Are you worried that your climate and sustainability workshops are overwhelming people rather than inspiring them?

If so, you're not alone. Many facilitators and trainers have the best intentions—wanting to inspire change and motivate action—but sometimes, the result can be quite the opposite.

Instead of leaving energised, participants may leave feeling overwhelmed, disengaged, or even more hopeless than before. And clearly that's not the outcome you're aiming for.

Here are three common reasons why this might be happening, and how to address them:

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1. Too Much Doom and Gloom:

When it comes to climate change, it's easy to focus on the dire realities. But while it's important to be honest about the challenges we face, an overemphasis on doom and gloom can leave your audience feeling hopeless, especially if they’re new to the topic.

Sometimes it can be feel like being stuck with a dementor from the Harry Potter series, doom and gloom talks can literally suck every ounce of energy out of you - leave you flat.

If your goal is to inspire action, balance the tough realities with stories of success, progress, and tangible steps that individuals can take. This approach not only educates but also empowers your audience, leaving them with a sense of agency rather than despair.

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2. Overloading with Information:

Another common pitfall is the temptation to share too much information. Many facilitators, often feel the need to cover every detail, to make sure the audience fully understands the complexities of the issue. But here's the thing—most people won’t remember everything you say.

Instead of trying to cover 20 different points, focus on three key learning outputs that you want your audience to walk away with. If they leave your workshop remembering those core messages, you’ve succeeded. Less is more.

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3. Overcomplicating the Content:

Sometimes, in our effort to sound knowledgeable, we unintentionally overcomplicate the content. This can make participants feel confused and lost, which leads to disengagement. The key is to simplify your message without dumbing it down.

When you keep things simple, you're more likely to inspire curiosity and encourage your audience to learn more. When they grasp the basics, they’re more open to digging deeper and exploring the complexities on their own.

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In conclusion

Your goal as a facilitator is to inspire, educate, and move people to action—not to overwhelm them. By focusing on these three areas, you can create workshops that leave participants feeling empowered and ready to take the next steps.