20 Tips for Trainers

Before the Session:

Prepare. Read through the entire module several times before you ever deliver it. If the topic is new to you, reading some of the supplemental materials listed under “Learn More About the Topic” may help you feel more confident.
If you feel unsure about leading a particular activity for the first time, practice it with a small group of friends or co-workers.
If you decide you want to adapt an activity, or substitute one entirely, be sure that the learner objectives can still be achieved. In this way, you can express your unique style but also uphold the integrity of the Fanning Institute’s Community Leadership Program.
In case you have trouble acquiring all the materials and supplies you will need, avoid waiting until the last minute to gather them. In advance of the session, line up an overhead projector if you intend to use it, and a flip chart. Prepare instructional materials if they are called for in the Facilitator’s Guide.
As the training day approaches, visualize yourself leading the session from beginning to end and enjoying it! Believe it or not, this makes a difference in how well things go.
If you have not previously led a training session in the room you will be using, visit the room at least a day or two in advance of the session. Make sure you know if it is allowable to re-arrange the chairs and tables; the location of electrical outlets; whether or not you can tape flip chart paper to the walls; how to adjust the temperature; the location of restrooms and telephones; and the name of the on-site contact.
Test the overhead projector beforehand if you plan to use it, and have back up supplies such as light bulbs and electrical cords on hand.
Consider a co-facilitator. Two facilitators working together add variety to the session. You and s/he can take turns leading the activities and group discussions. If the module includes small group work, two facilitators can better monitor the activity and provide assistance when and where it is needed. If two of you are going to work together, make a plan for who will do what.

During the Session:

On the day of the training, greet everyone when they arrive. Be sure to connect with each person individually before you start the session. This helps everyone feel comfortable.
Begin on time. This rewards those who are punctual and it discourages others from being late to future sessions.
Refer to everyone by name throughout the session. Make a point of remembering what you learn about them during the “Sharing What We Know” segment and elsewhere in the module. When people feel liked by others and appreciated as individuals, they are more open to learning.
Make sure the participants spend more time talking than you do. The person doing the talking is the person who is doing most of the learning.
Don’t worry about not being an expert on the topic. Admit when you don’t have the answers and let everyone share the responsibility for finding the answers to questions that are raised. This takes the pressure off you and it puts people in charge of their own learning.
Don’t rush breathlessly through all the activities in order to complete the module because people will not learn under such circumstance. If you are pressed for time, find ways to deliver the full module by either incorporating the suggested short cuts or extending it over two sessions.
Encourage everyone’s participation, but also avoid putting anyone on the spot. Adults have a right to choose how actively they will participate.
Use the discussions that follow most activities as a time for making sure that people are learning. Challenge people to “think for themselves” and encourage them to think broadly and deeply about the topic. Avoid questions that have obvious answers. Avoid questions that can be answered yes or no. Don’t answer your own questions.
If you are inspired, read up on how to lead good discussions.
Ignite curiosity at every opportunity.
Excite participants with your own enthusiasm for the topic of community leadership.
End on time.