Review the training you have been assigned to conduct. Determine if it is material you know and understand or if additional study is required to improve your skill level. Start a "to-do" list with due-by dates recorded. Carry a notebook with you so you can jot down training ideas as they come to you.
Check the training manuals to determine exactly how to conduct the course. Underline the key points of the training so you have an easy-to-consult reference. Make sure you understand what is involved in the training. Adopt the military PPPPPP acronym that stands for "Prior planning prevents piss poor performance." (See References 4)
Familiarize yourself with the training curriculum materials. Ask others who have conducted the training course for advice.
Anticipate the sort of questions soldiers may ask, and be sure you know the answer. If you aren't absolutely certain, admit you don't know and promise to get back with the answer. Find the answer and report back; failure to do so will affect your credibility to conduct training. (See References 4)
Stand in front of a full-length mirror and deliver the training to yourself. Focus on your style of presentation, gestures and body movements. Identify the mannerisms you would like to change and then video yourself doing the presentation. Pay particular attention to your voice and make sure it carries the right tone of authority.
Adopt the military training formula to conduct your training: Explain - Demonstrate - Imitate. Assume the soldiers know nothing. All military training is done to objectives, also known as "enablers," and they are written down in the training plan, making it easy to confirm whether or not they were achieved. (See References 4)
Begin the training with safety checks if weapons are involved. Review the last lesson and then commence with a statement of relevance. Be explicit: "A sucking chest wound is God's way of telling you that your camouflage was not up to scratch," is stronger than "Today we're going to learn about personal concealment." Finish the lesson by restating the relevance and giving a brief quiz. (See References 4)
"Lead by example" is a truism that should be adhered to. Conduct the training by demonstrating -- not telling -- soldiers what they should be doing, which has long been a principle of effective military training. This is particularly important when it comes to advanced military concepts such as conduct and leadership.