Using training materials

Using training materials is very much linked to the presentation of the subject they are intended to support. Training materials, especially in agroforestry, are often time-bound and developers must make sure that they are regularly updated and that revised editions are made available.

Text-based materials can be given either well before, or at the beginning or the end of a presentation. If the subject is complex, having learners go through the materials before the presentation will allow a resource person to focus on the important learning outcomes that participants need to master and with which they may have difficulties. If the material is more aimed at self-study or reference, it can be given at the end of a presentation. This helps to avoid that learners will be distracted by reading it rather than focus on what is being presented or discussed.

Audio-visual materials will mostly be used in direct support of a presentation. Making a good presentation that keeps the attention of the audience throughout is an art that can only be mastered by practice and rehearsal. Not all training resource persons are born public speakers but many presentations can be improved by paying attention to the following important points:

—    Rehearse, rehearse, and rehearse. The most common problem with many resource persons for short training courses is that they are ill-prepared to make a good presentation, especially when it comes on top of everything else they are involved in and thus pressed for time. Most people will prepare properly for a presentation in the context of a job interview and the same level of attention and preparation should go into a training presentation. A well-prepared and implemented presentation shows concern and respect for your audience and will be rewarded with undivided attention.

—    Carefully select, or produce, the audio-visuals that you will use to reinforce the message of your presentation. Think about the required infrastructure (electricity, dark room…) and equipment and consider alternatives. Practice the use of the equipment required, nothing is more distracting than watching a resource person trying to figure out how to use a projector or a computer when it is needed during a presentation.

—    Arrange the room so that all participants have an unobstructed view of yourself and your audio-visual support. Visibility and legibility are key for any audio- visual. If people cannot see or read them, their attention will fade away at the expense of the overall presentation and learning outcomes.

—    Time and timing are again important for the use of audio-visuals in the context of the overall presentation and this requires rehearsal. It is useless to quickly show a couple of dozen slides as an afterthought at the end of a presentation.

—    Use appropriate audio-visuals to actively engage the learners in the presentation; elicit participation, discuss graphics or pictures, request feedback.

—    If you use slides or overhead transparencies, make sure they are numbered and in the correct order. Slides should be properly arranged in a tray and viewed before the presentation. Hold them by their frame and avoid contact with the film. If possible, give participants a hard copy of the slides or transparencies.

—    Active graphics such as white or blackboards, flipcharts, etc. are rarely used these days but they can be very useful for smaller audiences provided visibility and legibility are taken into account, especially for flipcharts since these only have limited space on each sheet. Print letters rather than handwrite.

—    Always turn to talk to your audience and not to your audio-visual equipment (board, screen…). Do not simply read text on an audio-visual. Use a pointer to direct attention to the part to which you are referring.

—    If you travel to make a training presentation, make sure you carry your audio- visual support as hand luggage as not to get separated from it.

—    There are several good publications on public speaking and making presentations that can be consulted to improve your skills in these areas.