Sitting still on a chair for an extended period of time in front of a lecturer or a presenter produces boredom, fatigue and even sleepiness. No wonder we find the occasional sleeping attendee during a lecture or meeting. In training, it is crucial to avoid such situations by getting trainees to move from time to time in order to revitalize their energies.
One way of achieving this is by providing trainees with breaks. During breaks, trainees can get out of their seats to have some coffee and speak with one another. This simple motion out from their seats and to the coffee table helps revitalize their energies. If some participants decide to keep to their chairs during the break the trainer can encourage them to get up for a cup of coffee or so.
Another great way to get participants moving is to provide them with an icebreaker. This usually takes place at the beginning of the training session. Some even like to call it an energizer. It can also be used at other times during the training program such as right after the lunch break. Icebreakers at the beginning of the first training session can come right after the trainer introduces himself, the training program and the training style he will be using. It is best to select an icebreaker that is fun and that includes, some physical activity. The physical activity may range from just standing up, perhaps in a circle to more vigorous ones including throwing balls and walking up to other colleagues. When participants get seated once again after such an energizer, they feel happy, exhilarated and energized. Their body cells are now ready to relax down while their brain cells fire up providing their full attention and focus to what the trainer has got to say. Engagement level of trainees is boosted.
Games can also be another opportunity for providing physical activity to participants besides breaks and energizers. It is a good idea to select games that involve physical activity and movement. Participants enjoy games superbly, learn from them and get revitalized in a similar way to energizers and even better. Games can be followed by reflections. It is essential to remember that alternating between resting the body and providing it with opportunities for being active is what keeps a participant active and fresh throughout the training session. Asking participants to make too much physical activity would be exhaustive and counterproductive.
The simple act of asking a participant to change his place or having participants stand up to present their findings after group discussions are considered physical activities that do help in revitalizing trainees and keeping their energy levels high.
The trainer should pepper his training with plenty of physical activities through icebreakers, games, breaks and other methods in order to keep trainees constantly alert and fully focused throughout the training program.