Page 364 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 09 11/20/02 1:03 PM Page 353
Keeping the Communication Flowing 353
I generally reserve the use of this tactic for learners who have been an ongoing nui-
sance, and after I have tried other strategies with little success. In this manner, I do not
unduly embarrass anyone. By the time I use this third approach, other participants have
started to show nonverbal displeasure with this person for his or her behavior.

Tactic 4
When all else fails, you may need either to call a break or take the talker aside during a
scheduled break. When you do so, be polite and tactful, but firm. Inform the learner
that he is creating a diversion and try to determine if anything is wrong. Often a talker
is just friendly and not aware of creating a distraction. Other possibilities are that he did
not want to attend the session voluntarily or is not feeling challenged by the strategies
and techniques you are using. He may also feel that he already knows what is being cov-
ered and is bored. The first possibility might need to be handled by asking the person
to leave and the second by soliciting suggestions for making the material more mean-
ingful to them.
Non-Stop Talkers

The second type of Talker includes participants who start talking in front of the group
and do not want to quit. These learners are sometimes difficult to control because they
either enjoy being the center of attention or simply have poor communication skills and
tend to ramble. Whatever the cause, such a participant can distract and ultimately annoy
others. If you do not control these talkers, you very likely will get off schedule and have
trouble covering planned content. There are a variety of ways to address this second type
of Talker.

Tactic 1
Once it becomes obvious that a participant likes to talk, use tactful interruptions to
regain control. For example, while the participant is talking, politely interrupt and say
something such as, “That’s an interesting point you just made. Let me stop you and get
input from some others.” Then, quickly call on another learner. If the talker seems to
need other ideas or perspectives related to an issue being faced, you can offer to discuss
during breaks.
Tactic 2
If the Talker tends to get off on tangents, especially by going off the original topic,
interrupt with, “That sounds like it is important, however, we need to stay on topic. Can
you and I discuss your point further at break?” Then quickly start talking or call on
someone else.

Tactic 3
Use closed-ended questions to gain control of the conversation, then quickly ask some-
one else for input. For example, ask the Talker, “Does that happen often?” If he or she
says yes, then quickly ask others for suggestions to offer the Talker. If he or she says, “Not