Page 334 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 09 11/20/02 1:02 PM Page 323
Start Your Session on Time Keeping the Communication Flowing 323
As you read in an earlier chapter, time is important. Even though it may seem like a triv-
ial matter, most people are trying to squeeze out every minute possible in today’s fast-
paced world. If you fail to start or resume your sessions on time, you are in effect disre-
specting your learners’ time and needs. This can lead to resentment and reluctance to
attend future programs. It can also send a message that it is all right to be late and par-
ticipants are not likely to return from breaks and lunch on time, thus reducing your
ability to cover all planned material.

Be Consistent
Participants start forming an opinion of you early in your session. To ensure that their im-
age is positive, explain roles (yours and theirs), processes, and expectations at the begin-
ning of your programs. This lets learners know what to expect and mentally to plan their
time. Throughout the session do what you said you would do or what was agreed on at
the start of the session. For example, if you announce that a reward system will be used
during the program, strive to honor that commitment and look for opportunities to rec-
ognize positive behavior with a reward for participant achievements and participation.

Respect Your Learners
To get respect, you have to give it. Many trainers, especially those with less experience,
believe that they are the “expert” and know best how to conduct a session or activity.
Also, technically proficient people with little training experience sometimes default to
their knowledge to carry a session. In either instance, participants can be offended or
may develop an indifference to the training because of a feeling that they are being dis-
respected. As adult learners, most participants bring prior topic knowledge and experi-
ence from earlier training programs. They want to be recognized for what they know, their
expertise, intelligence, and ability. When those elements are ignored, they might become
antagonistic.
To prevent such a scenario from occurring in your sessions, take the time to listen
and actively involve your learners. Give them a forum for sharing what they know. Let
them exercise creativity and brainstorm solutions rather than giving them all the answers.
By allowing them to participate in role-plays, demonstrations, presentations, and dis-
cussions, you can show them that they are an important part of the learning process.
Allowing such involvement can lead to learners feeling empowered and shows that you
do not see yourself as the omnipotent leader with all the answers.

Make Eye Contact

By looking into the eyes of your participants as you meet them and throughout your
training session, you send a message of concern, warmth, and friendship that can lead
to open dialogue. You can also reduce potential resistance from people who might