Purpose: To inspire participants about the training course—even before it begins.

 Time Required: 5 minutes.

 Size of Group: Unlimited.

 Materials Required: A letter from the president of the company, prepared in advance.

 The Exercise in Action: Katherine Bird, training specialist for Fidelity Federal Bank, sends a letter from the company president to all participants prior to a course to inspire people a little before they ever enter the classroom.

The letter consists of two paragraphs: one explains why the president feels the course is important to business success; the other explains why they’ve been invited to the program. Bird then uses the letter as an opener to the session.