A Subject Matter Expert may know their topic really well, but how do you turn what they have to say into something that people actually want to learn? Becky says the secret is thinking of SMEs as co-bakers. They get the ingredients and you do the cooking. Resources: Mager, R. F. (2013). Preparing Instructional Objectives. AI Transcription Tools (20…

AI is not here to take over our jobs, but to help you. Becky has some AI services that can be your loyal assistants who never have to take a coffee break. Resources: Canva AI Tools (2023). Available at canva.com. OpenAI’s DALL·E (2021-2024). Available at openai.com. Grammarly AI Tools (2022). Available at grammarly.com. Purchase Becky's new book he…

You’re going to make mistakes when training. What matters is how you handle them. Becky has some cringe-worthy incidents you can learn from. Resources: According to research by Provine (2013), humor also enhances group cohesion. Brookfield, S. D. (2017). Becoming a Critically Reflective Teacher. Medina, J. (2014). Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Sur…

Yes, you’re a trainer. But you’re also a consultant. Becky has tips on how to do the detective work using your active listening skills. Then you can get results by letting people discover the answers for themselves. Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast available on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-training-techniques/id8…

ADHD, depression, and anxiety can all make it more difficult to learn. Becky has some tips on how to find ways that work for everyone to learn. Resources: Barkley, R. A. (1997). ADHD and the Nature of Self-Control. Fleming, N. D., & Baume, D. (2006). Learning Styles Again: VARKing up the Right Tree! Edmondson, A. C. (1999). Psychological Safety and…

Welcome to the theme park of your mind! Becky is your tour guide. And yes, she’s wearing a superhero cape to get your attention. Resources: Broadbent, D. E. (1958). Perception and Communication. Miller, G. A. (1956). The Magical Number Seven, Plus or Minus Two. McGaugh, J. L. (2003). Memory and Emotion: The Making of Lasting Memories. Purchase Beck…

Your body and your brain work together to make learning happen. Becky says there are three biological factors you can influence to make the learning better. Resources: Lieberman, M. D. (2013). Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect. Amy Edmondson’s work on psychological safety in the workplace. Ratey, J. J. (2008). Spark: The Revolutionary New…

As we get ready for the holiday season we're revisiting a podcast aimed at helping you manage all that you have ahead. Does tackling a big project make you feel overwhelmed? Instead of trying to do it all at once, Becky suggests you make those big elephants into bite-sized 10 minute bits. Not only does it work on the things you have to do, but it a…

Becky has five tips that can help you break patterns that are not healthy, and instead focus on the present. Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast available on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-training-techniques/id862555469?mt=2 On Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/show/2L5Ej7fMWOijhAwTlJUVUd And on the web here: ht…

Becky boils down the advice of time management experts Seven Covey, David Allen and Laura Vanderkam into eight practical tips. Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast available on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-training-techniques/id862555469?mt=2 On Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/show/2L5Ej7fMWOijhAwTlJUVUd And o…

Keeping your audience engaged can make or break your webinar. Becky talks about the biggest trends in webinars — Micro Moments. Think TED Talk meets Zoom. Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast available on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-training-techniques/id862555469?mt=2 On Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/show/…

Ken Blanchard is the best selling author of The One Minute Manager and many other books. He is also one of Becky’s mentors. She learned many things personally from Ken, including “Leadership is not about being in charge, it’s about taking care of the people in your charge.” Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast available on iTunes here: https://i…

PowerPoint can be deadly unless you do it right. Becky has some tips on what to avoid, what to include and how to use PowerPoint to be the best presenter you can be. Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast available on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-training-techniques/id862555469?mt=2 On Spotify here: https://open.spotif…

Want to know how to speak to an audience? Look at their social media. Becky says social media is a gold mine you can use for openers, transitions and stories. Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast available on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-training-techniques/id862555469?mt=2 On Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/s…

Curriculum design traditionally takes lots of research, redrafting, aligning with standards and considering diverse learning styles. Becky says AI can give you shortcuts… as long as you have trusted resources. Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast available on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-training-techniques/id8625554…

Becky issues the 24-hour challenge. Try changing something for 24 hours and do it one day at a time. Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast available on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-training-techniques/id862555469?mt=2 On Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/show/2L5Ej7fMWOijhAwTlJUVUd And on the web here: http://www…

How do you find the balance between work and life? Becky says you probably can’t find it, but there are some tips to get harmony. Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast available on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-training-techniques/id862555469?mt=2 On Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/show/2L5Ej7fMWOijhAwTlJUVUd An…

This week we revisit one of Becky's previous podcasts. You have one minute to engage me… go! How are you going to do it? It’s a situation we’re faced with every time you have to present online. Becky says this is an easy puzzle to solve. In fact, solving it involves puzzles, doodling and other fun activities. Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast…

This week we're revisiting one of Becky's most popular podcasts. Friends don't let friends create PowerPoint puke — it can ruin any presentation. How do you avoid making your PowerPoint presentation a poster child for "don't"? Becky comes to your rescue in the first of two podcasts about perfecting your PowerPoint presentations. Purchase Becky's ne…

This week we revisit one of Becky's previous podcasts. How do you turn the unexpected to your advantage? Becky has some simple steps that will help you when an unexpected events happen at a training session. Sometimes the unexpected is more important than what you were planning to teach. Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast available on iTunes h…

This week we revisit one of Becky's earlier podcasts. Games will help people learn, but only if they're content driven. Becky has a game you can try that really fits the bill. Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast available on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-training-techniques/id862555469?mt=2 On Spotify here: https://o…

This week we revisit one of Becky's earlier podcasts. Your next presentation will be your best one yet if you follow the tips Becky has in this podcast. Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast available on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-training-techniques/id862555469?mt=2 On Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/show/2L…

Work can be fun for you and everyone involved in your training — if you plan things right. Becky has some ideas on little things you can do to create a positive environment. Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast available on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-training-techniques/id862555469?mt=2 On Spotify here: https://ope…

You want someone’s expertise to be part of your presentation, but you don’t want their deep knowledge to take you off course. Becky talks about how to build trust with Subject Matter Experts (SME) so your presentation is focused and jargon free. Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast available on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/cr…

Here’s a hard truth: your timeline isn’t always their timeline. So how do you get people to complete tasks so the project gets done on time? Becky says you need to share planning, communication, and more to create a collaborate environment. Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast available on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/creativ…

Have you worked on something that wasn’t your top priority? It’s easy to do when you have a lot to do and don’t prioritize. Becky has some tips including “eat the frog first,” something that Mark Twain advised you should do first thing in the morning if it’s your job. Link Eat The Frog First https://store.randallhouse.com/product/eat-the-frog-first…

360 feedback will help your performance, but only if you ask the right questions and self-assess the feedback. Becky has some tips to react to the feedback — including things you might not necessarily agree with. Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast available on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-training-techniques/id8625…

Diversity, equity, and inclusion is desirable in training. Becky has some tips on how you can create a safe environment and celebrate diversity in your presentation. Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast available on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-training-techniques/id862555469?mt=2 On Spotify here: https://open.spotif…

We all learned to deal with change when COVID hit. The Bob Pike Group was already teaching online, but clients needed help with the change process. Becky has five tips that can help you lead through any change. Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast available on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-training-techniques/id862555…

Make the wrong assumption and you can go on an unexpected journey. Becky talks about wrong assumptions she’s made, and how she’s solved them with a checklist. Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast available on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-training-techniques/id862555469?mt=2 On Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/s…

Becky says the key to integrity, responsibility and accountability is collaboration. She has some specific things for you to consider. Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast available on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-training-techniques/id862555469?mt=2 On Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/show/2L5Ej7fMWOijhAwTlJUV…

Becky says the key to integrity, responsibility and accountability is collaboration. She has some specific things for you to consider. Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast available on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-training-techniques/id862555469?mt=2 On Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/show/2L5Ej7fMWOijhAwTlJUV…

There never seems to be enough time to get everything done. Counterintuitively, the solution may be to slow down or pause. Becky says refocusing can help you move forward. Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast available on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-training-techniques/id862555469?mt=2 On Spotify here: https://open.…

What are accessibility and inclusion and how do you include them? Sometimes you might not be able to see the issues. Becky has some things you should consider. Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast available on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-training-techniques/id862555469?mt=2 On Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/…

You worked so hard on that training session. Did it do what it was supposed to? Becky says there are four questions you need to ask when evaluating training. Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast available on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-training-techniques/id862555469?mt=2 On Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/sh…

The technology changes, but the challenges don’t, for corporate trainers. How do you overcome low learner engagement, information overload and outdated training methods? Becky has some tips, and talks about a step that that often gets skipped. Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast available on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/crea…

What do stories you tell your learners have to do with popular movies? Yes, it needs a hero, a goal and an obstacle to overcome. Becky shows us that the parallels don’t end there. Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast available on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-training-techniques/id862555469?mt=2 On Spotify here: https…

Embarrassing moments can sometimes be moments of truth. Becky has a story about other people’s misery that could help you. Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast available on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-training-techniques/id862555469?mt=2 On Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/show/2L5Ej7fMWOijhAwTlJUVUd And on th…

Good stories are sticky. They’re easier to recall and have a longer lasting impression on learners. Becky has an example that will help you focus, remember and act. Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast available on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-training-techniques/id862555469?mt=2 On Spotify here: https://open.spotify…

Becky explains why do stories work so well for training by telling a story. This should get your brain chemicals working! Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast available on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-training-techniques/id862555469?mt=2 On Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/show/2L5Ej7fMWOijhAwTlJUVUd And on the…

This week we're revisiting one of Becky's first podcasts. Have you inherited a training program that needs some zing, but you don't have time to completely redo it? Becky Pluth has a quick and easy plan to transform an old program into something new and engaging. Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast available on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple…

This week we're revisiting one of Becky's first podcasts. Becky Pluth has some best practices you should follow to make your next webinar a successful one. Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast available on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-training-techniques/id862555469?mt=2 On Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/show…

This week we're revisiting one of Becky's first podcasts. You need the support of decision makers. So how do you get upper management buy-in? Becky Pluth has the steps you need to follow. Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast available on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-training-techniques/id862555469?mt=2 On Spotify her…

This week we're revisiting one of Becky's first podcasts. Becky Pluth explains how your students can divide and conquer a huge amount of material using a technique called "teach backs." Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast available on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-training-techniques/id862555469?mt=2 On Spotify here:…

This week we're revisiting one of Becky's first podcasts. Want to turn your presentation into a webinar? The last thing you want to do is take that PowerPoint and put it online. What's the first thing you should do? Becky Pluth has the answer in today's podcast. Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast available on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.…

This week we're revisiting one of Becky's first podcasts Learners only recall a small portion of what you present. So how do you make that portion bigger? Becky Pluth has several tips to make the learning stick. Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast available on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-training-techniques/id86255…

This week we're revisiting one of Becky's first podcasts. What do you do when your audience isn't that into you? The secret is not impressing your audience, but letting your audience come to its own "aha" moment. How do you make that happen? Becky Pluth says it's all about making your presentation about the audience. Purchase Becky's new book here:…

This week we're revisiting one of Becky's first podcasts. How do you add value to training? Becky Pluth says the answer is to serve and believe in what you're doing. Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast available on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-training-techniques/id862555469?mt=2 On Spotify here: https://open.spotif…

This week we're revisiting one of Becky's first podcasts. Some classroom sessions can be chaotic. How do you reduce the chaos, yet keep the fun and the learning? Becky says the answer is simple. Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast available on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-training-techniques/id862555469?mt=2 On Spot…

Becky’s father recently passed away. She worked with her dad for 19 years building the Bob Pike Group. She talks about her father and how to help others who are dealing with grief. Purchase Becky's new book here: Podcast available on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-training-techniques/id862555469?mt=2 On Spotify here: http…