Jan 13, 2025

Most of us have a book or two full of energizers. I have many! They are full of page after page of short activities that are meant to be fun and funny. Sadly, in my experience they often make me feel silly and uncomfortable. Worse yet, they sometimes seem disrespectful. I’m left feeling, “Why are we doing this? When will the learning start?”
So, how do energizers fit in a learning-centered approach? What are they exactly?
Energizers need to be connected and integrated into the learning design. They are decisions we make by design or in the moment as we are facilitating in order to intentionally bring energy up or bring it down. Both are needed at different times, and the learning-centered approach has thousands of ways to do this.
Change the Scenery
Intentionally changing where participants connect with each other and where you present content can help energy. Best yet, it’s easy! When energy seems to be waning, I love changing my learning design in one of the following ways.
- Stand to debrief. Sitting for extended periods of time can be challenging – for the body and the mind. Inviting a group to the wall to debrief what is posted there or to stand in a circle to debrief, can be a welcome change.
- Gather at the wall. Consider teaching new content, visiting stations around the room, or sharing work at the wall. There are so many reasons to get out of our seats!
- Go outside. In a multi-day event or training, inviting solo and groups to work, debrief, or consider an open question outside can be extremely refreshing and appreciated. If you are lucky enough to be close to beautiful gardens or nature, use it.
- Move to a different table. Not all configurations work well. Switching it up from time to time may help people stay stimulated, inspired, and interested.
- Stand with another partner. Mixing pairs, trios, and table groups can help the learning as well as the learners. Make an intentional shuffle from time to time so stories, engagement, and work feels fresh.
- Change the front. Who says the ‘front’ needs to be determined by where the PowerPoint screen is or the shape of the room? Changing the front can be extremely energizing especially for those who are used to using a space in the specific way. If you don’t need the screen much, assess the room to determine the best way to set it up for learning.
- Invite self-selected space. Autonomy in whether to sit or stand, or where to spend solo or group time, can be appreciated. Some may prefer sitting on the floor, some will move to another table, and some may stay where they are. Regardless, as adults we usually choose wisely.
Techniques
There are many techniques that are purposeful and yet will inject energy into a room. For some these can offer relief (a chance to sit with others) and for some it can offer release (finally an opportunity to stand). Below is a selection of techniques to consider.
- Pick a Spot. This is a quick way to get people moving and gauge their thoughts to various prompts or questions by choosing a point on a line to stand on to vote their choice.
- True for You. This is as simple as inviting a group to sit or stand when something is true for them. Yup, it’s purposeful and helps the energy.
- Gallery tour. Who says information, definitions, questions, or activities need to be at tables or offered while seated? It can be such a relief to be asked to engage standing.
- Dot-ocracy. There are many ways to use dots to vote and communicate thinking. The best part is that it gets everyone out of their seat and talking.
- Speed Dating. Sharing short thoughts in rapid succession, is a great way to inject tons of energy into a room and get a lot of ideas to work with.
- Drawing. Increasingly, I understand the importance and value of embodied design. Drawing is a great way to engage the mind, heart and body, and for some it is a preferred way of communicating.
- A Picture Speaks a Thousand Words. I keep a folder full of images with me wherever I go. Spread them out on a table and you can use them for a meaningful warm ups, closings, synthesis, or prompts.
- I Like, I Wish, I Wonder. This technique is personal, and invites blue sky thinking, both of which can feel helpful and offer a lovely change from receiving information.
- Silence. Living in a world that does a lot of talking, silence can be a gift to many.
Small Yet Not So Small

It is important to know that we can intentionally change the energy in subtle and easy to execute ways. It doesn’t always need a complex technique or big change in the room. Sometimes all it takes is having a bit of play doe on the table, presenting on a flip chart rather than with a PowerPoint on a screen, or asking for 3 ideas rather than an endless list.
Below are small yet effective ways to inject a bit of energy in a room.
- Color. Printing visuals on colorful card stock will be eye-catching. In a world full of PowerPoint slides, colorful cards with content on the wall, with an invitation to engage with it can be provocative.
- A new voice. Who says the facilitator needs to be the sole person to read or offer information to a group? Inviting a participant to read a case study to the room or asking for a volunteer at each table to read a scenario to their group, can inject a little needed energy into the room. There are always those who are eager to oblige.
- Visuals. Whether you call yourself a ‘visual learner’ or not, seeing and hearing content can energize, focus attention, and help learning.
- Food. Having snacks in the room and/or on each table can feel respectful. It allows each person to decide for themselves when they want or need a pick-me-up. Even if lunch is in the hall, ensure beverages are close by.
- Manipulatives. Many of us need to move to focus. So, why not help? Offer a variety of fidget objects is easy and appreciated by many.
- Quantify. Sometimes it is as simple as quantifying low responses that can help energize. Knowing we only need to name 3 ideas for something can feel doable, especially when learners are feeling tired. “I can do that!”
- Name the time. Just letting a group know the break is in 15 minutes can help keep their focus.
Whether by design or by facilitation, the job of a facilitator is to maximize learning. One important aspect of this is to keep learners focused on the new content they have come to learn.
What do you do by design or facilitation to energize a group without stopping the learning?
Jeanette Romkema is a GLP Senior Partner and Co-owner.
Read more blogs by Jeanette.
Here are some resources for further reading: