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Practice Makes Perfect
Practice your presentation. The best instructors always do at least one dry run before the training session. Practicing improves presentation skills and confidence levels. It allows trainers to foresee any technical or logistical difficulties and prepare backup plans for any contingencies.
Overcome Presentation Phobia
Many times, especially with lectures, trainers conduct sessions in front of large groups. Many people are uncomfortable with public speaking even when they have a well-prepared presentation.
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Here’s a two-step process for overcoming stage fright:
- Prepare the mind by putting everything in perspective. Trainees are here to learn from you, they want you to be a good trainer, because they’ll learn more that way. Focus on them and make sure they understand the material. Don’t worry about your performance, you’re just the messenger. Deliver the message. Accept the fact that you will be nervous and, in fact, put that nervous energy into an energetic delivery.
- Prepare the body. Trainers need to familiarize themselves with the training environment, including the lighting, temperature, and layout of the classroom. You can do this during your practice session and also by arriving early on the day of training to check that everything is in order. Drink nondairy fluids to soothe your vocal cords and to prevent a dry or sore throat from extensive talking during the session. You may also want to learn relaxation techniques and develop a standard ritual before training sessions to relax and prepare yourself.
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Here’s a handy last-minute checklist to make sure everything is ready for your training session:
□ Dress appropriately. Use your audience analysis to figure out what to wear. In general, match your manner of dress to that of your trainees—or go slightly more professional.
□ Arrive early. Give yourself time to check last-minute arrangements and get yourself mentally geared up for the session.
□ Check seating arrangements. Make sure the setup is ideal for the training style you want to use and have some extra chairs for any last-minute trainees.
□ Check room temperature. Adjust it appropriately for the number of people who will be in the room and the size of the space you will all be occupying.
□ Check audiovisual hardware. Conduct one last run-through to make sure everything is still running smoothly.
□ Check electrical outlets. Make sure all your connections are safe. Don’t trail cords across walkways or overload surge protector strips.
□ Check light switches. Know which switches work which lights so you can achieve the ideal lighting for audiovisual materials and note-taking.
□ Check window-darkening equipment. Make sure blinds or shades are working properly.
□ Check arrangements. Make sure you have everything you need—including the training space for the entire time you need it.
□ Lay out classroom supplies. If you will be demonstrating tools or equipment, make sure you have everything you need.
□ Lay out course materials. Decide whether to put handouts on a table for trainees to pick up on the way in or to lay them at every seat.
See tomorrow’s Advisor for typical training pitfalls—and how to avoid them.