Train the Trainers – Need for Training the Trainers

Train the trainer refers to upgrading existing knowledge and honing skills of individuals who further train people. Remember, there is no end to learning. No one is perfect and there is always a scope for improvement. Training people is no cake walk and you really need to be absolutely prepared to handle even the minutest queries and provide relevant solutions to their problems. It is necessary for the trainers to keep themselves abreast with the changes or latest developments in their respective genres. Trainers need to keep pace with the ever changing technology and thus it is crucial for them to sit and incorporate necessary changes in their training style or course module under the expert guidance of an individual.

What is the need of training the trainers ?

Training the trainers is important as it helps them impart their respective trainings more efficiently and effectively. It actually gives them an opportunity to work on their skills and core competencies and come out with something more exciting, innovative and unique, eventually benefitting the end – users. Trust me; not every training can create the same impact. There are trainings where people sitting on the last bench are either yawning or fiddling with their cell phones. Do you think such trainings solve any purpose? Absolutely NO. They are nothing but a mere waste of time and energy. It is essential for us to understand the purpose of training programs.

Trainers, first and foremost, need to be trained on how to deliver an exciting session where each one irrespective of the time duration listens with rapt attention. Every trainer has more or less the same content but what actually makes the difference is the style of delivering the same. Trainers need to be trained to be confident so that they create an everlasting impression on the audience.

Very few trainers lay emphasis on their overall behaviour and how they conduct themselves. The role of a trainer is just not to read out slides but actually motivate the audience to incorporate the learnings in their day to day life. Trainers need to be patient and their personalities need to speak for themselves. It is essential to train the trainers on what they should wear during trainings and what should be avoided. Dressing plays an important role in creating the desired impact. Trainers, under no circumstances should reach late for sessions.

Training modules of even the most experienced trainers need to be evaluated so that nothing but the best goes to the audience. Make sure the content is relevant and would actually benefit the audience. Ask the trainers to give their presentations in front of a panel of seasoned professionals who can not only judge their performance but also suggest changes (if required )for the desired impact. Trainers need to be told about the correct pitch and tone so that they are neither too soft nor too loud.

Trainers need to be trained to develop a positive attitude. One may be an excellent trainer but if he/she finds faults in every small thing, he/she would never be able to earn a name in the field of training. One needs to know how to handle his audience.

It is the responsibility of the trainer to ensure that people do not lose attention mid way and stay glued to the session till the end. Trust me, the success and failure of a training program largely depends on the speaker.

Some trainers also need to be guided on how to make an effective power-point presentation. Presentation should not have long stories but only bullet points making it crisp and clear. Supporting the content with case studies and examples make it all the more interesting.