Design

1.    Define the overall aim of the training This should be your general statement of intent e.g. an overall aim might be to design and create effective training materials

2.    Establish the levels of learning Is the training aimed at people with little or no knowledge of the subject?  Is it only a general introduction to the subject? Do they simply need refresher training?

3.    Decide on the objectives and structure of the session Training objectives should be exact and measurable.  They should state what delegates will be able to do at the end of the training – obvious yes – but commonplace...?

4.  Participant’s WIIFM. Identify a ‘what’s in it for me’ statement that will capture the interest and attention of   your participants - If you can’t then you should   be seriously questioning the need for the training!

5. Identify your learning method(s) and language.  Most trainers know about Honey and Munford’s Learning styles (Activist, Theorist, Reflector and Pragmatist). However it can also be useful to consider using a VAK filter when designing materials or programmes. Language can often give clues as to whether a person is primarily visual, auditory, or kinaesthetic (feelings). By making sure in our speech patterns and written materials that we cover these 3 filters we stand a better chance of creating participant engagement.

6. Explain it. Another approach we have found to work very well is based on Kolb’s Learning cycle – we explain the linked sequence:- EXPERIENCE(do something) – MODEL(theory related to the activity) – CURRENT REALITY(how does it fit with the participant’s  present work/life) – FUTURE ACTIONS (what will they do differently).

Delivery

7. Create a safe environment – encourage a pause /rewind /replay mindset so if things don’t go right first time for the participant then it’s ok to try again.

8. Acknowledge your own mistakes – you’re only human and will make them – trying to brush them aside or worse still - pretending you meant it - will destroy your credibility.

9. Get a mid term progress report – at the half way point in the programme ask ‘is this working for you? ’ should I change anything for the rest of the programme?’ – that way you still have a chance to do it!

10. Model behaviour and be natural – remember to smile – it should be fun!

Bonus – a quick checklist for new trainers

• Check the room where you are going to be delivering at least a few days beforehand. 
• Ensure it is suitable for the number of participants and the type of training you will be doing. 
• Check the equipment is available if you are using the venue's own and/or check socket placement for setting up laptop/projector etc. 
• Check you have flipcharts if required. 
• Check you have coloured markers that work! 
• Make sure you know about fire alarm tests and where to exit if required
• Make sure you make a contract with the delegates before you begin to determine acceptable behaviours
• If you don’t have name cards, fold up A4 paper in half and then half again - it does the job!
• If you press B on your laptop keyboard, it will blank off the presentation on both laptop and screen giving you control of when you would like to show the next slide
• At the first break, close your eyes and mentally go round the group, identifying who is sitting where – if you can’t place anyone it means you haven’t been giving them enough attention!