First Time Facilitator

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What does it take to get to get to superhero status in the facilitation game? In this solo episode, Leanne Hughes explores and explains the 7 key attributes she thinks are critical to becoming a superhero facilitator. So, how does a facilitator carry out the responsibilities of a facilitator like a superhero (Lycra optional)? Listen […]

The post 7 attributes of a superhero facilitator (and how to rescue a workshop from a fate worse than death) with Leanne Hughes (Episode 36) appeared first on First Time Facilitator.

Your name can feature on Leanne's Wall of Work Fame.

Just pre-order her book by 30 Sep 2026; and follow the details to claim your star.

Also, there are a ton of bulk order incentives as well!

Support the show

What does it take to get to get to superhero status in the facilitation game?

In this solo episode, Leanne Hughes explores and explains the 7 key attributes she thinks are critical to becoming a superhero facilitator.

So, how does a facilitator carry out the responsibilities of a facilitator like a superhero (Lycra optional)? Listen in!

In this episode you’ll learn

* The seven key attributes that First Time Facilitators should consider when wanting to level up their game

Send Leanne a message

In today’s episode, I talk to Hadiya Nuriddin. Hadiya is a speaker, a learning strategist, instructional designer and an e-Learning Developer based in Chicago. She has nearly 20 years’ experience in all levels of learning and development and has extensive experience in designing, developing, and delivering both technical and professional development courses. Hadiya is extremely […]

The post Shift your focus: Be with your audience (not just in front of them) with Hadiya Nuriddin (Episode 35) appeared first on First Time Facilitator.

Your name can feature on Leanne's Wall of Work Fame.

Just pre-order her book by 30 Sep 2026; and follow the details to claim your star.

Also, there are a ton of bulk order incentives as well!

Support the show

In today’s episode, I talk to Hadiya Nuriddin. Hadiya is a speaker, a learning strategist, instructional designer and an e-Learning Developer based in Chicago. She has nearly 20 years’ experience in all levels of learning and development and has extensive experience in designing, developing, and delivering both technical and professional development courses.

Hadiya is extremely enthusiastic about ensuring her messages stick. In this episode, we not only talk about using  stories to engage your audience, but she also shares how you can use them in your interactions with clients -which is so helpful if you’re starting a side business, or going out all on your own and trying to drum up business.

In this episode you’ll learn:

How story sharing helps to build rapport with potential clients

Tips on finding the right story to tell

* How she pivoted from a tech support role; into instructional design; and discovered the world of facilitation

* How the developed her confidence as a facilitator by shifting her focus

Hadiya’s explanation of the ‘story spine’ and how this can apply to you as a facilitator

About our guest: Hadiya Nuriddin

Hadiya Nuriddin is the owner of Focus Learning Solutions. She has a MEd in Curriculum Design, an MA in Writing, and a BA in English. She holds the Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP), and is MBTI certified. She designs and develops eLearning courses using Articulate Studio, Articulate Storyline, and Captivate. Hadiya is the author of the book StoryTraining: Selecting and Shaping Stories That Connect.

When she is not working with clients, she consults with other self-employed L&D professionals to help them start and build their own businesses. Hadiya also facilitates courses nationwide on instructional design and development for the Association for Talent Development. She has a Master’s degree in both education (M.Ed.) and writing and publishing (M.A.). She is also a Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP).

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Hadiya Nuruddin’s website

Hadiya’s book – Story Training: Selecting and Shaping Stories that Connect

Follow Hadiya on Twitter

Like this show?

Please leave me a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so I can thank you personally.

Let Leanne know about your number one takeaway from this episode!

Tweet your thanks to Hadiya. 

Quotes of the show:

“You may be nervous and scared and trust me; If you begin to change your thinking and realise this journey is “for them” not “for me” then, you will put more on the onus and more of the focus on them and less on yourself.”

“Don’t think that one event only has one lesson.”

“The point is not just for you to tell stories. The point is to make them, the learners, feel comfortable enough to share their own stories with each other.”

Episode transcript

View the First Time Facilitator episode transcript with Hadiya Nuriddin.

In today’s episode, I talk to Hadiya Nuriddin. Hadiya is a speaker, a learning strategist, instructional designer and an e-Learning Developer based in Chicago. She has nearly 20 years’ experience in all levels of learning and development and has extensive experience in designing, developing, and delivering both technical and professional development courses.

Hadiya is extremely enthusiastic about ensuring her messages stick. In this episode, we not only talk about using  stories to engage you

Send Leanne a message

In today’s episode, I talk to Toon Verlinden. Toon is an international presentation coach and expert in scientific communication. He is a freelance science and travel journalist and a Biochemical Engineer by profession. Together with Hans Van de Water, they started a blog and wrote a book called ‘The Floor is Yours: Because Life is too […]

The post How a chemical engineer is changing the way academics present (because life is too short for bad presentations) with Toon Verlinden (Episode 34) appeared first on First Time Facilitator.

Your name can feature on Leanne's Wall of Work Fame.

Just pre-order her book by 30 Sep 2026; and follow the details to claim your star.

Also, there are a ton of bulk order incentives as well!

Support the show

In today’s episode, I talk to Toon Verlinden. Toon is an international presentation coach and expert in scientific communication. He is a freelance science and travel journalist and a Biochemical Engineer by profession. Together with Hans Van de Water, they started a blog and wrote a book called ‘The Floor is Yours: Because Life is too Short for Bad Presentations’, and now train thousands of researchers in the techniques necessary to prepare and give effective presentations. 

Listen in when I ask about the coolest and craziest thing he has done in a presentation.

In this episode you’ll learn:

How one presentation provided the opportunity for a career pivot 

Tips on how to make slides more compelling with your audience.

Tips on creating engaging presentations as first time facilitators.

The importance of PowerPoint slide design for a workshop (and how a second version can help with your handouts)

About our guest

Toon Verlinden is a freelance science and travel journalist and a Biochemical Engineer by profession. His expertise as an engineer lies in subjects such as water purification, food safety, climate and biochemistry. Emerged with a joint purpose, he wrote the book ‘The Floor is Yours: Because Life is too Short for Bad Presentations’ along with his good friend, Hans Van de Water, to support researchers at universities, university colleges and organisations in bringing clear and attractive research presentations.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

The Floor is Yours

*

Like this show?

Please leave me a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so I can thank you personally.

Click here to let Leanne know about your number one takeaway from this episode!

Tweet your thanks to Toon. 

Quotes of the show:

“If you are presenting, you are important; not your PowerPoint.”

“I think as a facilitator, you need to be very honest with yourself and with your audience.”

“Don’t go too broad with your audience. It may also makes it more easier to focus your workshops towards your audience.”

Episode transcript

View the First Time Facilitator episode transcript with Toon Verlinden.

In today’s episode, I talk to Toon Verlinden. Toon is an international presentation coach and expert in scientific communication. He is a freelance science and travel journalist and a Biochemical Engineer by profession. Together with Hans Van de Water, they started a blog and wrote a book called ‘The Floor is Yours: Because Life is too Short for Bad Presentations’, and now train thousands of researchers in the techniques necessary to prepare and give effective presentations. 

Listen in

Send Leanne a message

On today’s show, I chat to Steph Clarke. Steph is originally from the UK and is now based in Melbourne, Australia. She runs her own business, using her experience in learning, leadership development and executive coaching to develop courses to help organisations develop and professionals become more confident, productive and effective leaders. We cover topics […]

The post The pre-workshop questions you can use to drive a great outcome with Steph Clarke (Episode 33) appeared first on First Time Facilitator.

Your name can feature on Leanne's Wall of Work Fame.

Just pre-order her book by 30 Sep 2026; and follow the details to claim your star.

Also, there are a ton of bulk order incentives as well!

Support the show

On today’s show, I chat to Steph Clarke. Steph is originally from the UK and is now based in Melbourne, Australia. She runs her own business, using her experience in learning, leadership development and executive coaching to develop courses to help organisations develop and professionals become more confident, productive and effective leaders.

We cover topics in this episode, ranging from how she pivoted from being an accountant into the world of Learning and Development, and how she grappled with b