Training Triumphs Newsletter #3/31: Maintaining Energy and Enthusiasm Throughout Your Trainings

Dear Trainers and Coaches,

Greetings!

Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a session, only to notice that the energy in the room is slowly waning? Or perhaps, as the day wears on, you feel your own enthusiasm beginning to dip? We have all been there. As trainers, maintaining high energy and enthusiasm throughout a session is not just a nice-to-have; it is essential. Your energy is contagious, and it directly impacts the engagement and learning of your delegates.

Today, let us explore why maintaining energy is so crucial, share some real-life experiences, and offer actionable steps to keep both you and your delegates energized from start to finish.

The Power of Energy and Enthusiasm

Imagine you are attending a workshop. The trainer starts off with a bang, high energy, engaging stories, and a warm smile. But as the session progresses, their energy levels drop. They begin to sound monotonous, the room grows quiet, and you can feel your own attention slipping away. What changed?

The energy a trainer brings into a room sets the tone. It creates a vibrant atmosphere that encourages participation, fosters creativity, and makes learning enjoyable. When you are enthusiastic, it signals to your audience that the content is valuable and worth their time. On the flip side, a lack of energy can lead to disengagement, boredom, and ultimately, a less effective session.

A Personal Story

A few years ago, when I delivering a Train the Trainer program for a group of functional and technical trainers for a large corporate, the morning session went smoothly, everyone was engaged, and the discussions were lively. But after lunch, I noticed the atmosphere had shifted, obviously the food had played its part. The delegates were quieter, and I could see some were struggling to stay awake. Their eyes glazed over, and the usual spark of curiosity and engagement was fading.

At that moment, I knew I had to do something drastic to reignite the room’s energy.

I quickly decided to shake things up. I clapped my hands loudly, and announced with a smile, "Alright, everyone! Let us get on our feet!” I could see the surprise and curiosity on their faces. “We are going to do a quick activity that I promise you will thoroughly enjoy and make you feel alive again!”

The activity I had in mind was one I had used before, called “Human Bingo.” I handed out a Bingo card to each delegate, but instead of numbers, the squares were filled with statements like “Has traveled to more than five countries,” “Loves spicy food,” or “Has met a celebrity.” etc., etc. ?The goal was simple: each person had to move around the room, find others who matched the statements, and get them to sign their card. The first to fill a row, column, or diagonal shouted “Bingo!” and won a small prize.

At first, there was hesitation. A few delegates exchanged puzzled looks, unsure if they should really leave their seats and interact. But as I encouraged them with a cheerful “Let us go, the clock is ticking!” they began to move. Within moments, the room was buzzing with laughter, chatter, and lively exchanges. The quiet hum had transformed into an energetic atmosphere. People were laughing, sharing stories, and suddenly, the entire room was on its feet, moving around, mingling with colleagues they might not have spoken to before.

As the game progressed, I could see the shift, their post-lunch lethargy had completely disappeared. Smiles spread across their faces, eyes twinkled with excitement, and even the more reserved delegates were caught up in the fun. It was as if someone had flipped a switch, bringing the room back to life.

Once the Bingo game ended, we regrouped, and I could feel the energy had been restored. The delegates were now fully awake, smiling, and ready to dive back into the training content and what they had come to learn. One of them even said, “Thank you Sir, that was exactly what I needed to shake off that afternoon slump!” I asked them, “Did you learn anything new today? How you can bring back and keep the energy in the room high in a matter of 5 minutes? What if I tell you that there is an entire session of 2.5 hours dedicated to just this tomorrow where you will all learn a bunch of activities and how to administer them when you train. Wouldn’t that be wonderful? ?As an additional bonus, I will share 100 ready-made activities with you which you can use in any of your trainings going forward.” I could sense their feeling of happiness and the spark in their eyes.

From that moment, I made a commitment: no matter what, I would always keep the energy high, not just for myself but for everyone in the room.

Key Takeaways

• Self-Check: Start with You

Before you step into any training room, check in with yourself. How are you feeling? Are you excited about the session? If you are feeling low on energy, take a few moments to reset. Listen to an uplifting song, do some deep breathing exercises, or visualize a successful session. Your energy is your responsibility.

• Engage Early and Often

Get your delegates involved right from the start. Use icebreakers, ask open-ended questions, or start with a quick interactive activity. When delegates are actively engaged, their energy levels rise, and it becomes easier to sustain that momentum throughout the session.

• ?Vary Your Delivery

Monotony is the enemy of enthusiasm. Vary your tone, pace, and style of delivery. Use stories, anecdotes, humor, and real-life examples to keep things interesting. Mix up your activities—incorporate group work, individual reflection, and dynamic discussions to maintain a lively atmosphere.

• Read the Room

Pay attention to the energy levels of your delegates. If you notice that people are becoming disengaged or tired, it is time to switch gears. Introduce a new activity, change the seating arrangement, or even take a quick break. Sometimes, a 5-minute stretch or a walk around the room can do wonders.

• Take Care of Your Own Energy

Remember, you cannot pour from an empty cup. Ensure you are well-rested, hydrated, and have eaten properly before your session. Taking care of your physical well-being directly impacts your ability to maintain high energy levels.

Simple Actionable Steps that you may focus on to keep your energy high throughout

• Morning Rituals: Develop a pre-session ritual that energizes you. Whether it is listening to your favorite music, a quick workout, or simply taking a few deep breaths, find what works for you and stick to it.

• Mid-Session Boosts: Have a few quick energizers or icebreakers ready for when you sense the energy dipping. These could be anything from a quick physical activity to a fun, light-hearted group challenge.

• Reflection and Feedback: After each session, take a moment to reflect. What worked? What did not? Ask your delegates for feedback on the energy levels throughout the session. Use this information to continuously improve.

• ?Stay Hydrated: Keep water nearby and sip it throughout the session. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, so staying hydrated is key to maintaining energy. I used to make this mistake earlier of not sipping water. Now I drink a lot of water and it keeps me energized throughout the program.

• ?Post-Session Recharge: After your session, give yourself time to unwind and recharge. Whether it is a walk in nature, some quiet reading, or simply relaxing with a cup of tea, take care of yourself so you are ready to bring that same energy to your next session.

In Conclusion

Maintaining energy and enthusiasm throughout a session is not just about being lively; it is about creating an environment where learning thrives. By keeping your energy high, you inspire your delegates to stay engaged, enthusiastic, and open to new ideas. Remember, your energy is a powerful tool, use it wisely, and you will see the impact it has on your sessions.

I encourage you to try these tips in your next session and observe the difference. Share this newsletter with your fellow trainers and coaches to spread the word. Let us create a community of energized, enthusiastic trainers who are passionate about making a difference. What do you do to keep yourself as well as your delegates energized in your training programs? Share your views! It would be great to hear from all of you.

And if you have not already, subscribe to Training Triumphs and join over 4,500 trainers who are already benefiting from these insights. Let us continue this journey together, one energetic session at a time!

Warm regards,

Shanker Viswanath

Your partner in your training and coaching success

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