Just like many hands build a house, many ingredients contribute to the success of a workshop. The focus of the workshop is to change participants’ attitudes and to make an impact in their lives. This is achieved through meticulous planning and effective delivery. Here’s how to do it.

• Set realistic objectives: Setting objectives give a clear indication of what is to be achieved at a workshop. Define the performance standards you want to attain. Objectives must be stated in positive and action verbs.

Setting objectives are useful in a number of ways: Trainers have a better insight of the behaviour they are seeking to change, participants are aware of the requirements of the workshop and it will also help to allay any fears or uncertainties they may have before a workshop.

Setting objectives also mean that corporations can justify an adequate return on their investments in training.

• Create an interesting lesson plan: An effective lesson plan focuses on areas which need emphasis. It ensures that resources are available and are utilised fully. A lesson plan ensures that nothing is overlooked or under-emphasised.

In a workshop, learning should be made as easy as possible. Divide materials into three major sections: Must know, should know and good to know. Cover the “must know” section first. If time permits, incorporate the others.

• Do your homework: Check the number and educational level of the participants to see if it matches the subject matter. Trainers should state the optimal number of participants in their initial submission.

Consider the availability and accessibility of training equipment and materials. Is there enough time for the trainer to deliver the workshop and reach its objectives?

Consider the “lull” period in the afternoon when participants won’t be functioning at their peak.

• Use a variety of training methods: There are many ways to skin a cat. In training, use different teaching techniques in the workshop because participants learn differently. Traditionally, many trainers lecture. Lectures are the most ineffective and boring mode of transmission of knowledge.

Consider others such as role-playing, group discussion, presentation, brainstorming, games, case studies and outdoor exercises. If you use variety in training, participants will have no time to be bored. As the name “workshop” suggests, participants must work during a workshop.

• Ask questions: An effective trainer should ask good questions and give good answers to questions from workshop participants. A well-timed and relevant question excites participants and the trainer can lead them into the topic. Questions will involve participants, stimulate thinking and thus, learning. Even if there is no answer, participants will ponder over the question.

Trainers can also ask “testing” questions which help to check the level of the group’s understanding. Always acknowledge answers from participants. Thank them. If the answer is wrong, correct them politely.

• Create rapport: The conduct of a successful workshop depends heavily on rapport. If good rapport is established between the trainer and the participants, learning is easier. Participants want the trainer to succeed. Recognise and get to know the participants.

Involve them in exercises and games. Be humble. Do not boast of your achievements and what great things you can achieve. Encourage participants to learn without any fear of failure. If they are ignorant, do not make them feel inadequate. Be empathetic towards their feelings.

• Positive body language: One good way of establishing rapport is to smile. It is the cheapest and most effective way of gaining trust from your participants. Smiling makes you feel relaxed. Participants will find you non-threatening and will therefore be more willing to learn and participate in your exercises.

Greet them at the start of the workshop with a firm handshake. Stand tall, with good posture. Be open in your gestures like stretching your arms forward. Look at participants when you talk to them. Be neat in your appearance. Dressing must be appropriate. T-shirts or jeans are not advisable.

• Use audio visual aids: Use music to enhance the quality of your training. Music keeps participants relaxed and inspired to learn. Otherwise, the silence in the room can dampen their enthusiasm. Music keeps the level of energy high.

Many people are visual learners. Use flip charts, whiteboards, videos or PowerPoint visual presentations. They make learning fun and easy.

• Room logistics: Arrange the room in clusters with four to six participants in a cluster. Ensure that all participants have a good view of the trainer. The room temperature should be comfortable.

It is good to rotate participants in different clusters so that they can network. One training session should not last more than one-and-a-half hours. Have a ready supply of beverages and finger-food during tea-breaks.

Check with participants from time to time to see if they are comfortable in the workshop. Begin and end the workshop on time.

Article contributed by trainer Michael Lum, who is also the author of Who Broke My Rice Bowl? He will be conducting a free workshop, Trainerpreneur — Opportunities In Training, on Wednesday. Venue: YMCA Orchard. Time: 2pm or 7pm. Call 6338-1128 or e-mail lum1128@starhub.net.sg

Website: www.nofailures.com

This article first appeared in ST Recruit on 15 Sept 2003.

Source: Taken from ASIAONE Careers Website - ST Recruit Online

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