Learn 8 effective training tips from expert Craig Travasso on how to engage your audience, build trust, and create a conducive atmosphere for learning.
Craig Travasso, Director of Craig Communicates (OPC) Private Limited.
An organization grows by developing its people. Whether it’s an established corporate firm, a buzzing new start-up, a purpose-driven NGO or a local school with impressionable young minds, training is a key factor in the growth journey of individuals, institutions and organizations.
If you find yourself in the role of a trainer, teacher or professor, you are in a powerful place of influence. In this article, we will learn of 8 effective training tips that will equip us to connect with our audience and achieve our training objectives.
1. AUDIENCE CONNECT: Be intentional about making a connection with your audience. Learn participants' names and spend time getting to know them before you formally begin the session. At first, participants may be a little shy or hesitant or may feel a little intimidated based on their personality type. However, be persistent, have a warm smile and ask them about their interests. This helps in building bridges with them.
2. KNOW YOUR GOAL: Every training segment needs to have an objective to be achieved. Break down the session into mini milestones that have to be crossed. When you have complete clarity on your training goal(s), there is a higher chance of you achieving them.
3. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: The effectiveness of a workshop depends on the degree of audience engagement. The more two-way communication the session generates, the greater is the investment participants make into the session. Be intentional about asking questions to your audience. Be patient, listen to their responses and recognize them for sharing their perspective. Make sure your examples (stories) are relevant to your audience, as this will help them to open up and connect with you.
4. CONDUCIVE ATMOSPHERE: As a trainer, we have the responsibility to create an atmosphere that is conducive for learning. Be purposeful to build an environment that is friendly, approachable and challenging. When participants feel comfortable and discern a freedom to open up and express their thoughts without any sense of fear or intimidation, it strengthens the bond between the trainer and participants. Also, bring in appropriate humour that causes your audience to laugh and relax with you. This is how we as trainers can share the spotlight and create an environment of knowledge sharing, camaraderie and positivity in learning.
5. PEOPLE SENSITIVITY: A trainer needs to be sensitive to meet the team where they are, mentally and emotionally. Being sensitive enables you to be a good listener, understand the capacity of your participants, find common ground and adapt your style, so that you can accomplish your training goals. Also, being time sensitive i.e., starting and ending each segment on time wins the respect of your audience. The moment you go over time, they mentally start shutting down. As it’s wisely said-Stop speaking before your audience stops listening.
6. TRUST EQUITY: Just as in business, so also in the classroom, once the trainer has established a sense of trust in the minds of the participants, then any form of correction is well received by the participants. The participants understand that if you as a trainer challenge them in an area, it is for their best. Candid feedback is not resisted but rather it is reflected on, thoughtfully. As a trainer, a verse from the Bible which encourages me is, “Speak the truth in love.” Participants can identify a tone of care.
7. DYNAMIC MIX: It is always encouraging when students give feedback that there was never a dull moment in a session. A key aspect that can help us achieve this goal is training participants with a mix of tools. Use drama, videos, discussions, and even draw on the white board (whether you are a Picasso or not). Employ a variety of activities and create an environment where experimenting is encouraged. When we as trainers have multiple approaches, it secures the attention of our audience.
8. ‘INFECTIOUS’ PASSION: The audience can sense genuine enthusiasm. When we as facilitators get excited about a topic, the audience senses and reflects the enthusiasm. Keep your message simple, keep your suggestions actionable and keep your communication encouraging. This way we can build up those around us and make a positive impact on the lives of many.
Author: This article is written by Craig Travasso, Director of Craig Communicates (OPC) Private Limited. Craig Travasso is a seasoned voice over artist, an experienced communication coach, 2-time TEDx speaker and a master of ceremonies (emcee). Craig Travasso provides voice overs for corporate videos and advertisements. As a soft skills trainer, he regularly conducts communication workshops on public speaking skills, elevator pitches, storytelling, voice modulation, non-verbal communication, leadership and people skills.
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