Trainers Warehouse, specialists in developing innovative tools that make learning and retention more effective, suggests that businesses and organizations of all kinds could facilitate more productive meetings by putting these tools and theories to work in their boardroom as well as the classroom.

 

For managers and meeting facilitators who aren't naturally funny, Trainers Warehouse has introduced a series of tools that help groups reduce stress and encourage laughter, to help them manage stress. "Both can be relieved quite easily," said Landay.

 

Laughter reduces at least four of the neuroendocrine hormones (epinephrine, corisol, dopac, and growth hormone) associated with stress response, according to Paul E. McGhee, founder of LaughterRemedy.com and author of Health, Healing and the Amuse System. "Beyond simply reducing stress in meetings, laughter has also been shown to induce more free flowing communication, reduce defensiveness, and create a climate of playful, unconventional problem-solving, thereby allowing groups to progress more rapidly through their decision making processes"[1], McGhee states.  

 

"This does not suggest that every meeting requires a comedian or "Corp Jester" in order to be successful," said Landay.

 

Trainers Warehouse's stress tools (a variety of shapes and styles from $2.70 to $5.75 each) are one of the most popular and inexpensive ways to ease tension. Aside from allowing users to relieve stress physically, the toys' playful nature sends a relaxing subliminal message. In meetings or training sessions, pass a stress toy to participants and ask them to share an observation, a question, a new idea, or something they've learned or plan to implement. 

 

Fidgeting and fiddling have also been proven to help kinesthetic learners (those who learn by doing) and others focus more clearly on difficult subjects. Although they look like toys, fiddles (a variety of shapes and styles from $1.50 to $6.50 each) are tools for serious business.  

 

Another effective way to alleviate stress among people is to make it easier for participants to talk to one another, whether they're meeting each other for the first time or just broaching a difficult topic.

 

For those who want to kick off a meeting by signaling a stress-free, creative, we-value-your-opinion environment, use metaphoric props or "treasures." These products help tease out individuals' thoughts and stimulate conversation, creating opportunities for listening to others' opinions, rather than challenging them.  Furthermore, the more colorful and creative the assortment of items, the more creative thinking becomes.

 

The 30 evocative items found in the Trainers Warehouse Treasure Chest (#GAFATR, $39.95) allow people to metaphorically discuss an aspect of their personality, an interest, idea, concern, challenge, or worry, and stimulate an individual's and group's thinking.

 

Game shows, such as Whaddaya Know? (#GAWDYKS, large, $399.00) and Game Show Pro Deluxe (#GAGA4, $895.00), are energizing tools that can transition from corporate training rooms to boardrooms and meeting rooms. Game shows are used by management groups and marketing teams as a way to introduce or reinforce important content. The combination of friendly competition and challenge fosters a stress-free learning environment in which players are motivated to learn (and win).

 

"If managers can be assured that meetings are an effective way to share information, enhance communication, and build teams, they will be more comfortable when they consider the cost implications of every meeting," said Landay.

 

Trainers Warehouse offers the most diverse product mix for effective meetings and training across all industries. In addition to searching the globe for the most effective products, Trainers Warehouse also designs and produces its own products based upon trainers' comments.

 

To order stress toys, fiddles, treasures, game shows, and other Trainers Warehouse products that motivate participation and creativity, or to request a catalog, visit www.TRAINERSwarehouse.com or call 800-299-3770.