'Train the Trainer' now open to all newspaper trainers

• What seminar members say about "Train the Trainer"


• Registration instructions


• Download the nomination form:
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  28KB PDF document

Reston, VA -- Newspaper trainers from all departments now may apply for the American Press Institute's "Train the Trainer" seminars. The popular program, underwritten by a $225,000 grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, previously was open only to newsroom trainers. The next offering will be held October 23-26, 2005, at API's training facility outside of Washington, D.C.

During the intense, three-day experience, participants learn how to enhance training content and to bolster their presentation skills, allowing them to better engage, educate and motivate personnel. Since its inception in May 2003, 80 trainers have participated in the program.

The application deadline for the October program is Friday, August 12. Twenty newspaper trainers will be selected to participate in the program. Tuition is $500 and the conference room/meal package is $600. Attendees also will need to cover their travel expenses and any incidentals.

"'Train the Trainer' is the best way for media organizations to leverage the knowledge they gain at API and other professional learning institutions," said Andrew B. Davis, president and executive director of API. "Effective presentation skills are truly a knowledge multiplier."

Alan Weiss, a renowned management consultant, author and educator, will be the faculty chair.

API proposed the "Train the Trainer" program in response to a Knight-funded study that revealed lack of training -- not pay and benefits -- as the greatest source of frustration for U.S. journalists.

The "Train the Trainer" program zeroes in on issues that mean the difference between merely adequate and truly inspirational workplace training. Topics include:

• Applying adult-learning principles


• Breaking down barriers to full participation


• Enhancing "delivery dynamics," from tone of voice and inflection to stance and hand gestures


• Diffusing difficult personalities and conflict to ensure a smooth training process


• Preparing for, encouraging and responding to questions, and becoming a better listener along the way


• Using creative techniques to design engrossing presentations and high-impact visual aids.

Participants also will have an opportunity to work in small groups to discuss ways they can enhance training content.