Many times trainers get difficult participants or situations in their sessions. Such situations are explained here with solutions.
The group remains silent: It means that they may have a good reason. Perhaps the covering material is already presented or don't understand what's being presented, or perhaps the presentation method needs to be revised. Change accordingly.
Things are moving too fast: Sometimes the group becomes suddenly enthusiastic. In such situations the trainer can ask for greater clarification of response, ask other participants to comment on the response or simply pose more difficult questions to the individuals or the group.
Things are moving too slowly: It's possible that the group isn't motivated to listen to the presentation. There are other reasons as well, but the same solutions apply. Ask for participant's comments by nominating people to reply.
A talkative participant: One or two talkative participants can distract the rest of the group, then the trainer need to step in. Before that, try to use their peers to quiet them down. If that fails, one can cut the speaker off and summarize what they have said and then move straight on. If nothing else works, talk to them during a break, thank them for their input, but ask them to slow down a bit so that others may participate.
A silent participant: Ask them some direct questions. Step cautiously to start with, by asking questions that can be answered fairly easily.
Sessions getting sidetracked: Sometimes a discussion starts in right direction but finishes up in the wrong place. The trainer must get it back on line and ask the group if this is relevant to the topic.
Personality Problems
Between participants: Personality problems can distract everyone. If arguments start between participants, they must be quickly stopped by asking others comments on the issue. Try to keep the personalities separated. If necessary speak to them during break and if the problem continues, ask them to keep their comments to themselves, or ask both of them to leave.
Trainer and participant: Occasionally, the trainer will find personality clash with participants. The professional trainer must ignore this and continue treating that participant in a normal manner. Avoid letting the group see the problem.
The rambler: Some participants just ramble on, and on, and on. When they pause, it's possible to ask them which point their comments are referring to, particularly if they have an outline of the session.
The arguer: The participant who argues might also have to be placed in a blind spot. Most of the times the group will ask the arguer to keep quiet, so that the session can move on.
Participants