12 Tips for Group Trainers

Below are 12 tips we find most effective when delivering group training:

Prepare in advance

Remember the 6 P’s:

Proper

Prior

Planning

Prevents

Poor

Performance

Define the purpose of the session, what will be achieved, and what’s in it for them

Participants need 3 questions answered before they are ready to learn:

Why am I here ?

What’s in it for me ?

What’s going to happen ?

Ask open questions that prompt discussion and listen well

Make sure everyone is participating

If need be tell people how you would like them to participate

Ensure positive and respectful interaction

Summarise key issues at relevant times

Try:

“Today we are going to address 3 key issues…”

“Just recapping on the main topic before our break…”

“So, in short, what this means is…”

“The 3 key issues we covered today were….”

“Next session we will look at …”

Don’t get stuck on someone else’s issues

Move on, you have outcomes to reach.  Try:

“We have a lot to cover today so we need to move on from this.”

“As I go through the program, if you have any questions that relate to your own personal circumstances, please jot them down.  I would be happy to discuss these with you during the breaks”

“Perhaps you would like to see me after the session about this, as I really need to press on”

Use flip charts and markers to note ideas, thoughts and key words

Why?

They can then be referred to as needed and used to help summarise topics.

They help to validate the group’s ideas and reinforce them in people’s minds.

They also act as a visual aid for the visual learners.

Keep an eye on the clock

You have outcomes to reach and learners don’t like going over time.

Don’t labour over points and keep the session moving.

Be positive, enthusiastic and focused

Work the room

Keep your posture open.

Make sure you get eye contact with everyone.

Don’t pace or fidget – it’s annoying.

Relax and be yourself but keep your mannerisms in check (especially if you have tendency to wave your arms around a lot).

Smile

Don’t overuse the projector

Mute it when you aren’t referring to it.

Not only is it distracting, it wastes the light bulb, and these are expensive!

Give encouraging feedback to the group

Thank them for their participation.

Excite them about the sessions to come.

By: Carey Carson