Tips & Tricks for Communicating in High-Stress Gaming Scenarios
DECEMBER 4TH, 2024
Define Problems Clearly through Active Questioning. Outline key issues and pose targeted questions to identify problems. This strategy fosters diverse perspectives and deeper insights. Remember: a well-defined problem is half-solved (Adair, 2010, p. 59).
Practice Strategic Listening. Apply reflective listening to ensure understanding and focus during discussions, particularly when agreements fail. In doing so, clarity is enhanced, and conversation is kept on track (Ryan, 2014, p. 79-80).
Focus on Shared Interests. Emphasize common goals to cultivate collaboration over competition. Shared objectives lead to solid solutions (Ryan, 2014, p. 79-80; Adair, 2010, p. 59).
Break Down Complex Issues. Simplify complicated challenges by addressing smaller components first to prevent participants from becoming overwhelmed (Greitzer, Kuchar, & Huston, 2007, p. 3).
Verify Assumptions. Examine assumptions systematically to avoid flawed conclusions. Unchecked assumptions can undermine your efforts (Adair, 2010, p. 59-61).
Document Agreements. Create a clear plan that specifies roles, responsibilities, deadlines, and methods. Documentation guarantees accountability and follow-through (Ryan, 2014, p. 79-80).
Address Root Causes. Tackle underlying issues rather than symptoms. Resolving core problems can better counteract recurrence (Adair, 2010, p. 63).
Maintain Team Awareness. Inform team members of the current problem-solving phase (e.g., analysis, synthesis, or evaluation). Clear communication allows for team alignment (Adair, 2010, p. 61).
Gather Comprehensive Information. Before developing solutions, collect pertinent facts, policies, and other contextual details. An extensive, broader understanding of the situation enables effective problem-solving (Adair, 2010, p. 59).
Balance Challenge Levels. Utilize appropriately challenging conversation strategies - neither simple nor complicated - to maintain engagement and motivation (Greitzer, Kuchar, & Huston, 2007, p. 4).
References:
Adair, J. (2010). Key Problem-Solving Strategies. In Decision Making and Problem-Solving Strategies (pp. 55–66). Essay, Kogan Page.
Greitzer, F. L., Kuchar, O. A., & Huston, K. (2007). Cognitive Science Implications for Enhancing Training Effectiveness in a Serious Gaming Context. Journal on Educational Resources in Computing, 7(3), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1145/1281320.1281322
Guillén-Nieto, V., & Aleson-Carbonell, M. (2012). Serious Games and Learning Effectiveness: The Case of It’s a Deal! Computers & Education, 58(1), 435–448. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2011.07.015
Ryan, P. (2014). Top Tips for Interpersonal Communication. Boolarong Press.
