What are Platform Skills?

Platform skills are presentation behaviors that a trainer uses to transmit content effectively. Not to be confused with skills that guarantee participation (which, in general, only trainers use), both presenters and trainers must demonstrate excellent platform skills to get their messages across. Platform skills is one exciting arena where training and presentation cross paths.

Prepare for your next training session by making a commitment to the behaviors below. Then, ask a peer to observe you and let you know how you did.

I compiled these criteria by researching some of the best resources in the training field, and have listed them in no particular order.

 The Trainer:

? Clearly communicates the session’s topic, goal, and relevance to the participants at the beginning of the session.

 ?  Effectively manages nervousness so that it does not distract the participants.

?  Uses humor, analogies, examples, metaphors, stories, and delivery methods other than lecture or PowerPoint.

?  Faces the participants most of the time in a “full-frontal” body position.

?  Summarizes and closes the class with energy.

However, before “going on stage”, try following these five steps:

1.Find a bathroom stall. Enter, and close the door.

2.  Plaster a huge, ear-to-ear smile on your face while relaxing your shoulders with a big breath.

3. Shake your body all over, as if you were a dog shaking off water. Keep smiling and breathing.

4.  Open the cubicle door while still smiling.

5.  Walk to where you will present. Chances are your face will settle into a genuine smile by the time you get there.

 By forcing that little “smile” moment, you have boosted your immunity, energy, and dynamism. Best of all, you have lowered your stress.

Now you can be the amazing trainer or presenter you were always meant to be!