Train…Don’t Bore to Death

Simply reading powerpoint slides that are jam packed with words verbatim and in a monotone voice does not effective training make!

This “training” method is frankly a waste of everyone’s time since it is estimated that people recall:

·        10% of what they read, 20% of what they hear and 30% of what they see;

·        50% of what they hear and see;

·        70% of what they say and write; and

·        90% of what they say as they do it.

Law firms are notorious for this type of training although many other organisations are also guilty of the same misdemeanor. This outdated and ineffective model of in-house training is perpetuated mostly because in most organisations the people providing the training are senior members of the team who have experience in the subject matter but are not trained trainers or facilitators. This model of training also does not cater for different learning styles which can be categorized as follows for different learners:  

1.      Visual – these learners understand information better when it is presented in a visual format such as pictures and diagrams

2.      Verbal – these learners learn through using words, both in speech and writing

3.      Auditory – these learners develop understanding by hearing or listening

4.      Kinesthetic – these learners learn through experience or doing things

5.      Logical – these learners prefer to learn using logic, reasoning and systems

6.      Social – these learners prefer to learn in groups or with other people

7.      Solitary – these learners prefer to learn alone and use self-study

Any training program, course or webinar should cater for as many of these learning styles as possible so as to ensure that all participants are engaged. For example using pictures and diagrams in slides caters for visual learners, encouraging group discussions caters for auditory and social learners, assigning practical exercises will reinforce the content for kinesthetic learners and prescribing additional reading material will assist reading/writing learners.

Even if you are not a professional trainer or facilitator you can adopt some of the above-mentioned strategies to breath new life into your training sessions. The internet is also replete with information and tips which can assist you with upping your training game.

With a little effort and imagination you can spare your audience from being subjected to Death by Boredom during your next training session…..if not I sincerely wish them good luck!