Which technique is recommended to reduce distractions when instructing a participant?

• A. Move closer to establish eye contact and minimize peripheral distractions
• B. Increase background noise to keep energy high
• C. Maintain distance and use monotone voice
• D. Allow the participant to multitask

Answer: (C)

Controlling how you deliver instructions helps minimize distractions by reducing extra cues that could pull the participant’s attention away from the material. Keeping a comfortable distance and speaking in a steady, neutral voice limits the social signals and sensory input that can draw focus elsewhere. When you’re too close or use varying inflection, eye contact, or movement can become the center of attention, pulling attention off the content. A calm, consistent delivery keeps the learner’s cognitive load on the task, making it easier to follow instructions. In contrast, adding background noise or allowing multitasking creates competing stimuli that disrupt focus, and getting too close can introduce additional nonverbal cues that may distract.