⏰ On a scale from 1–10, how easy is it for you to stay on time during a live session?
Me? I used to be a solid 2.
Why? Because I chronically underestimate time. I always think things will take 5 minutes… they never do.
Back when I started leading live sessions, time keeping was one of my biggest challenges.
I’d plan carefully, kick things off, and think things were on track.
And then… I’d glance at the clock.
I’d consistently be about 15 minutes behind time.
I kept falling into the “time trap”. When you fall behind schedule early in a session and spend the rest of it scrambling to catch up. 😬
What happened?
→ I waited for “latecomers”, so I usually started late.
→ I would forget to factor in the time it takes to explain an activity.
→ I’d underestimate how much time was needed to get into meaningful group discussion.
And with no buffer time, I’d have to start cutting.
Guess what got the axe? The group discussions and reflection activities – the most valuable parts of the session. 😩
This wasn’t a one-time thing. It was a pattern.
And it was draining the energy from my sessions—and me.
If you struggle to stay on time, you are not alone.
The Time Trap is real. And when you are feeling the pressure of time its hard impossible to stay present and tuned into the group dynamic.
It’s so important that it’s of the key skills that I highlight in my soon-to-launch Online Engagement Scorecard quiz. (Yep, this is one of the questions. Because it matters that much.)
To my surprise when I started talking about my struggles with time, I found that even the most seasoned facilitators I know wrestle with it.
Here’s the good news.
Once I accepted my time challenges, I could actually do something about it. I learned that there are simple time keeping strategies that actually work.
When I started using them I noticed a radical change.
Now my sessions feel calmer. More spacious.
I’m more present. The group is more engaged.
Here 10 simple strategies I am excited to share with you today.👇
⏰ 10 Ways to Stay on Time (Even When You Are Way Behind)
⌚️1. Start (right) on time
Even if people are still trickling in. It signals that time is important (and that you are keeping track).
✂️2. Cut your content
It’s easy to overpack your sessions. Trim ruthlessly. You’ll create time for engagement.
🎁3. Include buffer time
Everything takes longer in live sessions. Add 5 mins between activities. You’ll give yourself time (that you’ll need).
🤦🏼4. Assume you’ll fall behind
Because you will! Have a backup plan like swapping a discussion for a quick chat share when you are behind time. It gives you options.
🕒5. Make time visible
Time is harder to track when you can’t “see” it. Use a shared timer. Or narrate time: “You’ve got 10 minutes…” It keeps everyone moving at the same pace.
⏱️6. Make time explicit
Most of the time, expectations aren’t clear. Time-bound contributions. “Let’s take 1 minute each to share.” It avoids rabbit holes.
✋7. Interrupt when you need to
Most of us dread interrupting (myself included). Let people know from the start that you may need to interrupt. It protects everyone’s time.
✨8. Prioritize interaction
Running over time leads to some tough choices on the fly. Cut slides or breakouts? Choose interaction. It’s the best use of “live” time.
⌛️9. End on time
Most of us run out the clock – then rush the ending. Safeguard the last 5 minutes for a proper wrap up, reflection and closing. It can redeem earlier time slips.
🔎10. Do a “time post-mortem”
It’s easy to repeat timing mistakes. Take 5 minutes after each session to reflect and adjust. It will help you reset your timing habits and design smarter next time. 💪
Remember: Timekeeping isn’t about perfection.
These 10 strategies will help you create spacious, well-paced sessions—where you can be truly present.
Over to you 🎤
Which of these timekeeping strategies resonates most? Which one are you going to try next? Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to hear!
This week’s Facilitator Finds 💪
⏰ “I’m always late…except when I am facilitating”. A relatable LinkedIn post by seasoned facilitator Nora Sheffe where she shares her time-keeping strategies. (H/T to Nora for inspiring this week’s theme:)
💻 Interactive PowerPoint Slides? Yes, Really. StreamAlive just launched a beta app for PowerPoint—participants can type in the chat and see responses appear insideyour slides. Check out Lux Narayan’s LinkedIn post for a sneak peek.
📆 Connectors Summit 2025, Dec 10-13. Join Priya Parker, Chad Littlefield, and an all-star lineup (including me!) for the virtual facilitation event of the year. Get $200 off with code COLLABORATE2025. Registration ends today!
💌 Thanks for reading The Quest
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Creatively yours,
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