Photo by: Robert Kneschke via Canva
I must say that I’m just a kid at heart. I love playtime with my grandchildren, whether it’s playing sports, reading stories, or acting out movies. I’ve even gone so far as to tell them “FUN” is my middle name. For some reason, they don’t believe me. So, how lucky am I that I can incorporate this fun side into my daily work?! Sometimes, I feel guilty, but not only is it allowed, it’s encouraged.
What about you? Are you comfortable adding fun into your sessions? On the flip side, are you worried your classes are boring? Are you not getting those rave reviews? There’s really no excuse for a lackluster session. Today, instructors have a multitude of tips, tricks, and tools at their disposal. Let’s wow our learners so they tell everyone about our awesome training!
In our Instructional Techniques for New Instructors workshop, we share many strategies to motivate our learners.
Here are just five tips to help make traditional training more fun:
Do something unexpected
Sometimes I’ll put a paper bag on each table with the words “DO NOT OPEN” written on both sides. The mystery bag raises curiosity, and someone will always ask about it. I’ll either include steps to be sequenced or various brainteasers. The first team to sequence correctly or solve the puzzles, wins.
Share humorous quotes that relate to course content
Our manuals for in-person training are filled with humorous quotes, and participants comment on them in every session. Here are two of my favorites: “If you love working with people, you could become a trainer—or a mortician,” and “Try to finish talking before the learners are finished listening.”
Use video excerpts that are humorous and topical
Lately, I’m obsessed with Tripp & Tyler videos. They never get old! Some of my favorites are Every Meeting Ever, Email in Real Life, and Conference Call in Real Life. You should check them out. I promise you’ll add three to four minutes of laughs to your session.
Incorporate brief puzzles and games
At Langevin, we use puzzles before class, after each break, and after lunch. They’re quick and enjoyable. We also play games such as Jeopardy, Family Feud, Match Game, and Password to review course content.
Use icebreakers and energizers
We always use icebreakers at the beginning of a session and when the participants change tables. Some of my favorites include Partner Introductions in which a learner introduces a person they don’t know, and Common Ground in which teams list what they all have in common.
I also like to add energizers at low points in the day. This one is my favorite. I have everyone stand up. I start by stepping to the right and then to the left, continuously, and ask them to follow me. I tell them I will call someone’s name and they can change the “dance move” and we will follow that person. After 15 seconds, they can call someone else’s name to change the move. I don’t start the music (usually disco) until after they’re up and moving and it always gets a laugh!
These tips can be used in the virtual classroom as well. Although, some of my examples might require a modification or two, especially for the dancing!
What do you do to make training more enjoyable for your learners? I can’t wait to hear your ideas!
