Learning & Development: How I Keep People Engaged (Even When They’ve Just Met Me)

Let’s be real: walking into a room full of people you’ve never met before and trying to get them on board with what you’re saying is no small task. And doing it every single week? That’s been the biggest learning curve (and win) for me over the last 7–8 months in this role.

Every session I deliver, whether it’s to a group of 5 or 50, starts with the same mission: get people on side in the first 10 minutes. That’s the sweet spot. The first 10 minutes are where I have to show them who I am, build that initial trust, and get them to care about what I’m saying. After that, everything flows.

And the biggest skill I’ve picked up? It’s not just about what I’m delivering, it’s about reading the room, fast. Being able to switch it up when something isn’t landing. Knowing when people are drifting and snapping the energy back. That’s the part of learning and development that no one really talks about. But it’s crucial.

Quick tips that have worked for me:

• If the group already know each other, find the key personalities fast. The ones with “dominant character energy.” Get them on board and usually, the rest will follow.
• If they’ve never met? That’s your chance to control the tone. Set the vibe. Own the space but also invite others in, get the balance right.
• Read the room. You’ve got to be switched on. Are people nodding? Smiling? Making eye contact? Or have you lost them completely? Don’t be afraid to change your approach mid-session. Add a bit of humour, throw in a question, shift the tone, just do something.
• Don’t overcomplicate things. People can smell a lack of authenticity. Just be real with them.
• And most importantly: remember they’re just people, so the basics always apply: trust, honesty, being genuine.

Now, I won’t lie, I still get nervous before every session. Always have. But it’s gone from being an uncomfortable dread to something that feels exciting, like a challenge I actually enjoy. Nerves don’t go away, but you learn to channel them. And that buzz you get when a session goes well? You can’t beat it.

12 months ago, the idea of standing in front of people made me feel sick. Now? I love it. I love when we bounce ideas around, when people challenge what I’m saying (in a good way), when the session becomes a conversation, not just a presentation.

And yeah, I’ve delivered to hundreds of people now, and sometimes, you do face a bit of friction. It’s rare, but it happens. Not every room is going to be fully engaged. And that’s okay. When that does happen, I just remind myself (and them): I’m only here to help. Use me, don’t use me, but know that I’m here to support. I’m not doing this because I love the sound of my own voice. I’m doing it because I genuinely want to see people win in life, in whatever way that looks for them.

And that mindset, of giving things a go, of being open to new ideas, that’s what creates winners. If you shut people down or close yourself off to learning from others, you stall. But if you try, if you engage, if you’re willing to listen, even just a bit, you grow. Simple as that.

Because really, that’s why most of us go into teaching, training, or anything people-focused. It’s not about talking at people. It’s about being part of their journey. And when you can say you’ve had even the smallest role in someone moving forward? That’s the part that sticks. That’s the bit that matters.

So yes, this article’s not just a reflection, it’s a bit of a celebration too. Because learning and development isn’t just about what you teach. It’s about how you make people feel, how you connect, and how you create space for real conversations.

If you’ve got your own ways of getting people engaged or turning a tough room around, I’d love to hear them. Let’s share ideas, we’re all still learning.

Listen to the full article here!