Issue: How do I build a safe learning environment?
Solution: Talk about yourself, but with a focus on them.
Truth: When the instructor resonates with the learner, better learning happens.
Last month I attended a training in the dread of winter (I live in the cold side of Canada), and the instructor started off with a story: “This morning I was brushing the snow off from my car when I slipped on the ice and my glasses got all covered with snow…” by this moment the erudite in front of us, was just a mortal like me, who gets annoyed at brushing off snow from his car. Plus if you wear glasses you know how painful it is to have them all covered in snow.
He ended up the intro story with a good analogy that cleverly linked to the topic of our training session.
So this person knows a lot more than me in the topic of the session, but he was vulnerable for a moment to connect with us before we got technical. Though, I don’t think he would have had the same effect had his class been virtual with people from around the world (think Hawaii or California ☀️ ).
If there is human connection, either in person or virtually speaking, the learners will be more receptive and more engaged. The pandemic years already reminded us the importance of human connection.
What connects people?
Sometimes a story, sometimes a fact, sometimes a smile….
Take Action:
Use that moment when the instructor introduces themselves to the audience to connect with the people in front of you (or across the screen). Find an intro that fits your personality. Let them see the human behind the expertise they are about to experience.
Today I want to tell you a bit more about myself, because I am also a person behind a business.
Here are 10 things about me:
- A teacher and an educator for more than 20 years
- Mother to Eric and Alan
- Have known my husband since high school (though we just decided to marry 8 years ago)
- I’m a history geek
- I rebalance at the mountains
- Smile a lot
- Dress up at the minimal chance
- Sing whenever possible (kitchen, karaoke, in the car…)
- Avid ice-skater
- Have a sweet tooth for pastries
I have a few pics to share if you want to see them:
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40+ years ago I was born in Mexico. A lot of my practicality, colorfulness, love for community, resourcefulness, and flexibility comes from those early days.
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In 2004 my family and I immigrated to Canada and in 2010 I graduated from the University of Ottawa in Education graduate studies. My love for tulips dates from those days enjoying the Tulip Festival there every Spring.
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From 2013 to 2016 I taught in Benin West Africa. I was in a high school and also ran a skills program for the youth in jail. Most of my students were a lot taller than me! I remember one girl asked me once “when is a good moment to lose one’s virginity?”. I was like mmmm… how do I answer that question and how do I say whatever the answer is in French…? Ahhh the high school years.
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My favorite food in the world is the Middle Eastern food (I once taught in Saudi Arabia, where all food is delicious) and the most strange thing I have ever eaten are fried snakes on a stick in Cambodia. They were good though!
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My dad and I used to run 5Ks whenever we could, now we are connected through our Garmin watches across the miles.
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Nowadays Luis my husband and I have 2 little boys full of energy, and we are constantly out and about with them. I love living in the City of Calgary and enjoy very much also the mountains that are close to us.
Know that connecting with The Learning Guru community is one of the activities that brings a lot of joy to my life too. I love writing the emails every other week and reading your replies and comments fills my heart, thank you! ❤️
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