Go from Subject Expert to Learning Guide
I’m going to let you in on a little secret.
No one ever starts out as a great trainer.
Some people might be comfortable presenting. They may be confident in their subject matter. They might even get by on personality and PowerPoint. But training? That’s a whole
different skill set.
Training is about facilitating learning, not just transferring knowledge. And if you’re trying to build up a team of facilitators—especially internal subject matter experts—you’ve
probably already run into this.
Just because someone knows a process doesn’t mean they can teach it. Just because they care about the work doesn’t mean they know how to help others engage with it.
This past week, I had the chance to lead a Train-the-Trainer session with a group of leaders and internal team members who are stepping into the role of trainer. And the most important thing I told them? “This is not a public speaking class.” Because it’s not about putting on a show. It's not about how polished you are in the front of the room. It’s about taking ownership of the full learner experience.
Here’s what I mean.
When we shift from delivering information or performative storytelling, to creating a meaningful learning experience, everything changes:
- We stop thinking about what we want to say and start thinking about what the learner needs to do.
- We let go of perfection and step into presence—meeting the learner where they are.
- We stop trying to prove our credibility and instead demonstrate our care.
- We get curious about the learner, where they are coming from and where they are trying to go.
That’s the mindset shift that matters most. Because at the end of the day, training is not about you. It’s about them.
We explored strategies that work whether you’re building training from scratch or facilitating content someone else designed. We practiced setting context, connecting to
purpose, checking in, and knowing when to pivot. We talked about how to create safety and spark curiosity.
And most of all, we talked about how to believe in the learner. To believe they are capable. That they want to do well. That they’ll engage more when they feel seen, heard, and valued.
So if you’re stepping into the role of trainer—whether for the first time or the hundredth—remember this: It’s not about being the expert in the room. It’s about being the
guide who helps others learn, grow, and thrive.
Own that role with pride. Show up with presence. And above all, stay curious. Because the best trainers are always learning, too.
Know a group or organization that wants to elevate their training game?
Let’s talk about Mastering the Learner Experience—my signature program designed to help trainers transform sessions from informational to unforgettable. Together, we’ll empower your facilitators to create learning moments that engage, inspire, and stick.