Briefing & Debriefing skills:

'Bums on a rugby post'

How? What? Where? When? Who? Why?

If a question is begun with one of the words above then it is nearly impossible to ask a 'closed question'. In addition to this, if you use these words as a frame work to your briefing then your students will be rarely left with unanswered questions about the activities/plan ahead.

E.G. Once you have completed your initial briefing - ask individual students questions to confirm understanding of the brief; such as 'How are we going to approach the berth?' (Powerboating/PWC) 'What sailing area are we using?' (Windsurfing/Sailing) or 'When will you launch the spinnaker?' (Dinghy sailing) or 'Who is skippering the boat for this session?' Powerboating' or 'Why are we using the 'steer then gear' technique? (Powerboating)

'Praise Burger' (also know by some as the 'sh*t sandwich')

Positive - Contructive criticism - Positive

Always start a debrief with the positives of the activity or session. If you don't, you run the risk of losing any chance to give your students effective imput as it is human nature to 'shut-off'/ become defensive if someone is giving them negative feedback. Once you have done this, give them some constructive criticism I suggest no more than 3 points as most people won't be able to take any more on board. End your debrief with some more positives to build your student back up and finish on a high.

The '3 P's' on questioning

Pose, Pause, Pounce

This is a clever questioning technique and should be used with care, but it can be useful for gently co-ersing information from someone that you want to get more involved in a group discussion.

E.G. we want 'John' to answer this question. 1) Pose the question i.e. "What do you think is the best way of approaching this berth?" 2) Pause (not for too long otherwise someone else may answer or you will make the student feel awkward) 3) Pounce - encourage a response from 'John'. This may just take eye contact or perhaps leading 'John' into the correct answer. (Imput from I.Hayes - Absolute Aqua Ltd)

'K.I.S.S.'

Keep It Sweet & Simple - If you can follow this golden rule when briefing or debriefing then you will find that your words are more constructive and memorable. The clue is in the title 'brief' - by using key words and bullet points your student will go away from the brief/debrief knowing and understanding exactly what is required from him/her.

Key points for an effective debrief:-

Complete it as soon as possible after the task. Be positive, good natured & helpful. Weaknesses:- Be direct & honest (constructive criticism). Avoid any 'edge'. Tell your student how to improve. Get feedback from your student/s. Emphasise the good points. Remember PRAISE = PERFORMANCE.