We would like to leave you with a brief checklist of things to do and not to do when training.

Do

• Prepare, prepare, prepare.
• Review the materials and make sure you have any supporting materials (such as handouts or PowerPoint slides) ready.
• Bring some extra activities with you.
• Make sure your appearance says what you want it to.
• Have a backup plan. For example, if you plan to use PowerPoint slides, make sure you have a hard copy of the information in case you cannot access the slides.
• Make sure the training room is set up the way you want it and has the resources you need.
• Have an emergency kit ready with extra markers, tape, band-aids, an extension cord, safety pins, tissues, and a bottle of water.
• Practice writing on flip chart paper before the workshop. You may want to draw lines on the paper (lightly, in pencil) to help you.
• Work with your nervousness. It is a normal feeling, even for experienced trainers. Use it as energy for the program.
• Arrive at least an hour early.
• Get a good night’s rest and eat something the morning of the program.
• Keep an eye on the time and try to stick to your schedule.
• Involve participants in determining the agenda for the day.
• Act assertively, not aggressively.
• Remember that the participants need this information and your expertise.

Don’t

• Fly by the seat of your pants.
• Lose your temper with participants.
• Talk down to participants.
• Be afraid to say, “I do not know,” and find out the answer later.
• Drink too much water during the day.
• Cut out breaks or activities if you are running low on time, without discussing it with the participants – advising them of the dilemma and seeking their input about how to proceed.
• Use any activity (particularly controversial or difficult ones) without practicing it first.
• Stress out if something does not go as planned. Treat it as a learning opportunity and move on.
• Assume anything!
• Take criticisms or negative behavior personally.