Page 111 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 03 11/20/02 11:46 AM Page 100
100 The Creative Training Idea Book
covet and respect titles and academic credentials. Failure to recognize and honor this
value could cause a learning and relationship breakdown.
Speak Clearly and Slowly
According to various research studies, the average adult in the United States speaks at a
rate of about 125–150 words per minute. Someone trying to comprehend and translate
your message into his or her own language, or someone with a learning disability, will
struggle with that rate. Anything faster may negate effective communication. Speak at
a rate slow enough that allows understanding without being insulting.

Speak at a Normal Volume and Tone

Just because someone speaks another language does not make him or her deaf. Yelling
or changing tone does nothing to enhance understanding. In fact, it is insulting. Many
times, people unconsciously raise their voice in an effort to try to increase comprehen-
sion when speaking to someone from another country. This is not an effective tool for
communication and will likely offend the participant(s) to whom you are speaking.

Use Open-Ended Questions

If your goal is to gauge understanding and increase communication, try using open-
ended (e.g., ones that start with who, what, when, how, why, or to what extent) to en-
courage participants to voice opinions and increase dialog. Closed-ended questions get
little information and may actually allow a person to mask his or her inability to com-
municate in English. In fact, a question such as “Do you understand?” can be very offen-
sive. Such a question could be interpreted by the person as your believing that he or she
is not smart enough to comprehend your message.

Use Nonverbal Cues Cautiously

Many common nonverbal cues or signals are used throughout the world. Unfortu-
nately, their meaning is not always interpreted the same in each country, culture, or sub-
culture. As a trainer in a global world, you would be wise to learn as much as you can
about other cultures and subcultures and the way people within them communicate.
Once you have done so, incorporate findings into your training and work to educate
others around you (see Table 3-3 and Resources for Trainers in the appendices for addi-
tional information).

Use Verbal Pauses
To allow someone who speaks English as a second language, or someone with a hear-
ing, mental processing, or speech deficit to comprehend and respond to messages,
include frequent pauses as you speak. At the end of a sentence or thought, pause, then
proceed.