what are the characteristics of an effective trainer?

Training adults is very different from teaching pre-schoolers. Kids have little world experience, so they absorb anything the teacher says. However, most adults are world-weary and a trainer has to do a little more to get them to learn.   In general, adults learn best when what they feel the lessons taught is going to be useful. They may understand the importance of training, but they also need to experience its applicability. If they can't see its application in real life, they'll simply be going through the motions.   This is why trainers need to find ways to motivate adults to take part, and one of the best ways to do that is to find a connection between the training and their goals. Understanding how adults learn best can help trainers develop more effective training programmes.   Trainer, instructor, facilitator, presenter; their nom de guerre doesn't really matter. What matters is how they can provide delegates with the knowledge to perform better at their jobs.   While training may sound like all talk, being an effective trainer is much more than that. Being a great trainer requires soft skills and a high level of motivation. Having the following characteristics is also a big plus:    

excellent communication skills

  It may sound obvious, but trainers should have great communication skills. The best trainers can break down complex ideas and explain them clearly to trainees. They also need to be able to listen actively, but also be sensitive enough to pick up on non-verbal communication.   The training environment must also maintain open lines of communication, so trainees are comfortable enough to ask questions. Any extra training material must also be easy to follow and actually helpful to the trainee.  

offers rich training

  Nobody looks forward to 'yet another training session'. To get around this, trainers should use different methods to get trainees excited about taking the course. Whether it's changing the delivery format or the type of course material handed out, you should always aim to make your courses lively.   To keep training courses upbeat, great trainers always encourage student participation. Asking questions during training will keep trainees engaged, and it also helps trainers assess how much of the material the students are assimilating. Adults learn best when they can practice what they learn. To be considered effective, training sessions must include practice segments.  

possesses industry knowledge

  Good trainers understand the concepts and nuances that prevail in the industry. They know what makes the workforce and customers tick, and they also have an eye on its trends. This knowledge is crucial as delegates can quickly spot a trainer who's only reading from a prepared slide.   Having adequate knowledge also helps with designing an effective training programme. It can help trainers choose which training medium to use, the type of activities to include, etc. An added bonus is that a well-read trainer can always find an angle to make even the most boring topic lively.

 

Possesses Industry Knowledge

Good trainers understand the concepts and nuances that prevail in the industry. They know what makes the workforce and customers tick, and they also have an eye on its trends. This knowledge is crucial as delegates can quickly spot a trainer who's only reading from a prepared slide.   Having adequate knowledge also helps with designing an effective training programme. It can help trainers choose which training medium to use, the type of activities to include, etc. An added bonus is that a well-read trainer can always find an angle to make even the most boring topic lively.    

passionate about learning

  Trainers who are passionate about learning understand that it is an ever-evolving process. Recognising the value of learning in their own lives, they spend time developing themselves as well. The passion they devote to honing their skills is reflected in the quality of the training they offer.   Their continuous learning exposes them to different methods of engaging trainees and learning styles, too. By keeping abreast of the latest insights in training, good trainers will remain in demand.  

high level of professionalism

  The best trainers understand that people learn at different speeds and in different ways. Regardless of how fast trainees pick up on the concepts taught, the trainer must always remain patient. They also create time to interact with each delegate to make sure they understand the material before moving on.   Excellent trainers are also open-minded and willing to listen to different points of view. They don't assume they know everything and will never talk down to their trainees.   Unfortunately, not every trainer is effective, and that is because not every trainer possesses these characteristics. It is not enough to simply talk to the trainees - a trainer must also be insightful, charismatic, passionate, and above all, have exceptional communication skills.   Without these characteristics, trainees won't be engaged and the training session will not be worthwhile. But a trainer who does have these characteristics will have the ability to convey clear messages, help people develop and potentially change someone's entire mind-set for the better.