If
you are a subject matter expert, you may be called on to conduct training and
share what you know about your area of expertise. However, it’s not as simple as putting
everything you know on slides and presenting them to the audience.
It’s
not enough to know the topic well, you also need to know how to communicate
your expertise to others; for example, how to engage the participants and help
them connect what they’re learning to how they will apply it.
Below
is a checklist of elements and skills you need to be familiar with to help ensure
that your training is successful and “sticks” with the participants.
PLANNING THE TRAINING
ü Know
the content
ü Understand
participants’ level of familiarity with the material
ü Understand
how the participants learn: different learning styles/generations
ü Plan
any pre-work required
ü Anticipate
questions
ü Plan
how much time for the overall training and how much time for each topic,
balancing too much vs. too little content
ü Plan
training logistics: timings, breaks, room set-up and environment, training modalities,
learning environment and culture
ü Develop
materials for training, using different training modalities: lecture, small
group discussion, slides, video, audio, flip chart, smart board, hands on,
action learning, etc.
ü Structure
training exercises to maximize participants’ involvement and learning
CONDUCTING THE TRAINING
Starting
ü Explain
the purpose of the training and how it fits within the context of their role
ü Set
learning objectives
ü Establish
ground rules with the participants, including holding participants accountable
for their own learning
Conducting
ü Introduce
concept/topic and explain in different ways
ü Keep
group engaged and focused
ü Focus
on practical applications and practice of new skills
ü Facilitate
group discussion and training exercises
ü How
to ask open-ended questions
ü How
to give feedback – both positive and constructive for growth and development
ü How
to handle questions and encourage them without getting off track
ü How
to stay on time
ü How
to manage group and handle any dysfunctional behavior
Concluding
ü Check
for understanding
ü Address
remaining questions
ü Set
action steps for practical application of skills learned and possible
discussion with manager
FOLLOWING UP AFTER THE TRAINING
ü Conduct
post-training surveys of participants and their managers
ü Follow
up post-training: check in for understanding and application
ü Reflect
on what you did well and what you’d like to improve the next time you conduct training
Getting
comfortable with these skills will make you a better trainer and help you share
what you know with a wider audience.
Gilda Bonanno is a trainer, speaker and coach who
helps people improve their leadership, communication and presentation skills so
they can be more successful. She has
worked with executives and companies throughout North America and in South
America, Europe, India, China and Thailand.
Gilda is a certified Project Management
Practitioner (PMP), has a certificate in Process Reengineering and holds an
Advanced Business Certificate in Management from the University of Connecticut
School of Business. Her previous work experience in the pharmaceutical and
information technology industries gives her a keen understanding of the challenges
facing businesses.