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When I think about designing an effective training session, I often compare it to eating well. If you’ve ever tried to follow a balanced diet, you know it’s not just about eating enough food. It’s about getting the right mix of macros. When you have too much protein and not enough carbs, your energy drops. When you have too many carbs and not enough protein, your body doesn’t recover as effectively.
Training design works the same way. At Langevin, we recommend that one-third of your content be focused on presentation, with the remaining two-thirds devoted to practice and feedback. Think of the presentation portion of your course as the protein. It’s essential, but it’s only one part of a balanced learning experience. If you serve too much of it, learners can start to feel weighed down. Practice and feedback are the carbs and fats that keep learners fueled, focused, and ready to perform.
If the balance leans too much toward presentation, learners might leave the session feeling full but without the energy or confidence to use what they’ve learned.
So, the next time you design or deliver a course, ask yourself, “Am I serving the right training macros?” A balanced mix keeps learners energized, engaged, and ready to put their new skills to work long after the session ends.
If you want to strengthen your training design and delivery skills, explore the New Trainer’s Survival Skills workshop. You’ll learn more about the one-third/two-thirds model, along with many other practical tips and techniques for creating and delivering learner-centered training.