Does it progress the plot?

A long time ago, I took a short class on script writing.  One of the main things I remember was the importance of one question:

Does it progress the plot?

Ask this of every scene, every character, every sentence, every word.  If it doesn't progress the plot, change it so it does, or remove it.

Scripts that do this will feel tight and make sense to audiences.  Scripts that don't will feel undone and be confusing to audiences.

I think of facilitated sessions in the same way.

Does it progress the plot?

Ask this of every icebreaker, every activity, every sentence, every word.  If it doesn't progress the group towards its desired outcome, change it so it does, or remove it.

Facilitated sessions that do this will feel tight and make sense to attendees.  Sessions that don't will feel pointless and confusing.