Trainers Toolbox

Mirna Smidt
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Oct 7, 2025 • 36min

#14 - Designing Emotional Journeys For Deeper Learning

Emotions aren’t just a nice add-on in learning – they’re central to what people remember, how they process and if they will truly apply what they learned.In this episode, we explore one of my favorite topics: how to leverage emotions within a workshop to make learning deeper and more memorable, and how to design emotional journeys that support learning. It will all be about practical tips from the science of learning and positive psychology. (And remember to subscribe ☝️to stay tuned on more episodes about how to make training effective coming up).📘 Download the episode handout for main learnings & to keep reflecting:https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/podcast-episodes-designing-emotional-journeys-for-deeper-learning/📘Download the ebook Emotions best for learning and how to create them:https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/emotions-best-for-learning-ebook/👣 Learn & practice how to design emotional journeys for your learning events and workshop:: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/emotional-journey-design-course/   🎁 Keep on learning with a weekly newsletter every Wednesday: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/newsletter/💬 Say hi and stay in touch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirnasmidt/
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Sep 23, 2025 • 28min

#13 - Metaphors In Workshops: How I Use Them And Examples I Love

Metaphors are one of the most powerful yet simple tools for trainers. They makeconcepts more memorable and clear, and boost engagement and interest in yourworkshop.Today, I share 5 of my favorite metaphors that I use often, why they work so well, andhow to use them to make abstract concepts stick.In this episode, I also have a special gift for you - you’ll get access to a visual Miro boardfull of ready-to-use metaphor ideas.(And remember to subscribe ☝️to stay tuned on more episodes about storytellingcoming up).📘 Download the episode handout for main learnings & to keep reflecting:https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/podcast-episodes-metaphors-in-workshops-how-i-use-them-and-examples-i-love/🎁 🔥Get access to Miro board with 15+ diverse metaphors: https://miro.com/app/board/uXjVIlGbwXI=/?share_link_id=651425784617Password: TrainersConversationsJoin me in the Trainers Conversations community, where we share and exchangefacilitation tools and ideas, such as our favorite metaphors:https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/trainers-conversations-community/👻 Enrich your workshops with enchanting stories and metaphors - join me me for thefull experience of diving deep into the craft of storytelling:https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/advanced-storytelling-course-for-trainers/🧠 Metaphors and stories are one of several tools we cover in Brain Based LearningMasterclass - join me or purchase the recording:www.trainers-toolbox.com/brain-based-masterclass💡Keep on learning with me 2h long masterclasses on diverse topics for trainers, packedwith insights and ideas - check for currently available topics:www.trainers-toolbox.com/masterclasses🎁 Keep on learning with a weekly newsletter every Wednesday:https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/newsletter/💬 Connect and stay in touch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirnasmidt/
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Sep 9, 2025 • 38min

#12 - Books: Best Storytelling Books For Trainers & Insights From Them

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.
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26 snips
Aug 26, 2025 • 29min

#11 - The Trainer’s Guide To Storytelling (In Workshops)

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!
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7 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 32min

#10- Fantastic Stories And How To Find Them

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!
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Jul 29, 2025 • 28min

#9- How To Close Your Workshop Well & Make Learning Last

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/
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Jul 15, 2025 • 33min

#8- Building Trust And Connection At The Beginning Of Your Workshop

Discover the importance of building trust at the start of workshops. Learn how intentional communication and clear expectations set a welcoming tone. Explore techniques for effective check-ins that ensure every voice is heard. Find out how to introduce vulnerability gradually and create psychological safety through explicit engagement rules. Weigh the balance between connection and efficiency while delivering impactful sessions. These practical tips will enhance your workshop experiences and foster deeper connections.
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14 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 40min

#7- Time Management Tips For Trainers: Simple Ideas To Avoid Disaster

Mastering time management is key for trainers to enhance participants' learning experiences. Discover how to set clear goals for sessions and activities to prioritize effectively. Learn the importance of avoiding overcrowded agendas and incorporating flexibility with buffer times. Get tips on testing new activities for better time estimates and adjusting to group dynamics. Enhance engagement by communicating time clearly and sharing ownership with participants. Track your time in real-life scenarios to improve future sessions.
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Jun 17, 2025 • 34min

#6-(For Trainers) Effectively Manage Your Energy In Workshops & Life

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/
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Jun 3, 2025 • 31min

#5-How To Kickstart & Advance Your Career As A Freelance Trainer

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

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