Page 150 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 04 11/20/02 12:00 PM Page 139
Opening With a Bang 139
you accidentally pop one). You will also need a small
amount of petroleum jelly or baby oil for coating the tip
of the knitting needle.
Just as with the Stepping Through the Paper
activity, this one involves thinking outside the
box and doing what most people believe is not
possible.
To get ready for the demonstration, blow up
two rubber latex balloons (the less expensive thin
ones work best if you do not fill them to maximum
capacity). When you are ready to begin, start with an
animated and exaggerated explanation of the laws of
physics that make some things impossible. Emphasize
how sharp objects typically cause a balloon to burst. You
can poke a balloon to make it explode to emphasize the point
and also show that these are not trick balloons. Ask for a show of
hands of those who believe that you can pass the point of the knitting needle entirely
through a balloon. Stress that like many things in the workplace, all sorts of possibili-
ties exist if you have the right knowledge and tools. Proceed to gently insert the point
of the needle into the balloon (there is typically a strong point at the end in the area
where the rubber has not been stretched). A very slow rotating motion between your
fingers as you work the point through the rubber and talk to the group about various
elements of creativity and thinking outside the box works best. The key is not to rush or
the balloon will pop. Once the point is through the end, guide the needle to the other
side and out the opposite side of the balloon, next to where you have blown it up and
tied it (again, the rubber is stronger at this point). This feat is possible because the pe-
troleum jelly eases the entrance through the latex. Once completely through the bal-
loon, withdraw the needle to show that it was not a trick balloon. For emphasis prick
the balloon with the needle so that it too explodes.
This is a great attention gainer and can be used to lead into a discussion of the value
of the session topic for gaining new knowledge and skills.

Shock ’Em
Through a variety of techniques, you can startle or shock your audience while gaining
attention and making a key point. Such approaches can often be used to answer, “So
what?” for your participants and to give them a reason to listen further.
Some common techniques include the use of quotes, statistics, role-play, graphic
images, or facts. For example, did you know that the most used letter in written English
is “e” and that “the” is the most commonly used word? 10 What has this got to with this
chapter? you ask. Everything. Just as such information can jump start a presentation, by
providing startling information that many readers did not likely know, I have possibly
informed, piqued interest, and challenged your thinking by using such information. All