WAYS TO ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION

As a trainer not only are you giving verbal messages, your behaviour, manner of speech and body language also send messages. We can do this unwearyingly but you can send out a strong message and its impact can be profound on your participants.

NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION

Actions speak louder than words. Making use of the following non verbal communication techniques can ensure a positive response from the participants:

• Eye Contact:
• Posture:
• Body Movement:
• Smile:

VERBAL COMMUNICATION

How things are said and what is said can either make or break the connection you make with your participants. Be aware of the difference between your objective and your listeners perception of what is said. Try out the following suggestions:

Praise or Encourage

Use simple, but powerful words of encouragement to urge the participant to continue:

• “I am glad you brought that up …”
• “Tell me more …”
• “okay, lets build on what you have said …”
• “I would like to hear your thoughts about …”

Accept or Use Ideas

Clarify, build on and further develop ideas suggested by another participant:

• “to piggyback on your point, John …”
• “as Sarah mentioned earlier …”

Accept Feelings

Use statements that communicate acceptance and clarification of feelings:

• “I know its hard to maintain a positive outlook when you are at risk of being a downsizing casualty”
• “I can imagine that you feel …”