How we change what others think, feel, believe and do |
Delaying
Techniques > Conditioning > Prevention > Delaying Description | Example | Discussion | See also
DescriptionWhen a subject is performing an unwanted action at any time, a way to prevent this is to insert a delay into the proceedings. Rather than try to stop them doing what they are doing, just wait until a better time or take some action that will improve the situation for you. Assess the cause of the problem in order to decide on the best length of delay. Some situations you may want to consider include:
Delaying is also good when you are feeling irritated or annoyed in some way. When you are emotionally aroused, your decisions are less likely to be reasonable or wise. ExampleA dog snatches at food offer to it. The owner quickly pulls the food away and holds a finger up in front of the dog. After a few seconds, it offers the food again. The dog now moves more tentatively to take the food. A child loudly demands chocolate when it is out with its parents. Its mother tells the child that it will not get any chocolate when it speaks like that. Further demands are then ignored. When the child has calmed down and is no longer demanding chocolate, the parent offers the child a small piece. DiscussionYour subject is not always ready to learn when you are ready to teach. Sometimes it is better to put things off until they are in the right frame of mind. If you can be flexible when you teach, you can catch them in 'teachable moments' and save both of you a lot of time, hassle and energy. Sometimes subjects are just too keen, either wanting to please you or want to get to their reward. In either case, they are focusing on something other than the cues and actions. Inserting a pause puts you in charge, letting you dictate when who does what. A delay creates a 'reset', giving time for emotions to calm and for everyone to collect their thoughts. It gives the ability to forget and forgive mistakes and so move on. See alsoDisruption, Delay, Using Pauses, Short Pauses, Pausing
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Site Menu |
| Home | Top | Quick Links | Settings | |
Main sections: | Disciplines | Techniques | Principles | Explanations | Theories | |
Other sections: | Blog! | Quotes | Guest articles | Analysis | Books | Help | |
More pages: | Contact | Caveat | About | Students | Webmasters | Awards | Guestbook | Feedback | Sitemap | Changes | |
Settings: | Computer layout | Mobile layout | Small font | Medium font | Large font | Translate | |
| Home | Top | Menu | Quick Links | |
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