In our train the trainer courses in London, we encourage our students to utilize their best personal attributes. We can explain what they are demonstrating humility.
Some trainers, young trainers particularly, are a bit uncomfortable giving a glowing account of their CV at the beginning of a training session.
Discussing their training credentials sounds a bit arrogant (I have done this and this, and here are my achievements).
But at the beginning of the day it is vital to set a good learning environment, for two reasons:
Firstly, it will assert your credentials, thereby showing the students why it would be wise for them to follow your leadership.
Secondly, from the student's point of view, they want to feel that the person up in front of them is 'fully qualified and experienced for the job.
(This also helps to answer the third of the three unspoken questions that most students have at the beginning of any training session:
i. Why am I here?
ii. What am I going to get out of this?
iii. Why should I listen to you?
If I needed a life-saving operation and my doctor started off by telling me all the people he has successfully saved, I would be greatly reassured. I would not interpret it as his showing off.
In fact, if I am putting my life in his hands, I want him to be confident.
Nevertheless, there is a subtle difference between a 'matter of fact' statement about what one has achieved professionally and overblown bragging.
Usually, if you can point to over two years of experience in a certain field, it automatically suggests to the listener that you will probably be more than competent in that area (which is probably why many job adverts specify 'two years' experience').
Over five years of experience in the field suggests you are an 'expert'. If you can back that up with phrases like: 'that should suggest that I have the necessary knowledge' or 'which means I am well placed to be able to help you', the training participants will feel reassured and confident.
So what happens if you apparently do not have the relevant experience?
On one level maybe you should ask yourself if you are in the best position to lead the training at all. However, more likely, you will be able to point to parallel experiences that may be relevant:
'I have only been in this job for a few weeks, but I have twelve years of experience doing something similar.'
'I may not have delivered training in this area before, but I have many years behind me delivering training in other fields.'
The point is, the trainer's introduction is not there for the greater glory of the trainer, it is there to reassure the participants that they are in safe hands. It is never about you - it is always about them.
And usually, the best way you can reassure your students that you are the best person to help them is simply to tell them so at the outset.
Vince Stevenson - Founder College of Public Speaking 2006 Ltd.
If you have a great attitude and look forward to making a difference in your life, I hope you consider joining one of our training the trainer courses or public speaking course soon. It's always possible to improve your skillset and take your work and achievements to a higher level. Three strong reasons to support training
