What are the most common mistakes an inexperienced or new trainer makes?
Thank you to everyone in the LinkedIn group Effective and Fun Training Techniques who shared their knowledge so we can benefit from it.
This is part two of your great work.
I think the most common mistake is that they are aiming for perfection not for improvement – allow learners to master every individual skill then put it together gradually.
Mohamed Fathi
Call to Action: When teaching a series of skills to someone, go from part to whole.
Creating a ‘safe space’ for learning is important. We learn best when we feel safe and comfortable and the facilitator needs to show that they can be trusted. This trust can be set up early by arriving early, ensuring the venue is set up to suit the learning that is to take place, welcoming participants and making small talk (e.g. How was the drive/trip in? Lovely/cold weather, etc).
Genevieve Hundermark
Call to Action: Take time to make people welcome and create a ‘safe space.’
Timing.
You need to know exactly how much time each activity will take with a particular number of participants, then vary accordingly. If there are fewer participants, an activity can be carried on longer, or the debrief can be more in-depth. If there are more participants the time taken by each individual or group could affect your overall schedule.
Nina John
Call to Action: A great trainer delivers what they promise, because they keep to time.
The inability to measure the flow of the content and comprehension. One size does not fit all. From experience comes a greater understanding in how to customize the discussion and learning based upon reading the room and the participants.
Darren Johnson
Call to Action: Flex your discussion and debrief style to suit the learners.
I think preparation is key to helping a new trainer feel confident and able to give a bit of their personality rather than hiding behind their notes. I think it’s vital to appear confident (whether or not you are!) and definitely not make excuses at the beginning e.g. “It’s my first time delivering this course “or” I’m new to this”.
Jane Hinken
Call to Action: A good trainer rehearses in front of a safe environment to build confidence.
Hide your insecurities – leave that baggage at the door.
Dave Smith
Call to Action: Behave confidently and that is what they will remember.
Establish credibility: many participants would like to know why they are spending time and money with you.
Zarikhan Mustikhan
Call to Action: Share your experience with them and what this adds to the subject.
I would add – not giving enough time for delegates to answer questions/ answering the questions themselves (probably due to being nervous and not being comfortable with silences).
Claire Poole
Call to Action: Allow time for silence when facilitating a discussion.
They do not acknowledge body language or behaviour as indicators that they probably need to shift or adapt the learners need as there’s some element that isn’t being met.
Theda Howson
Call to Action: Observe and check out what body language signals may mean.
One of my previous failings has been to underestimate the level of knowledge in the room and not use this to assist with questions from the delegate body. I have learnt that many delegates are quite willing to share their experience and this can be the basis for a great learning discussion even if this was not the original aim.
Daniel Gribben-Lisle
Call to Action: Use the learners knowledge, skills and experience.
I think the most common mistake is not trusting in their ability to respond appropriately to questions when they don’t know the answer. It is vital for new trainers to feel confident telling a training attendee that they need to check before responding, and then make sure they follow up with a complete answer to their question after they’ve had a chance to look up the answer. If you don’t understand the question, ask for an example of a situation when this may arise, so that you can be sure that you are coming back with a complete and relevant response.
Victoria Thorn
Call to Action: Be open if you don’t know the answer.
There will be more blogs to come on this subject.
If you are a new trainer or an experienced trainer please let us know your thoughts in the comments box below.
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