Reflections Inspired by a Viking River Cruise Experience
We recently returned from a Viking River Cruise—the Lyon and Provence itinerary—and while the journey was absolutely amazing (a photo-filled post is coming soon!), I wanted to focus this post on something different: learning and development skills, specifically those demonstrated by our exceptional tour guides. I was deeply impressed by the professionalism and skill of all our tour guides, especially our Avignon guide.
At the end of our tour, a fellow guest asked the guide how she became a tour guide for Viking and what she did to prepare. If you've ever experienced one of these tours, you know how knowledgeable and engaging the guides are. Their expertise doesn’t happen overnight—it’s the result of serious preparation and practice.
As I listened to her response, I was struck by how closely her process mirrors what we do as Learning & Development (L&D) professionals. Here's are the key steps she shared, in my own words—and how they align with effective L&D principles:
1. Become a Subject Matter Expert
Immerse yourself in the content. Study it from every angle until you deeply understand it. Anticipate the questions your audience might have, and carefully curate the content you’ll present.
2. Find a Mentor
Shadow an experienced professional. Observe how they present, engage, and manage a group. Ask questions and absorb their methods—but don’t simply copy them. Develop your own voice and style, even while covering the same core material.
3. Create Compelling Content
Make your presentations engaging and memorable by:
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Sharing stories and real-life examples
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Incorporating visuals whenever possible
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Actively engaging your audience
4. Practice, Practice, Practice
Rehearse your material multiple times until it flows naturally. Confidence comes from preparation.
5. Seek Constructive Feedback
Ask for feedback on both your content and delivery style. Learn how effectively you’re answering questions and how well your message is being received.
6. Admit When You Don’t Know
If you're unsure about something, be honest. Take the time to research the answer and follow up. Your credibility increases when you show humility and follow-through.
7. Make It Interesting and Fun
Avoid being dry or monotonous. Keep your energy up and your delivery dynamic—your audience will stay engaged and retain more information. Our guide was warm, funny and enthusiastic!
8. Get Certified
In some cases, certification is required. In others, it enhances your credibility and demonstrates commitment to your craft.
These principles aren’t exclusive to tour guiding or L&D—they're universal and relevant across many professions. What’s key is staying current in your field, being open to new techniques, and sharing what you learn. Whether you’re leading a group of travelers through ancient cities or facilitating a training session, the fundamentals of great content delivery remain the same.
Always be curious. Always be learning. Always be evolving.
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