There are many ways to teach or train someone or a group of people and many of them can be learnt on our Train the Trainer training course. One of the methods most commonly used is that of the group or class discussion. This could mean that you set an open forum at the centre of the classroom so that everyone can offer questions and opinions or you could have divided the class into smaller groups so that they can discuss it amongst themselves.
Either way this technique can be very effective at helping to involve people and give others a chance to get involved who otherwise would not have. One of the main theories behind having a class discuss an issue or project is that people will learn more if they are more involved and feel that they have come to the correct conclusion on their own. This not only helps people to understand what you are talking about but also it helps to generate enthusiasm.
However there are some drawbacks. For one it can take a long time to describe what you want to happen and to then set it up, especially if you have chosen to split the class up into smaller groups. The process itself is also time consuming, as it might take a while for people to come to the right conclusions and although this can be sped up by giving them assistance it can still sometimes take a while.
With discussions it can also be difficult to monitor and maintain order, as it is easy for people to get distracted when left to their own devices. So when you do set up a discussion group keep an eye out that they are keeping their eyes on the ball. It is also worth noting that a few people can often dominate the discussion alienating others who might wish to be more involved and causing the debate or discussion to become very one sided. It is your job as the trainer or teacher to try and maintain the balance in a discussion and try to involve as many people as you can.
Discussions can be a powerful tool to train with, however in order for them to be so you must make sure that they are done correctly.
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Posted by Heather Buckley in Train the Trainer Training on May 1st, 2009 | No Comments »
We cover a range of techniques for improving your assertiveness on our 2-day Assertiveness Skills course in Brighton, Sussex. Here are our top tips for being more assertive.
Practice Speaking up when you have an idea or opinion
This is one of the most important assertiveness skills and gets easier the more you do it. Once you overcome any anxiety about speaking up you will feel better about yourself, your relationships should improve. If you are used to keeping your opinions to yourself even when it is important to you learning to speak up can be quite liberating.
Practice Standing up for your opinions and stick to them
When you know that asserting yourself may cause conflict it is more difficult to do, but it is important to remember that your opinions are as valid as anyone else’s, even if they tend to be louder then you. Don’t be afraid to say what you think, what is the worst that can happen? In the long term it can be more distressing to harbour resentment from not expressing yourself than facing the conflict involved with showing your true feelings. That does not mean that you have to be rigid, you can change your mind, but not out of fear of what others might think or say. You will gain respect from others standing firm when it matters.
Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want
People who are not assertive by nature find it hard to ask of others, however if you simply ask reasonable requests of others you may be surprised how willing others can be to help. Practice asking people for little things and don’t feel bad about asking.
Practice saying no
It’s OK to say no to things you don’t want to do. If something makes you uncomfortable or you haven’t got the time or if someone makes you feel overwhelmed it is reasonable to say “I’m sorry but I can’t”. You can still help others when you have the time or when you want to, but if you can’t you don’t have to feel guilty or obliged.
Learn to accept compliments
Say thank you when someone compliments you, don’t feel embarrassed. You don’t have to start blowing your own trumpet, just smile and accept.
Learn to accept constructive criticism
Nobody is perfect, don’t take it to heart when someone gives you feedback that is not positive. Learn from them, say “yes I see, thank you”. If on the other hand someone is really insulting you unecessarily you would need to stand up and say I don’t think that is appropriate/true, I don’t like being spoken to like that.Learn to tell the difference. It is OK to be wrong sometimes.
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Posted by Heather Buckley in Assertiveness Training on February 20th, 2007 | No Comments »
