Published Articles
Published articles by our Founder, Brian P. Lange, from his column “Front of the Room” in leading training magazine Focus.
- Gut Check at the Front of the Room
Evolving as a facilitator is not for the faint of heart
Summer 2020 - Artificial Intelligence’s Kryptonite
There are capabilities humans have that are difficult for technology to replace.
Spring 2020 - Looking Back to Move Ahead
The facilitation journey can seem like a whirlwind.
Winter 2019 - Facilitation Tips for High-Level Meetings
Having the expertise right there in the room should reduce the pressure on the facilitator.
Fall 2019 - What Audiences Crave
Consider a straightforward question: “What do audiences really want — or, even crave from their facilitator?”
Summer 2019 - A Need to Think
It's about impacting what learners think, believe or choose to do differently.
Sprint 2019 - Managing the (Topical) Temperature
You may have noticed feelings “running hot” throughout societies on a variety of subjects. I
WInter 2018 - 4 1/2 Steps to Distinguishing Yourself
The more comfortable you are in your own skin, the easier it is for the audience to relate to you.
Fall 2018 - Is There More in the Tank?
Even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there. Will Rogers
Summer 2018 - Things We Think and Do Not Say
For too long -- in too many companies -- commercial learning and development has accepted being viewed as essentially order takers.
Spring 2018 - Help! I've Got a Big Audience!
This is one way you share ownership with the audience.
Winter 2017 - Lessons From My Painter
There are no short-cuts and we should strive to go the extra mile.
Fall 2017 - The Privilege of Field Trainers
The field trainer role is about being 'of service' to others.
Special Issue 2017 - Engaging Sales Managers
We have shared interests and desires with sales managers for successful sales outcomes.
Summer 2017 - A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Training
The first fear is that they're not going to pay attention.
Spring 2017 - Nature or Nuture?
Are some folks naturally predisposed to be gifted in front of an audience?
Winter 2016 - Don't Fear The Cricket
Ultimately, you are in control in this situation, don't let the situation control you.
Fall 2016 - Calling Audibles
Trainers should be trusted to make process modifications.
Summer 2016 - It Can't Be Me
Maybe we simply need to experiment.
Spring 2016 - "Where Is This Going?"
Different and unexpected are good!
Winter 2015 - Delivering the Unexpected
The easy thing to do is the expected, the routine.
Fall 2015 - Dig Deeper
We, as trainers, have the responsibility to be learner advocates.
Summer 2015 - Today Kind of (Stinks)
There is a lot at stake at the beginning of a session.
Spring 2015 - Can You Unpack That?
I often talk of genuine curiosity as one of the best skills a facilitator can possess.
Winter 2014 - The Presenter's Burden
Pointing out established "rules" for speaking is not likely to be helpful
Fall 2014 - Getting Your Head Right
Positive affirmations can be a nice final boost for your performance.
Summer 2014 - Flexing to a Smaller Class Size
"Regular-sized" class strategies can usually be modifed for smaller groups.
Spring 2014 - Mastering Large Audience Deliveries
Conducting activities that invite people to get up and move can pay dividends.
Winter 2013 - Transitioning to Input
Consider a strategy of "Getting Hired"
Fall 2013 - Focus on Intention
"The key in these situations is to focus on accepting where the learner is at the moment."
Summer 2013 - Mastering the Guest Speaker Experience
"Trainers can be more proactive in managing the guest experience and strengthening the continuity of their inclusion in training.
Spring 2013 - The Privilege of Facilitating
It is time for us to (re)commit to our learners
Winter 2012 - What Aristotle Might Tell Today's Trainers
When someone feels another is trying to change them, defensive or unproductive behaviors can occur.
Fall 2012 - Protecting Your Class from Naysayers
We owe it to our other learners to keep distracting participant behaviors to a minimum.
Summer 2012 - Wrapping Up the Day
Training activities are so over-engineered, that true creativity and discovery doesn't have the chance to emerge.
Spring 2012 - Time Management: Training the Clock-Watcher
If you are a professional Trainer (“Learner Advocate!”) prone to distributing Agendas (with specific times in them) to your participants, here’s a link to a brief article I wrote for FOCUS Magazine on the subject
Fall 2011 - Connecting with Your Audience
Connecting with an audience is an essential component of creating a memorable moment.
Summer 2011