Not sure who else needs to hear this, but…
If coming up with fresh, creative ideas for your next live session feels way harder than usual – it’s not just you!
I sat down to design a live session this week — a session I’m actually excited about.
And yet everything felt a bit off.
Ideas were meh.
What usually takes two hours took twice as long.
I don’t know if it’s the endless winter dragging on, the relentless apocalyptic news cycle, or just… April.
But here’s what I do know:
When you are low on energy, it’s easy to default to what’s easy — your reliable go-to formats.
A short welcome, a few slides, some breakout rooms, maybe a Q&A at the end.
It works. But it doesn’t spark anything.
When I get into a design funk, here’s the thing I try to remember no matter what:
✨Live time is sacred✨
It’s too valuable to spend just delivering content. Your participants can get that in a PDF, a blog post, or a pre-recorded video.
What they can’t get from those things is the buzz of being together live.
👉 Feeling connected.
👉 Unscripted moments.
👉 A shared moment of insight.
That’s where the real magic happens.
10 Fresh Live Online Session Formats.
So this week, I want to give you (and me 😅) a little creative lift.
I’ve put together this collection of session formats to help spice things up.
These are formats I use or that I have experienced that work incredibly well for live online events.
Before you pick one, ask yourself:
1️⃣ What’s the purpose of your session — inspire, practice, solve, connect?
2️⃣ Who’s in the room – and what will be valuable to them?
3️⃣ What needs to happen live, vs. what could happen before or after?
OK, here are the 10 formats on the menu👇
🔥 1. Hot Seat
One person shares a real challenge, and the group helps them work through it.
Use it when: You want peer learning and real-time problem solving.
Example: A course creator shares their launch plan and gets rapid feedback.
🎬 2. Live Demo
Show how something works in the moment, not just with slides.
Use it when: You’re teaching a process, tool, or creative technique.
Example: A Notion expert builds a dashboard live and takes questions as they go.
⚡ 3. Laser Coaching
One facilitator, one participant, 10 minutes.
Use it when: You want quick, high-impact coaching in front of a group.
Example: A mindset coach helps someone break through a limiting belief, live.
🗣️ 4. Practice & Feedback
Participants try something out, then get quick feedback.
Use it when: You’re building skills, not just sharing knowledge.
Example: Facilitation trainees demo a live session format with a small group and get instant feedback.
🎭 5. Role Play & Simulation
Act out real scenarios to practice responses and build empathy.
Use it when: You’re preparing for high-stakes conversations or new situations.
Example: Practice giving tough feedback as a manager with a role-play partner.
📖 6. Storytelling Circle
Participants share a personal story around a theme or prompt.
Use it when: You want to build trust, connection, and meaning.
Example: “Tell us about a time you took a risk that paid off.”
🌐 7. Open Space
Participants pitch their own topics and self-organize into discussions.
Use it when: You want to tap into collective energy and curiosity.
Example: After a keynote, attendees propose breakout topics and host peer-led chats.
💭 8. Think/Pair/Share
Reflect solo ➝ discuss in pairs ➝ share with the group.
Use it when: You want to hear from everyone, even the quiet thinkers.
Example: “What’s one workflow change that’s made a big difference for you?”
🧠 9. Brainstorm & Decide
Generate ideas, cluster them, then vote or choose next steps.
Use it when: You want to move from idea → action.
Example: Brainstorm community event ideas, then vote on one to pilot.
🔁 10. Troika Consulting
Work in groups of 3 — one person shares a challenge, the other 2 coach while they listen.
Use it when: You want peer coaching in a structured, safe format.
Example: Used in leadership programs to surface insights and unlock stuck thinking.
Remember, these are just formats. They’re only as good as how you adapt them to your session’s purpose and your people.
But if you’re in a creative funk like I was this week, I hope this list gives you a little nudge to try something new.
How about you?
👉 What’s your favourite session format? Hit reply and let me know – I’d love to hear it!
This Week’s Facilitator Finds 💪
In this section, you’ll find curated events, resources, tips, and tools that I’ve found super valuable — and I think you will too!
1/ 📆 Build Your AI Operating System. A free workshop on April 23rd, with Building a Second Brain Creator Tiago Forte, on how to maximize the potential of AI for running your business. I am excited to learn more about how to leverage AI in a big way for our work as live session leaders.
2/ ✍️ How to Show Someone You Are Listening. An article from the Greater Good Magazine with insights on how to hone one of the most important facilitation skills by practicing validation.
💌 Thanks for reading The Quest
I always love hearing your feedback and suggestions. Just hit reply to share your thoughts and ideas.
If you were forwarded this email, you can subscribe to The Quest 👉here.
If you enjoy The Quest, I’d appreciate it if you shared it with anyone you think might like it.
Creatively yours,
Whenever you are ready there are 2 more ways I can help you:
👉Custom coaching & team training. Book a free 15-minute zero-commitment call with me to see how I can support you and your team.
👉 Live Session Design Video Course. Live Session Magic gives you a proven system for designing consistently high-quality online sessions. Join the interest list here and be the first to get access.
👉5-week Live Online Course. The Breakthrough Facilitation course gives you tools, personalized feedback, and a proven framework for designing and leading high-engagement live sessions. Join the interest list and be the first to get the next cohort dates and discounts.
