Blank stares. Awkward transitions. Forced ice breakers. A general air of dread. If that sounds like your training sessions or staff meetings, you’re probably not alone. Every year, thousands of residence life professionals roll into a new academic cycle with PowerPoints, printouts, and prayers as they facilitate these. While some chaos is to be expected, these don’t have to suck. It’s time to stop hosting the res life equivalent of a sad TED talk. With a little creativity and intention, your trainings and meetings can be fun, meaningful, and, dare I say it, exciting.
Ditch the slide deck. What would happen if you went this year without PowerPoint? Too extreme? Maybe. But if one person is reading from a document or presentation slides the entire time, it absolutely should have been an email. Think of it this way: you’re not just presenting, but you’re hosting. So what will make the content actually stick? What will make it fun?
Bring the hype. The way you show up is the cheat code for engagement. If you say, “I’m really tired, so let’s get through this as quickly as possible,” your group will match that energy. Working orientation taught me that an audience will only meet the presenter at about 80% of their energy level. So if you’re flat, they’ll be even flatter. But if you’re excited, they will at least have the opportunity to rise and meet you there. You don’t have to be loud or bubbly if that’s not your style, but be present, prepared, and committed. A tangible way to do this is by sending a preview to your group chat the day before the meeting or training. And no, this doesn’t have to be a list of agenda items. Keep it fun: three random words that hint at the meeting content, a riddle or trivia question related to a topic you’ll discuss, or surprise guests.
Plan like a pro. Every moment counts when you’re trying to set the tone. Play hydraulic press or trickshot videos as people arrive to bring the group together for shared laughs before the session even begins. Breaking into groups? Add a visual map to avoid the awkward, time-wasting shuffle of “who is in my group and where are we sitting?”. Do you have an in-hall block or post-vacation staff meeting? Mix it up with 5-10 minute one-on-ones or two-on-ones instead of a giant group meeting. You can also change-up locations: go outside, meet at an unexpected part of the building or campus, or decorate your regular meeting space like it’s a birthday party. When you make it feel like an event instead of an obligation, everyone will approach your time together with a shared vision and purpose.
Gamify, gamify, gamify. Resist the urge to limit engagement to scenario discussions and reflection questions. Someone handed you a dusty slide deck and said, “facilitate this?” Cool. Now make it yours. Scavenger hunts, gallery walks, and game shows can transform dull-but-necessary content into something the team looks forward to. I’ve hosted a carnival-style session called “Pluck A Duck” at the end of Summer RA Training; staff pick rubber ducks from a pond, and each duck has a number on it tied to a training-related trivia question. Don’t forget the prizes: holiday-themed door dec sets, RA of the day shout-outs, stickers handed out like scout badges, and I’ll-do-your-bulletin-board free passes. This doesn’t mean there isn’t some space for some traditional updates, and not every second needs to be flashy, but turning content into a competition, a game, or an activity will create value in coming together.
Transfer some ownership to the team. At the beginning of the semester or training, have staff sign up to co-facilitate one meeting or session. The only preparation required is preparing a simple 5-10-minute team builder. During their assigned time, they’ll kick off with the ice breaker, move through the content, and address distractions. It forces you to create clear, easy-to-follow content, it gives them valuable leadership and facilitation experience, and it keeps everyone more engaged, taking notes for when it’s their turn.
Less attendance stress. Hold staff members to the expectation that their attendance matters. Even if it means pushing the meeting an hour later to accommodate schedules, it’s up to you to demonstrate that your time together has value. Perhaps you even create a culture where staff feel accountable not just to you, but to each other. If someone’s going to miss a meeting or training, have them notify both you and their fellow floor partners, and encourage floor partners to text or call someone who is running late. Eventually, staff will do this instinctively, reinforcing the idea that their presence impacts the team dynamic.
End the dread of large group sessions. Big group trainings and meetings don’t have to feel like punishment. And the best part is that you have the power to make it this way, even if you’re not the main facilitator: think banners, cheers, and matching outfits. One year, I wore a cape with my community’s name and the rest of my team dressed up as the Mario Brothers characters, complete with a dramatic entrance to the theme song. They bonded while making the costumes and we got compliments all week. I say this because when your team is part of something special, when your staff is THAT staff, it’s guaranteed to boost morale and team pride.
Schedule celebrations and deliver them with choices instead of decision fatigue. Replace a few meetings or trainings with fun gatherings: PowerPoint night (staff present funny or random topics), escape rooms, murder mystery parties, craft nights, or potlucks. If you want input, offer 2-3 options: “We’re voting on a bake-off, game night, or make a team intro video together,” lands with more thrill than a wide open, “What do you all want to do?”
Don’t skip the magic. Yes, meetings are long. Yes, you’re busy and tired. And no, things won’t always go perfectly. But your team won’t remember every slide or update; they’ll remember how you made them feel. We all deserve more than, “Next slide, please.” So ask yourself: What would make this memorable? A goofy end-of-day ritual? A themed playlist? Surprise dress-up days? A photo challenge in the Group Chat? You have the chance to lead with joy, spark connection, and build something special. That is what they’ll remember.
