By Training Course Material FZE ·
Originally published: 30 July 2021 ·
Last updated: 14 August 2025
People don’t wake up excited for “training.” Fair enough. A short, useful Lunch & Learn can change minds. It lowers the bar to attend, gives a taste of the value, and points to your full course.
What is a Lunch & Learn?
- 30–45 minutes, informal, one tight outcome.
- Light on slides; heavy on one demo and one quick practice.
- Voluntary and free. Snacks help; clarity helps more.
Open strong and set expectations—use cues from the first 30 minutes.
Pick topics that sell the job use
Communication
“Ask better questions in 10 minutes.” Run two question types and one role‑play. See ideas in authentic participation.
Customer service
“Defuse a tense call in three steps.” Demo once; pairs practice for four minutes.
Team habits
“Run a 10‑minute stand‑up that finishes on time.” Use a visible timer. Tips here: time control.
Simple 45‑minute agenda
| Time | What you do | What participants do |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5 | State the one outcome; quick why‑it‑matters. | Write one real problem they want to solve. |
| 5–12 | Demo the skill once (no jargon). | Watch; note the steps. |
| 12–25 | Run pairs practice; coach briefly. | Try the steps; swap roles once. |
| 25–35 | Mini case or quick quiz. | Choose an action; explain the trade‑off. |
| 35–45 | Close: one next‑week use + invite to the full course. | Share one commitment. Scan a QR to join the list. |
Need quick formats? Browse the Free Games & Activities Library. For recall, you can end with a fast PowerPoint review game.
Promotion playbook (lightweight)
Email invite copy (paste‑ready)
Subject: Lunch & Learn: [topic] in 45 minutes
Join a short, practical session on [one outcome]. You’ll leave with [1–2 job uses] and a one‑page guide. Free to attend. Bring your lunch. [Date/Time, Room/Link]. RSVP: [link].
On the landing page
- One sentence outcome + three bullets of what you’ll do.
- Date/time, room, map or link.
- Clear RSVP and opt‑in checkbox for your mailing list.
Logistics checklist
- Room fits 12–30; seats in a U or small clusters.
- Snacks/water visible; napkins + trash nearby.
- Timer, flip chart, sticky notes, A/B cards.
- Slides optional. Have a no‑tech plan ready—see dealing with tech failure.
- QR for RSVP and for feedback after. Forms: Free Assessment Tools.
During and after: make it count
- Open with the job use; keep talk short.
- Run one demo and one practice—then pause for questions.
- Collect names with permission to email. Offer a small discount code for the full course.
- Same‑day follow‑up: send slides/PDF, a quick recap, and the full‑course link.
- Track interest and questions to refine your next topic. For ideas, see assessing participants and using a trainer’s guide.
