Train the Trainer Icebreakers and Energisers

Time:
This exercise will take about 25 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 30 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To welcome the participants.
• To introduce the facilitator(s) and participants to each other.
• To introduce the facilities.
• To agree the course objectives and timetable.

Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of almost any size.

You'll Need:
Nothing, other than the materials provided.

Time:
This exercise will take about 15 minutes to run. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 20 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To give participants an opportunity to practice speaking in front of others, with a particular emphasis on the skills needed to think quickly.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 20 participants.

You'll Need:
• A set of the Creatively Speaking Cards (one card per participant).
• Blu-tac.
• A stopwatch.

Notes:
The timings suggested are for a group of up to 10 participants. Larger groups will need more time.

Time:
This exercise will take about 10 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 20 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To introduce participants to one another.
• To practice and test listening skills.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of any size.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• Nothing other than the materials provided.

Notes:
A very simple but engaging icebreaker.

This can be used in any situation to introduce participants, but is particularly useful where you want to focus on networking or communication skills.

It’s also a very effective way to introduce the concept of experiential training in train the trainer training. Participants should be able to see that getting involved in an experience makes the learning (in this case around communication) stick in a way that they wouldn’t gain from simply being told about, for example, the benefits of summary and clarification.

Time:
This exercise will take about 10 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 30 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To demonstrate the dangers of making assumptions about others' knowledge when communicating.
• To recognise situations where the recipient might not interpret our message in the way we intended.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of almost any size.

You'll Need:
• Nothing other than the materials provided.

Time:
This exercise will take about 15 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 20 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To understand why experiential learning is more powerful than ‘chalk and talk’.
• To identify the benefits of summary and clarification.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of almost any size.

You'll Need:
• Nothing other than the materials provided.

Notes:
If using this exercise with very large groups it will take longer to run.

Time:
This exercise will take about 10 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 15 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To explain the Rule of Three.
• To demonstrate the impact of repeating three-word slogans during presentations or training.
• To show the value of audience participation.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 15 participants.

You'll Need:
• A set of buzzers will add to the competitive atmosphere but are not essential.

Time:
This exercise will take about 15 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 20 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To help participants get to know each other.
• To encourage participants to think about their personal ‘brand’.
• To understand the power of images to convey messages.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of any size.

You'll Need:
• Blank name tent cards and pens for your participants.

Notes:
If using this icebreaker in very large groups ask participants to work in small teams and introduce themselves to those team members rather than the whole group.

Time:
This exercise will take about 10 minutes to run. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 15 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To energise the group.
• To show how physical activity and laughter can help training.
• To consider the need for energisers and icebreakers to be relevant.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of almost any size.

You'll Need:
Nothing.

Notes:
Care should be taken when choosing the activity to ensure that all participants are physically able to participate.

Time:
This exercise will take about 15 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 20 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To explore ways to make messages memorable.
• To understand why making messages memorable is essential to delivering a successful training session/presentation.

Group Size:
Suitable for use with groups of up to 20 participants.

You'll Need:
• A collection of objects that your participants use as part of creating the story of Patsy’s Pie Making Challenge.
• A soft ball.

Time:
This exercise will take about 10 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 20 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To encourage participants to start thinking about what makes an effective presentation.
• To identify the things to avoid in presentations.

Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of up to 15 participants.

You'll Need:
• Flipchart paper and pens.

Time:
This exercise will take about 10 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 15 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To introduce different styles of information gathering.
• To help participants recognise that we all have a different viewpoint or perspective.
• To understand the importance for trainers/presenters to be aware of how their messages may be perceived.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of almost any size.

You'll Need:
• A single apple (or other type of fruit) for your participants to see.

Time:
This exercise will take about 20 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 30 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To help participants understand why it is important to arrive early to set up the training room.
• To understand the impact of a well laid out and inviting training room on delegates.
• To identify the key equipment they need to bring with them when running a training session.

Group Size:
Suitable for use with groups of almost any size.

You'll Need:
• Resources to create a stimulating learning environment. A recommended list of equipment is provided on Page 2 of the Trainer Notes.

Time:
This exercise will take about 5 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 10 minutes to complete this module.

Aims:
• To show the importance of giving information visually as well as orally.
• To demonstrate how different people will interpret the same information differently.

Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of almost any size.

You'll Need:
• Two sheets of A4 paper for each participant (and for you too).

Notes:
We’d like to thank Mick Duncan of CWT-Chamber Training for contributing the idea for this exercise.