Creative Training Techniques - The Bob Pike Group

People won’t use what they learn from you if their boss isn’t on board with the program. So to be successful, you need to build a relationship with that boss. Becky says you need to encourage that boss to become a coach.

You know from experience that people don’t pay attention as much after lunch. So how do you fight the post-lunch dip syndrome?  Becky says the key is to put brain friendly food on the lunch menu.

Everyone knows that cheating during tests is wrong. But some people do it anyhow. Why?  Becky says most of the time cheating can be prevented with one simple exercise.

Too hot? Too cold? Too humid? The environment that makes up your classroom can precipitate or freeze out learning. And as Becky explains you need to consider not just the temperature, but also the colors you use as well as the furniture design.

Your learners’ minds may understand, but if their hearts don’t believe and accept what is taught, their behavior won’t change.  Becky explains how to get your message from the head to the heart.

Games will help people learn, but only if they're content driven. Becky has a game you can try that really fits the bill.

How you pick and manage the group leaders in the classroom can have a big impact on the success of your training. Becky has some creative ways to choose people, but also some tips on how you can use that process to better engage your learners.

Nervous about that next presentation? Listen to this podcast before you speak and you'll be much calmer. Becky says the key getting rid of the tension is to listen to your heart.

Business success comes when you can move from being your client's customer service provider to trusted advisor. Becky has six tips of things you can do on the phone or in person.

Teaching as part of a team can be fun, but it also has its pitfalls. Becky has five things you and your teaching partners should avoid and how to overcome them. Remember, team teaching is more than just taking turns.

Do you have what it takes to be a great facilitator? Becky says the most important skill to have is the ability to refocus the group. But there are other things you need to be good at including how to manage difficult behaviors and adapting or changing easily in the moment. Can you summarize? If not, Becky has some ideas on how to make up for that. Links mentioned in the podcast: Facilitator Kristin Arnold's website extraordinaryteam. com Book - First things Fast by Allison Rossett http://www.amazon.com/First-Things-Fast-Handbook-Performance/dp/0787988480

So you're the facilitator. What can you do before, during and after your session to make it a success? Becky says it's important to begin knowing what success looks like - but your role in that success is NOT to have an opinion of what the solution is to the problem. Your job is to help the experts in the room find that solution. Agendas, timing, ground rules and follow up are all your responsibility and can make or break the session. And those people who speak too much or not at all? Those are your problems to manage too. You might want to listen to Becky's podcast on how to deal with difficult behaviors Preventing Problem Participants podcast is here: http://www.bobpikegroup.com/userfiles/files/Pluth0405%281906%29.mp3

What's the e in e-learning stand for? Becky says one mistake is thinking e refers to the device you're using. e-learning has its own set of challenges and Becky has some great tips for on how to do it.

Did you know our minds are naturally wired to wander? Unfortunately wandering minds may miss what you're teaching. Energizers will help your audience be more engaged and learn more. Becky has some fun tips on how and when to reset your audience and energize your learners.

Becky has some epic fails for instructors. Don't do this!

Time management can help you really be on top of your game during classes. Becky says dividing your content into need to know, nice to know, and where to go can help you relax and make the most of those precious classroom minutes. She also has some tips to help you organize such as why you should always plan on five minute segments. Links mentioned in this podcast http://www.lynda.com

Becky says the Masters Golf tournament tees up some very important lessons that you can apply to your training business. But instead of winning a green jacket, you'll end up with more green in your wallet (which you can use for a green jacket if your really want one.)

Becky has talked about how smart phones can be a distraction in the classroom, but they can also be a learning aid. Amazingly using smart phones can also get you powerful referrals. Links mentioned in this podcast i rig - http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/irigmic/ Training Tunes http://www.bobpikegroup.com/product/training-tunes-volumes-1-5-royalty-free-music

Are you making things too complicated for people to learn? Becky says short and sweet beats complicated nearly every time. She has some tips on how to keep your presentation simple and to the point. Links mentioned in this podcast Score Series of Books http://www.bobpikegroup.com/product/score-and-powerful-presentations-books

Images and music can play an important role in making training successful. Becky has some great tips on how to employ images and music to enhance your next session. Links mentioned in the podcast www.bigstockphoto.com www.morguefile.com Training Tunes http://www.bobpikegroup.com/product/training-tunes-volumes-1-5-royalty-free-music