Training Day Checklist

Training Day Checklist
Here’s a handy last-minute checklist to make sure everything is ready for your training session:

Dress appropriately. Use your audience analysis to figure out what to wear. In general, match your manner of dress to that of your trainees—or go slightly more professional.Arrive early. Give yourself time to check last-minute arrangements and get yourself mentally geared up for the session.Check seating arrangements. Make sure the set-up is ideal for the training style you want to use and have some extra chairs for any last-minute trainees.Check room temperature. Adjust it appropriately for the number of people who will be in the room and the size of the space you will all be occupying.Check audiovisual hardware. Conduct one last run-through to make sure everything is still running smoothly.Check electrical outlets. Make sure all your connections are safe. Don’t trail cords across walkways or overload surge protector strips.
Check light switches. Know which switches work which lights so you can achieve the ideal lighting for audiovisual materials and note-taking.
Check window-darkening equipment. Make sure blinds or shades are working properly.
Check arrangements. Make sure you have everything you need—including the training space for the entire time you need it.
Lay out classroom supplies. If you will be demonstrating tools or equipment, make sure you have everything you need.
Lay out course materials. Decide whether to put handouts on a table for trainees to pick up on the way in or to lay them at every seat.

These are all effective techniques for running a successful session, but what kind of person does it take to do the training? The best trainers have several qualities that make them good at what they do. Check the list below to see which qualities you already possess—and to determine which areas you could improve.