Presentation Key #53
Don't Be Afraid of the Pause
After asking a question of your audience, allow time for them to
formulate a response. Some learners will be able to answer right
away; others will need time.
The purpose of an open-ended question is to get a thoughtful
answer.
Give 'em time.
Allowing time for an answer also allows you to catch your
breath, take a sip of coffee, flip your chart page, etc.
People monitoring your class may not see the benefit of the
pause. Stick to your guns and watch the benefits.

Presentation Key #54
Build Group Participation

The role of the trainer often involves promoting group involvement.  

Here is the first of five tools trainers use to bring out participant responses.

One-liner- this tool provides immediate feedback using a statement like: “You’ve been listening for 30 minutes and I appreciate your patience.  Before we move on, let’s have comments from anyone who wants to speak and let’s limit the comment to one sentence.”  It is important to directly address the individual, either by name or by eye contact.  

I try to move into the audience and approach the group members individually.  I will ask each participant, if time and audience size allows, the same question.  “In one sentence, tell me one thing you have seen or heard which has caused you to think differently.”  I allow each person time to think and phrase and answer.  Be careful to acknowledge each answer fully and repeat if the group could not hear.

I use this tool to get comment from participants who have been slow to comment or have a soft-spoken demeanor.  This tool can also be used in conjunction with a reward system and I reward each one-liner response.