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