Becoming a First Aid Instructor Part Two: How Confidence is King (or Queen)

In our experience, embarking on training a new subject (or a familiar subject in a new way) can sometimes be daunting. I’ve completed the First Aid Instructor training course to help me understand how it feels to stand up and present in a group. I hope what I learnt will help you too!

This article explains how to become a confident first aid trainer, and also how attending our First Aid Instructor Principles and Practice course will help you with your journey.

This guide contains top tips for making sure that you are confident as a First Aid Trainer, and also how first aid instructor training can make sure you are prepared. Reading time: 8 minutes.

These top ten tips (adapted from a fab article at Wiit) are a great introduction to on how to be confident when presenting a course – especially of a new subject.  Our First Aid Instructor Course is packed with confidence building methods. We believe that the more confident you are as First Aid Trainer, the more confident your delegates will be. Here goes!

1. Expect to be nervous.

It happens. A little bit of nerves is a good thing, and even the most experienced trainers get nervous. Don’t try to eliminate your jitters. Turn them into energy you can use to boost your delivery. Take time during your First Aid Instructor course to practice with other trainee instructors to boost your confidence.

2. Prepare.

Know what you are going to say – and why you want to say it. Use the course lesson plans we provide to everyone that joins the SkillBase First Aid Instructor Network (for free). Stick to them, and don’t be afraid to have them to hand.

3. Practice.

Speak to supportive audiences where less is at stake – at a staff meeting or a PTA meeting. Use the presentations we provide during the course to help.

4. Breathe.

In the thirty seconds before you begin speaking, take three slow, deep breaths through your nose, filling your belly. As you breathe out, say silently to yourself, “Relax”

5. Rehearse.

Stand up and walk around as you practice out loud. Don’t try to memorise courses, or  practice it word for word. Talk it through, point by point. Imagine you’re explaining your main ideas to a friend. That will keep it authentic, and help delegates engage with you.

6. Focus on your audience.

Stage fright is rooted in asking questions of yourself, like ‘How am I doing?’ or ‘Am I making any sense?’ Stop focusing on yourself. Focus, instead, on your audience.

7. Simplify.

Most trainers try to do too much in a speech. Then they worry about leaving something out or losing their train of thought. Aim, instead, to communicate one basic idea. Keep it short and simple. We’ll spend loads of time talking about suitable terminology on the First Aid Instructor course.

8. Visualise success.

Practice relaxation techniques in the days before your course.  Lie down or sit comfortably in a quiet place. Breathe slowly. Close your eyes. Imagine your upcoming course. Picture yourself speaking with confidence.

9. Connect with your audience.

Make the audience your allies. Talk to individuals before your presentation to get to know them. Look them in the eye as you speak to them, one person at a time. When your audience sides with you, your job as a trainer becomes easier.

10. Act confident.

People won’t see how nervous you are. (They can’t tell if your palms are sweating or your knees are knocking or your heart is pounding.) So don’t tell them. Smile. Stick your chest out. Look confident, even if you don’t feel it.

SkillBase First Aid are experts in delivering fresh, confidence building First Aid Instructor courses. For more information, dates or make your booking call us on 0330 335 1234, or click here.

In our next part, we look at how to make sure your courses are compliant with the HSE, and navigate through some of the accreditation and approvals jargon. See you then! If you’d like to jump there now, here is the link!