You've probably been caught in a high-stress situation—perhaps a tear in the seam of your one pair of presentation slacks just before the beginning of a seminar, or your last bulb wears out on the only archaic form of technology the seminar site had to offer--what solutions did you come up with to save the day?
In the October ezine, we requested your ideas in putting together a trainer's emergency toolkit—small items to pack in case of emergency and the MacGyver items that come in handy and save the day when coupled with a few other items. Here are the results of your submissions.
The Toolkit
I’ve found that technology is usually the culprit. So I try to prepare for any technology issues. One I have found helpful over and over that is not always obvious is a video (vga) extension cord. Often you can get power extension, but not video. This helps to make sure, particularly for small sessions, that you can place a portable projector in the best location rather than what is forced by the proximity to your computer.
Eric Lynn
President
DeltaPoint Solutions
Missouri
***
You never know the shape of markers in any given training room, so I have an Eldon plastic tote I carry with me to my classes. It contains dry erase board markers, Mr. Sketch scented markers, tubes of white board paint, and some erasers to use as incentives during class. It's come to the rescue many times when I've encountered dry markers!
Kara DeFrias
Instructional Designer
Blackcurrant, Bucks County, Penn.
***
When anything happens, don't forget it can be an opportunity for learning! Once in Kodiak, Alaska, I had no electricity for a few hours and had to continue training in the dark. I just threw the situation back to the group and asked them, “How would you handle it?” It was amazing the learning insights! The responses included: always have more than one way to present information, be prepared, don't panic, use everything that happens as a learning experience, you can learn a lot even if ya can't see....and open windows; light will come in!
Kathy Dempsey
Trainer
Bob Pike Group
Minneapolis, Minn.
***
You’ve got a frog in your throat and water doesn’t cut it, yet you don’t want a lozenge in your mouth on stage so bring those breath sheets that dissolve on your tongue and generate saliva that kills the frog.
Having trouble getting the groups attention after an activity? Go to chimes.com and get a chime. Ring it three times (then silence it with your hand so it stops vibrating) to get any group’s attention.
Going on a long flight and want to be productive? Bring a second battery for your computer and double your productive time!
Betsy Allen
Senior Vice President
Bob Pike Group
Minneapolis, Minn.
***
Always carry at least one three-pronged extension cord. I have traveled to one too many conference rooms where the plug is always further away than any of the cords in my briefcase can reach.
Peg M. Wright
Training Officer
California Housing Finance Agency
***
Extra batteries – also needed for the remote mouse. This happened once and I had to run back and forth in high heels.
A bottle of water – the voice needs to be soothed and the soul refreshed – a big drink of H2O can do the trick! It also helps to calm the butterflies – or get them to fly in formation!
Jessica Bower
Sales Force - MidAtlantic Zone
State Farm Insurance Company
***
Candy for participants
Scotch tape and masking tape. (You can use masking tape to stick things to walls without causing a lot of damage.)
Take a flip chart even if are not going to use it in your presentation. You can use sheets to make a white space for the projector to project on. If your projection does not work, you can always resort to drawing key points on the flip chart.
Cindy J. Vigesaa
Policy Specialist
Colorado Division of Child Support Enforcement
***
In my training toolkit, I always carry a few band-aids. There is potential for someone in the room to find themselves bleeding from a paper cut, or a knife (if snacks are provided) or snagging their finger on a staple.
Bobbie Marshall
Straight To The Top
St. Francois Xavier, Manitoba
To submit your idea or other creative training tips, email ezineeditor@bobpikegroup.com and include your full name, title and company, and state.
This article was re-uploaded from our internal archive.
