The one thing I wish every trainer knew
Every session needs a lot of homework, study, and planning.
While we may know the type of audience we will address, the true mood in the room is revealed only as the session unfolds.
I vividly remember my 5th session — in an engineering college, addressing first-year students from Tier 2 cities. My earlier sessions were mostly corporate ones, so this was going to be a real test.
I began with a well-prepared PPT. But by the second slide, just 15 minutes in, I sensed uneasiness in the crowd. I paused, stopped the presentation, and decided to connect with them differently.
I shared my own first day in engineering college. I spoke about stepping off a state-run bus in Jaisalmer with dreams in my eyes — dreams that seemed impossible in my small town — an engineering degree and a city job. I described the nervous jitters as I entered the campus and bid goodbye to my parents.
That day, our seniors asked us to introduce ourselves in English for 5 whole minutes. My mind spun, my heart raced, and when my turn came, I could not even say my full name properly. For the next four years, my nickname was “Miss Fumble Tumble.”
Today, that same girl stands tall, delivering lectures on the importance of English communication to hundreds of students. It wasn’t magic, but years of dedication and practice.
The auditorium erupted in cheers. My story resonated deeply with them — the story of survival, grit, and moving from the comfort of a small-town home to the challenges of a city college. They saw themselves in my journey.
The energy shifted. Students began sharing their own fears, dreams, and struggles. Questions flowed, and the session, originally planned for an hour, stretched to three.
As I left, the smiles and confidence on their faces made me realise something important — go with the flow and be adaptable.
I wish every trainer could understand what goes on in the minds of their audience before they even begin speaking.
My mantra has always been: be open to change, reflect on each experience, and improvise along the way. Change is constant — don’t resist it.
As trainers, we are privileged to guide others. But every trainee we meet also teaches us something valuable, helping us grow in our own journey.
