A review by cjvenable
Unlocking the Magic of Facilitation: 11 Key Concepts You Didn't Know You Didn't Know by Meg Bolger, Sam Killermann

4.0

Unlocking the Magic of Facilitation by Sam Killermann and Meg Bolger is a great introduction to some of the key tips for social justice facilitation. The book is a quick and easy read, breaking down complex concepts (like Obear's work on the triggering event cycle) into digestible nuggets of knowledge. The authors present a number of concepts that were familiar to me already, but in ways that were compelling and useful as reminders of their importance. Reading these portions (like the importance of the "Yes, and..." rule) helped me to reflect on my own practice and how effectively I utilize those strategies to act as an effective facilitator rather than a hostile lecturer.

Other concepts were new to me, particularly the "roundabout" of strategies to step away from the triggering event cycle and the discussion of ways to question more effectively. These practices are definitely ones I will be incorporating into my work with facilitation, but also my one-on-one interactions with students.

Overall, this book was a useful and fun read that achieved its goals: not to be a comprehensive resource, but a valuable set of tools and tips that are accessible to any facilitator looking to improve their skills.