Beginning trainer

F or those new to training, the information below will help you present and share your knowledge and improve the skills of others.

Teaching adults

Understanding the characteristics of an adult learner will help you develop training sessions that are appropriate and effective. Adult learners are

• Self-directed
• Inclined to use their experiences as a resource for training
• Usually motivated by internal incentives and their own curiosity
• Often interested in learning to address a specific problem

RI leaders’ guides

RI produces leaders’ guides to help training leaders address Board-recommended training topics. Leaders’ guides contain two types of session guides: plenary and facilitated group discussion. The opening and closing plenary session guides provide suggested speech topics and audiovisual presentations. Facilitated group discussion session guides provide training leaders with a framework for leading participants’ discussion.

Preparation

Even if you know the material well, the more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel on the day of the training. The following strategies can help you prepare for a training seminar:  

• Practice alone. Say the key points and pose questions out loud to seal the information in your memory.
• Practice in front of a mirror. Seeing how you look while speaking allows you to concentrate and practice making eye contact.
• Record your practice. As you listen to the recording, study how you sound and how you present your material.
• Practice in front of friends and colleagues. An audience can give you ideas for improving your facilitation techniques and feedback on what you’re doing well.

Your audience

Be sure to understand the audience you will present to. By conducting a needs assessment far in advance or a quick poll at the beginning of the training, you will get a feel for the experience and knowledge your participants offer. This information will allow you to tailor your training to participants’ needs.

Speech

Remember to speak slowly when facilitating a discussion session to give participants time to understand what you’re saying and to formulate a response. As a trainer, try to pace yourself, be patient with participants as they’re responding, and avoid interrupting them.

Body language

To establish a positive relationship with your participants, try these strategies:

• Move around the training room to keep participants engaged.
• Use eye contact with all the participants.
• Remember to smile.
• Try not to turn your back to the audience.

Facilitated discussion

Most RI training materials support facilitated discussions, in which participants respond to questions that draw on their knowledge and experience. The training leader uses questions to guide the direction and pace of the discussion. 

Small groups

Placing participants into smaller groups creates more interaction. While participants are working together, keep these tips in mind:
* Check with each group to see whether the directions and objectives are clear.
* Sit down with each group and listen to the discussion. Provide input if necessary.
* Notify participants of the time remaining a few minutes before the end of the activity.

Flip charts

It’s best to use simple visuals. Record participants’ information on a flip chart, writing in block letters that are at least 2 inches tall.

Evaluation

The ultimate goal of training is to improve performance and knowledge. The only way to be certain that your training program achieves this objective is to conduct an evaluation, such as a survey, interview, or direct observation.