(20) Training, Trainer’s viewpoint

We have seen previously how to train people; we will now look into the requirements of training people when addressing them. By this I mean that you need to be ready to confront the many problems associated with dealing with different people of possibly different level of understanding.

Part of a training (this is why the small pieces)

1/ Preparation

The first step for training has been previously addressed with the creation of a manual. This means that you researched your subject and wrote down facts about it in an order that you wish to teach. You might wish to vary the order of the lessons, but you still need to have established your lessons in advance. One thing about teaching to remember is that your pupils will always ask questions, as long as they show interest, and that you will not know everything.

As for everything in life, it is better not to lie, if you do not know, only say that you will research the subject and give your answer the next time.

This means that you need to be able to stand in front of people and talk to them, this is part of your preparation. You might wish to ready yourself by trying out with friends or relatives first. Then ask for feedback and discuss with them what you could do to improve on your stance. Have confidence but be humble when you start, it is better to have an open attitude when dealing with other people anyway.

2/Location

The place where you will be conducting your training is important. It should help to focus on the subject, and it should be comfortable and not alien to the trainees for psychological comfort. All the trainees should be able to see you and if needed have support for writing. Prepare the place before the trainees arrive, or at least the minimum needed for you to do your training and make them move some furniture if you prefer. They should feel welcomed and ready to focus when seated, however, you can have them have water, coffee or tea depending on the nature of the training.

3/ Accessorize

You can use any visual help, like maps, any utensil relative to your work, like plates and cutlery, or any relevant accessory that would help maintain the focus of your trainees. These should help you make a point or a positive note.

There is no wrong accessory as long as it is useful. Think of something to use, this do not need to be specific to the subject as long as it is useful.

You can reveal any accessory whenever needed for dramatic effect, or you can have your trainees help you set-them up if you prefer, this only matters if you choose to.

4/ Introduction

The training session starts when everybody is ready. It is the correct time for you to welcome everybody and tell everybody the subject of your training.

You can elaborate if you so choose and present the session as you intend to conduct it, or you can jump straight into it, there is no wrong choice, only a time limit.

5/ First part

You will then start your training. The first part is of your choosing, but you should split your session in 2 or 3 parts. This will give you respite and encourage participation of the trainees. Use any help that you have already set-up and liven up the way that you talk with anecdotes or jokes. In brief do not be boring, nobody will appreciate it, even you!

6/ Break

At this stage you will encourage questions, create a debate if you think appropriate. However, this will be limited in time, and you need to calm down your audience in order for you to proceed.

7/ Second part

Then you can resume your subject of interest and may be go to something a bit more technical, this is a good time to explore in depth difficult matter. Once again, you need to mind the time and wrap up this part of the training with a lighter touch.

8/ Break

This is done with the second break, when questions are welcome. You should not encourage a debate at this stage as the previous part was technical. However, you need to encourage the people who understood better to help the slower ones, create a group mentality. This is always good.

9/ Third part

The last part of your training should be the conclusion of your subject, explaining how this is relative to the whole subject matter. Encourage participation, make people realise the importance of the subject. If food relative, you can organise a tasting; and this will be part of the conclusion done in the next part.

10/ Utility break

Go back to your visual helps, or the documentation that you gave your trainees, and may be explain once again but quickly. At this stage welcome a global participation, male people happy is important at this time in order to make them willing to come back for more.

11/Recap and end

Be brief and keep your audience in suspense for the next session, recap the subject and taunt your trainees with what is to come. Finish on a positive note.

And remember, give life to your taste buds, and above all, enjoy real cheese.