The Trainer's Handbook

Chapter 8Delivering Training

Learning Outcomes

In this chapter, you will learn

• To create a positive learning environment
• To use active-techniques to gain 100 percent participation
• To set up, conduct, and process an activity for maximum learning
• To fine-tune your platform skills and stage presence

Creating a Positive Learning Environment

The success or failure of your training session is often determined long before the first participant sets foot in your training room. The trainer's job is to create and maintain an environment conducive to learning and to create opportunities for participants to experience personal growth, a sense of achievement and accomplishment, and recognition and rewards.

Much of the difference between success and failure has to do with one simple word: preparation. This includes preparing yourself and the learning environment, preparing the participants, and preparing the participants' managers.

Active from the Start or Before

Participant preparation is critical to the success of the training session. Some ways to involve participants prior to the session are covered below.

Presession Questionnaire

Several weeks before the session, send a letter or email and questionnaire to the participants. Use a letter similar to the one in Exhibit 8.1 to welcome them to the session, provide them with an outline of the session and logistical information, and explain anything that should be done prior to the session, such as reading assignments, self-assessment ...