Sometimes the first step in training programs is to prepare adequately for the task to follow. A planning-type verb indicates to the trainee that these initial steps are preparatory. For example, the instruction "inform yourself" signals to the trainee that she needs more specific information before launching herself into the task. "Plan" and "prepare" are also general instructions that still carry a clear preparatory message. "Research," "select" and "obtain" are other actionable verbs for the start of a task.
Wooly concepts such as "understand" or "consider" are not clearly actionable verbs. Although knowledge verbs are quite abstract by their nature, more specific verbs give a stronger instruction. For example, "list" usually means actively remembering information and collecting it in one place. "Define" requires the trainee to "convert" knowledge into his own words. "Identify" or "solve" also tell the trainee that he has a single objective that he must "complete." "Negotiate" also refers to a specific type of action that requires knowledge, and when a trainee must "recommend" a particular path, he has to incorporate all his knowledge into his decision.
Some training situations require the trainee to assess the complexity of the issue facing her. In these cases, measuring verbs are suitable for the trainer to use. These verbs are directly actionable. For example, "weigh," "measure" and "count" are all straightforward and the trainee already knows how to perform these simple tasks. Related action verbs include "divide" and "categorize" for countable items. "Estimate," "calculate" and "verify" are other related verbs that the trainee can follow at the end of a task to make use of, and double-check, her figures.
In situations where the training relates to a physical process, such as correct repair of a machine, for example, physical verbs will clearly direct the trainee. The beginning of the training would use a verb such as "disassemble" for the preparatory step. Then the trainee can be directed to "locate" or "detect" the problem area of the disassembled machine. The trainee can then "adjust" the problem. If necessary, he can then follow instructions to "remove" a faulty part and "install" a new part. Finally he can then "test" and "calibrate" the machine to ensure it works correctly.