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With a little practice, you will be able to gauge when your group needs a break
from training. If you have set up an agenda that includes breaks, people will expect
you to release them on time, so be sure to stick to what you have said. With some
experience, you can read other times that people may start to fade.
If people are getting sleepy (a significant danger in the post lunch period when
serotonin levels naturally fall and people are sometimes tempted to nap), introduce a quick stretch
break or short energizer. Another technique is to ensure that there is plenty of cold water available in
the room so that people feel well hydrated.
As adults, we sometimes expect that our participants will make it back from breaks on time and with
enthusiasm. That’s not the case, however, and so some pre-planning from you will help get people back
on time so that training is not disrupted. Some methods to keep in mind:
Music
Question and answer or trivia game
Have a volunteer bring people back in
Blink the lights off and on
Offer a great tip or two just as the break ends
Synchronize watches at the first break and then use odd times to bring them back (like 9:17)