Do you train staff or volunteers in how to be heritage interpreters, tour guides, or customer service?
Then this page is for you!
Trainer Tips and Tricks
I teach interpretation interpretatively. These tips and tricks are couched in that framework–we learn by experiencing, playing with concepts, applying it to real life situations using intellectual and emotional connections.
Support, feedback and coaching for YOU
We may be “guides on the side” rather than the “sages on the stages” but we still feel pretty drained after delivering our (interpretive) babies. Check this area out to get support for you as you teach others.
CIG Trainers, specific
You think you can just take the two classes, write five essays, read 4 books and take the 100 question test, and then teach the CIG the next day? LOL. This section houses support and tips and how to’s specific to the NAI CIG curriculum whether you are training NAI’s CIG it in-agency or to the public.
What to do with that one bad review?
I’m here for you. Give a call and tell me the story. The only judgement I will give you is recognition that you bent over backward for that student, like you do all students. I am a very good listener. You will feel better. No charge if I get to tell you one back.
Adults who still don’t want to do homework?
How else are we going to know if we are being successful in our instruction? This is how classes work, even adult learning. BUT… you still have to get them to want to do it. So how do you do that? I’ll make a deep dive on GOMs.
Chocolate and wine are good for you.
I’m sure there’s been a study done. In the short term, it eases you. If it refills your tank to get out there and teach again, then by all means. Consider chocolate and wine (or whatever your “treat” is) to be your trainer power bar!
Making a tremendous effort replicable.
I’ve taught over 25 classes over Zoom since 2020 and I’ve got it down to a science. That is the only way I have maximized my hourly earning. That was after 3 curriculum updates by NAI. Tell me your tips now for the collaborative deep dive coming soon.
March 7, 2025 11 am, MST over Zoom
Using Icebreakers: A free 45 min workshop with Nikki
Icebreakers. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, icebreakers seem to be synonymous with adult learning opportunities such as staff and volunteer trainings. To be successful for the trainer and the participant, icebreakers need to align to the audience, be engaging, and serve a purpose (sound familiar, interpreters?!). In this session we will look at what icebreakers are and aren’t, the whys and whens of using icebreakers, and how to adapt them to your audience and setting. This free, 45-minute session is open to any interpreter who is interested in training interpreters or is already an interpretative trainer formally or informally!