Tip for Trainers – a recent compendium #trainingtip

Over the last few months I have been putting short tips for trainers up on twitter, I thought it was about time I collated them here.

Not in any particular order, there I hope will provide some reflection in your training practice:

#trainingtip Tips to be a more effective trainer http://sfy.co/tJPn  #storify #trainingtip #greatlearning  

#trainingtip when covering technical material:regularly stop, ask specific questions to named participants to confirm understanding

#trainingtip split your group into teams & have them develop questions to challenge the other team (s) #greatlearning

#trainingtip only answer questions you know the answers to. Never guess or bull s?it

#trainingtip when using a screen to show information remember to keep regular eye contact with your learners

#trainingtip when using your pc as a visual aid (ppt or screen share) always turn the screen save/lock off

#trainingtip when asking if people have questions. … give them time to reply! #whatquestions not #anyquestions

#trainingtip Going off piste can be ok. But if your trip was supposed to be downhill… avoid cross country! Finish over the line

#trainingtip when someone says they “Don’t understand” ask questions to probe what they do or don’t “get”. Guessing causes confusion

#trainingtip behavioural habits can form unconsciously, & can be hard to change. Practice makes permanent. So make practice right

#trainingtip when your learners are completing activities you can add value by repeating key points. People will absorbe unconsciously

#trainingtip two trainers should add value greater than the sum of their parts. 2 needs to be better than 1+1

#trainingtip when co-training ensure you both know the content & work as a team, you are not in competition with each other.

#trainingtip build ownership & commitment by asking questions regularly

#trainingtip When system or IT teaining never touch trainees keyboard or mouse, #keepoffthegrass It’s not your property!

#trainingtip regularly mention peoples names to keep them included & engaged

#trainingtip if pasdionate about your topic tine can run away, ask your group to alert you to breaktimes. Get them involved.

#trainingtip if your participants cannot see ppt with the lights on, buy a new bulb or get a better projector. People sleep in the dark

#trainingtip teaching knowledge is easy. Developing understanding & building action or competence is harder

#trainingtip Always start at your agreed time. Finish at your agreed time. Never wait for people. Respect people that turn up on time.

#trainingtip check your powerpoint slides not on a screen, but from the back of the room on projector. Check font color & size!

#trainingtip when ‘leaving’ your participants to an exercise do not do your own work but look & monitor for those needing help

#trainingtip Always keep the needs of your audience in mind when presenting.

#trainingtip when you have 2 trainers consider operating as a tag team.. not “yours & mine” sessions. Work as a team not 2 individuals

#trainingtip when giving individuals or groups an activity move around & check they are making progress & understand the activity

#trainingtip Get physical for best practice training https://rapidbi.com/get-physical-for-best-practice-training-trainingtip/ …

#trainingtip Do not let one of your participants lead the activities to their agenda. . You have a goal. Deliver it.

#trainingtip when pointing to a projection screen with a pen, make sure you are nothitting the surface causing a noise which distracts

#trainingtip when co-training, your job is not to lead but to “dance” together. Be there to support each other to deliver the best training

#trainingtip when setting activities give clear instructions & check understanding.  Manage time expectations & offer help/support

#trainingtip create physical anchors for key messages. Even if people don’t do the “move” it will create physical pathways in the brain

#trainingtip tell people what will happen or you expect.. Avoid saying what wont happen.  Your brain does not work this way.

#trainingtip make sure the activity you use in training really delivers what you want, not just an activity to have fun

#trainingtip address people by their name. Use it regularly & invite people to participate by name. Sounds obvious but many trainers don’t

#trainingtip aim to be: the guide on the side, not, the sage on the stage, for effective #learning #cipd #hr

#trainingtip use powerpoint by all means… but never read what is on the slide. Add more value or just send the slides instead

#trainingtip when using your pc for ppt or demonstrations,  make sure you disconnect an instant messaging, skype & other intrusive apps

#trainingtip respect people that return on time.. always start at the stated time. If people miss stuff its their problem not yours

#trainingtip do not underestimate the power of having people get out of their seats & move #bloodcirculationhelpsoxygentobrain

#trainingtip when co-training, never ask a question of the other trainer. Save it for the break, or you risk undermining your credibility Favorited by Turning Point Coach™

#trainingtip get physical. The brain works best when we are active. Going through processes “in space” is better than on screen.

#trainingtip there is no such thing as silly questions.  Tbe only stupid question is the one not asked

#trainingtip it’s not about the how.. but the why. Anyone can show ‘how’ but understanding ‘why’ can help change behaviour

#trainingtip use humor. Not jokes but a story or a character emphasis of the situation. Take yourself too serious & you could bore people

#trainingtip if you dont have a passion for the subject… let someone else train

#trainingtip vary the pace of things..speed it up… slow it down. People psy attention at times of change more than in “stability”

#trainingtip give regular breaks & encourage people to get out of their seats.  Their circulation system needs the change regularly!

#trainingtip be careful of asking closed questions (yes/no) as you may not get the actual to your intended question.

#trainingtip gain involvement by asking lots of questions & supportive tone

#trainingtip always.. always be in the training room before your learners. Make sure the room is ready with fresh content/messages on walls

#trainingtip tell stories, engage the emotions of the learners. Avoid telling facts.. people aren’t interested

#trainingtip Most people seek answers… its more exciting to seek questions #leadership

#trainingtip drop the “any questions?” question & ask “what questions do you have?” It’s more powerful & gives permission

#trainingtip only talk to your learners and never yourself out loud whilst switching between applications ;)

#trainingtip in system training, never say “click on this” always give full description of field or button

#trainingtip when a participant gives a correct answer to a question. Thank them & repeat in their words, in case others did not hear.

#trainingtip “reward” the asking of questions, it’s the only way to check learning. If people don’t ask we have probably failed our goal.

#trainingtip when setting group activities ensure that all groups have similar level tasks & that participants are clear on expectations

#trainingtip know the floor surface & the amount of noise your shoes make as you walk around

#trainingtip maintain eye contact with the audience. Keep it regular, authentic & inclusive. Avoid radar sweeps & staring

#trainingtip your visual aids, ppt, posters in the room etc need to add value to the learners. They must not distract.

#trainingtip people learrn best when they are ready

#trainingtip imparting knowledge is easy. Encouraging people to learn form that knowledge is much harder. #professional trainer

#trainingtip learners do not pay attention to knowledge until they actually need it.

#trainingtip do not let your learners sit still for 90 minutes. Get them moving at least every 30 minutes