Have you ever hit a week where coming up with fresh ideas for your live session feels way harder than usual?
Last week I spent 4 hours designing a session that should have taken 1.
And I still wasn’t happy with it.
The ideas felt…meh.
I don’t know if it’s the endless winter dragging on, the relentless apocalyptic news cycle, or just… March.
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.
But here’s the thing I always try to come back to when I’m in a design funk:
✨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.
👉 The spark of a real conversation
👉 The moment where something finally clicks
👉 The unexpected comment that shifts everything
That’s the stuff that makes a session feel alive.
10 Session formats to break default mode
So this week, I want to give you (and me 😅) a little creative lift.
I’ve put together this collection of session formats to spark some fresh thinking.
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 to make your next live session actually feel alive again👇
🔥 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 Breakout
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 last week, I hope this list gives you a little nudge to try something new.
Over to you 🎤
👉 What’s a session format you’d like to try? 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!
🛠️ Liberating Structures Menu. Many of these formats are inspired by the brilliant work of Liberating Structures. Here are 33 simple, adaptable structures—and when to use them.
🛠️ Stormz. A powerful AI-assisted brainstorming board built by facilitator (and AI wizard) Alexandre Eisenchteter. Great for generating, clustering, and prioritizing ideas with your group—without the usual chaos. (Free to sign up)
✍️ What is the Contribution Scale? A super insightful LinkedIn post from Facilitator School co-founder René Nauheimer. It breaks down 3 clear participation modes so people know exactly how to contribute—without second-guessing themselves.
💌 Thanks for reading The Quest
I always love hearing your feedback and suggestions. Just hit reply to share your thoughts and ideas.
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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.
