The Essential Trainer Checklist: What to do before and after your training session

Click here to download a printable speaker checklist PDF, or scroll down to copy and paste the list below.
 

The Essential Trainer Checklist PDF

We also realize that having to print something off might not be practical for every trainer—perhaps you are already using a tool like Trello or Evernote and would prefer to add this list to your preferred platform.

Here is the list again, ready for you to copy and paste:

The Essential Trainer Checklist

Session details

Presentation title:

Date & time:

Venue:

Special directions:

Audience:

Size:

Demographic:

Additional details:

Organizer's contact number:

Travel

• Print address, directions, venue map

• Boarding passes/train tickets

• Passport

• Full tank of gas (if driving), bus plan with route & stops, taxi phone number

• Local currency/cash/credit card

• Route from the hotel to the venue

Venue

• Visit the venue or review the room floor plan & photos

• Confirm availability of equipment

• Check venue's internet quality & ask for back up connection login

Electronics & supplies

• Laptop/tablet/smartphone & chargers

• Back-up devices & battery packs

• Electrical adapter

• Projector connection adapter

• Small speakers for sound

• Presentation remote & charger/batteries

• Extension cord

• Timer

• Notepad / pens & pencils

• Video camera/stand

• Brochures & business cards

Pro-packing essentials

• Watch

• Toothbrush & toothpaste, deodorant

• Hair brush & comb

• Spare shirt / blouse & spare tie / nylons

• Water bottle

• Snacks: fruit, energy bar, etc.

• Throat lozenges & breath mints

• Aspirin/emergency medication

Presentation

• Printed introduction for host

• Physical copy of slides & speaking notes

• Presentation backup (email, USB, alternative platform versions)

• Props, samples, or demos

• Markers: flip chart & whiteboard

• Handouts

• Evaluation forms

Day before

• Pack your bag

• Confirm arrival times

• Get a good night sleep

• Avoid overconsumption of alcohol

Presentation day

• Moderate exercise in the morning

• Arrive early, at least 40 minutes before.

• Meet the organizers, hosts, & technicians

• Test equipment & sound check

• Run through presentation outline

• Prepare speaking area (flip charts, etc.)

• Ensure proper seating/no blocked views

• Adjust lights/curtains & temperature

• Locate restrooms

• Have drinking water available

Day after

• Review feedback forms & write out reflections / improvement ideas

• Send invoice and "Thank you", to the organizer. offer results-based feedback from the session

• Add business cards to your email & address book

• Email attendees with follow-up materials

• Connect with new contacts on social media

Don’t forget to add your own essential “don’t forget…” items to the list, we’ve built it around what most trainers will need for their session, but have also left you room to customize it based on your needs (e.g. an extra pair of glasses/contacts & solution, wireless headset microphones & charger, antihistamines for seasonal allergies, etc.)

You are still going to need to use your skills and common sense, however, a great checklist can foolproof your presentation. It will help remind you of the important items and steps that even pro-trainers can forget.

Checklists can’t do your session for you, but they can definitely help make it a success.

Are you a professional trainer? Is there anything else that you would add? Contact us here.

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