Training and retaining effective presenters are important components of the ongoing success of a Sexual Risk Avoidance Education (SRAE) program. Providing skills-based training and continued professional development opportunities can help presenters gain confidence and develop personal competencies, which can increase the likelihood they continue in their role with enthusiasm.

Below are guidelines for training and retaining presenters.

Training Presenters

  • Ensure that all presenters are certified to deliver the chosen curriculum.
  • Supply program materials in a timely manner to provide ample time for the trainee to review and practice content to be delivered.
  • Assign seasoned presenters as mentors to trainees.
  • Follow a well-designed training protocol to allow the trainee time to acclimate to the program and become comfortable presenting.
    • Allow the trainee to observe other presenters to experience the scope and flow of the presentation.Allow the trainee and trainer/mentor to tag-team delivering the program.
  • The mentor and trainee should mutually determine when the trainee is prepared to present on their own.
  • Apply continuous quality improvement methods such as regular observation and feedback.
  • Provide opportunities for advanced SRAE credentialing.
  • Encourage additional professional growth and development opportunities to develop effective public speaking skills.
    • Suggest podcasts and booksEncourage attendance at local speaking clubs

Retaining Program Staff

  • Establish and maintain healthy parameters to prevent burn-out. Each presenter will need to assess how many classes they can maintain and still give the students an energetic and caring presentation.
  • Hold regular staff meetings during which presenters can share experiences with teammates.
  • Request that presenters create reports detailing any pertinent experiences or details related to their presentation to give to any future presenters at the same venue. Ask them to be specific in describing successes, interruptions, problems, technical difficulties, personnel issues, etc.
  • Provide ample breaks for presenters between scheduled engagements so they can recharge.
  • Regularly acknowledge the heroic work of the presenter and applaud his/her passion to teach optimal health behavior skills to youth.
  • Share favorable data, when possible, with the presenter to confirm the positive impact he/she is having on youth.
  • Recognize presenter’s strengths and arrange for them to teach program staff how he/she achieves desired outcomes.
  • Be supportive and understanding of the great mental/emotional demand required to present programming.

More Sexual Risk Avoidance Education (SRAE) Implementation Tip Sheets:
Tip Sheet: How to Implement Effective SRAE Programming
Tip Sheet: Important Facts About SRAE
Tip Sheet: Creating a Healthy Organizational Culture to Support Your SRAE Program
Tip Sheet: Considerations for Implementing an SRAE Program at the Local Level
Tip Sheet: Cost Considerations of Implementing an SRAE Program
Tip Sheet: Choosing an SRAE Curriculum
Tip Sheet: Sample Job Descriptions for SRAE Administrators and Presenters
Tip Sheet: How to Interview Candidates for the SRAE Presenter Role
Tip Sheet: Qualities of a Successful SRAE Presenter
Tip Sheet: Finding Effective SRAE Presenters
Tip Sheet: Enhancing Your Relationship with the SRAE Program Host
Tip Sheet: Getting Your SRAE Program into Schools

By Ascend under contract with Public Strategies. (2021) [SRAE Quick Tip Guide] Public Strategies, Oklahoma City, OK.