Demonstrate the Value of Volunteering
September 1, 2011 • By Bob Pike and Dave Arch
Shy people can gain through participating, but may fear being put on the spot. Here's one way to minimize this fear. At the very beginning of your class, demonstrate that with risk goes reward and that it's always a good thing
to volunteer. Here's a technique that successfully communicates this notion.
Ask for a volunteer from each small group, indicating that after they've volunteered by standing up, you'll tell them what they have volunteered for. Remind them that with risk goes reward. Once a person is standing at each table, ask each volunteer to gently put his or her hand on the shoulder of the person to hir or her left or right. Once they've done that, say, "Great! Your job is done! You've identified our first small-group leaders!" This comment generally brings laughter.
Then say, "Group leaders, your job is easy. I want you to pick someone in your group, other than the person who got you into this (which generally brings more laughter), to be your assistant." After they've done this, say, "Great! Now, group leaders, your job is to come to the front of the room and pick up enough materials for everyone at your table. Assistant group leaders, your job is to record your group members' answers to this question and post each one on a sticky note on this flip chart."
What people soon realize is that it's safe to volunteer. The class is going to be fun. No one is going to be put on the spot or embarrassed in any way. Finally, they'll discover that the more they volunteer, the more they'll learn!
Adapted from Dealing with Difficult Participants by Bob Pike, CSP, and Dave Arch. Used with permission.
