In DW, how do you help players who freeze up when you ask them a question? How do you handle this?
In DW, how do you help players who freeze up when you ask them a question? How do you handle this?
In DW, how do you help players who freeze up when you ask them a question? How do you handle this?
Ask them the question, but tell them to think about it for a moment. Jump straight to somebody else. Return to them when they look ready.
Before taking a bio-break ask everyone a question.
Ask them the question, but tell them to think about it for a moment. Jump straight to somebody else. Return to them when they look ready.
Before taking a bio-break ask everyone a question.
That’s a little vague. In general, I’d try to help the player through the process of participation. For starters, I’d try asking smaller or more focused questions. As an example, instead of asking “What are dwarves like in this world?” I would ask a narrower question like “Do dwarven women have beards in this world?” or “Do any dwarves live in this village?”. An introverted player may get overwhelmed if forced to tackle a lot in just a single question.
You could also minimize the glare of the spotlight by asking the introverted player to follow up on someone else’s answer(s). Letting another player take the lead may make the introvert feel more comfortable. For example, instead of asking the introvert what is the BBEG nearby, ask another player that question and then follow up with the introvert to find out a more specific detail. That might look like, “Okay, Bob, the arch-necromancer Blacklock is the BBEG. Introvert, have you ever wrangled with Blacklock before?”
Yes/no questions (as opposed to requests for exposition) may also help the introvert loosen up.
That’s a little vague. In general, I’d try to help the player through the process of participation. For starters, I’d try asking smaller or more focused questions. As an example, instead of asking “What are dwarves like in this world?” I would ask a narrower question like “Do dwarven women have beards in this world?” or “Do any dwarves live in this village?”. An introverted player may get overwhelmed if forced to tackle a lot in just a single question.
You could also minimize the glare of the spotlight by asking the introverted player to follow up on someone else’s answer(s). Letting another player take the lead may make the introvert feel more comfortable. For example, instead of asking the introvert what is the BBEG nearby, ask another player that question and then follow up with the introvert to find out a more specific detail. That might look like, “Okay, Bob, the arch-necromancer Blacklock is the BBEG. Introvert, have you ever wrangled with Blacklock before?”
Yes/no questions (as opposed to requests for exposition) may also help the introvert loosen up.
If they’re really stumped or having a rough day: Ask if they’d like to name a champion (another player) to answer in their place.
If they’re really stumped or having a rough day: Ask if they’d like to name a champion (another player) to answer in their place.
Time is really useful for people. The first suggestion of bouncing to someone else is great. I will ask them a question and give them a moment. If they don’t have an answer I will ask if they need a moment. Then I’ll bounce to someone else. I like asking so that it shows there’s a space for saying “I need a second” and a space for not having an answer right away.
Time is really useful for people. The first suggestion of bouncing to someone else is great. I will ask them a question and give them a moment. If they don’t have an answer I will ask if they need a moment. Then I’ll bounce to someone else. I like asking so that it shows there’s a space for saying “I need a second” and a space for not having an answer right away.
I just open it up to the table then ask the player in question if the suggestion is right or not.
I just open it up to the table then ask the player in question if the suggestion is right or not.
There’s a RP-heavy group therapy technique called Psychodrama, where it’s very common to have anxious participants (as the content is anxiety-provoking by design). There, the advice is to give the anxious person sorting time, but also not to ask them questions. (This increases anxiety.) If you need information from them, instruct them to tell you.
e.g. “Tell me your character’s last argument.”
It might seem like a minor difference, but it conveys certainty and resolve, which can be comforting to someone feeling anxious about ‘doing it right’. Also, it dodges the format of quizzes and tests – it presumes the person knows the answer and they merely need to say it, rather than being an invitation to think carefully and provide their best/correct answer.
There’s a RP-heavy group therapy technique called Psychodrama, where it’s very common to have anxious participants (as the content is anxiety-provoking by design). There, the advice is to give the anxious person sorting time, but also not to ask them questions. (This increases anxiety.) If you need information from them, instruct them to tell you.
e.g. “Tell me your character’s last argument.”
It might seem like a minor difference, but it conveys certainty and resolve, which can be comforting to someone feeling anxious about ‘doing it right’. Also, it dodges the format of quizzes and tests – it presumes the person knows the answer and they merely need to say it, rather than being an invitation to think carefully and provide their best/correct answer.
You can help coach them a bit by asking more specific questions or a series of questions. “What do you do?” can be intimidating. If they aren’t sure give them a few options and then ask some follow-ups to help them clarify. Example: Do you want to interact with that guy, or steer clear … did you want to sneak by or did you have something else in mind … sure you can try to create a distraction! Eventually “What do you do?” is all you ‘ll need.
Improvisation (which is basically what DW encourages) is a learned skill and requires practice. The GM and experienced players should help foster this skill in new players and eventually they’ll get the grove.
Also, low pressure is important for beginners at this kind of thing. If a player doesn’t have an answer don’t linger on them too long (this makes it worse!) get back to them in a moment or let them know they can jump in at any time.
You can help coach them a bit by asking more specific questions or a series of questions. “What do you do?” can be intimidating. If they aren’t sure give them a few options and then ask some follow-ups to help them clarify. Example: Do you want to interact with that guy, or steer clear … did you want to sneak by or did you have something else in mind … sure you can try to create a distraction! Eventually “What do you do?” is all you ‘ll need.
Improvisation (which is basically what DW encourages) is a learned skill and requires practice. The GM and experienced players should help foster this skill in new players and eventually they’ll get the grove.
Also, low pressure is important for beginners at this kind of thing. If a player doesn’t have an answer don’t linger on them too long (this makes it worse!) get back to them in a moment or let them know they can jump in at any time.