p>We unpack how she:</p>Transformed complex cancer science into playful, prop-based learning (think Jenga and cupcakes 🍰).Used a simple...

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  Episode #257

  FTF257: The Dark Arts of Interrupting Someone

  Jun 18, 20257 minS1

  <p>Send Leanne a message</p><p>I wrote this article this after being on a group call where one person dominated the airtime. You know the ones, right? </p><p>As facilitators, it’s our job to respect the room, the time, and the energy of everyone there. And sometimes, that means stepping in. Yes, interrupting can feel awkward — but if you do it with care, it can completely transform the vibe of your sessions.</p><p>In this episode, I share:</p>Why interrupting is actually a public serviceThree reasons we don’t interrupt — and how to move past them...

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