Chris Halward

Chris is a highly respected organisation and people development consultant and coach.  He has designed and delivered a wide range of development programmes over the past 15 years covering a wide range of topics including management skills, sales, call centre skills, customer service and communication skills.  He is recognised as an engaging and energetic presenter who is able to work with and influence people at all levels within an organisation up to and including Board level.

What has been your most rewarding training experience?

Over a 20 year career in training there are many candidates, but the programmes I have run to support new business set ups have been particularly exciting, challenging and rewarding

Any bizarre or amusing training stories?

In the Middle East I ran a session for a group who did not speak English well and everything I said had to be translated by the English speaking team manager – tough gig!

What made you want to become a trainer?

I had spent many years in sales where there was a need to present and also train new customers on site as part of the new account set up process – something I found I was not only good at but also enjoyed.

What would you be if not a trainer?

Well, I don’t think of myself as ‘just a trainer’ – I continue to sell, to manage, to write and research and to coach – so if I stopped training I would carry on pulling those other strings.

Which four words describe your training style?

Engaging, knowledgeable, lively, practical

Feedback you’d most like to get from a delegate following your course?

"I have learned things that will really help me to add value to my business, and to develop my personal confidence and capability."

Feedback you’d probably get from delegates following one of your courses?

I felt involved all the way through, and have taken away some useful learning that I can apply.

Any words of advice for a delegate about to go on one of your courses?

Do the prep if there is any, have some sense of what you hope to get from the course and in particular how you hope the course will help you either in your current or a future role.

What’s the most fun you’ve ever had while on a training course?

A programme in Ireland where everyone through themselves into the whole experience of a 3-day residential course – the most fun and the most exhausting training course I’ve ever be a part of!

What’s the most important ingredient in order for a course to be successful?

For delegates to share their experience and to translate learning into action.