All of us begin the learning process by asking how new information we are learning relates to what we already know. We do this, to be frank, because we’re lazy – it’s easier and more efficient. It saves us time and effort. The minute we connect the new thing to something we already know, we find learning the new information or skill far easier.

The next time you are teaching a class or leading a meeting and you find yourself talking too much, ask “What do these learners already know about this?”  Begin by connecting the new information to what your team already knows or has already experienced..

When you begin, focus the experience and the dialogue around the learner's experiences and help them to discover why the content is valuable.

Some ideas to think about:

• Think experiences – use simulations or activities.
• Think “talk-story,” where learners relate past experiences about the concept.
• Think problems that have similar elements to the skills you want the learners to master.
• Think of the absence of something you are about to teach – the absence of customer service, the absence of coaching, the absence of direction.
• Think about provoking discussion – write down (and then share) the one thing you believe your team spends the most time on.
• Think interactive.
• Think about identifying common experiences – common frustrations, insights and needs.
• Think about the learner in every class, who is thinking, “Why are we here?” and design an experience that answers that question