End your training programmes with a Bang!

Visualise the situation –

A training programme has just ended, the whole event just seems to fizzle out! Participants put their heads down and seem to slip out one-by-one. Only the last few interested remain till the end – talking to the trainer.  That’s what I call a trainer’s nightmare!

Successful high energy closure to a training session is an art. In the end, participants should celebrate completion of the programme. There should be confirmation whether learning objectives (of expectation mapping session) were met. Participants should discuss how the learning will be applied at the workplace. A wrap-up of all the modules.  I can guess, you are already saying - What’s the big deal! Well, that’s what most trainers do!
The “Big” deal is that many trainers make closing a drab session.  Ending a training programme on low energy is suicidal.  A good trainer should always make the ending high on energy!

Here are some ways to bring your training programmes to high energy closures -  

1. Remember to thank your participants for giving you the opportunity to learn! 
   
2. Have a round of tea/coffee at the end. 
   
3. Have “End of programme song activity” (send me an email, if you require faculty notes) 
   
4. Have something important to give participants at the end, for example, a handout which sums the modules that have been covered by your training programme. 
   
5. Play a motivational video like FISH, FISH Sticks, etc. It is important to note that the video should be related to the topic of the training programme. 
   
6. Call a senior person from stake holder department and request him to give away prizes (e.g. books) to winning teams/individuals. Dramatize the prize giving session! 
   
7. Handover participation certificates. Participation certificates should be given in the end of the programme for maximum impact. Certificates “Sent” next have no effect. 
   
8. With a young crowd, you may even try funky activities. Give away “Apple Awards” (one real apple on a saucer!) to each individual of the winning team and maybe, “Banana Awards” to each individual of the other teams! 
   
9. Take a group photo in a formal setting. A better way is to take group photo on Day-1, first half of the day. Handover a hard copy of the photo to each participant at the end of the programme.

  Some 'Pfeiffer' Training books have good training games and activities including 'end of training' activities that you can use. These books are usually expensive; maybe, visit to an MBA college library might help.

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