How to Deal with Difficult Participants

Some might say that having difficult participants is just a perspective. While that may be true, there are certain individuals who are tough to anticipate or prepare for. This can sometimes hamper the flow of your workshop or presentation. But keep this in mind, it means that there are people who are willing to engage in your workshop which is always a good thing. They are also looking for guidance, and might always not know the correct way to ask for it. You will have to work around those aspersions and get through to them, probably be a bit more patient with them than with the rest of them.
1. Don’t Give Them Any Ammunition
Design your training to circumvent or anticipate any objections. In other words, don’t provide potentially disruptive participants with any ammunition. Says Shaun, a seasoned trainer:

2. De-escalate the Situation
Call for a break, speak to them in private. There’s no need to give others a chance to get involved, let alone take sides. Once you’re talking to the “offenders” in private, ask something along the lines of “My impression was that you didn’t enjoy the session. What’s wrong with it, how can I improve it?”

In other words, try not to escalate things, approach them with an open mind.

#Coach Training
#participants
#Group’s Dynamics
#difficult Participants
#Straw Man