I have recently developed some Train the Trainer training sessions – here I share my Top Twenty Training Tips
- Set up the room well with respect to lighting, warmth & ventilation; the size of room should reflect the number of delegates – not too large and not too snug!
- Have refreshments available as a minimum water but include fruit/ biscuits/ sweets as appropriate
- Think about Health & Safety- how/ where people are sitting/ comfort issues/ slips & trips / where the toilet facilities are and also smoking facilities
- Maintain good eye contact with your delegates – a welcoming (non cheesey) smile will put people at ease!
- Have positive body language, not just a smile!
- Have a positive tone of voice – try not to be monotone, keep it varied in pitch and speed
- Use positive words- be enthusiastic
- Look & feel the part- be comfortable and dress appropriately for the topic and the learner group
- Avoid jargon- use simple words/ pictures
- Keep sessions short & snappy- remember all the learning styles & attention spans
- Have a clear plan of what you are going to cover in that session; failing to plan is unforgiveable
- Be prepared for the questions they will ask. However if you do not know the answer – say you will find out & remember to do so
- Keep to time & ask delegates to keep to time at breaks too
- Do not make assumptions about what people know already! Maybe you can cover this in the ice – breaker
- Had some humour! But not inappropriate jokes
- Do a quick introduction to the (or each) session- what you will cover/ what you expect from them; A course contract at the beginning of the day or session is always beneficial
- Include different activities- use the quizzes/ questions/ discussions/ scenarios/ DVD/ doing activities – remember people learn in different ways
- Allow time for questions / discussions
- Make sure everyone understands what you have covered- ask questions or use a quiz; Simple feedback using post it notes always works well
- Enjoy it – or at least pretend you are enjoying it
