The training process is designed to be as interactive as possible.
A U-shaped workshop layout is usually employed when possible, allowing interaction between participants as well as the trainer, since the sharing of personal experiences is encouraged.
This ensures ongoing relevance and the ability to address issues specific to the group.
Courses include both individual exercises and small group activities in order to provide opportunities for practicing the theoretical concepts discussed, as well as obtaining constructive peer and trainer feedback. The opportunities may be ad hoc or based on preparation sessions and will usually contain some relevant business scenario. Teamwork is especially encouraged where this has a bearing on the purpose of the course.
Except in the Presentation Skills course, the work of the participants is not recorded, and personal integrity is protected. When video recordings are made, these are only used within the group and are deleted following viewing. During the individual presentations, of the overall 10 minutes, only around 1 minute is recorded, since experience has shown that longer exposure causes participants to ‘present to the camera’ rather than focus on the audience. Recordings are never made available to third parties.
In designing the training sessions, it is important to be able to focus on the specific needs of the participants and the organisation. A pre-meeting is therefore advised with someone from the organization (usually HR) who is able to coordinate and explain these. However, the trainer has a range of materials available, so ongoing customization is possible even during the progress of the sessions.
The sessions aim to create a dialogue with participants and much use is made of humour and ongoing demonstrations of the techniques taught. A background of Powerpoint presentation is usually employed to provide a visual structure and there is a dedicated workbook that reflects the images and key learning points featured on the slides. Further materials, particularly related to the use of language are included in the book, along with helpful additional information to take away. The workbook is designed for self-completion, allowing participants to note items of particular interest.
The core materials of the courses result from a process of continuous development stretching back for almost 20 years. However continual updates are made to take account of dynamic industry changes and the progress of technology. The overall methodologies and the delivery style consistently delivers participant satisfaction levels in excess of 90% based upon participant feedback questionnaires.