1. Listed below are the elements of an effective get of instructions:
- Tell participants that you will be giving them detailed instructions.
- Ask them to wait to begin until you are finished.
- Give an overview of the task/activity: purpose; how it relates to other information; what they will get out of participating; etc.
- Cover the following details: (put these in writing either on newsprint or on a handout)
- specific task to be accomplished
- materials needed (have ready to hand out quickly or have them already set-up at work sites)
- time line
- locations for groups/individuals
- how they will be divided into groups
- what they will need to do after the end of the task
- group leader (if needed)
- give an example, if needed
- expectations for level of participation
- Ask for any questions
- Divide into groups and direct to work areas
2. Methods for getting participants into different groupings:
- find someone with the same:
- home state / town
- color of clothing on (socks, shirt, underwear, etc.)
- number of rings on
- size right thumb
- color of car
- number of siblings/birth order
- number of children
- stress releasing strategy
- kind of belly button: an "inny or an outy"
- find someone with different
- size shoe
- hopping foot
- color on
- favorite vacation spot
3. Helpful hints
- Write out all details of instructions and highlight key words: use notes in workshop
- Practice giving instructions AND doing the activity before you present
- Have someone who doesn't know about the activity read / listen to instructions
Kathy Obear is a diversity trainer and consultant based in Amherst, Massachusetts (413) 283-2503.
Copyright © 1991 Kathy Obear. Permission is granted to copy and use this material for educational and non-profit purposes only. This copyright statement and acknowledgement of authorship should remain intact on materials you copy from this website.