## APPENDIX C

**[HANDOUT -- TIPS FOR TRAINERS]{.mark}**

![](media/image1.wmf)**TIPS FOR TRAINERS**

The TIPS FOR TRAINERS is designed to supplement the expanded FPLS
training materials. It provides experienced trainers with additional
tools and tips for delivering training.

**The materials will help you go into training feeling prepared,
confident, and assured.**

**Many factors go into a successful training session. As an experienced
trainer, you know which style works best for you. We are about to
explore some factors that may enhance your current abilities and lend
itself to a training session fruitful for you and the trainees.**

**Good Luck!**

**[HANDOUT -- TIPS FOR TRAINERS]{.mark}**

## 

## Flipchart Pages

-   Use pre-recorded flip chart pages that illustrate all of your key
    points

-   Mark every other page for better readability

-   Lettering should be 1 ½" high; 2" between lines

-   Use top 2/3 of pad only

-   Use different colored markers to differentiate points (don't use red
    and green together though- some people are red/green color blind)

-   Underline or box to help organize the page

-   Use as few words as possible

-   Hang pages on the walls for easy reference

## Videotape Presentations

-   Use as a springboard for discussion

-   Try to avoid showing right after lunch

-   Try to show after a break

[HANDOUT -- TIPS FOR TRAINERS]{.mark}

## Presentation Skills

-   Speak in a paced tone- not too fast or slow

-   Project your voice- speak loudly, forcefully and clearly

-   Look your audience members in the eye

-   Think of the class as individuals, not a large group

-   Call on people by name when they ask a question

-   Try not to interrupt people in your haste to answer their questions

-   Do not speak over or under the audience's head

-   Know who to ask or where to get answers for questions to which you
    may not have the answers

-   Always make sure everyone in the class has heard a particular
    question, if necessary repeat the question

## Timeframes

-   Start class on time

-   Make sure timeframes are realistic- don't go too fast or too slow

-   Keep an eye on the clock during questions and discussions -- don't
    let questions and discussions allow you to fall behind

-   Don't call attention to the fact if you are behind schedule

-   Stay on top of timing. Remember, no two classes will be the same. If
    you get behind, stay on task

**[HANDOUT -- TIPS FOR TRAINERS]{.mark}**

## Famous Last Words

-   Never let a student think his/her question is stupid, even if it is!

-   It is easier for a student to criticize than to compliment. Know
    this!

-   No matter what, try to be empathetic and supportive with the
    struggling student. Celebrate small successes. Do not embarrass the
    struggling student. Try not to let this student hold back the rest
    of the class.

-   Start the class promptly at the appointed time. Do not embarrass
    late comers.

-   5 minute breaks always turn into 10 minutes.

-   Don't take offense to students that nap in the afternoon; it may be
    a biological need, especially after lunch.

-   Not all students will like your style. You will not like all
    students.

-   Training evaluations are worthless, if you only focus on the
    negative comments.

-   Trainers make some of the worst trainees!

**GUIDELINES FOR YOUR PRESENTATION**

Although you may be an experienced public speaker, please take a few
minutes to review the following material. It will help you to understand
the needs of your audience.

** Know your audience.**

Attendees at OCSE conferences are professionals with a mid-to-high level
of experience in their fields. Many attendees are administrators or
supervisors. We also have a large number of attendees who are trainers.
Other attendees include caseworkers, decision-makers, and vendors.

** Understand adult education principles.**

*Adults learn only what they feel they need to learn.* Attendees want
specific solutions to the problems they face. If you can anticipate and
help solve their problems, you will keep their attention.

*Adults learn by doing.* Adults have a limited tolerance for straight
lectures. If you can involve attendees through an interactive discussion
or case scenario, they will retain the information longer.

*Adult learning centers on realistic problems.* Attendees want to see
how each point made in your presentation or each case study relates to a
real problem or issue in the world in which they work.

*Adults learn best in an informal environment.* Participants need to
feel comfortable in the session, including a sense that it is all right
to ask questions. The moderator should inform attendees during the
session\'s opening whether speakers will entertain questions during
their presentations or whether there will be time at the end for
questions.

*Adults respond to a variety of teaching methods.* Do not use variety
just for variety\'s sake. However, you should review your remarks to see
if they would be enhanced by an effective overhead, a case exercise, or
a brief videotape.

** Never apologize for lack of experience in the field or inadequate
preparation time.**

If that is the case, you should not be making the presentation!
Apologies only create barriers between yourself and the audience. Of
course, you should always be honest in answering questions. If you do
not know the answer, do not \"wing it.\" The question can present an
excellent opportunity to involve the audience or other speakers.

 **Introduce your topic with a road map.**

In your introduction, tell your audience what you plan to cover during
your presentation.

** Tell the audience how your course materials relate to your
presentation.**

If you are following an outline in your course materials, please
periodically let attendees know where you are in the outline. Refer to
specific pages in the conference notebook. If you are not following the
outline in your notebook materials, please tell your audience during the
introduction.

 **Make clear transitions.**

** Stick to the schedule.**

Practice timing your presentation. Attendees always criticize speakers
who have exceeded their allotted time so that there is insufficient time
for the other speakers or inadequate time for audience questions.

** Do not read your presentation.**

** Avoid language or jokes that could be offensive to your audience.**

** Avoid acronyms or jargon.**

** \"War stories\" should be used for illustration only.**

** At the conclusion, summarize your main points.**

** When answering questions, repeat the question to ensure that
everyone has heard it.**

Try to divide complex questions into parts, then answer each part
briefly. If questions will require detailed answers or are too
case-specific without significant learning potential for other
attendees, invite the questioner to stay after the session is over for a
longer discussion.

**AUDIOVISUAL EQUIPMENT**

We are equipping every room with an overhead projector, screen, one (1)
flip chart stand with paper and markers. If you need other audiovisual
equipment, please inform your session coordinator. **1st.**

The effectiveness of a presentation is greatly enhanced with appropriate
audio-visual support. However, visuals which are difficult to read from
a distance or just too crowded are frustrating and often ignored.

** Keep visuals simple.**

Limit the copy to eight lines per transparency and six words per line.

** Use bold, simple type face.**

The font should be at least **18 point (1/2\" high).**

**Trainer\'s tip - Place the overhead on the floor and stand up. If you
cannot read it standing, it is too small.**

** Use transparencies to enhance not replace your presentation.**

** Use overlays where appropriate.**

By superimposing additional transparencies on a base transparency, you
can build a concept or progressively present a complex issue. Be sure to
check the transparency for clarity. If you use too many overlays, the
picture will blur.

** Check your session location 15 minutes before the session** to
ensure that you have the equipment you requested, it is set up as
requested, and you are familiar with how it operates. Let your room
monitor know if you have any concerns.