We all have the passion to train and would want to impart knowledge. With this intent we prepare presentation, rehearse and practice, to achieve the best output. But sometimes, beyond our control, sub consciously we make errors...rather blunders which will not get wiped out from our memory so easily. Once such incident happened....

In 2007, I was a product trainer for a banking software company. I got an opportunity to training the banking users at Milwaukee. That was my 1st trip to the US for a 4 weeks assignment. I had prepared very well and was all geared up for the sessions. My reporting manager was British guy, who was a veteran in the training field. He gave me a few tips on my presentation and encouraged me to go confidently. And all set.....

I was in the training room and my module was the 2nd session. Once my colleague finished his session..it was my turn..and the moment arrived....

I introduced myself, my background details etc. and all the meet and greet got over and had an intention to proceed with the session in more casual and interactive mode. So I opened the module on the screen, gave a 40000 feet overview - being the intro screen, and was very nicely getting into the groove..and this happened...

Once the overview was over, I handed the physical copies of the module to each and every participant to refer to the details when needed..and very casually, without any apprehension..made a statement "Please have these copies, and refer in case of any queries. I should say, this is going to be the bible for you from now on"....

From the participants, a voice responded within a fraction of a second "WHY CAN'T IT BE QUORAN?"..

There was a pin drop silence for a few minutes..which put me to embarrassment...I had to manage the situation by diverting the topic to a lighter mode "Yeah..it can be Quoran or Gita or Zend Avesta..as you may wish".

But internally, I realized how stupid of me. I have used this phrase very often, back in India, with so many audience in different occasions. That's when I realized, we have to be cognizant of everything...the place, the people, the time, the situation, when we are entering a training room as a trainer.