'Productive' Training Props!

Props can really help increase curiosity and engage learners in different ​ways to traditional discussion.

I used this prop during a Mini Masterclass about 'Proactive Management Conversations.'  Can you tell what it is and why I might have used it? 
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It's the top of a fizzy drinks can!  And just how did I use it to promote 'Proactive Management Conversations?'

1. Ask a learner to recap on a frustrating experience 
2. Each time they express a reactive or frustrating view, shake the can (You're building up the bubbles/emotions inside) 
3. Now ask them what would happen if you opened the can there and then.  (Link this to real life - bottling up emotions, unable to form a rational conversation because of frustrations, someone asks you to do something and you snap at them etc.)
4. Ask your learners to consider all the proactive things they could have done in hindsight, that would help alleviate this situation
5. For each viable suggestion, tap the top of the can several times (The tapping, releases the build-up of bubbles/emotions in the can)
6. Maybe add in a few more suggestions that haven't been considered
7. Ask them if all these suggestions had been put in place, how might they have felt about this experience? 
8. Open the can...  (It should open with a normal amount of fizz!)
9. Open a discussion about proactive thoughts, language and behaviour and link to which ever context you are training.
10. (Optional extra... hand out mini drinks cans as a little take away)  

For more curious, creative and credible ideas, check out this link: Curious Trainers' Resources