One thing that's always important is connecting with your participants. I believe they need to know that we're teaching from prepared lives as well as prepared lessons…and that we are there to benefit them. Here are eight tips for doing a better job of connecting with your next group.

What was the greatest cause of death while traveling to the west during the days of covered wagons? If you said small pox, drowning or death by gunfire you are correct! Name the route most frequently traveled by covered wagons to settle the western United States back in the old days…

The manager registered for your program is not always the person you need to connect with in the weeks before the course. In many cases, addressing your correspondence to an administrative support person more likely ensures your participants will arrive prepared for the course.

It's September and the crash, clanging and rumble of lockers, desks and students is heard in hallowed school halls again. Students catch up on summer reality shows, who's hot, and who's paired up with whom for homecoming. Meanwhile teachers return to their quest of piquing the interest of sometimes already-jaded students and teaching them something. Here are a few quick and creative tips to break through the white noise…

Historically, we trainers have been drawn into our profession because we are people persons. We care about helping others get better at their jobs and believe our concern translates into benefits for our businesses. We communicate and listen better than most. But sometimes even we lose track of how important people are when we feel pressured to get something done.