Move and Talk – A Technique

‘Take 15 minutes to walk with a partner outside to discuss this question…’ Those words can be music to learners’ ears when we have been sitting a lot or been in a multi-day event. 

So, why don’t we see this technique used much? Why do we feel we need to stay in the training space and can only use other spaces during breaks and down time? Why do we keep people in their seats so much where we know they are getting tired and distracted?

Consider using the technique: Move and Talk.

Why it May be a Good Idea

• Bodies are meant to move. In many ways, leading more sedentary lives has not served our bodies well. Learning will be helped by finding ways to get up, move and engage with others in the room. We need to get out of our seats more.
• Movement helps the brain. Research into a somatic approach to learning recognizes the body as a source of knowledge and encourages a holistic approach to curriculum and training.
• Change can help learning. Moving to another space or another place in the room or outdoors can be just want a person needs to enter into meaningful dialogue, wonder aloud about an issue of challenge, or come up with an idea of importance.

When to Consider

• At the end of a long day. Walking with someone for 10-15 minutes or sitting somewhere else in the space, can be a helpful way to process and synthesize a training or meeting.
• At the end of an important presentation. Intense listening to a keynote speaker or presenter can be tiring and sometimes attention can wane. Being invited to get up and move to share what you heard with someone else can be just what you need to re-engage and make meaning of the session you are in.
• At the end of a multi-day event. If it was important enough for a group to be together for multiple days, it is important enough to take time at the end to digest, celebrate, and plan next steps. Doing this on your own or with someone else while moving can be a lovely change and in some cases, freeing.
• At the start of a large working or learning session. It is sometimes tough to jump into dialogue or work on command. Solo or pair reflection on an important question or the task at hand can be just what a group needs to ready themselves. 

A Few Tips to Consider

• Set the parameters. As soon as you open the doors of the room you are in, you need to be clear how far people can go. For example, if they only have 10 minutes going outside may not be wise; if they have 30 minutes you may want to encourage them to go somewhere different and comfortable.
• Set the time. Everyone needs to be clear when they are expected to return. Be realistic – factor in time to get where they want to go and return from there. To help increase punctuality, you may wish to use a gentle chime or other noise maker.
• Clarify the task before anyone leaves. Once the group leaves, it will not be possible to offer instructions. So give all the instructions and expectation while they are still with you.
• Clarify if resources are needed. If they need to write something down, they will need a pen and paper. If they need to reflect back on previous learning, they may need their course binder. Equip them before they leave, so they don’t have to spend returning to get supplies.

Movement can help to re-invigorate, re-energize, re-focus, and mix things up. Whether you are facilitating a multi-day event, energy is waning, or everyone needs some sun and fresh air to get the brain juiced up, consider a move’n talk.

*We at GLP prefer not to use the phrase ‘Walk and Talk’ that assumes assumes individuals are able-bodied and that walking is possible. For someone unable to walk outside, just moving to another place in the room can be helpful.