Train The Trainer: Best practices and modern techniques

We prepared this Train the Trainer manual, as a guide to deliver training for the best results. Our intent is to provide the important guidelines and parameters to deliver exceptional training. It is a “modus operandi.” This manual emphasizes practicality, efficiency and effectiveness throughout. More specifically, it covers new methodologies, principles, techniques, procedures and practices that we have tested and proved successful. Every trainer has a personal presentation style, knowledge and approach. The best trainers use positive self-esteem, clear direction and an upbeat attitude. They also exude energy, enthusiasm and professionalism. We present and explain how you can incorporate these techniques into training presentations. The first rule about training is that it is not about the instructor. It is about the audience and the sponsor. We suggest that before planning the delivery of any presentation, study the audience. Find out as much about them as possible. Determine their level of education, their abilities, their competencies, but most importantly, clarify their expectations. Assure them that your goal is to meet or exceed them. You are there to close the "gap" between where they presently are and where they want to be. Avoid theatrics or gimmicks to gain their attention. Be pleasant, professional, keeping a sense of humor and using an enthusiastic tone in your voice. Attitude and energy are key aspects of any successful presentation. We teach techniques that will magnetize them and keep their attention. Successful training always requires the active participation of the audience. Passive listeners don’t learn. This manual shows how to engage learners with interactive training techniques. For example, in part three you will experience twenty different training methods. They capture every learning style. In part four you will experience the 48 attributes of an effective trainer. The active engagement of the participant is so crucial to learning that we address it at two levels: introductory and advanced. It is suggested that every successful presentation includes visuals. Whether in a college classroom, during an organization’s annual meeting, or at a Ted Talk, dynamic visuals dominate the stage. Visual media invigorates and reinforces your spoken materials and enriches your delivery. On the other hand, it can ruin it. We have an entire segment on how to best use such media for your presentations. Well-managed organizations consider training a strategic and competitive advantage. However, it is essential to the success of every organization. Although most people see training as all about improving personal skills, we view training as the driver that speeds business towards its desired results. It can either act as an accelerator or a brake. A skilled trainer makes the difference. There are six parts to this manual. One can read them individually, as a reference, or in sequence. Part One, Introduction; Part Two, Implementation; process; Part Three, Training techniques; Part Four, Attributes of a successful Trainer; Part Five, Graphs and charts as training tools; Part Six, Exhibits and other useful materials. It is our hope that this book will serve to increase your abilities and training skills. This training manual has already helped many of our students and corporate clients. We encourage you to read, practice, and refine your skills. There are no “natural” trainers. Training is a learnable skill. Study the manual, apply the tools, and improve your approach. Our goal is to make you an effective trainer, while helping your organization reinvent itself and remain relevant.