Facilitating a tabletop exercise isn’t always easy — sometimes the discussion slows down, and you need to help guide participants back into meaningful conversation.
Here are 15 questions I use to spark dialogue and keep the group thinking, sharing, and connecting ideas:
1. What do you think about the information that’s been provided?
2. Is that statement consistent with your agency’s policies or perspective?
3. What information do you need at this point in the incident?
4. Who do you need that information from?
5. Does anyone have the information this team needs?
6. What concerns do you have right now?
7. How bad of a day is this?
8. Is this within your agency’s normal response capabilities?
9. How would you receive this information?
10. Who would contact you?
11. What tool or system would they use to communicate the information?
12. What additional information would you expect?
13. What information could you share with your partners?
14. Can you provide us a bit more detail?
15. Is there a written policy or procedure that dictates these actions?
Facilitators don’t need to have all the answers — just the right questions.
These prompts help participants think beyond the scenario and reflect on how decisions, communication, and coordination really happen.
