Match fit.

Where does trainer intelligence fit in?  What is the essence of being a good trainer?  How is it that, sometimes, when I haven't run training courses for a while, it affects my performance as a trainer?

In the early days of self employment, I had tons and tons of work. Not bragging, just fact. Things are slower workwise these days.   I used to feel guilty that I wasn't giving it 'my all' when going from one course to another.  Now, in hindsight, I am not sure. Other trainers have agreed with this when I have asked them...There is something to be said for doing things regularly and you get in a kind of flow.  You become more trainer intelligent.

For example:

• Timings are slick
• Ice breakers are punchy
• You remember not just names but also things people said three hours earlier...and you don't have to try to do that, it just happens
• All your relevant anecdotes come to hand at the exact moment you need them

On the other hand, having more time between different courses gives me more time for planning and activity design.  Which is good. The downside is that I can easily over plan when it simply is not required to that level. Also, less training time can make me a little 'slow' to get started as I am out of the swing of things...  It truly is a conundrum.   Having said all of that, if this is all I have to worry about right now, then I am a very lucky fella!

Take care
Paul