….TOT 220Avoiding Temptation to keep clarifying

WEEK 220

Note: The objective of this blog post is to assist those engaged in training others in mediation, with the aim of strengthening their training skills. Earlier posts may be found at totim.law.blog.

Precision, brevity, and clarity are the hallmarks of an effective presentation.
Excessive repetition can dilute the impact of the content delivered.

While clarification is undoubtedly an essential aspect of any presentation—especially in the context of mediation training—trainers should avoid falling into the trap of over-explaining.

To steer clear of this tendency, the following tips may be useful:

Tips for Avoiding Excessive Clarification:

1. Break It Down:
   If a concept seems unclear or may not be fully grasped by all participants, break it down into smaller parts for easier understanding.
2. Use Relatable Examples:
   Offer one or two short, relatable examples to help participants connect with the concept.
3. Pre-Empt Likely Doubts:
   Anticipate possible doubts in participants’ minds. Frame the question yourself, ask it, and then answer it. This technique can save time and avoid derailment.

What Might Happen If You Over-Clarify:

1. Trainers may be tempted to spend too much time clarifying a participant’s question, losing valuable session time and potentially skipping other planned subtopics.
2. The question raised might be irrelevant to the topic being discussed.
3. Sometimes doubts arise simply because a participant wasn’t paying full attention. If the concept has already been explained well, repeating it may not be necessary.
4. Some participants may not have a genuine doubt—they may already know the answer and ask only to test the trainer’s competence.
5. Excessive clarification for one participant may disengage others, leading to a loss of overall group focus.

How to Stay on Track:

1. Make a reasonable assessment of participants’ comprehension levels at the beginning of the session.
2. Ensure your presentation is clear, accessible, and understandable for all.
3. Pre-frame questions within your session—ask and answer them yourself to address common concerns.
4. Keep multiple short stories and examples in your trainer’s toolkit to illustrate concepts more effectively.
5. Inform participants at the beginning that a specific time slot (e.g., the last “10 minutes”) is reserved for Q&A. If a question requires more in-depth discussion, let them know it will be addressed after the session or via phone or email.

Advantages of Managing Clarification Effectively:

• Participants feel heard and satisfied when their questions are addressed appropriately.
• The trainer’s professional credibility is enhanced.
• The presentation remains focused and on schedule.
• Time and content are managed optimally, benefiting all participants.

“ Never try to clarify beyond a reasonable point.” – SLAMW

(All copyrights reserved by the author S.Susheela)