As a trainer session planning is something that can’t be avoided, so love it or hate it, it needs to be done.
I’ve always found that the easiest way to start a session plan is with a clear template, which meets my needs and has all of the information in the right places.
You can download a free copy of the template that I use here…
Top tips:
Try not to over complicate the session plan – it needs to be reasonable and understandable, not an essay. Keep the information short and concise, use bullet points to cover the key points.
Assume someone else will need to read it – there will be times when you aren’t running the session (maybe you won the lottery and you are now on a beach in Tahiti with a cocktail in your hand), so your session plan needs to be easily understandable by other people.
Keep it short – a good session plan will normally cover no more than 2 – 3 pages.
Keep a clear list of resources – your session plan should also serve as your training “shopping list” with a complete list of resources needed to run the session, including the power points and videos used. This makes life easier if you ever have to train in a different room, off site at a different location or if someone else has to train the session for you.
Let me know, do you love session planning or hate it? Share your tips in the comments below.
– Sam