Page 365 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 09 11/20/02 1:03 PM Page 354
354 The Creative Training Idea Book
really,” then state something such as, “Well then, maybe we should spend our time
more wisely on issues that do occur regularly.” Then quickly proceed or ask others for
input.

Shy Participants

In contrast to the Talkers, you will often encounter the learners who do not want to
respond in front of a large group. Because of personality, or perhaps from a feeling that
they do not know enough or have nothing valuable to contribute, these participants
quietly melt into the group. They are attentive and proactive in capturing information,
just quiet. By being alert for such behavior, you can possibly draw them into the pro-
gram. This offers them a chance to learn and grow and provides additional perspectives
and ideas to other learners. Many technically skilled people have introverted personal-
ities, yet they obviously have much knowledge to share. To get shy learners involved, I
often try one or more of the following strategies.

Tactic 1
Smile, greet them by name, and use open body language to put them, and others, at
ease. You also send a message of being approachable.

Tactic 2

Take time to get to know shy learners at the beginning of the session or during breaks
and introduce them to other participants. If they feel comfortable around others or
know them, chances are they will be less reluctant to interact or talk during the
session.

Tactic 3
I start involving shy participants by asking them several easy closed-ended questions
to which I am sure they have an answer. This is an old sales technique. The idea is that
you ask a series of short-answer questions that elicit positive responses or affirmative
answers, then you ask for the sale. Psychologically, because the person has been talking
for a while and agreeing, he or she often agrees to the sale. After answering several easy
questions, the confidence of shy learners grows, and you then can ask them an open-
ended opinion question (e.g., “How do you think that would work?” or “In what ways
do you see that as being useful?”).

Tactic 4

I often use dyads (two people) and triads (three people) and small groups. Many shy
people feel comfortable speaking in smaller group settings and interactions.