Trainer Behaviours That Actually Disrupt Learning Sessions

Running a learning session that feels smooth and useful for everyone takes more than sharing facts or clicking through slides. Good training is not just about what is being taught, but how it is delivered. If the trainer is off balance, the session will not go far, even if the content is strong. That is where trouble often starts. Certain behaviours can sneak in, unnoticed, and get in the way of learning. They might seem harmless at first, but over time, they cause energy to dip and attention to drift.

Whether running sessions for internal staff or working with external clients, the way we show up matters. A great train-the-trainer course does not only teach effective delivery, it also helps us spot habits that do not serve learners well. Let us take a closer look at some of the most common ones.

Trainers Who Talk Too Much

One of the easiest traps trainers fall into is speaking for too long without checking in. It is natural to want to share what we know, but talking nonstop can feel overwhelming for the group. When there is little space for learners to ask questions or talk things through together, the session can start to feel one-sided.

• Repeating the same point in a few different ways might feel helpful, but it can blur the message and cause frustration.
• With no breaks built in for discussion or quiet thinking time, people may struggle to process what they are hearing.
• Learners often remember more when they have had a chance to take part, rather than just listen.

We have found that cutting down the talk time and building in more interaction keeps things fresh and improves understanding over time.

Not Reading the Room

Every group is different, so reading body language, tone, and energy levels is key. When that awareness is missing, even the best content can fall flat. Ignoring signs of disconnection like glazed expressions, tapping pens, or no one answering questions can cause the group to switch off completely.

If we use the same pace and tone throughout, people struggle to stay alert. It helps to change gears at times, whether that is through a hands-on activity or a quick group check-in.

Getting caught up in the plan without noticing the group's mood means we often miss the chance to shift direction when it is needed.

A large part of connecting with learners comes from being in sync with how they are responding. It is not about being over the top with energy, just being present enough to adjust as needed.

Mistaking Control for Structure

Having a clear structure is helpful, but being overly strict with the plan can work against us. Some trainers try to guide every moment of the session, hoping it keeps things on track. What often happens instead is the energy gets stuck, and learners hold back from joining in.

• Over-scripting can shut down natural discussion. If people feel there is no room to speak up, they usually will not.
• When there is no space to explore ideas, questions get pushed aside, and the session becomes rushed or surface-level.
• Structure is about creating enough shape that the group feels supported, but not boxed in.

We have seen many times that a little flexibility goes a long way. When trainers are comfortable enough to let discussions develop, learners tend to stay more engaged and invested.

Target Training Associates' PTT course provides real-time exercises for trainers to practise adapting session flow and building confidence to move away from rigid scripts.

Hiding Behind the Slides

Slides can be a helpful visual aid, but when used the wrong way, they become something to hide behind. Reading word-for-word from the screen breaks the connection between trainer and group, and quickly leads to disengagement.

• Learners can read the slides themselves, so if we offer nothing more than what is already written, they tune out.
• Relying too much on slides creates a one-way flow of information rather than a two-way learning experience.
• Real-life examples, eye contact, and asking questions bring the topic to life far more than any slide can.

Most of us have sat through sessions where someone just clicks through slides while talking at us. It does not stick. The best sessions usually come from trainers who use their materials as a support, not a script.

Every Target Training Associates session includes hands-on activities and feedback that help trainers build practical, engaging delivery without overusing slides.

Empowering Better Delivery by Knowing What to Change

There is often a positive intent behind tricky trainer habits. We may talk too much because we are excited or worried that the group will not understand. We might stick to the plan too tightly because we want everything to go smoothly. But if we do not take time to reflect, these habits can become hard to shake.

On a strong train the trainer programme, the biggest breakthroughs often come not from learning brand new techniques, but from recognising and shifting what was already happening.

• Small changes, like speaking a bit less, asking more open questions, or noticing the room, can have a big effect.
• Learning to trust the group, make space, and stay present helps us build stronger, more meaningful sessions.

By noticing what throws learning off track, we give ourselves the chance to fix it. That is how training becomes something people remember, not just something they attend.

Article-ready Sessions Start With Self-Awareness

The way a trainer holds a session can be the difference between a group that checks out and one that leans in. The behaviours that disrupt learning often come from good intentions, but when left unchecked, they build walls instead of bridges. Trainers who speak too much, miss signals from the group, stick too rigidly to the script, or lean too hard on slides rarely get the outcome they want.

Being aware of these habits is the first step to doing something about them. With the right support and practice, trainers can shift from well-meaning but disconnected delivery to sessions that feel alive, engaging, and useful. That is when real learning has a chance to happen.

If that sounds like the kind of shift you are looking for, Target Training Associates can support you. Ready to transform your training sessions by eliminating those common habits that disrupt learning? Target Training Associates is here to guide you on that journey. 

Our train the trainer courses are designed to enhance your delivery style, ensuring every session is engaging and impactful. Reach out to us today and discover how we can support your growth into a more effective and confident trainer.