The Take-Off Curve can be used by the facilitator as an introduction to illustrate the goal, purpose, and flow of the event. We have been using this approach for many years to kick off training sessions and other events. It is best to draw this on a flip chart or pinboard and explain the flow using the illustration.
The event is represented by the flight curve of an airplane, as it is not meant to move flatly through time but instead “take off,” creating an impact on participants and/or externally. Using the flight curve, the event’s flow can be explained, with individual program points, including time allocations, written under the respective curve sections.
The flow is divided into three major sections: During boarding, or the introduction, participants are introduced. The take-off phase focuses on content work, while the transfer phase ensures a pleasant and promising conclusion, including the exchange of insights, next steps, and feedback. Using the arrow at the beginning of the curve, the facilitator can introduce themselves and also encourage participants to introduce themselves (Where do I come from? What do I bring with me? How do I feel?). The arrows at the end of the curve can outline various possible outcomes of the event. This emphasizes that there can be different results and that participants steer the direction together. A tool for coordinating the implementation of the event is the Project Coordination Canvas, which can, for example, be completed together by the team during the transfer phase at the end of a workshop (see Transfer).
The purpose explains why the event is being conducted. This is distinct from the goals of the event. Goals are concrete outcomes to be achieved. The approach defines the guiding principles for collaboration, including the attitudes and methods (e.g., facilitated by the moderator) that should be observed. In the example above, the approach might be ensuring that everyone has speaking time, fostering respectful communication, and voting on decisions at the end.
You can find the German Canvas here.
You can find the English Canvas here.
You can find the Spanish Canvas here.