After 25 years as a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), one thing I have learned is that teaching technical content requires more than just subject‑matter expertise. Great technical instructors create an environment where learners feel comfortable, engaged, and motivated to explore complex concepts at their own pace. 

Here are ten practical tips to elevate any technical training session, workshop, or classroom experience. 

1. Set Clear Expectations from the Start 

Every successful class begins with clarity. Take time up front to discuss: 

• The session agenda 
• Ground rules and classroom etiquette
• What learners can expect to take away 
• How interactive the session will be 

Setting expectations reduces uncertainty and builds immediate trust. 

2. Ask Learners About Their Expectations 

Before diving into content, ask participants what they hope to learn. 
Understanding their goals helps you: 

• Tailor your delivery 
• Predict where deeper explanation may be needed 
• Connect your content to real‑life use cases 

This transforms the session from a lecture into a shared experience. 

3. Be Confident and Clear 

Confidence sets the tone. Practice your: 

• Introductions
• Pacing 
• Transitions 
• Breathing

The clearer and more composed you are, the more your audience will trust your expertise. Practice your breathing to control pacing.

4. Keep It Simple 

Technical topics can get complicated fast. 
Avoid unnecessary jargon, long explanations, or complexity. Focus instead on: 

• Clear explanations 
• Real examples 
• Visual models 
• Step‑by‑step breakdowns 

Simplicity improves retention. 

5. Engage the Audience Through Questions 

One of the easiest ways to increase engagement is by turning statements into questions. 

Instead of saying: 
“There are many data tools.” 

Ask: 
“What data tools have you worked with before?” 

Questions spark discussion, validate prior knowledge, and keep learner’s engaged. 

6. Let the Slides be your Guide 

You drive the slides, don’t let them drive you. Avoid reading them verbatim.  

Use slides as: 

• Anchors for discussion 
• Visual cues to stay on track 
• Prompts for storytelling or demonstrations 

Your expertise is the value, not the text. 

7. Tell Stories to Make Concepts Stick 

Humans remember stories far better than raw facts. Share: 

• Your experiences 
• Real customer scenarios 
• Lessons learned 
• Funny or surprising anecdotes 

Or invite students to share their own. Stories make technical content relatable and memorable. 

8. Explain What’s in it for Them 

Learners stay engaged when they understand the value of the material. Ask questions like: 

• Why is this important? 
• How will this help you in your job? 
• What pain does this solve? 

Connecting content to their world increases motivation and understanding. 

9. Tell Them, Teach Them, Tell Them Again 

Repetition reinforces learning. 

• Tell them what they will learn 
• Teach them the material 
• Tell them again what they learned 

This cycle strengthens retention and builds learner confidence. 

10. Ask Open‑Ended Questions When Checking for Understanding 

Instead of: 
“Does anyone have questions?” (Can be answered either Yes or No.) 

Try: 
“What questions do you have?” 
“What part should we explore a little more?” 
“Which section needs more examples?” 

Open‑ended prompts encourage thoughtful responses and deeper conversation. 

Final Thoughts 

Teaching technical topics is both art and science. By focusing on clarity, engagement, and learner‑centered strategies, you can transform any training session into a meaningful learning experience. 

Whether you’re delivering a workshop, onboarding new engineers, or mentoring colleagues, these ten tips will help you create a more impactful and enjoyable educational environment. 

Click on the image below to download the quick learning guide.