We’ve all been there – sitting through a training session listening to a facilitator read (verbatim) every single PowerPoint slide. Unprofessional, loose-leaf papers that look like they were quickly copied on the machine down the hall. No discussion, no interaction, no engaging activities, and, honestly, no real learning. You leave questioning the credibility and effectiveness of the training.

This scenario is an excellent example of what not to do! But how can you make sure that your training program meets the needs of your learners and is effective and successful?

Let’s take a look at 3 essential elements for an effective training session:

1. Provide Professional Materials

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” This famous quote by Will Rogers can also apply to your training materials.

If your materials and resources are professional and attractive, your participants will immediately realize that your training session will be high-quality and valuable. Your training materials are one of the core pieces of your training program, and if they aren’t useful and compelling, your training will lose effectiveness. If they’re unorganized and unprofessional, you will lose credibility.

At Impact Group Training, we understand that the training materials you use are a reflection of you and your company. Our graphic design team can add attractive graphics, charts, and tables that will reinforce your information. And our in-house printing team will make sure your copies look professional and appealing.

2. Create Engaging and Interactive Activities

Benjamin Franklin once said, “Tell me, and I forget. Teach me, and I remember. Involve me, and I learn.”

Your audience won’t learn the information they need by just sitting and listening to a facilitator. Most people learn more effectively and retain information better when they are actively involved. That’s why the training program you develop needs to include engaging and interactive activities.

At Impact Group Training, we can help you create and incorporate interactive activities to keep your participants engaged and ensure they retain the valuable information you present. One helpful tool we use is Quick Reference Cards - a set of 10, 5x7 cards printed on a heavy gloss paper with a ring in the top left corner. Becky Chumley, Impact Group Marketing Partner and Digital Marketing Director, explained, “These cards are provided during the training session as a resource that participants can quickly reference during their day to day activities and include tips and reminders about the subjects covered during the training.”

3. Incorporate Technology

“What are learners supposed to do after learning the course? Figure that out and build the appropriate interactive elements.” Tom Kuhlmann, eLearning expert.

Incorporating technology into your training program has a powerful impact. Using technology engages your audience and adding graphics will enhance the information being presented. Response technology allows you to embed questions in your presentation so participants can use their smartphones to answer. Training sessions are more effective when learners actively participate in the discussion instead of just listening to a facilitator lecture or read directly from PowerPoint slides. When you embed questions into presentations, you make training a two-way conversation. And training participants pay more attention when their voices are heard.

At least for now, virtual learning has replaced in-person training in most companies. Covid-19 caused businesses to reassess their company training programs. When face to face training isn’t possible, it’s crucial to have an online option that still provides an impactful learning experience. An online training program is less expensive and eliminates, or at least decreases, the need for printed materials. So, whether it’s a global pandemic or cost savings that force a reduction in face to face training, having a digital training option is both valuable and necessary.

At Impact Group Training, we recently worked with a long-time client to convert their in-person training program to an online version. First, we worked through all the available options and costs. Then we helped the company create and implement an effective and interactive program for its employees.

“Impact Group Training is here to be the support you need to make your training course effective and successful. From design and development to graphic design and printing to shipping and logistics – we’ve got you covered.”

Becky Chumley, Impact Group Marketing Partner and Director of Digital Marketing

Examples of Client Support

For a recent Sabra Hummus internal training session, we created the materials they needed to help get their message across to the training participants. They sent Sabra’s branding guides and logo files, along with simple word documents, tables, and basic forms, and we created attractive materials for their training course. We also created materials for participants to help guide them through the training session.

We recently worked with Cornerstone Building Brands in Houston to prepare the materials they needed for a new employee training course. They created their training materials internally, but we printed, packaged, and shipped the multi-language materials they needed for each of their locations. We also managed the logistics of ensuring that each location had the correct number of materials for each of the 10 languages represented.

Why Choose Impact Group Training

Professional training materials are vital to any training program, and our team is here to make sure your training is successful and effective. We can help you update an existing training program or convert your program to an online eLearning version. Our talented graphic design team can add professional and attractive graphics to supplement your training. Impact Group also has a full-time, in-house digital printing team, so we can professionally print all your training materials. Our highly organized project managers will then take care of the logistics and ensure your materials and resources are thoughtfully packaged and delivered on time, wherever you need them.

Impact Group Training is located in the Bryan/College Station area, but we can work with you and deliver your materials world-wide. To learn more about the services we offer and how we can support you, contact us today. We’d love to help you turn your idea into a reality!