Designing for Emotions, Not Just Content: Ep 284

284

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10:41

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March 16, 2026

Best-selling author and coaching expert, Elena Aguilar, brings weekly tips, tools, and wisdom to educators with one goal: to help you thrive.

If you’ve ever felt like your session was “technically fine” but still falling flat, this episode is for you. Elena Aguilar explores why PD facilitators must tune into emotional energy—and how to skillfully respond when the mood in the room isn’t aligned with your intention. You’ll learn 10 practical strategies you can use immediately to shift the emotional tone and create space for meaningful learning.

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Keep learning:

Transform your design and facilitation at The PD Workshop
10 Ways to Shift the Emotional Energy in a Room (free tool)
Connect participants across scenes with The Art of Virtual PD
Expand your design and facilitation knowledge with The PD Book
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Reflection questions:

How comfortable are you noticing and responding to emotional energy during PD?
What emotions do you tend to avoid in group settings—and how might that affect your facilitation?
Which of these strategies feels most natural to try? Which one feels like a stretch?

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Podcast Transcript and Use:

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Episode Transcript

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