While different professional trainers emphasize different aspects of leadership training, the best results are achieved when the presenter utilizes the "3 to 7" rule in implementing and giving the presentation. While a casual and inexperienced observer might see this technique as somewhat redundant, the experienced trainer realizes that unless an attendee comes out grasping a concept, the best training in the world will be quickly forgotten.
What is the "3 to 7" rule? This rule states that during the course of a short seminar (one day or less), the main concept or idea must be repeated and emphasized at least three different times. If this training is an ongoing series over a more prolonged period of time, the "7" rule applies, which means no less than seven times over either a two or three session training, and another seven times for each additional three sessions of training.
The next time you listen to a top quality orator, observe that he will repeat his central theme or point at least three times during his speech - - once during the introduction; once in the middle or body of the speech; and one more time during the conclusion or summation.
This repetition technique has also become a regular part of every professional learning and education series. Doing this is simply recognizes a key part of human nature, and optimizing learning and training. Similarly, companies that train individuals for taking examinations use the same concept.
Why do you think advertisers repeat the same ad so many times? Why do they use a common logo? Why do they use a common spokesperson? Why do they use a common theme? Effective training is the same. No matter how good the concept or idea, no matter how good the presentation, unless attendees remember the theme, its value will be negated.
The best presenters, however, will find a variety of different ways of articulating the same or similar message. A professional trainer, who wishes to receive optimal results, will always take advantage of the "3 to 7" rule, but do so in a way that engages his audience. Studies indicate that the most effective training sessions occur when they are the most proactive. The more attendees get involved, and the more the trainer can get attendees out of their comfort zone, the better the presentation and the results. The best results occur when a presenter can get audience members to themselves articulate the same ideas, and can get the attendees to take personal ownership of the central theme.
Organizations should assure that their leadership training programs utilize trainers who can accomplish the above impacts, if they want to maximize both short term and long term results!
Richard Brody has over 30 years consultative sales, marketing, training, managerial, and operations experience. He has trained sales and marketing people in numerous industries, given hundreds of seminars, appeared as a company spokesperson on over 200 radio and television programs, and regularly blogs on real estate, politics, economics, management, leadership, negotiations, conferences and conventions, etc. Richard has negotiated, arranged and/ or organized hundreds of conferences and conventions. Richard is a Senior Consultant with RGB Consultation Services, an Ecobroker, a Licensed Buyers Agent (LBA) and Licensed Salesperson in NYS, in real estate. Richard Brody has owned businesses, been a Chief Operating Officer, a Chief Executive Officer, and a Director of Development, as well as a consultant. Richard has a Consulting Website ( http://tinyurl.com/rgbcons ); a blog ( http://tinyurl.com/rgbstake ); and can be followed on Twitter.