Trainers, Facilitators, and Keynoters – understanding the differences

If we are to be effective in our roles as presenters, it is important to understand the similarities and differences that encompass the three major functions played by our members. Some years ago a bunch of us sat and discussed just that. Can’t remember who all was there, but here is a summary of some of the notes I found from that discussion. Understanding the role helps your prepare more effectively to deliver it with confidence and impact.

TRAINING

Desired result:		acquire, build or enhance ‘success’ skills
Communication style:	2-way between speaker and audience – interaction carries audience
Energy flow pattern:		between trainer & audience, and among audience participants
Learning style:		primarily thru activity, discover and interaction
Attention focus:		shared focus between audience and trainer
Critical success factor:	new skill set or behavior learned, plus commitment to apply or use 
                                                it back home or on the job – Ideas At Work!
Presenter brings:		expertise in subject matter, skills (adult learning design of training)
				Patience, explanation/demonstration/feedback abilities

FACILITATION

Desired result:		bring group to a point of self management of its own processes to 
                                                achieve the results it chooses or desires
Communication style:	normally among group members themselves 
Energy flow pattern:		generated by, and maintained by, group – boosted from time-to- 
                                                time, by the facilitator
Learning style:		occurs thru interaction, experimentation and self-assessment
Attention focus:		group themselves – facilitator is there to assist them!
Critical success factor:	group owns/takes responsibility for its solutions/decisions, fresh
                                                awareness of its nature, processes, and greater openness & trust
Presenter brings:		sensitivity to people and climate, here and now awareness, focus,
				willingness to intervene, challenge, teach, flexibility, patience

KEYNOTING

Desired result:		motivate or inspire to action, provide context/meaning, set theme
Communication style:	1-way, speaker generally carries the audience
Energy flow pattern:		speaker to audience (more energy in short time – pushed)
Learning style:		occurs silently, individually, in the audience’s head and heart
Attention focus:		the speaker, their message and their delivery
Critical success factor:	a few key points – reinforced and driven home!
Presenter brings:		high energy and commitment, mastery of the platform, ability to
				evoke feelings, challenge thoughts, and assumptions, and 
                                                willingness to challenge audience to think, and to act!

Copyright 2000-2002 Bob ‘Idea Man’ Hooey www.ideaman.net All rights reserved Bob ‘Idea Man’ Hooey, DTM, A/S is  the 48th person in the history of Toastmasters to earn their coveted professional level Accredited Speaker Designation. He currently serves as a National Director for the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers. His Ideas At Work! have been successfully applied by 1000’s of professionals across North America. He is the author of 6 books, and a frequent contributor to North American consumer, on-line and trade publications.