I am running a Train the Trainer course shortly, and usually like to give a little keepsake from the course. Have previously given delegates a copy of 'The Trainers Pocketbook' but would like to give them something more tailored to their needs.
They are a group of people, from very different areas of our business, who have never trained people before, so I would like to give them a book that takes them right back to basics.
Any suggestions are gratefully received.
Thanks
lisa hodge
5 Responses
Keepsakes
Hi Lisa
You may have to go with me on this one.
Instead of giving a text book style training book why not give a novel/film that depicts someone helping others to acheive goals, ideas, lessons or insights. Examples that spring to mind could be
Billy Elliot
Forrest Gump
Karate Kid
ET
I’m not too sure about book titles but any that have a relationship between friends that help each other may be appropriate.
Hucklebury Finn
Of mice and men
Oliver Twist
Wind in the Willows
Lord of the Rings
As you give them to the delegates say something along the lines of “You’re going to enjoy reading this book/watching this film and as you watch/read it you’ll be surprised at how similar it is to the learning situations you’ll soon have”.
The reason I feel this may work better than a text book is you say you want to give a keepsake, which to me suggests a gift, this may not be the case if the book is obviously work related. Also if people do read a novel it engages the right side of the brain more as they have to use their imagination, this side of the brain is responsible for the creative side and so will enable them to ‘figure out for themselves’ how they can use what they’ve learnt on the course to help/train others.
Let me know what you think.
Regards
Damian Burcher
Vision Sales Services
http://www.visionsales.co.uk
Parting Gift
Hi
When I saw your phrase “tailored to their needs”, I thought you might like to consider something that is very really tangible for any trainer but sadly – and surprisingly -is so often overlooked.I strongly believe that any trainer should equality proof their event before,during and after the session. I have accordingly on all my courses especially equal opportunities and employment,and equal opportunities and customer care,provided all delegates with a diversity gift.The best gift is the SHAP calendar which carries all religious and non religious festival dates outside and including the christian diary.It comes from SHAP with a profile of all religions,groups and faiths together with notes on diet,meet and greet,specific needs etc etc.It is brilliant
Try the SHAP website
Good luck
William
Having Fun!
I always believe that there should be an element of fun in every development event, but especially in training trainers programmes to encourage others to incorporate fun into their programmes.
I know that these aren’t books but you could try things like Koosh balls – you can use them for icebreakers, debriefing, reviews etc. You can buy them and other great bits and bobs from http://www.thetrainingshop.co.uk or http://www.hawkin.com ( their tiddly frogs are great conversation starters in the training coffee area!)
Have fun!
JLS
Every trainer/developer ought to read Jonathan Livingstone Seagull by Richard Bach – I give loads away and thoroughly recommend it.
inspirational book as parting gift
Lisa
I give everyone who attends my courses a copy of ‘If You Want To, Then You will’. It’s an all purpose, motivational pocketbook. I love to see their reactions when they turn over to the back cover, and discover who the author is…..