The success (or failure) or your training session is greatly influenced by the impression you create early during the session, or the “critical first hour” as some call it. People are willing to learn with you and from you if they feel that you are organized, that they can trust you, that you respect their values and opinions, and that you “know your stuff”. Simple issues such as dressing appropriately will make the participants’ feel comfortable to be in the same room with you. Jeans and T-shirt for a business audience or suit and tie for worker crews do not score extra points. Know the audience (1) and dress accordingly.

Limit your introduction to 2 to 4 minutes. Do not try to impress with professional achievements or titles; explain how you became involved with this training and give participants reasons to trust you and be comfortable with you. Recalling a funny anecdote (18) quite often establishes such a relationship.

You cannot fake to be organized, therefore: be organized! You may lose credibility early by fumbling through housekeeping items, or by not finding the light switch of the overhead projector (11) as you begin your presentation.

Be approachable during breaks and specifically before the session begins. Some learners may arrive 30 minutes early to get a seat in the very back of the room to maintain anonymity. Other may arrive early in an attempt to score extra points with you or test you with a work-related question. Your ability to establish relationships with these individuals will pay big dividends in the hour to come.

Ask the participants to voice their views and opinions, and to take in your presentation critically. Listen to their views and respond objectively. You may also turn a question (20) or criticism back to the entire group and ask for their opinions, and deal with conflict (22) calmly. Do not embarrass anyone; what you may consider humour and good fun could be insulting to others.

Admit that you don’t know it all and that you will try to get answers to any unresolved questions before the end of the session. Do not try to impress learners with irrelevant facts and figures or your professional accomplishments and titles. Share a personal anecdote related to the training subject where you made a mistake but learned from it. This can help gain trust and respect, and may also serve as an effective opener (18).

Draw a sketch of the room set-up and record everyone’s name and seat. Note additional information such as employer or position that may be useful to you. Refer to this information frequently and your will room be able to address individuals by name.