…you just stand and talk to people all day! Each time I hear this I smile. Most people don’t have a clue about what goes into training. In the training class all they see is a part of the process. Wouldn’t it be great if the only thing we were responsible for is to have a conversation with our learners? The reality is, there is a larger expectation about the outcome of a training class. The learners need to be able to do something with the information/skills they are given. Conversation will not make it happen – but a solid delivery can help.
Delivery can be defined by 5 “Ps”: Presence, Projection, Pronunciation, Probing, and Practice.
Presence
The definition of presence is: a quality of poise and effectiveness that enables one to achieve a close relationship with his/her audience. In other words, this is how we get the attention and respect of the group. Presence is enhanced through many non-verbal behaviors. What do you look like when you walk in front of the group? Do you have good posture – erect, but not stiff? Is your eye contact like a snake slithering from person to person, or is it focused 3 to 4 seconds per each contact? Do you have happy feet and dance your way around the room (unintentionally)? Movement can convey energy; random/spastic movement implies nervousness.
Projection
Now that we have their attention, we need to make sure they can hear us. In the learning environment we are competing for air space. There can be noisy fans, a loud group next door, or a noisy group in our room. We need to speak to be heard and do it in a nice way. There is a difference between being loud and being bossy.
Pronunciation
Make it clear. Do we have people setting in a room, sittin’ in a room or sitting in a room? We have established a good presence, but slips like this can reduce our impact quickly. We don’t have to be pretentious, but clear pronunciation and elimination of speech fillers can go a long way.
Probing
It is better to ask the question than to know all the answers. We don’t have to be the only voice in the room. (Thank goodness!) The use of questions can have a significant impact in the learning environment. We can check to see if the learners understand before we move on. We can get more participation from the group. Questions, when framed properly, can increase the retention of the material.
Practice
“Perfect practice makes perfect.” Training by its nature means the learner must have an opportunity to practice the skills or apply the knowledge being taught. The biggest challenge is how to have the learners practice based on the time allotted and the number of learners in class, making sure we coach them, if needed, and see that they get feedback about their performance.
Wow, this is just a part of what we do and people think all we do is just stand and talk to people all day! The next time you hear “I want to be a trainer just like you – you just stand and talk to people all day,” smile and say, “Thank you,” because it is a compliment. You made it look easy.
Martha
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I recall thinking (if I didn’t say it) that “I want to be a trainer just like you” however it was because you were awesome. I KNOW it isn’t easy! lol Thanks for the tips, reminders and the blog.