Our Train the Trainer courses are littered with questions.
Questions are a key tool for any trainer. We use them in many ways and for many reasons: finding out information; developing rapport; establishing direction or even asserting authority. Sometimes you may wish to stimulate interaction: other times not. Understanding our approach to questions goes a long way to setting the tone of our training. Firstly: do we want to encourage questions? Normally the answer would be 'Yes'. However, before we can answer 'Yes' we need to be clear about what we are trying to achieve. In the simplest terms - will lots of enthusiastic and stimulating questions accelerate the flow of the training or slow it down? On occasions, a raft of free-flowing questions can be a recipe for chaos.
Clearly - the statement: 'If you have any questions please save them to the end.' will set a certain level of expectation within the room. It suggests that free unfettered interaction is not the aim of the session; it also puts the trainer in the role of 'Leader' and signals that there is a fixed agenda. With a large group, or limited time, putting off questions until the end may be the only practical solution to guarantee all the material is covered properly.
The more you understand questions and questioning techniques, the more your train the trainer courses will engage and build toward greater outcomes.
'If you have any questions please save them to the end.' can be used when there is a danger that regular interruptions could detract from the flow of complex material, or maybe with material that may seem unclear at the outset, but where the trainer is confident that most of the likely questions will be answered along the way. In this case, putting a brake on spontaneous questions would probably enable the students to benefit more from the session.
'If you have any questions please save them to the end.' is also a useful way of indicating gently that the tone of the session is more aimed at offering information than opening up a free discussion. It also suggests that any subsequent questions are probably for further clarification rather than a dissection of the material itself.
Imagine you're delivering a Train the Trainer course
9 times out of 10 'effective communication' would suggest that we would want to enable our students to express themselves freely during the session; however, we need to be clear about how best to achieve the aims of the session. Is it better to relinquish or maintain full control?
If the content of the training is broadly set and non-negotiable;
if the time available is limited;
if the purpose of the training is simply to pass on information efficiently, then a polite
'If you have any questions please save them to the end.'
at the beginning of the session will set the right tone.
It indicates to the attendees:
I am in charge; you follow me; and any questions later are intended for clarification, not discussion.
If you're looking to enhance your professional skill set or want to help an employee on the road to success, enrol on our 2-day train the trainer courses The course is ideal for new trainers coming into the industry as well as experienced trainers looking for opportunities to improve their CV and career prospects. Book a place on this 2-day course for just £795 + VAT.
