With a move to hybrid working comes hybrid training. You may find yourself delivering a course online, in person or both. As a trainer it is your responsibility to ensure that the courses you deliver are interesting, informative and meet the learning objectives. Below are 9 top tips to help you create and deliver training courses that are successful. Your delegates should enjoy their time with you rather than endure it!
- Preparation Is The Key
Remember the basics: Formatting your course materials is time consuming – make sure you have left plenty of time to do this properly. If you are delivering training in person, always print off more resources than you think you need, and double check arrangements with the course venue to avoid anything that could delay/disrupt the course.
- Know Your Audience
Take the time before the course to do a bit of research on your delegates. It is important to think about what the people on the course want to get out of it – this might be different for different people, and design the course based on this. Try to build a rapport with your delegates and if you’re together in person, write down the names in the order that the delegates are sitting so you can refer to them by their name throughout the course.
- Be Prompt
It is important to arrive at your venue or start your meeting with plenty of time to spare so you have time to address any potential issues that may crop up before you get started. During the course try to stick to the timings and agenda as much as you can. Delegates will be much happier if they get to have lunch and leave on time!
- Be ready for the unexpected
With all the planning in the world, you can still fall victim to an unexpected hiccup. This could be a tech fail with remote training or travel issues in person. Have a back up plan ready so that you can still deliver the material and leave your students satisfied. Can you be ready to move your internet connection to a mobile hotspot if you have a WiFi fail?
- Refresh
It is really important that you and your delegates stay refreshed and physically energised throughout the course. Make sure that you encourage regular breaks for comfort, fresh air and a drink. If your training is online, it is just as important to offer this.
- Know Your Stuff
Your notes and slides should act as a guide and you shouldn’t have to read anything during the course. Take the time to practice your material, there is nothing worse than standing up in front of a group of people and talking about something you hardly know anything about!
- Keep It Simple
Avoid PowerPoint slides that are full of information, keep it brief. Keep jargon out. People will be put off by acronyms they don’t know or words and phrases they don’t understand. Any detailed materials or complicated diagrams etc. should be given as hand-outs at the end of the course.
- Use Your Space
Use ice breakers throughout the day that get people moving and talking. If you’re delivering online training, encourage people to stand up from time to time and make sure you do the same when delivering the course. Sitting too long makes everyone feel lethargic and if you start yawning halfway through the day you can bet your bottom dollar that your delegates will too!
- Buddy Up
Can you find a buddy to help you deliver the training? Mixing up voices and training styles will keep your delegates engaged and give you a break from time to time.
Have Fun!
If your delegates see you enjoying yourself, being passionate about the subject being taught and generally having a good time, they are likely to mirror your behaviour and ultimately enjoy your course!
We have delivered many workshops both remotely and in person, we love getting people together to learn. To find out more contact EstherM@NineFeetTall.com or learn about delivering workshops online in this blog.
