Page 148 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 04 11/20/02 12:00 PM Page 137
Opening With a Bang 137
Another thing to remember is that some people are just not funny or good at telling
jokes. If you know this to be true about yourself, find another means to grab attention.
Just as the lonely walk back across a dance floor after having someone reject your offer
to dance, recovering from a bad joke can be equally painful and difficult. If you fail in your
opening attempt to spark interest, you could lose or struggle to gain audience attention.
By the way, did you catch that use of analogy in the preceding?

PUTTING YOUR BRAIN TO WORK: ACTIVITY

What humorous techniques do you think are most effective? Why?

In what ways have you seen trainers successfully use humor in the past?

What are some humorous techniques that you could incorporate into your own training sessions?

Amaze ’Em

Many people are fascinated by the unknown. When confronted with new ideas or infor-
mation, many participants often revert to a childlike stage of wonderment and awe. You
can capitalize on this phenomenon by using demonstrations of magic, science, basic
physics, or other little known areas to grab attention and leave them wondering, “How
did they do that?”
Two of my favorite techniques for accomplishing amazement follow; however, a visit
to a magic, teacher supply, book, Nature, or Discovery store can result in materials on
all types of elementary tips and scientific experiments that can be adapted to virtually
any environment and topic.

Stepping Through the Paper

This is an activity I saw used years ago by a trainer whose name I unfortunately cannot
recall.
1
To do this demonstration, you will need two 8 ⁄2 × 11 inch sheets of blank paper
(folded either lengthwise or sidewise) and a pair of scissors.
Start your demonstration by holding up one sheet of the paper and asking, “How
many of you believe that I can physically pass my body through a piece of paper?” For
those who say that they believe, ask them why. Generally it is either because they have
seen similar demonstrations or they believe you would not say you can unless you are