To lead a seminar successfully, focus on creative seminar design. A varied seminar keeps participants motivated and attentive.

Below are various techniques and methods for creative training design.

Presenting Learning Content Visually & Seminar Room Design

Wallboard Voting

During meetings or brainstorming, attach ideas to a wallboard for everyone to see.

Memorable Stories, Speaking in and Showing Pictures (worth a thousand words)

Participants remember content better through themed stories and pictures.

Me-Too

Trainers build trust with participants through relatable Me-Too stories. This strengthens the sense of belonging.

Networking (e.g., other application areas)

Linking learned content to other areas boosts learning success. See also: Criteria for Good Learning.

"Tactile" Material (Touch, Smell...)

Materials brought by the trainer enhance learning. Touching related objects improves connection to the subject.

Experiential Learning (Role Plays, etc.)

Role plays help convey content and allow participants to engage actively.

Film, Music

A related film or music piece enhances learning effect and willingness.

Facial Expressions, Gestures

Emphasized expressions and gestures underline and clarify the trainer's message, enhancing learning.

Flipchart

Prepare content on a flipchart and use graphics for better illustration. Collect ideas here too.

Learning Posters, Progress Charts

Visually track learning progress on a flipchart. Participants see their achievements, boosting motivation.

Seating Arrangement (U-shape, Parliamentary, Circle...)

Seating arrangements can boost attention and participation. Change them as needed during the seminar.

Theme-Oriented Room Setup, e.g., Standing Tables for Small Talk

Standing tables encourage themed discussions in small groups.

Making the Learning Process Varied

Fun and Joy

A varied seminar keeps participants joyful and engaged, maintaining their interest and motivation.

Teaching Conversation/Group Discussion

Group discussions are vital. They give trainers insight into participant personalities and allow sharing.

Small Group Discussions (Standing Tables)

Standing tables facilitate small group discussions, enhancing learning and communication.

Impulse Lecture

An impulse lecture is a short, motivating speech with key seminar facts.

Establishing Practical Relevance

Connecting content to practical examples boosts learning success. Use objects to make topics tangible.

Games

Games enhance learning, motivation, and participant interaction.

Stories, Pictures

Stories and pictures visually bring topics closer, enhancing connection to content.

Rewards (linked to learning)

Small rewards after progress encourage active participation.

Exercises, Role Plays

Exercises and role plays enhance content delivery and participant enthusiasm.

Self-Learning Units

Self-learning challenges participants, fostering independence and creativity. Trainers gauge knowledge and gaps.

Self-Reflection

Self-reflection exercises promote participant development.

Activating Participants

Eye Contact (!!!)

Trainers should maintain eye contact. It keeps participants engaged and focused.

Passion for the Topic (!!!)

Trainers should be passionate about their topic. This enthusiasm influences participants positively.

Consider Thematic Interaction (TZI)

Trainers should advance group and individual learning success. Learn more about Thematic Interaction.

Games, Exercises, Role Plays

Games and exercises motivate active participation and enhance group cohesion and learning.

Cover all Basics

Trainers should keep participants motivated and prevent Trainer Testing. Learn more at Cover all Basics.

Meaning and Benefit (beyond seminar, e.g., personal interests)

Show participants the seminar's value. If it benefits them personally, they stay attentive and eager.

Questions

Direct questions increase participant attention and appreciation.

Direct Address

Learn participant names by the second day. Direct address boosts appreciation and involvement.

Open Discussion

Open discussions enliven seminars, preventing monotony and boredom.

Provocative Claims – Use Cognitive Dissonance

Trainers should make provocative claims to spark participant opinions and discussions.

Learning Puzzle

Learning puzzles strengthen group cohesion. Divide topics into parts, form groups, and share findings.

Creating Positive Impact & Well-Being

"We" Feeling

Varied seminar design and exercises create a "we" feeling, enhancing participant well-being and performance.

Show Commonalities (One of You.)

Feeling the trainer is "one of them" boosts participant motivation.

I'm Okay – You're Okay.

Trainers should remain neutral and unbiased towards participants.

Openness / Approachability

Trainers should be open and responsive to participants, accepting feedback positively.

Appreciate, Value, Engage, Connect

"I want to achieve good for you..." / "I want to help you..." These phrases enhance participant motivation.

Friendly Directive

Trainers should balance friendliness and authority, maintaining a "we" feeling.

Clear Communication

Clear communication prevents unnecessary discussions and disruptions.

Clear Organization and Rules

Successful seminars require good preparation. Clear organization and rules prevent disruptions and enhance learning.

Fun and Joy

Fun and joy are essential for successful seminars, enhancing well-being and learning.

Exude Engagement

Trainers should show motivation and engagement, making participants feel valued.