With American participants in learning environments::

• Adopt 'casual' posture even in a university classroom.

• Prefer to use personal terms of address.

• Limit theory to just a few minutes (low attention span). Do activities.

• Prefer 'bullet point' presentation of ideas (like this list) -- it's clearer.

• Ask direct questions (and you'll get direct answers!)

• Competition is considered normal so get people to compete with each other.

• Don't be sophisticated, intellectual or affected: real intelligence manifests itself with simplicity. Use examples (even personal) to make your ideas "real".

• Play it cool: don't strut, brag, flirt, wail, or do anything else conspicuously.

Some of the core values and beliefs that may be 'running this behaviour' are:

• Equality is everyone's right

• 'Time is money'

• Important messages should be spelt out

• Groups are made up of individuals

• US business management style is universally applicable.

Some Do's may be:

• Use 'competitive' training activities when appropriate.

• Use clear oratory style of address.

• Use first names unless advised otherwise.

• Keep an eye on use of time in relation to training activity.

• Regularly reference:

  • the tasks in hand

  • the objectives of the tasks

  • the practical applications of the skills

  • the time-frame in which the tasks will be mastered and applicable

• Regularly summarize key learnings.

• Use pair work/groups work/role-plays/projects

Some Don'ts may be:

• Give a large amount of theory.

• Give reading for pre-session work.

• Use family names or refer to job titles.

• Allow silences.

• Allow training activities to 'drag'. (Attention span 15 mins.)

• be politically incorrect,

• and, especially, don't be afraid to take initiatives, propose changes, etc.