Page 320 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 08 11/20/02 12:51 PM Page 309
Making Your Visual Message Sizzle 309
Add a three-dimensional effect in which letters or words appear stretched or to come in
from the distance.
Make words or images appear to have a shadow behind them.
Insert charts, tables, or text boxes into slides to help explain key points of the pres-
entation.

BRIGHT I DEA
Welcoming Slide Show
et the mood for your session by running a slide show in which the images
Scontinually rotate on the screen as participants arrive. Depending on the session
topic and format, you could project pictures of previous participants going through
various portions of the training and session activities, pictures of current participants
with their name and titles, motivational quotes that relate to the topic, information
about the organization or key employees (shown in a new hire orientation program),
or whatever you deem appropriate. You can even add upbeat background music to
accompany the images.

Videotapes

Videotapes are an excellent vehicle for supplementing your program material. They
provide a break for you and learners by having an automated presenter give informa-
tion. This is often a welcome change of pace, assuming that the video is of good quality,
current, and contains accurate and pertinent information. Content should be focused
at your audience level and session objectives and not used just to fill time or as another
prop.

Videotape Usage Tips
The following are tips that can help make the use of videotapes more valuable and
successful in your sessions.

ALWAYS preview
When planning to use any video in your training, it is important that you know what is
in it before participants arrive. You should be thoroughly familiar with its content and
how you plan to use it with the group. In previewing, look for outdated or controver-
sial content and information that might be contrary to what you plan to say, organiza-
tional policy or procedures, or regulations and laws. Such material can undermine your
efforts and cause learners to lose interest or view the program as less valuable. If a video
has any of the aforementioned features, consider finding another resource or not using
the video.