How to Prepare for Each Session

Regardless of whether you host your sessions online or in-person, you’ll want to take some time to adequately prepare for your sessions as it will help you create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all program participants. 

The following are some facilitator best practices:

• For in-person sessions print and bring all relevant handouts and pens. (For virtual sessions please send any relevant handouts at least 24h before the session, and ask participants to print them ahead of them.) Links to the relevant handouts for each session are included in the handbooks. 

• For in-person sessions, get to the space 15-30 minutes early to set it up and create a warm and welcoming environment. This may include:
  • Setting up chairs/seating in a circle
  • Turning on background music prior to the session/during breaks
    • The music should ideally have a tempo slightly lower than the heart rate, as it can help slow the heart rate and have a calming effect^[1]. Some classical artists you could consider are Mozart, Handel, and Bach. Please note that students do not have to like the music in order to benefit from it.

• Distribute a scent
  • Given our hectic lifestyles a calming scent may be preferred (e.g. lavender), but you could also use scents that increase mental alertness (e.g. lemon fragrances) or are energizing (e.g. eucalyptus and peppermint)^[1].

• Set up props or other peripherals
  • If your meeting space lacks warmth (e.g. many hotel meeting rooms) consider bringing some objects that make the meeting space more inviting. This may be a small plant, cushions or pillows, or theme-related posters or props.
  • Familiarize yourself as best as possible with everyone’s name and greet all participants once they enter the meeting space.

…