I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide range of young people. In my experience, there’s some things that anyone stepping into a room to deliver a session should think about when it becomes to managing the behaviour of the room. Running the room isn’t easy. But hopefully these help!
Number One: It’s What You Do, Not What You Say
Remember, actions speak louder than words. An empty threat is simply a lie, and liars never prosper. So, don’t make the mistake of talking big to participants and then acting small. What you do is what it’s all about, not what you say. If you promise consequences or rewards, be sure to follow through consistently. Consistency is key to building trust and respect.
Number Two: Keep Your Body Language In Check
Did you know that 80% of our communication is non-verbal? If you fidget with your fingers, play with your hair and look down at your shoes while delivering instructions, do you think that is going to leave your participants feeling confident in your ability to run the room? Your body language tells people so much. Stand tall, shoulders back, make eye contact, and let your presence speak before you do.
Number Three: Talk Like You Expect to Be Heard
First of all… screaming at children should almost never be necessary, except when they genuinely can’t hear you. in all other situations, Keep your voice just above conversational level, and be clear about what you’re trying to say. Your words carry authority. If you rush your words or speak in too quietly, participants will struggle to understand you which will leave them confused and you frustrated. So do not rush, let some silence fill the space between your sentences; it gives your words weight and frames them with authority.
Number Four: Think About How You Move
We’ve already mentioned how your body is speaking before you do, so pay attention to what it’s saying when you move. When you address your students, face them, stand still, and speak to them directly. Avoid pacing around nervously or avoiding eye contact. Plant your feet in the ground, keep your head high. Confident body language conveys control and a sense of calm, even if you’re screaming on the inside. A calm leader creates a calm class.
Number Five: It’s Your Room
Set boundaries, because you’re the one running the room. Make it clear to your young people that you’re running the space night now. Since You’re the leader in the room. Rearrange the furniture if you need to, change the layout, and make the space work for you. Own the room. That boundary setting includes setting expectations from everybody. When the participants sense that it’s your room, they’ll follow your lead.
Number Six: Don’t Let Your Head Fall Off
Keep your cool. The best way to show you’re leading the room is to lead yourself. You should avoid losing your temper or raising your voice unnecessarily. Students will look to you as an example, so if you remain calm and composed, they’ll mirror that energy. When things start to escalate, take a deep breath, slow down, and respond thoughtfully. There are consequences to shouting at a group when you’re angry. It can make the group feel uncomfortable, unwelcome and unsafe. There is often a much better way.
Number Seven: Speak How You Would Want to Be Spoken To
Nobody wants to feel disrespected. If you speak to someone like they’re beneath you, that’s all they’ll hear—‘I’m important, and you’re not.’ This sets up a divide between you and the students. At the other extreme, if you’re too soft, students might not listen to you. The trick is to strike a balance. be assertive, clear, and respectful in how you speak. Let them know you’re there to run the room, which means that you’re there to guide, but not to dominate.