Trainers Toolbox

Discover powerful storytelling techniques that can elevate your training sessions. Learn how to engage your audience emotionally with personal anecdotes and relatable details. Explore the art of raising stakes to captivate listeners and enhance the clarity of your narrative. Delve into insights from four influential books, unlocking practical tips that transform the way you tell stories. Overcome the challenges of incorporating storytelling into your sessions and embrace a community eager to share the journey of storytelling mastery.

Discover how storytelling transforms workshops into vibrant learning experiences. Dive into techniques for crafting engaging narratives, including essential elements like conflict and tension. Learn to use vivid, sensory language that captivates your audience. Explore how these storytelling skills can enhance participant engagement and retention. Join a community of learners eager to improve their storytelling capabilities and get ready to make your sessions unforgettable!

Discover the magic of storytelling as a powerful training tool! Learn how to find meaningful and engaging stories that enhance emotional connections and understanding in workshops. The speaker shares a personal anecdote, illustrating how even simple experiences can teach crucial lessons. Tackle common storytelling challenges and gain practical strategies to build your own story library. Get ready to transform your training sessions with the art of narrative!

Closing is not just an end of the session – it’s the moment where insights, connection, and learning can truly land.In this episode, let’s explore how to design your closing with intention and impact. You’ll learn about the 3 essential aspects of closure and how to combine them based on your unique workshop design.  I’ll show you how to approach the closure and what to keep in mind based on the specifics of your workshop. I will explore what to do when your workshop didn’t have enough time for reflection earlier on, how to create a future-oriented closing, and underline why protecting the time for closure is absolutely non-negotiable.🎧 This one is especially useful if you want your workshops to lead to meaningful action and long-term learning.🎁 As always, don’t forget to grab the handout from this episode: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/podcast-episodes-how-to-close-your-workshop-well-and-make-learning-last/📮 If you're enjoying the podcast, and want to keep learning with me, one of the best ways is to join me on the Trainers Toolbox weekly newsletter: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/newsletter/💌 Want to get in touch, share feedback, or suggest a topic for a future episode? The best way is to message me directly on LinkedIn (or to reply to any of the weekly newsletters): https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirnasmidt/If you’d love to go deeper and truly practice how to craft meaningful closings and other high-impact moments: – Train the Trainer is perfect for building a strong facilitation foundation: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/train-the-trainer/ – Advanced Facilitation Training is a 2-day live bootcamp for experienced trainers ready to expand their toolbox: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/advanced-facilitation-training/💬 We also love exploring topics like this one and exchange tips, tools and best practices in an online community of trainers and facilitators -Trainers Conversations Community: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/trainers-conversations-community/

How much trust and connection do you actually need at the start of a workshop? And how can you build that? In this episode, I share 7 sharp and practical tips to help you build psychological safety, connection, and trust intentionally - and to an ideal level and depth for your session. I am unpacking how to get it right without wasting time or slipping into superficial fluff.🎧 Check it out - and remember to subscribe, like and share your favorite tips in comments. No need to make notes, though - you can 🎁 Download HANDOUT from this episode (summary of the 7 trust-building tips):https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/podcast-episodes-building-trust-and-connection-at-the-beginning-of-your-workshop/💌 Keep on exploring topics of what makes workshops impactful viaTrainers Toolbox newsletter – it lands every Wednesday with practical ideas, tools, and reflections: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/newsletter/🤝 If you have feedback, questions, or want to connect - I’d love to hear from you on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirnasmidt/You feel ready to go much deeper and want to practice these kinds of facilitation practices in a hands-on way, focused on experience, feedback and practical tools? Join me on one of the learning journeys💡 Train the Trainer for building strong foundations in workshop design and delivery: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/train-the-trainer/💡 Advanced Facilitation Training for experienced facilitators ready to take it to the next level: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/advanced-facilitation-training/💬 We also love exploring topics like this one and share best practices in an online community of trainers and facilitators -Trainers Conversations Community: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/trainers-conversations-community/Chapters:

Time management is one of the most essential skills in training & facilitation. It ensures that you have the time to shape the participants’ experience in a deep and meaningful way instead of rushing through an agenda. It gives you the power to protect enough time for the most important highlights of your workshop without getting sidetracked. Yet, if you are a trainer who chooses to give a lot of ownership to participants and to engage them actively, it is impossible to have a full control over the time. How can you merge the two: allowing ownership, but also protecting the essential bits of the workshop? Time management is a skill I truly enjoy and consider on of my super powers. I also support countless trainers in developing it through both Train the Trainer and Advanced Facilitation Training courses.In this episode, I’m sharing some of my go-to, most practical time management strategies that will save your flow (and your nerves). Especially useful if you're planning or running complex sessions and experiential workshops.🎧 Enjoyed the episode? Remember to subscribe, like, or review - especially while we’re still early with these first episodes, it helps to get the word out there!🧠 Want to go deeper and practice these skills in action? Check out: 🎯 Train the Trainer program - build core skills & structure: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/train-the-trainer/ 🚀 Advanced Facilitation Training - for experienced trainers ready to level up: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/advanced-facilitation-training/To explore more tools and tips from a real-life practices, join me at:📬 Trainers Toolbox newsletter - your weekly dose of fresh tools, insights and learning design tips (goes out every Wednesday): https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/newsletter/💬 Let’s Connect! You can find me on LinkedIn - I would love to connect but also hear your questions, feedback and ideas and wishes for future episodes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirnasmidt/📚 Bonus: Remember to download the Time Management Tips for Trainers visual from this episode here (and do also share it with fellow trainers ;): https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/podcast-episodes-time-management-tips-for-trainers-simple-ideas-to-avoid-disaster/

What if the way you manage your energy is the one factor silently shaping your impact - not just in workshops, but in life?In this episode, I am unpacking one of the most powerful (yet often overlooked) frameworks for managing your energy - and explore how to actually apply it in four key areas:-your daily life in this very moment-your long-term habits and “bigger picture” of life-managing your energy as a facilitator in your workshops -maintaining high energy levels of your participants in workshops Which of the 4 are you most curious about? Dive in - and discover more. Whether you’re feeling a bit depleted lately or simply want to be more intentional with your energy, this episode will give you clarity, structure, and great questions to ask yourself.DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE HANDOUT:https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/podcast-episodes-effectively-manage-your-energy-in-workshops-life/ Useful links mentioned in the episode: ⚡ Optimal Emotions online course - a 3-module course to dive deeper into emotional and energy flow in workshops: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/optimal-emotions-for-learning/📬 Trainers Toolbox newsletter - the best way to keep learning how to create great workshops! Goes out every Wednesday: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/newsletter/💬 Connect with me on LinkedIn - to share your feedback, ask questions, or just say hi - I love connecting and learning from other trainers & facilitators, or anyone in love with learning: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirnasmidt/

Thinking about stepping into training - or taking your training career to the next level? In this episode, I am exploring the 3 pillars every trainer needs to build: your skills, your story, and your network. Tips, I am sharing are based on 18 years of my experience as a trainer. Whether you're pivoting into training or refining your existing practice, you’ll find practical ideas, reflection prompts, and personal insights to guide your next steps.📥 Download the short SUMMARY of main topics covered: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/podcast-episodes-how-to-kickstart-your-career-as-a-freelance-trainer/ 📬 Join the Trainers Toolbox weekly newsletter:https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/newsletter/🔗 Explore Trainers Toolbox Courses in which we dive much deeper into this topic:Train the Trainer:https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/train-the-trainer-course/Advanced Facilitation Training:https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/advanced-facilitation-training/Advanced Storytelling Training for Trainers & Educators: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/advanced-storytelling-course-for-trainers/ Trainers Conversations Communityhttps://www.trainers-toolbox.com/trainers-conversations-community/ 🤝 Let’s connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirnasmidt

As a trainer, you KNOW - being it from science or from your own experience - that people learn best through active engagement, when they are mentally, emotionally and physically immersed in experiences. Play is such a great way to build that - but it can also be a tricky one, as it is often people might perceive play as a waste of time. But guess what? It only feels like a waste of time if it’s not their preferred type of play!Not everyone engages with play in the same way. In this episode, we explore the 8 play personalities and how they can help you design more immersive, meaningful, and emotionally engaging workshops. Learn how to go beyond just adding fun and start using play as a powerful tool for deeper learning.📥 Download the Handout: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/podcast-episodes-the-8-play-personalities-a-trainers-guide-to-meaningful-play/ 📕 Grab the free ebook, " Emotions best for Learning" https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/emotions-best-for-learning-ebook/  📬 Join the Trainers Toolbox weekly newsletter:https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/newsletter/ 🔗 Explore Trainers Toolbox Courses on which we dive much deeper into this topic-Optimal Emotions for Learning:https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/optimal-emotions-for-learning/-Advanced Storytelling Training for Trainers & Educators: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/advanced-storytelling-course-for-trainers/ -Train the Trainer:https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/train-the-trainer-course/ 🤝 Let’s connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirnasmidt

Learning works best when participants are stretched - but not stressed. In this episode, we explore how to hit the “just right” challenge level in your workshops, where growth happens without overwhelm. You’ll learn how to use flow as a compass, raise challenge without triggering anxiety, and adjust in real time based on learner needs.I am sharing:✅ Practical strategies from learning science & science of positive psychology ✅ Real-life experiences from 17 years as a trainer✅ Tips to keep getting better at navigating this fragile balance 📥 Download the handout: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/podcast-episodes-challenging-not-overwhelming-how-to-find-the-learning-sweet-spot/  📬 Join the Trainers Toolbox weekly newsletter to keep on learning:https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/newsletter/🎓 Dive in deeper - join me on Optimal Emotions and Train-the-Trainer courses-Train the Trainer course - learn how to design and deliver impactful and engaging learning experiences: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/train-the-trainer/-Optimal Emotions for Learning online course: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/optimal-emotions-for-learning/