How to Deliver Training

Citation

Cleyle, S. (2000), "How to Deliver Training", The Electronic Library, Vol. 18 No. 3, pp. 216-238. https://doi.org/10.1108/el.2000.18.3.216.1

This training guide is a delight to read. Martin Orridge is a training consultant who has written other training resources including “75 Ways to Liven up Your Training”. The sections are clearly defined and thoroughly practical. Part I, Designing a Successful Training Event, has four sections identifying people development needs; How people learn; Event design; The excellent trainer. Part II, Running a Successful Training Event has three sections: Before the event; During the event; Closing the event – and beyond. The Compendium of Forms and Documents includes information required of a professional trainer, including such items as a personal development evaluation form. There is also a recommended reading section and index.

Orridge claims: “I can think of few activities more rewarding than helping someone learn” (p. ix). This commitment to training and his resulting experiences produce practical and thoughtful programme suggestions. One of the most helpful aspects of this book is the caveat called “Cameos”. These are highlighted throughout the book and deal with the particular chapter in which they appear. The cameos are taken from Orridge’s training experiences and provide helpful approaches and solutions.

Part II, “Running a Successful Training Event”, is by far the stronger of the two sections. Orridge offers advice on how to prepare the audience, provides venue and organizer checklists and discusses the merits of different seating arrangements and the preparation of training material. The author clearly is very knowledgeable in the area of learning and cognition. His expertise and advice regarding learning styles are extremely helpful. He often reminds the reader that, to be a good trainer, we must understand the fundamentals of how people learn. Individuals all learn differently and store information in many ways. A trainer must be aware of these various methods.

Chapter 6 – During the Event is the most useful chapter in the book. The author provides practical advice on listening skills, how to elicit student participation, the management of difficult situations and how to lead the discussion. There is something for every level of trainer, from the novice to the professional.

This volume is a worthwhile and valuable addition to any trainer’s library. It will be a reference tool that will be consulted over and over again. If you train, you must own this title.