Facilitation is an active skill—but it’s also a reflective one.

The best facilitators don’t just run great sessions. They ask questions, explore new methods, and continuously refine how they show up. In a role that often requires holding space for others, it’s essential to take time to expand your own thinking, too.

Whether you’re building your confidence, deepening your technique, or simply looking for new inspiration, having a trusted bank of content to draw from can be invaluable.

That’s why we’ve curated a series of recommended reading and watch lists—designed specifically for facilitators working in virtual and hybrid environments.

You won’t find generic TED Talks here. These are books, talks, podcasts, and videos that speak directly to the art of facilitation: group energy, inclusive design, emotional intelligence, virtual presence, and leading with intention.

And yes—many of them pair beautifully with how you use SmartLab.

What’s in a Great Facilitator’s Library?

You don’t need to read everything. The goal isn’t volume—it’s depth. A well-rounded facilitation library supports three key areas:

1. Mindset
   The way you think about your role, your presence, and how people learn.
2. Method
   Practical tools, models, and structures for designing and delivering experiences.
3. Meaning
   Reflections on connection, trust, creativity, and group dynamics—the less tangible, but essential parts of the work.

Our curated content spans all three.

Recommended Reading

For mindset and leadership presence:

• The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker
  Why meetings feel dull—and how to make them meaningful.
• Presence by Amy Cuddy
  Tools to show up with confidence, especially on screen.
• The Fearless Organization by Amy Edmondson
  A foundational read on psychological safety in groups.

For methods and design frameworks:

• Gamestorming by Dave Gray et al.
  A go-to toolkit for creative collaboration and workshop design.
• Liberating Structures by Lipmanowicz & McCandless
  Simple, scalable microstructures to make every voice count.
• Training from the Back of the Room by Sharon Bowman
  Brain-friendly facilitation frameworks that work well virtually.

For reflection and emotional intelligence:

• Nonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg
  Essential for navigating tension and inviting deeper dialogue.
• The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier
  Practical ways to stay curious, not directive.

Watch & Listen

Talks and documentaries:

• Priya Parker on Purposeful Gathering (TED Talk)
  Why most meetings fail—and how to create transformational ones.
• The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown (TED Talk)
  A reminder that openness is a facilitator’s strength, not a weakness.
• Facilitation Fundamentals by The Grove (YouTube)
  Quick visual primers on group process and meeting design.

Podcasts:

• WorkLife with Adam Grant – especially episodes on team dynamics and innovation.
• On Being with Krista Tippett – deep, thoughtful interviews on meaning, listening, and human connection.
• Facilitating on Purpose – a niche podcast for facilitators, full of practical gold.

SmartLab Tip: You can embed reading/watching prompts into your SmartLab sessions as pre-work or post-session follow-up—perfect for cohort programmes or facilitator development.

How to Use This in Your Practice

• As a warm-up: Share a quote or clip to start a session with intention
• As follow-up: Send an article or episode as part of a post-session toolkit
• As development: Build your own learning journey from the list above
• As inspiration: When designing a new session, revisit one of these to spark ideas

Learning doesn’t need to be heavy—it just needs to be intentional.

SmartLab Supports Continuous Growth

Great facilitation takes more than a good agenda. It takes curiosity. And a willingness to keep learning—quietly, consistently, and with purpose.

SmartLab is designed to support not just your sessions, but your growth as a facilitator. From embedding content to creating interactive learning pathways, it helps you deliver value—before, during, and after your sessions.

Start with these curated resources. Then build your own.

→ Explore SmartFacilitation by SmartLab

→ Learn more about SmartLab

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