7. The content expert may NOT be person to teach class. Any trainer can tell you, just knowing information of a course doesn't mean you can teach it. Find someone who knows information and can present it in an interesting and entertaining way. If there's nobody like that, hire a professional trainer or speaker to come in and be "MC" of your training and to help liven up event.

8. Create an environment of "academic freedom." Let students know that purpose of training is to give them information they need to do their jobs. Let them know that it's okay if they ask questions, challenge (within boundaries) instructors and material, don't grasp everything right. What's important is that everyone in class gets opportunity to get information.

9. Provide them with all information already written down. Make it easy for students to focus on information being given, not on trying to take notes. Have all of information written down and give it to them. Some students will always take notes no matter what you do, rest will appreciate being able to sit back, relax, and learn!

10. Follow up... but not too soon. Get feedback from students on all aspects of training. Ask what they liked and didn't like. But don't make it last activity of training itself. Wait a day or two and send them a questionnaire. Make it possible for them to submit their comments completely anonymously. Some students just can't bring themselves to saying something negative if they know that you know who said it. Take all pressure off of them, but get their input.

6. They are time bandits.

One key to successful training courses is to start and stop on time. Great trainers can manipulate their material as needed so that they are ALWAYS on time.

7. They are masters of their domain.

Once in training environment, trainer controls everything. To observers it may seem like chaos reigns, but talented trainer keeps things moving forward and on topic.

8. They have their PhDs in people skills.

Regardless of scale, trainers are always interacting with many, many people. The best trainers deal effectively with personalities of all types, from ultra-shy to loud-and- belligerent.

9. They understand that learning is a life-long process.

While course of class they teach may be short, top trainers make themselves available even after formal training has been completed.

10. They are constantly improving.

Great trainers actively search new ideas, tips and techniques to improve quality of their training, their delivery and their material.