The best trainers certainly have excellent presentation skills. However, presenting is just one element of effective training. Simply put, training is the transfer of knowledge. But how do you know if the transfer of knowledge occurred? Using both types of knowledge checks, embedded and post check, ensures that learners are following you along the way, and you’re not leaving anyone behind. {In the next blog, you will learn more about embedded testing}
Three skills that are a ‘must’ for effective training are ‘connecting with the audience’, ‘reading the room’, and ‘thinking on your feet’.
Connecting with the audience. This is something you can not fake. If you don’t care about the people in the room, they will know it. If you are only there to let people know how smart you are, most people will be turned off. But if you can connect your topic to make it mean something to the participants they will ‘get’ you. Sharing a personal story or strife helps you to connect on a personal level.
How do you know if you are connecting? By reading the room. This requires you to look beyond your words into the eyes of your audience. Are they truly listening or making their shopping list? Use your instincts to read whether people are connecting with you and the content.
What if your audience is not engaged? You read the room and realize you are not connecting with the audience, now you need to change your approach – go off your script. Tell a story, make people laugh, ask a question. Studies have shown that if people are feel a strong emotion during a learning event, they will remember more. When people laugh or get choked up, the message is strongly attached in the brain.
