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Teddy Roosevelt once said, “Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care.”
“The only thing worse than training your employees and having them leave is not training them and having them stay.”
Did these quotes draw you in?
Using quotes can be a powerful tool for instructors to promote learning and retention. Here are some ways I have used quotes in Langevin workshops:
Inspire and Motivate Learners
Inspirational quotes from famous figures or successful individuals can inspire and motivate learners to achieve their goals.
“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.”
This quote makes learners think positively about the learning challenges they face in training.
Provide Different Perspectives
Quotes can provide learners with different perspectives on a particular topic, help them think critically, and help them develop their opinions.
“There are two types of speakers: those that are nervous and those that are liars.”
Often, new instructors are very nervous about their lack of public speaking skills. The truth is, even the most experienced instructors get nervous. This quote helps new instructors face that reality and understand they can use that nervous energy to their advantage.
Highlight Important Concepts
Relevant quotes can reinforce key concepts or ideas.
Malcolm Knowles, author of “The Adult Learner” in which he outlines adult learning principles, said that “The learner should be actively involved in the learning process.”
These are key concepts for trainers and designers. They need to know the principles but, more importantly, embed them into the training they facilitate or design.
“You can’t build a great building on a weak foundation.”
In our workshops for new trainers, they learn about the foundation for successful training. I like to use this quote to kick off that presentation.
Whether you’re using quotes to highlight important concepts, provide different perspectives or inspire and motivate learners they’ll often resonate long after your training session has ended.
Stay tuned for part two of my blog, where I’ll share some of my favorite quotes for facilitating discussions and closing your training sessions.
Do you have a favorite quote that you use in your training? Please share in the comments!
To learn how to apply the proven principles of adult learning to your training, have a look at our How Adults Learn workshop. It’s filled with tips and techniques that will help you connect with your audience and build your credibility as a trainer.
