Training presentations are necessary in a variety of contexts. Whether instructing new interns at orientation or presenting a “how-to” webinar for your cooking vlog, introducing an audience to a new set of skills or instruction heavily depends on effective public speaking. No matter how formal or casual the content of your material, each training presentation revolves around six key concepts:
1. Read Your Audience
Is your presentation geared towards a group who is merely following up on protocol, or are you introducing brand new material? Before writing the content of your presentation, be sure to gauge what your listeners already know.
2. Set Measurable Goals
Before unleashing an overwhelming amount of data or instruction – clearly communicate your general agenda and outline of the contents of your training.
3. Use Clear and Distinctive Visual Aids
In order to keep your audience engaged, be sure to utilize diagrams, videos, testimonials, and various other graphics that best line up with your goals. Oftentimes we learn better when we see the new information tangibly displayed. Better yet, downloading your presentation for your trainees allows them to focus on your visual aids while knowing they can go back and review at a later date.
4. Use Active Listening
You may have a general idea of the questions that will naturally come up in the midst of training, but be sure to patiently, helpfully listen and respond to the concerns and questions of the participants. During any breaks in the presentation, gauge how your audience is tracking with your pace, and ask whether you should “slow down” or fasten your time on each step. Involve the trainees as much as you can by asking questions and promoting discussion when appropriate.
Depending on the group, it is very possible that nobody will ask questions, and you may feel pressure to move forward and eliminate awkward silence. Don’t forget, your main objective is to educate – do not hesitate to ask questions such as, “Kevin, could you give me an example of how you would react in a situation that best reflects that last point?” Delivery and tone is everything when prompting discussion, encourage dialogue respectfully, and don’t be afraid to challenge the participants in a helpful way.
5. Wrapping Up Your Presentation
When concluding your presentation, always review the key aspects of the session. Whether through a short video, break-out session, or informative panel – give your audience the space to manifest the new chunk of information with a beneficial task. Provide a business card, email, or any resource that trainees can access with any questions or for further contact. Lastly, be sure to encourage your audience! Your trainees have dedicated time to invest in a new set of knowledge, their effort is worthy of respect and gratitude!
6. Follow-Up
This step is crucial to integrate throughout the session, but especially afterwards to promote feedback. Additionally, an effective way to capitalize on your future presentations is to provide printed or emailed questionnaires after your session – this allows for constructive critiques on your training skills moving forward.