B) Bobby,
I appreciate the compliment. BTW, I do not ask direct questions of any student. I never try to embarrass anyone. However, throughout the day I continually ask the entire group for questions, comments, or criticism's. And, if anyone disagrees with anything I say, I am glad to respond and clarify my point(s). Some groups are slow starters and tend to not ask a lot of questions. Some have questions right off the bat. The biggest criticism I had last year? Some "Anonymous" writer on the evaluation kept harping on the fact that I used an overhed projector rather than power point. Well, if anyone wants to buy me a powerpoint I will use it. Otherwise I will use what I have. I hate it when there are few if any questions, but again, I will never put anyone on the spot with a direct question. BTW, one of the things I sometimes use are "notable quotes". They are a series of quotes by well known people from politics, movies, TV, or any source I can get them from. That generally helps to break the ice.
Thanks Bobby, hope to meet you one day.