TD Magazine Article
Member Benefit
Put on Your Game Face
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In addition to preparing for your learners when facilitating, it’s important to prepare yourself.
In addition to preparing for your learners when facilitating, it’s important to prepare yourself.
Fri May 01 2026
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The situation: Even after facilitating for many years, it's easy to be a bit nervous when getting in front of learners. What you do in the lead-up to a training course can help ensure the experience is a positive one for both you and your learners.
The situation: Even after facilitating for many years, it's easy to be a bit nervous when getting in front of learners. What you do in the lead-up to a training course can help ensure the experience is a positive one for both you and your learners.
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The trick: Recognizing that you are nervous is critical to managing it. Get prepared mentally, physically, and psychologically.
The trick: Recognizing that you are nervous is critical to managing it. Get prepared mentally, physically, and psychologically.
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Ensure you'll be physically ready to facilitate. For example, could you use a haircut? Pick out an outfit and accessories the night before. Choosing something in which you feel comfortable and that is appropriate for the audience will give you confidence. For example, when training executives, it's probably wise to wear a suit; however, if learners will be blue-collar workers, formal business attire may not be the best choice.
Ensure you'll be physically ready to facilitate. For example, could you use a haircut? Pick out an outfit and accessories the night before. Choosing something in which you feel comfortable and that is appropriate for the audience will give you confidence. For example, when training executives, it's probably wise to wear a suit; however, if learners will be blue-collar workers, formal business attire may not be the best choice.
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On the way to the training session, do something that will boost your energy and center yourself. For instance, consider listening to uplifting music—you could develop your own soundtrack specifically for this purpose. Or you may want to listen to a motivational message or a meditation. The practice is similar to what athletes or performers do to prepare to do their best.
On the way to the training session, do something that will boost your energy and center yourself. For instance, consider listening to uplifting music—you could develop your own soundtrack specifically for this purpose. Or you may want to listen to a motivational message or a meditation. The practice is similar to what athletes or performers do to prepare to do their best.
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Facilitating new content can add to the anxiety. To assuage that discomfort, review the content several times (three times is a good target) to become more familiar with it. If it's an area or an industry you are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with, review until you feel more confident.
Facilitating new content can add to the anxiety. To assuage that discomfort, review the content several times (three times is a good target) to become more familiar with it. If it's an area or an industry you are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with, review until you feel more confident.
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Remind yourself that it's OK to make mistakes. We're all human. If you have a genuine connection with participants early on and engage them in a meaningful way, the learning will stick. Learners hold you accountable to help them learn. And that's what's important; it's not about being perfect. If facilitators model vulnerability, learners will be more willing to be vulnerable when it's their turn to offer input or participate in exercises and other activities.
Remind yourself that it's OK to make mistakes. We're all human. If you have a genuine connection with participants early on and engage them in a meaningful way, the learning will stick. Learners hold you accountable to help them learn. And that's what's important; it's not about being perfect. If facilitators model vulnerability, learners will be more willing to be vulnerable when it's their turn to offer input or participate in exercises and other activities.
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Source: Darryl Wyles, CPTD; Senior Facilitator, ATD Education; Co-Author, Facilitation in Action (ATD Press)
Source: Darryl Wyles, CPTD; Senior Facilitator, ATD Education; Co-Author, Facilitation in Action (ATD Press)
Pro Tip
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Take time to reflect on and hone your facilitation style. Is your style collaborative? Are you adaptable? Is your approach learner centric or service minded? Understanding yourself will help you grow your confidence and authenticity.
Take time to reflect on and hone your facilitation style. Is your style collaborative? Are you adaptable? Is your approach learner centric or service minded? Understanding yourself will help you grow your confidence and authenticity.
