What The Trainer Really Means
By Garry Platt
Trainers often mean what they say, but do they always say what they mean? Not when they face a roomful of restless participants. Here's a collection of statements trainers frequently utter, followed by what they really mean..
- You didn't enjoy the exercise and you didn't learn anything? That's interesting.
I've been hearing these complaints for 15 years, but I've always done it this way and I'm always going to do it this way.
- Let's look at this from another point of view.
I haven't heard the answer I want yet.
- We're all here to learn.
You're here to listen to me.
- There's no right or wrong answer to this.
This next exercise will leave you all baffled, bewildered, and none the wiser.
- This is your course.
(When stated at the beginning of the course:) So you can't blame me.
(When stated halfway through the course:)I wash my hands of it.
- What does the group think?
I didn't understand the question.
- That's very interesting. What a load of rubbish.
- I don't want to dwell on this subject.
I've no idea what I'm talking about.
- I've never seen this exercise done this way before.
Are you all mad?
- I think you've heard enough of me talking, so let's do an activity.
Wake up!
- May I answer that later? It's a little out of context but an interesting question.
I don't know the answer, but I know a book that does.
- Can we discuss this during the break?
The break I shall put in your legs if you don't shut up.
- That's an interesting viewpoint.
You're a potential ax murderer, aren't you?
- I sense hostility here.
Please put the gun down.
- Any questions?
Does anybody still fail to understand what I have just explained in crystal clear detail?
- What are your opinions on this?
We have 10 minutes to kill before lunch.
- This course is completely learner centered.
I only found out this morning I was teaching it, and I don't know anything about the subject.
- Please feel free to challenge my views at any time.
But understand, I'll make you look like a complete fool if you do.
- This isn't in the handouts, so you'll need to take notes.
The handouts are on my desk and I have forgotten them.
- You're really going to enjoy this course.
I only had seven fatalities the last time I conducted it.
Garry Pratt is deputy director at CMTC Management Centre in Royal Leamington Spa, United Kingdom
