Survival Skills for the New Trainer
This course is designed for individuals who are new to training or considering a career in workplace training and development. Through an exploration of essential trainer skills — including adult learning principles, assertiveness, questioning techniques, active listening, rapport building, and managing difficult participants — you will gain the foundational knowledge and practical tools needed to become a confident and effective trainer.
What you'll learn
- Understand the essential background and characteristics of effective workplace trainers
- Apply principles of adult learning to enhance training delivery
- Demonstrate a professional appearance and genuine presence as a trainer
- Distinguish between assertive, passive, aggressive, and manipulative behaviors
- Formulate effective open and closed questions and use probing techniques
- Apply active listening skills including reading verbal and non-verbal cues
- Build rapport with trainees and use facilitative training methods
- Recognize and defuse difficult participant behaviors
- Identify personal strengths and areas for growth as a trainer
Preview a lesson
What Is Assertiveness? When you're leading a workshop, you want to maintain control without intimidating your participants. The key is adopting an **assertive** attitude — one that is firm yet respectful. Assertiveness is often misunderstood. It is **not** about getting your own way, and it is **not** a form of manipulation. Those are traits of aggressive behavior. Instead, assertive people express their feelings, needs, and opinions in a direct and honest way while genuinely respecting how others feel and think. The Four Behavior Types Understanding the differences among behavior styles will help you recognize and adjust your own approach: Aggressive Behavior Aggressive individuals take care of their needs in a forceful, self-serving way. They may use intimidation, power, or status to get what they want. While they may achieve their goals in the short term, they tend to **alienate people and undermine trust**. Manipulative / Passive-Aggressive Behavior This style involves getting needs met indirectly — through hinting, pouting, or deception. These individuals hide their true feelings and intentions. Over time, this **undermines their own credibility** and causes them to lose touch with their authentic self. Passive Behavior Passive individuals suppress their own needs or allow others to make decisions for them. They may lack self-confidence and feel resentful, but struggle to speak up. This often results in **needs going unmet**
…Enroll to read the rest and the full curriculum.
Curriculum
Module 1: What Makes a Good Trainer?
2 lessons- textThe Role of a Workplace Trainer
- quizModule 1 Quiz
Module 2: Personal Best, Professional Best & Being Genuine
2 lessons- textProfessional Appearance and Authenticity
- quizModule 2 Quiz
Module 3: Assertiveness Skills
2 lessons- textUnderstanding AssertivenessPreview
- quizModule 3 Quiz
Module 4: Asking the Right Questions
2 lessons- textTypes of Questions and Probing Techniques
- quizModule 4 Quiz
Module 5: Listening Skills
2 lessons- textActive Listening in Training
- quizModule 5 Quiz
Module 6: Connecting with People & Facilitative Training
2 lessons- textBuilding Rapport and Facilitative Training
- quizModule 6 Quiz
Module 7: Defusing Difficult Participants & Essentials for Success
2 lessons- textManaging Challenges and Trainer Best Practices
- quizModule 7 Quiz