Langevin's Train-the-Trainer Blog

Most trainers are familiar with the term “Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP).” In its simplest form, this term identifies the three preferred learning styles most individuals have. They are as follows:

Visual—learners prefer to “See it.”
Auditory—learners prefer to “Hear it.”
Kinesthetic—learners prefer to “Do it.”

Many of you have likely had the great opportunity to attend a commencement ceremony. I had the wonderful privilege of attending my grandson’s college graduation. Occasions like this are always filled with so much joy. The cheers and excitement from family and friends are simply palpable as the graduates are being honored for their achievement. My eyes were filled with tears as my loved one walked across the stage to receive his degree; it’s an exhilarating moment to witness.

I was recently at the gym and overheard some complaints about one of the fitness instructors who is perceived as knowledgeable but cold. I felt the same way about her until I got to know her a little better. I discovered she is passionate about her job and sincerely cares about her clients. What she lacks is a smile. When she does smile she radiates warmth and kindness.

As trainers, it is important to communicate the expected behaviors we would like to see from our learners during the training program. The real question is, “Should we call them ground rules?” History has shown that people tend to want to break, bend, or challenge the rules. Rules are a natural part of our daily lives and yet there is often a negative connotation and reaction to the word. Therefore, in a training environment with adults, where it is important to create a climate that is conducive to learning, using the term “ground rules” could generate some resistance. So how do we communicate the expected behaviors we want to see?

I’ve often heard trainers complain that their courses are dry and they want to make them more interesting and fun. Bring on the creative instructional techniques! They want their courses to be livelier, however, in the same breath, they share their reluctance to take risks and try something new and creative.

I recently had a lengthy discussion with a client regarding the purpose of an agenda and what should be included. The client did not understand its purpose or value and consequently had not been using an agenda in her training programs. This blog will highlight some of the key points discussed with the client and why I think they are important.

As a trainer, I have had the honor of frequently witnessing groups come together as strangers and evolve to become a support group for one another well after the training has been completed. My heart smiles when I open my email a week or two following a training program and discover that participants are chatting with one another regarding their key learnings from the course but, more importantly, how they are applying the skills in their workplace. Unfortunately, we sometimes hear the opposite. Participants attend a training program, return to work, put out fires, and resort to old habits with very little motivation, reinforcement, or accountability. This is why it is always a breath of fresh air to witness learners who are excited about learning new skills, and are motivating and supporting one another to implement the tools back on the job.

Do you know the real power of your voice? Actors know it, broadcasters know it, singers know it, and trainers should know it, too! I came from a theater arts background before I entered the training profession and I quickly learned how necessary a powerful voice is. I was taught how to project my voice on stage so that even the person sitting in the very last row could hear me! My theater directors and coaches taught me to breathe deeply and throw my words out like I was throwing an object out at my audience. Over time, and with consistent practice, I was able to project almost effortlessly.

Trainers often complain about participants “not getting it,” or they ask, “How can we make our training interesting?” When I ask what methods they are using to deliver their content, they often reply with, “PowerPoint and lots of it!” The bad news is, presentation alone is not training. Boring people with a slide show will not make the training interesting, nor will it help the participants retain the content. Remember, “The brain can only retain what the bum can sustain.”

Giving feedback to the learner during training is essential. Learners need to know how they are doing while practicing the content. I have heard several stories where trainers have left the room during learner practice, or feedback was withheld until the end of the class, the end of the course, or not offered at all. More often than not, this highlights serious instructional design issues.