Employees need to be engaged in the learning process and later workplace application if training is to be effective. Professional trainers work hard to motivate training participants to learn through a variety of techniques. However, this process needs to start before participants even begin the training. Of vital importance here is the pre-course briefing between the supervisor and the staff member. This discussion serves to inform the participants of the nature and purpose of the training and to identify specific development opportunities it affords. This is also the place to introduce discussion about how the principles, techniques and skills learned will be applied practically once the participant returns from the training event. The supervisor is also in the best position to ensure that participants have completed any pre-requisite reading or exercises. Most important of all, the pre-course briefing sends a powerful message that the organisation cares about the employee's development and is serious about seeing the benefits of training.