Hey there, fellow first aid and wellbeing trainers!
Let’s talk about something that’s often overlooked but incredibly powerful in our training sessions: the art of casual and conversational questioning. We all know that engaging our participants is key to effective learning, but how do we strike the balance between keeping it light and ensuring everyone’s on the same page? Well, let’s dive in!
The Power of Casual Questions
Casual questioning is like the secret sauce of interactive training sessions. It encourages participation, sparks discussion, and helps gauge the group’s understanding. Plus, it keeps things interesting and prevents the dreaded “death by PowerPoint” scenario. Win-win!
Avoiding Ambiguity and Pitfalls
Now, here’s where things get tricky. While casual questioning is fantastic, it’s essential to steer clear of pitfalls like ambiguity and left-field questions. Asking ambiguous questions can leave participants scratching their heads, unsure of what you’re really getting at. And let’s face it, nobody likes feeling lost in the midst of a training session.
Similarly, throwing out left-field questions can derail the flow of the conversation and make people hesitant to participate further. After all, who wants to risk being caught off guard with a question they don’t have the answer to?
The Reframe and Reask Technique
So, how do we navigate these pitfalls? The key is in the art of reframing and reasking questions. If you notice that a question isn’t landing as intended or if participants seem confused, take a step back and rephrase it in a clearer, more straightforward manner. This gives everyone a chance to regroup and ensures that the conversation stays on track.
Recognising When Questions Aren’t Working
Lastly, it’s crucial to be attuned to signs that your questions might not be hitting the mark. Are participants avoiding eye contact? Is there an awkward silence after you ask a question? These are red flags that it might be time to pivot and try a different approach. Remember, it’s not about having all the answers; it’s about fostering an environment where everyone feels comfortable contributing.
So, there you have it – the ins and outs of mastering conversational questioning in your first aid and wellbeing training sessions. Keep it casual, keep it engaging, and above all, keep the conversation flowing!
Written by Adam Craddock-Wright
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