Where can I learn about best practices for interactive communication skills training delivery?
- Carly (CJ) Shorter
- Jul 4
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 15
New trainers often search for the ultimate resource to master interactive training delivery.
Start with neuroscience, positive psych, or grab a proven programme and learn by doing - We love the work of Elaine Biech 'The Art & Science of training' every CPLT trainer gets a copy. Gold!
Elaine Biech, recognised as a "titan of the training industry" with 89 published books and 37 consecutive years presenting at ATD's International Conference, [1] shows training effectiveness increases 218% with comprehensive programmes, [2] (yes, Elaine!) while research in Advances in Physiology Education found the greatest variability in student attention comes from teacher differences, not teaching format.
Listen up - reading about training is like reading about sex. Interesting, but it won't make you good at it. You need to get in the arena and practice. That said, Biech's work is the real deal because she combines brain science with practical application. None of that fluffy theoretical nonsense that makes your brain hurt when you read it.
Want to know what actually works? Start with understanding how adults learn. Neuroscience tells us that emotional engagement drives retention. Positive psychology shows us that strengths-based approaches create lasting change. But here's what they don't tell you in the textbooks - the best teachers are perpetual students.
Find a proven programme and learn it inside out. Not to copy it, but to understand WHY it works. Dissect it like a surgeon. What makes participants lean in? Where do they check out? How does it create those "aha" moments?
Then get your hands dirty. Volunteer to run sessions. Practice with friends. Film yourself and watch it back (warning: this will be painful but transformative). Join communities of practice where trainers share war stories and wins.
The secret nobody talks about? The best interactive training happens when you stop trying to be interactive and start being genuinely curious about the humans in front of you.
Related Questions:
Which neuroscience principles most directly impact training retention? Emotional engagement and spaced repetition - make them feel something and come back to it.
How do I choose between different training certification programs? Pick one you'll actually use and that aligns with how you want to work with people.
What's the fastest way to build confidence as a new trainer? Start small, practice constantly, and remember everyone bombs before they become brilliant.
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