Sheet 61
EXPLANATION, DISCUSSION AND DEBATE
1 Explanation
Explanation refers to the oral method of teaching and imparting new information to staff, and is the method most widely used in OJT. Being widely used, however, does not mean that it is always effective.
Bosses should bear the following points in mind when explaining things to their staff.
・State the purpose behind the explanation
If employees do not understand or identify with the purpose behind the explanation, there is a possibility that they will not listen no matter how well the boss has explained.
・Stick to teaching principles
To make an explanation easy to comprehend, it is important to stick to the following teaching principles.
： Start from basic concepts, and move towards applications.
： Start with easy contents before moving on to more difficult ones.
： Repeat difficult concepts.
： Balance the abstract and concrete in your explanations.
： Provide an initial overview before explaining complicated concepts.
： Do not explain too much at once.
・Confirm that staff have understood the explanation
It is always important to check that staff have understood your explanation. This can be achieved through questioning them or making them repeat what you have said.
・Do not rely solely on oral explanations
When explaining difficult concepts, do not rely only on oral explanations. It is important to use other means of illustrations, such as graphs and charts as well.
・Use other methods to teach skills and techniques
In terms of skills and techniques, staff may not be said to have fully learnt these until they have gained practical hands-on experience. Besides oral explanations, it is important for managers to demonstrate and emphasize hands-on practice by their staff.
・Adopt a style suitable for the employee's ability and needs
While it may be necessary to teach in more detail to an employee who is less capable, using the same method of explanation for a highly capable veteran member of staff may have an adverse effect. It is important to consider the ability, motivation, personality, age, etc., of staff, and adopt the style of explanation accordingly.
