The Key Differences Between Presenting, Training and Facilitating

“How do I know what skills sets I need to present, train or facilitate?  What are the key differences between these methods?”

This is a question that we are frequently asked by trainers, project managers and other senior team members.  In an organisational context, these three areas do cross over fairly frequently and there are also some differences in terms of definition and application.

Presenters

• Presenters have information and expertise
• They deliver in generally a one-way stream to an audience
• The skills sets they need revolve around use of voice, design of powerpoint sessions and body language
• Use of Powerpoint slides for greater effectiveness

Facilitators

• Facilitators are not attached to an outcome
• They need to be able to use a series of different processes to address the content
• Their key area of expertise is using and applying the right processes with the group to achieve the agreed end result

Trainers

• Trainers have a key role in enabling participants to come to their own conclusions about content
• Trainers need skills in a range of creative training techniques to ensure that change takes place in learners
• Trainers need skills in imparting knowledge that sticks with their participants and embeds into long terms memory

In order to understand which skill set is required, you need to look at the ultimate outcome of what you want to achieve with your group.

If you are seeking to impart knowledge about a new technique or methodology, there could be a combination of presentation and training skills required.  If you have a team that is undergoing change and needs to air their views in a meeting, facilitation skills would be critical to the success of that meeting.  In this case you would need to decide how to best manage the meeting so that the purpose of the meeting is met.  You would have various techniques and methodologies that you could tap in to in order to bring the group to consensus.

The Management Consultancy International Trainer Academy is the ultimate destination where you can upskill yourself in the design, delivery and facilitation of sessions, workshops and training.  Our 20 years experience in corporate training gives you the unique opportunity to improve your skills – so that you engage your audience and enable them to reach their goals.