SIG Conejo Valley

Winning Strategies for Delivering Training

Presented by Gary Butterworth

Ever wonder why so many training participants dread going to class?  Have you ever noticed audience members nodding off in a training session—in which the facilitator is you?  A definite blow to the ego, to be sure.  Not to mention a confidence destroyer. 

We’ve all been held captive as attendees in classes that give “training” a bad name.  Training is typically perceived as dull and boring because many trainers, though well intentioned, have never been trained—how to train!  Subject matter experts, in particular, often struggle with delivering content; they can be brilliant in their field of expertise, but that alone does not qualify them to train effectively.

Effective trainers understand that adult learners have unique needs.  In order to successfully reach them, a trainer must understand how adults learn—and specifically, how they learn in a training environment.  Attempting to apply the teaching format of a standard college lecture will likely be met with frustration by student and facilitator alike.  Adult learners need engagement; they need facilitators who practice the adage “Telling Ain’t Training.”

In this presentation, Gary Butterworth will offer some insight into how a trainer can connect with the audience, not by being a “sage from the stage,” rather he will share how to keep training interactive, participant-centered, and fun!  Successful trainers don’t “cover stuff,” rather they work to create the classroom conditions where learners can “discover” something practical they can use. 

In addition, Gary will introduce the “ADDIE” model of instructional design.  This tool consists of a five-step sequence that builds effective training and follow-up support.  We will briefly examine the phases of Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation.  His emphasis will be on the Implementation phase, explaining and modeling proven styles and techniques for use in the training room.

Gary Butterworth is the Manager of Training and Development for the Human Services Agency at the County of Ventura where he creates and facilitates workshops in communication skills.  He is a certified seminar leader who has delivered soft-skills training to participants across western North America.  Recognizing his ten years of work as an onsite training specialist, the “Annual Independent Contractors Conference” in Kansas City has twice honored Gary as “On-Site Trainer of the Year.”