This blog is written on the basis of a video lecture hosted by Ms Nandita Sanker. A Delhi University Graduate, she has an Advanced Strategic Management Qualification from IIM Indore. She started her career with Global Advertising Agencies like Saatchi and Saatchi and RK Swamy BBDO in the creative function, extremely successful she grew quickly into the role of a creative director. Her interest in Training caused a mid-career switch to Learning and Development which has been her forte for the last 20 years. A global Trainer and Consultant she traverses the globe conducting training and Organizational Development interventions in countries like Egypt , Jordan , Australia , Indonesia and India. She has worked with over a 1000 organizations conducting open workshops and In-company interventions.

This blog is co-authored by Ms Nyaya Praharsha, Masters Graduate in the field of Mass Communications and Media Studies from MCC, Chennai. With extensive experience in media, both written and spoken, she has developed the skills required for content creation.

Every trainer, tutor and teacher have always come across different types of participants or students. We’ve broken down all the different types of participants trainers encounter and made a list of 3 major types. This blog speaks of the 3 different types of problem participants that trainers encounter in their sessions and also gives tips on how to handle these types of participants,

Type 1: The WASPS:

W: Willing

A: Active

S: Smart

P: Persistent

S: Show offs

This particular type of participants are not necessarily negative. They are extremely enthusiastic participants who are hyper active in classes. They know all the answers and do not hesitate in showing it off.

This active, extroverted nature could hinder the learning process of a few participants who aren’t all that quick or active.

Tips to Handle WASPS: You don’t want to shut them down completely. Sometimes this enthusiasm even boosts your spirits to teach. But there are times you want them to tone down a little. These tips are useful for those times.

1.     Give them recognition

2.     Look and smile at them.

3.     Incorporate their ideas in your summaries

4.     Tactfully interrupt

5.     And if it does not stop, avoid eye contact.

6.     Make sure that your body language shows them that they need to tone down a little but not in a way to discourage them completely.

 

 

Type 2: The SLUGS:

S: Slow

L: Lethargic

U: Uninspired

G: Gloomy

S: Sad

These types of participants are usually very disinterested in the happenings around them. They seem absent minded and just not present in the moment. They pay no attention to what the trainer is saying. They don’t bother involving themselves in the activities either. They usually bring down the energy in the other participants and also sometimes the trainer. And for this reason, these types of participants and their behavior must be acknowledged and stopped.

Tips to Handle SLUGS: No matter how old your audience and how mature they are, it is up to the trainer to keep up the pace in any session. Handling this type of participants and not letting the energy levels of the class slip down is one of their responsibilities as well.

1.     Encourage involvement

2.     Ask them simple questions

3.     Maintain extra eye contact

4.     Talk to them privately and see if there is a personal issue hindering their attention levels.

5.     Team them up with a WASP.

Type 3: The TOADS:

T: Turned off

O: Obstinate

A: Aggressive

😧 Demanding

S: Smart-Alec

This is the type of participant that no trainer would want to have in their classes. They constantly have an attitude that makes the host lose grip over what has be taught. These are also the participants that need to be shut down quickly so that the entire session is not disrupted or lost.

Tips to Handle TOADS: It is important to know how to tactfully yet sharply control your participants solely because they are all professionals and definitely experienced. But it is necessary for the trainer to maintain control over his classes and participants.

1.     Remember to take the remarks and attitude of TOADS professionally rather than personally.

2.     Speak with them one-on-one with them and try to understand the root cause of their behavior

3.     Acknowledge their concern.

Keep these types of participants and tips to handle them in mind the next time you take a session. That way you as a trainer will have control over your sessions and it will flow more smoothly.