There’s an art and a science to conducting an AAR. A
Leader’s Guide to After Action Reviews describes the mechanics,
but does not describe the interpersonal skills necessary
to make an AAR truly effective. I’ve seen many AARs where
the audience is silent, reluctant to talk, or quick to shut down
discussion. Like any task, conducting AARs is a skill that can
be improved with practice. Preparing for this as a part of the
eight-step training model will lead to improvement.