Active Training: A Handbook of Techniques, Designs, Case Examples, and Tips, 4th Edition

You have assessed your group participants, have written course objectives and an instructor's outline, and are now ready to conduct your active training program. If you have designed some effective opening exercises, you're likely off to a strong start. For added insurance, however, it is wise to think about these questions in advance: How are you going to arrange the physical setup of your room? What technology will you require? How are you going to establish rapport with participants as they walk in the door? And what are you going to say to introduce your program once it officially starts?

No training program can be totally successful based solely upon a written design. Programs that make sense on paper will not work if the trainer does not possess basic delivery skills. Even the most experienced instructors have seen programs fall apart due to a lack of upfront planning. Alternatively, a well-planned opening sets the stage for a successful experience. In this chapter, we will give you tips for conducting the beginning portion of a previously designed training program.

PREPARING YOURSELF MENTALLY

It's only natural for trainers to be a bit nervous when kicking off a program. That nervousness shows you care about the learning experience and are anxious to make it as positive as possible for the participants. The anticipation of the training is usually worse than the actual experience; ...