TOT 98: Preparation and Preparedness

Trainer would feel something as difficult when she/he is not prepared. For the one who is well prepared nothing is difficult.

Preparation refers to a process that a trainer undergoes before the given training program. Preparedness refers to being prepared at any time in any situation. It reflects the stability and capability of a trainer to handle any part of training with ease. Trainer can be considered as a well prepared professional only when neither the trainer feels the difficulty while communicating and presenting the thoughts nor the trainees feel difficulty in understanding what is being communicated.

Preparedness is a quality that can be learnt and inculcated. In the context of mediation training, ‘Preparedness’ presupposes adequate preparation to handle the responsibilities expected to be discharged by a trainer. 

How does one know whether the trainer is well prepared or not?

1. If the flow of thoughts is continuous and uniform.
2. If that flow relates to a specific topic chosen for presentation in a given session (which is one of the components of the training curriculum).
3. If the trainer lays the foundation first and takes the trainees step by step to make them understand the concepts in a phased manner.
4. If the trainer demonstrates her/his understanding of the fundamentals of the topic, with clarity and there is no confusion in the trainer’s understanding.
5. If the trainer does not feel blank or is not left without thoughts and is not searching within himself/herself as to what should be said next?
6. When the trainer is communicating in order to connect to the audience.

Fundamentals of preparation

1. WHAT CAN GO WRONG?

1. Visualise all that can go wrong.
2. Work on the possible solutions to meet the situation if anything goes wrong.
3. Foresee the worst that can happen and things that may most likely go wrong

2. AVOID – WHERE YOU HAVE DOUBT

If there are two extreme possibilities avoid entering into that arena.

Example

Using a chosen example may or may not hurt the religious sentiments of the trainees. 

3. ROLE REVERSAL

Step into the shoes of the trainees and visualize whether what is supposed to be delivered can reach them or not .

“One who is not prepared for the worst cannot hope for the best.”

Slamw

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 (All Copyrights reserved by the author S.Susheela)