Paul Peterzell, our District 84 Reporter’s Chair, recently interviewed Andy Brown, DTM, about the new Train-The-Trainer initiative, a program implemented as a requirement for all presenters at District 84 events for increased impact of their presentations.
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| Andy Brown, DTM |
Andy Brown: My primary goal was to follow through on DG Dennis Wooldridge's vision and request to create a program, a system, and a process to teach our District 84 presenters and trainers a more effective, engaging, and lasting method of teaching to adults. The adults in this case are Toastmasters, but the process and philosophy are 100% transferable to anyone and everyone.
What do you personally feel is the biggest impact of this new initiative?
Andy Brown: I have seen and felt the differences in the Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI) and Conference sessions. I believe the participants are getting much more out of each session, enjoying the hour much more, and the instructors and presenters seem to be having a lot more fun as they get everyone involved instead of having to run the show and talk for the entire hour.
What is your personal goal in heading up as training chair and what is the biggest thing you want to accomplish?
Andy Brown: I was fortunate to have received 80 hours of intensive and specialized training in Adult Learning Theory and in Systematic Learning, so I already believed in the new process and format. And I knew I would have a surplus of great Train-The-Trainer students to coach and teach. So, my biggest goal was to create the program
that handed off the responsibility of Training The Trainers. This wasn't a lifetime appointment. Because of this thought process, LGET Dee Melvin and LGM Mary Carol Holbert have been very involved in making this a success and in helping me. When Dennis' term is complete, they'll be the next District Leaders that will directly benefit from the enhanced training. I am almost complete with this last task, and that feels very good.
How will having good presenters impact the success and improve the overall member experience?
Andy Brown: I am such a fan of Toastmasters and what it provides both personally and professionally, at every level—not just in becoming a better speaker behind a lectern. I firmly believe that the better we train ourselves and our newer members to be stronger and more effective leaders, in Toastmasters and out in the world, the stronger and better all of our Toastmasters' experiences will be. If you look at the big picture, the Club experience directly impacts the District experience, and vice versa, and on and on.
What methods are you using to train the trainers?
Andy Brown: First, we’re using Theories of Adult Learning that engage the entire audience, as opposed to boring them to tears and reading to them what they already know, and that ask more questions that lead to shared knowledge. Second, we’re teaching a process of Systematic Learning which ensures that every presenter uses a proven sequence of delivery that is most effective for reaching and intriguing adults.
Why are these methods more effective than other methods?
Andy Brown: Adults are experiential, thrive on being challenged, and love to share and help. The newer methods we’re teaching our Toastmasters trainers and workshop facilitators provide all three to their audiences. As a result, the Toastmasters “students” are enjoying the sessions more, more information is sinking in and sticking, and the
leaders are enjoying themselves more as well. The synergy that is being created is infectious and so far, everyone can tell the difference. The entire experience is more meaningful for all involved.
What does adult learning theory provide that traditional methods do not?
Andy Brown: Essentially, Adult Learning Theory treats adults like adults, not like children. It takes away the “listen to me because I’m the expert, take notes on what I am saying, and I will test you later” mentality.
Have there been studies that have shown that collaborative/interactive learning results in better retention?
Andy Brown: Yes, many. For those who are interested in finding out more, search “Andragogy” or “Andragogical Learning” on the internet.
Who are your training team members?
Andy Brown: Too many presenters have gone through our Skype training class to remember, however, the first group of “Train-The-Trainer” trainers are Rodney Gray, Larry Shivertaker, Paul Peterzell, Mary Carol Holbert, and Dee Melvin. I'm officially “passing the baton.”
