Training Workshops Leading Discussions

NO MORE FEAR In a previous article, we discussed the ultimate human fear - public speaking. For some of us, the idea of delivering a TRAINING workshop can induce complete panic. So we looked at some key steps you can take to help you deliver workshops with confidence, by creating memorable learning experiences which do most of the 'teaching' for you, putting yourself in the role of learning facilitator. LEADING DISCUSSIONS Another simple and effective way to facilitate group learning is to lead a discussion on a topic. Keep in mind that you are learning facilitator: the learners should be doing more talking than you. The best way to ensure this happens is to focus on asking questions. Asking good questions prevents you from 'showing up and throwing up'. They help to build rapport with your learners by getting them to open up. Questions are useful to find out what learners already know about the topic in hand. This prevents you from telling them things they already know. By asking questions such as 'what do you already know about...?' or 'what are the key steps in this process...?' you encourage a discussion where everyone can contribute. This is energising and engaging for the participants. When someone answers a question, clarify what you've heard. Make sure you really understand what they mean before moving onto the next point. Ask questions like 'so what exactly do you mean when you say...?' Make certain that what you've heard is exactly what they meant. Ask questions that include a paraphrase, such as 'so am I right that what you're saying is...?' Open questions begin with who, what, where, when, why and how. They produce a useful and detailed answer instead of 'yes' or 'no' and lead to other, related questions and drive the discussion. Another way of asking an open question is to use TED, which stands for Tell, Explain and Describe. For example 'Can someone tell me more about...? Who can explain how...? Can I have a volunteer to describe the way you...?' A great way to integrate questioning into your delivery is to use the three 'P's. First pose your question. In other words, ask the group a question. Next, pause. Sometimes you have to wait quite a while before anyone will answer your question. Perhaps they're shy, or perhaps they just need to think. Eventually someone will break the silence. Bear in mind it will seem a long time to you, but not to them. Before you break the silence, pause again, just to be sure you've given them enough time to answer. If no-one answers the question, and you're sure you've waited long enough, its time to pounce. Ask someone directly to answer the question. If they don't know the answer, pick on someone else. If you still get no answer, perhaps they just don't know! Asking good questions is all very well, but if you're not listening to the answers, you may as well not bother! Active listening helps us to focus on what is being said, and to show that we are listening - this helps to encourage people to talk. People like to feel they are being listened to. Being a good listener helps you build trust. Give non-verbal cues to show you're listening; maintain eye contact and use your body language, nodding and keeping an 'open' stance. Use verbal cues too and paraphrase to test your understanding. But make sure you hear people out - don't finish people's sentences. Some people are poor listeners simply because they are just waiting for their turn to talk. One way to help this is with a 'double pause'. When the other person has finished speaking, pause. Then before you start to speak, pause again. This gives the other person the opportunity to continue if they wish. Many people need time and space to think, before they can really tell you what's on their mind - give it to them. Remember you have two ears and one mouth. Use them in this proportion.