How to conduct training they will actually enjoy!

That's right, we have all been there. Confined and trapped in a windowless room with 50 of your colleagues listening to some snore-fest about a topic you have long forgotten.
Have you considered however how it feels to BE that person conducting the training? How do you manage to balance the facts, entertaining the masses and believe me, you MUST do some great tricks to keep them amused and have some participation?
If your facing your first go at it, relax. Following a few simply steps will create an atmosphere that everyone will be interested in, even you...the leader.

1. BE PREPARED- Sounds so incredibly simple doesn't it? And yet, most people wing it. Sure you have the material you need to cover but walking in with merely material is still not enough. Are you using a power point presentation? Does the location your in have AV capabilities? Are you familiar with them? Do you need to have someone set it up prior to your arrival? Do you have handouts? Are you familiar with the location? To ensure your prepared, make sure your arriving early, have everything you need and take a moment or 5 to relax and mentally go over everything.
2. SET THE STAGE- Do not ever take for granted that the people your training know what is going on. Provide your people with an agenda for the day, the material you will be covering. A brief explanation of who exactly you are. A silly ice breaker may get some eyes rolling in the audience but it is a fantastic way for everyone to get familiar with everyone in the group and a relaxing way for you to begin. Ensure you will be taking questions and all in all set everyone at ease, including yourself.
3. ENGAGE YOUR AUDIENCE- You have already learnt that your group will certainly not retain all the information you provide by merely reading over your notes that you painstakingly provided. Most are going to learn by doing. When you are able to interact with the trainer, the participators are the ones that learn the most, they are engaged. You can take steps to correct any errors and encourage which is another great example of great leadership.
4. HAVE FUN- I am certainly not meaning that your stand-up act needs to be tested here but relax and allow everyone, including yourself to enjoy the experience. Including humor and personal antidotes really makes for a more pleasant experience for all.
5. READ YOUR CROWD- This certainly can present a opportunity for you but consider it just that, an OPPORTUNITY!!  Are you noticing disengagement? Are they zoned out? Ok, it's time to think fast.....and because you are PREPARED you can insert some activity here to ensure the situation turns. Perhaps you would like to provide a break? Did you already have a recent break? Reading your audiences body language is going to be key here. 
6. ASK FOR FEEDBACK- I have been involved in my fair share of training and there have been many that were engaging fun and informative, and yes, I admit there have been many that have been snore-fests and I walked out more confused than when I entered. However, asking for feedback will certainly protect you from the latter and ensure the first. Asking your groups for feedback is essential for your growth and also to merely ensure your getting across what you intended to. Providing a survey, an email address that they can visit afterwards, anything you think would provide the most feedback. You can always use constructive criticism and hey, you will lead the best training course the next time.

Simple steps. Simple steps that will create the best environment for  successful training. Take that deep breath, ensure you have everything and go get em.