Ever sat through a training session that felt like watching paint dry? We have all been there! But delivering a training session does not have to be dull or daunting. Whether you are new to training or looking to spice up your sessions, there are plenty of ways to make learning lively and memorable. In this post, we will share practical, down-to-earth tips for running engaging training that gets everyone involved—and even has them asking for more.
Know Your Audience (and Make Them Feel at Home)
Great trainers start by getting to know their audience. It is not just about names and job titles—it is about understanding what makes them tick. Before your session, find out what your learners want to achieve, what experience they bring, and what worries they might have. Create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere with a smile, a cuppa, and a bit of friendly banter. When people feel at ease, they are far more likely to join in and take something valuable away.
Try kicking things off with a light-hearted icebreaker or a simple group activity. This helps everyone relax and gets them talking right from the start. A simple “two truths and a lie” or “what is the most unusual job you have ever had?” can turn nervous silence into laughter. It is amazing how a touch of fun can set the tone for an engaging session.
Mix Up Your Training Methods
If you want to keep your trainees awake and alert, variety is your secret weapon. Avoid death by PowerPoint by mixing up your methods. Use group discussions, practical activities, case studies, and even a game or two to keep people on their toes. The more interactive your session, the more your learners will remember (and enjoy).
For example, try setting up small group challenges where teams compete to solve a problem. Use real-world scenarios that relate to their day jobs. Or, encourage learners to share stories from their own experience. Not only does this make the content more relevant, but it also keeps things lively and unpredictable.
Encourage Participation and Questions
No one likes to be talked at for hours on end! Great trainers turn their sessions into conversations, not lectures. Invite questions, welcome opinions, and encourage learners to get involved in discussions. This not only helps everyone stay awake—it helps them learn from each other as well as from you.
Be sure to ask open-ended questions like “How would you handle this situation?” or “What has worked for you in the past?” And, if someone seems quiet, gently invite them to share their thoughts. Remember, sometimes the best insights come from the least expected places.
Use Real, Relatable Examples
Theory is all well and good, but people learn best when they can see how something works in real life. Use examples and stories that your audience will recognise. If you are running a Train the Trainer session for retail staff, talk about real customer interactions. If it is for managers, share stories about leading meetings or handling tricky situations.
Do not be afraid to poke a bit of gentle fun at yourself—share what has gone wrong in your own experience and what you learned from it. This makes you more relatable as a trainer and shows that making mistakes is all part of learning.
Keep the Energy Up
Long sessions can sap anyone’s energy, even the most enthusiastic trainee. Break things up with regular pauses, quick-fire activities, or a cheeky “stand up if you agree” poll. Use your voice, movement, and body language to inject energy into the room. Nothing kills enthusiasm faster than a monotone trainer glued to their notes!
Encourage group movement—get people up for a quick stretch, swap seats, or work on a flipchart together. Even online, you can add energy with polls, breakout rooms, and quick quizzes. Remember, your energy is contagious. If you are having fun, your learners probably will too.
Always Finish With Action
An engaging session is brilliant, but what matters most is what people do afterwards. Always wrap up with clear, practical actions for your learners to take away. Summarise the key points, ask learners what they will do differently, and encourage them to set one small goal to put their new skills into practice. A quick round-the-room “What is your top takeaway?” helps cement learning and gives everyone a sense of achievement.
Ready to Take Your Training to the Next Level?
Delivering engaging, memorable training sessions is a skill anyone can develop—and it is a lot more fun than you might think! If you want to build your confidence, learn even more practical techniques, and get expert support, check out our down-to-earth Train the Trainer Course. Whether you are just starting out or want to refresh your approach, we will help you deliver sessions that your learners will remember for all the right reasons.
