Frequently Asked Questions

What are the major benefits of hiring an outside speaker and facilitator like Dan?

• Preparation – A well-run, effective workshop or facilitated discussion requires hours and hours of planning and preparation. Busy executives often do not have the time to commit to that level of preparation before the event, so hiring a professional facilitator ensures proper preparation and ultimately a better outcome.
• Experience – Professional facilitators are experienced in constructing efficient and effective agendas that provide the proper flow and structure to the discussion. They make the most of the time available, ensuring your group achieves its objectives.
• Independent Perspective – An outside facilitator brings an independent perspective as well as outside knowledge, experience, and wisdom to the discussion. This helps in many ways, including bringing productive resolutions to conflict or differing viewpoints, and keeping the meeting focused and on track.

What are the major benefits of a workshop?

• Encourages dialogue and participation.
• Brings fresh perspectives and helps develop new ideas.
• Deepens engagement and renews inspiration and commitment.

What are the major benefits of a facilitated discussion?

• Allows plenty of time for questions, reflection, and the exploration of new ideas.
• Promotes healthy dialogue and communication.
• Manages the time and balances the voices heard in the room, ensuring everyone has a chance to offer insights and no one dominates the conversation.
• Allows for immediate input and feedback from leaders, colleagues, and direct reports alike.

What are the major benefits of a keynote?

• Uplifting and inspiring session for group of any size.
• Can be a standalone event or worked into a full schedule.
• Offers something fresh and new your group can both enjoy and learn from.

Is there a minimum or maximum number of people who can participate in a workshop, facilitated discussion, or keynote?

• Dan does not put a limit on the number of participants for any of his sessions. However, to maximize engagement and effectiveness, he does recommend keeping workshops and facilitated discussions under 200 people if possible. Keynotes can easily be delivered to groups of any size.

What topics can I choose from for a keynote, workshop, or facilitated discussion?

Popular topics include:

• Be An Inspirational Leader: Engage, Inspire, Empower
• Lead With Your Strengths: The Key to Leadership Excellence
• Achieve Greater Success: Improve and Leverage Your Strengths
• Sharpen Your Focus: Achieving Clarity for More Effective Leadership
• Be A Lifelong Learner: Achieving Your Highest Priorities & Reaching Your Full Potential
• 20 Critical Tips for Healthcare Leaders: from America’s Healthcare Leaders

More information on each topic can be found on the Speaking Page.

Will Dan tailor a workshop, facilitated discussion, or keynote to meet the needs of my group?

• Absolutely! Dan’s desire is to serve you and your group in the best way possible. Your input and suggestions are not only appreciated, but crucial for the success of your event.

How long does a workshop last?

• Typically a half-day workshop lasts 3-4 hours with two breaks, and a full-day workshop lasts 6-8 hours, with several breaks and lunch. The breaks will be creatively used to enhance further engagement, learning, and relationship building. While this is a typical schedule, Dan will work to fit your timeframe and preferred schedule.

How are the workshops structured?

• Expect your workshop to be a highly interactive and participative event. There will be a variety of individual and group exercises, with specially designed activities and methods to keep everyone stimulated and involved. Questions, comments, and discussion are invited throughout the session. Dan encourages (but does not force) dialogue and participation from everyone. Regular breaks are scheduled so participants can move around, enjoy refreshments, use the restroom, make phone calls, etc.

How long does a facilitated discussion last?

• This is one of the most adaptable sessions Dan offers. Typically a facilitated discussion can last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours (breaks included), Dan will work within your desired timeframe. He does recommend a minimum of 90 minutes for smaller groups (less than 30 participants) and a minimum of 2 hours for groups greater than 30.

Is the keynote length adjustable?

• Yes. Ideal length is 60–90 minutes, but Dan will adjust based on your desires and your schedule.

Will Dan answer audience questions after his keynote?

• The short answer is yes. If you desire time for questions, we should allow a little more time for the keynote and questions. If time allows, Dan is more than happy to answer questions, sign books, and mingle with the participants before and after the keynote. Dan is particularly gifted in engaging individuals and small groups of participants before and after a keynote.

What kind of follow-up will Dan do after the conclusion of a workshop?

• Dan always is committed to and enjoys follow-up after any presentation, whether workshop, facilitated discussion, or keynote. Dan is delighted to work with event planners or decision-makers to create follow-up materials specifically designed to add significant short and long-term value to the event and experience.

What materials or resources are provided?

• Depending on the topic and your desires for the event, Dan often prepares handouts for specific sessions. He can also set up a private webpage where participants can access all relevant content from the session, such as slides, quotes, concepts, strategies, tactics, and links to suggested resources.
• Please note, Dan will not copy or duplicate material or content copyrighted by others. However, he will gladly provide the necessary information for participants to find or access such content on their own.

How do I learn more about Dan’s availability and fee schedule?

• Contact Dan today by clicking here and he or a member of his team will respond via phone or email within 1-2 business days. Dan would love to tailor an event to meet your needs!