Page 341 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 09 11/20/02 1:02 PM Page 330
330 The Creative Training Idea Book
stem from a desire of wanting to be accepted or
liked. You are probably going to have butter-
flies in your stomach. The key is to get them
to fly in formation rather than swarm. Any
stress or anxiety symptoms normally go
away within the first few minutes when
you begin to see people smile and you
begin to relax.
Anxiety manifests itself differently for
each person. I have heard of people com-
plaining of rapid heart beat, trembling hands,
clammy palms, sweaty armpits, dry throat,
shaky knees, shortness of breath, rashes, flushed
face, quivering voice, and diarrhea. Remember that
your symptoms are normal and do not focus on them.
Also, do not act in ways that project the fact that you are nervous. Certainly do not apol-
ogize or draw attention to it. For example, if you are shaking, do not position yourself
so that it becomes obvious (e.g., pointing to items illuminated on the overhead projec-
tor with your finger or using a laser pointer with slides so that your participants see
magnified shaking on the screen). Just remember that your learners cannot see and are
unaware of most of the symptoms and that it is only in your head that they are a prob-
lem. There are ways to reduce your anxiety level before and during a session. Try the
following strategies.

Get Plenty of Rest

Do not stay out late partying the night before a training program. Try to get your nor-
mal amount of sleep rather than throw your system off balance by being tired. You want
to be in prime condition for your learners.

Gain Experience

The more you speak in front of groups, the easier it gets. Take opportunities to speak
to school, civic, church, and volunteer groups. Get involved with Toastmasters (see
Resources for Trainers in the appendices), where you will have the opportunity to prac-
tice various types of speeches in a safe environment and receive nonthreatening peer
feedback.

Prepare Adequately

Taking more preparation time will likely add to your confidence level because you will
feel ready for most contingencies. As a rule of thumb, I recommend that new trainers
who attend my train-the-trainer programs take at least 8 hours to prepare material for