I work in an environment with loads of military folk and they have some very sage advice which is extremely apposite here. Apply the 7 Ps. Proper planning and preparation prevents piss-poor performance

Start with a clear vision of what success looks like for the workshop. This includes both long-term objectives (e.g., participants understanding a concept) and short-term deliverables (e.g., completing a hands-on exercise). Create a detailed agenda that allocates specific time slots for each activity, whether it's a presentation, discussion, or exercise. This helps ensure that no part of the session is rushed or runs over. Incorporate a variety of interactive activities like polls, small group discussions, or hands-on exercises. This not only helps participants learn by doing but also keeps them engaged and focused.

1. Create a clear timeline structure of topics and try to stay focused / on track. 2. Avoid deviating from the topics as much as possible. 3. Have a clock or other time device on hand and allocate time to specific subjects / objectives. 4. Try to keep on time as best as possible. 5. If need be, strategize and combine topics, or instead give out homework of a less critical topic if you don't get to it.

Agree with all the answers provided thus far. 3 key things I would add are: 1) Send out Pre-work or a detailed preview of the agenda - this can help prep attendees so they can hit the ground running at the workshop. 2) Capture progress being made towards the key objectives. Sending out a summary of the action items and take-aways should be sent 24hours after the workshop, along with the next steps. This helps maintain momentum beyond the workshop and captures critical details while they are still fresh. 3) Revise agenda or Schedule a Part 2. No one likes feeling rushed at a workshop, or being cut off because we need to move on. If you’re constrained for time from the get go, you need to prioritize the agenda or plan a follow up session.

El arte de la facilitación consiste en cómo lograr objetivos específicos en un espacio de tiempo con una audiencia definida. En mi experiencia de facilitación de más de 10 años, aconsejo trabajar en 5 elementos clave para sesiones efectivas: 1. Asegurar que todos conocen el objetivo de la reunión: esto ayudará a que todos pongan foco en la importante. 2. Preparar la agenda previamente y compartirlo con los participantes 3. Seleccionar a los participantes de acuerdo a su nivel de aporte a la sesión 4. Preparar dinámica que fomenten el desarrollo de la inteligencia colectiva en el equipo 5. Fomentar la priorización de conversaciones que suman al objetivo de la sesión, sin dejar de ser empático con todos.

I would recommend one to start by setting clear, prioritized goals and sharing them with participants prior to the start of the workshop. Use time-boxing to keep each agenda item on track, and facilitate with Agile techniques like quick stand-ups, dot-voting for decisions, and breakout groups for parallel work. Wrap up with a summary of key takeaways and clear action items to ensure objectives translate into follow-up tasks. This structured, priority-focused approach keeps the workshop efficient and outcome-driven.

Leading a workshop under tight time constraints requires agility & prioritisation. 1. Check in on Time and Flexibility - Begin by gauging participants’ availability and openness to a potential time extension. 2. Refine and Focus the Agenda - Quickly reassess and streamline the agenda, prioritising key objectives concentrating on essential outcomes. 3. Encourage Focused Small-Group Discussions - Create a safe space for group discussions, small groups foster active participation & allow for more voices to be heard within a limited timeframe. 4. Gather and Synthesise Group Feedback - groups present key points Balancing time with clear priorities and robust engagement enables the workshop to achieve its objectives, even with constraints."

Prioritize key objectives Time-block activities Clear, concise delivery Interactive, high-impact exercises Keep the pace steady Summarize and conclude effectively