{note: this is an earlier post from my other site (www.atrainerslife.com). it generated enough discussion to bring it along to the new site!}
It sounds really simple… get to know your audience before a training class. That’s training basics 101.
But how many of us really do this and do it well? We usually find out how many participants to expect so we can have enough materials. We might get a little background information about the company or the department. We might even ask for their job titles, and maybe even their names.
Are we asking the right questions?
In order for a training class to be both relevant and effective, the trainer must tailor the material to the audience. Therefore the trainer has to know the audience. Really know the audience.
Here are 5 questions a trainer should ask before any training class to get to know the audience:
1. What do participants already know about this topic?
The answer to this question will tell us if we need to start from scratch, or if we should skip over the basics. We’ll know whether they need to start with a quick refresher of previous topics. If its a mixed level group, we’ll know how to pair them up (experienced with non-experienced learners).
2. What do participants need to know or do with this content immediately following class?
The answer to this question helps us separate the “need to know” content from the “nice to know” content. If the participants are expected to use the material immediately (within 24-48 hours) then we’ve got to cover it during the training. If they’ll use it at some point in the future -then the content could be contained in reference material (such as the handout appendix).
3. What will participants be held accountable for (related to this content)?
The answer to this question helps us know whether or not they’ll be ‘tested’ on this topic. For example, I worked with a client who was planning to test participants’ ability in a role play using the interpersonal skills they learned in class. While I didn’t “teach to the test”, it helped us focus on the skills they really needed to know, both in the “test” and back on the job. Even if your audience won’t be formally tested on the material, its helpful to know what knowledge or skills they will be accountable for applying back on their jobs so that we can focus the training accordingly.
4. What daily or weekly challenges do participants have (especially related to this content)?
This question helps us keep the training relevant to their needs. The more we can relate to their daily reality – the better! Whether its learning solutions to these challenges, or simply being conversant in their business environment, we will increase our crediblity and the relevance of the training.
5. What questions do participants have about the content?
The answer to this question helps us tailor the content to directly meet their needs. Their “burning” questions will help us prioritize the content and ensure we cover issues of importance to them.
Ideally, we find out the answers to these questions well in advance of the training. There are times when that’s impossible, so we need to find out these answers at the start of class. We can ask participants to share this info during an introductory activity. Or we could poll the audience (formally or informally) to find out what we need to know. Regardless of when its done, its important to do it.
What are your thoughts on getting to know your audience? What other questions do you ask?
