Wait 5 Seconds

image taken from here 

Count to 5
Ask a question, pause, then count 1, count 2, count 3, count 4 and then count 5.  Now answer the question.  The silence created by the counting will push the students to answer  - it's highly likely someone will say something relevant by count 4.  

If no one answers, ask again.  Rephrase if needed.  

This time the silence will be more pronounced and it's highly likely someone will think of something relevant.  Not absolutely every time, but in the vast majority of times the question will now be answered.

Benefits:

1. students are expected to think, the learning becomes active rather than passive
2. the class becomes more interactive/ interesting 

3. the emphasis moves away from the trainer and towards the students

4. the trainer has the opportunity to check the students understanding through listening to their answer/s
4a. and can expand depth of knowledge through expanding an answer that gives a different viewpoint, touches on another area or is a mis-understanding

Practice:

1. become accustomed to that 5 seconds of silence and comfortable in its presence

2. listen to the sound of your own voice - be aware of and respond to what comes out of your mouth.  Notice when you ask a question, then fall silent

3. count after you ask questions in normal situations; at meal times, at meetings, when out with friends.  ask, then count 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

4. each time you ask a question during a training event, check you count to 5 until it becomes natural to wait for the student's answers.