How do you build rapport with your Train the Trainer audience?

1 Know your audience

Before you design and deliver your training, you need to know who your audience is and what their needs, expectations, and preferences are. You can use various methods to gather this information, such as surveys, interviews, or pre-assessments. Knowing your audience will help you tailor your training content, style, and methods to suit their level, background, and goals. It will also help you anticipate and address any potential challenges, questions, or objections that they might have.

2 Use icebreakers and introductions

At the start of your training session, you want to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that encourages your audience to interact with you and each other. You can use icebreakers and introductions to break the ice, introduce yourself and your topic, and invite your audience to share something about themselves. Icebreakers and introductions can be fun, creative, and relevant to your training objectives. For example, you can ask your audience to share their name, role, and one thing they want to learn from the training.

3 Communicate effectively

During your training session, you want to communicate effectively with your audience to maintain their interest, attention, and involvement. To do this, you should use clear, concise, and positive language, as well as vocal variety, gestures, and eye contact. Moreover, you can use humor, stories, and examples to get your point across. Additionally, ask open-ended questions and listen actively to your audience's responses. Furthermore, give feedback and praise when warranted. Encourage participation and collaboration among the group. Finally, be sure to adapt your approach based on the feedback and reactions of your audience.

4 Show empathy and respect

Creating rapport with your Train the Trainer audience can be achieved by showing empathy and respect for their feelings, opinions, and perspectives. This will help create a secure and encouraging learning environment where everyone feels valued, understood, and appreciated. Acknowledging and validating their emotions and challenges, displaying curiosity in their experiences and insights, respecting their diversity and differences, avoiding criticism or blame, and expressing gratitude are all effective ways to demonstrate empathy and respect.

5 Follow up and follow through

After your training session, you should follow up and follow through with your audience to reinforce their learning, demonstrate your commitment, and sustain the rapport. A thank-you email or message is a great way to show your appreciation. You can also provide additional resources or support, ask for feedback or evaluation, celebrate their achievements or progress, and stay in touch to offer ongoing assistance.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?