Is it a site toolbox talk or classroom based training? In other words, do you have to get to the meat of the subject quickly (toolbox talk) or can you add in ice breakers, exercises, case studies etc that will help to exercise the delegates grey matter.

I did one recently and I started it with a youtube video which perfectly illustrated the 'how not to do it' relating to the subject at hand. My subject was ladder and stepladder use and I found a very short clip showing a fireman taking a pretty fearful tumble after a ladder climb went a bit wrong. The audience were amused by the fall but it served its purpose by grabbing their attention (in an on topic way) and illustrated that even the professionals can make mistakes with ladders. Never had any problem in keeping their attention for the remaining 20 minutes of my talk.

So, not really enough time for discussions, exercises etc. Sounds like you need to deliver a message / induction talk. Does your 30 mins include admin time for recording attendance, checking CSCS etc for new site inductees as ime, that can seriously eat into the time. Check the Construction Skills GT700 for construction related toolbox talks that can then be expanded on to cover the topic in question. Try to speak from experience where possible, including real life examples. For this kind of audience (construction workers) I feel this is better than simply trying to relay the theoretical best practice / desired outcome. Plenty of materials, videos etc from the various trade bodies. IPAF for example have some excellent stuff on MEWP safety.

The following you tube video always gets your audience’s attention, I have used it effectively many times, be careful how you use it though.

Depending on the training....you could use this hard hitting footage of the Station Nightclub Fire. Info on the incident: http://en.wikipedia.org/...e_Station_nightclub_fire

Hello all Please don't think I'm taking the mick here but a course on public speaking may help Philip. To get up in front of people and talk is not easy but first you must have (or should have) first hand experience of what your talking about, as Dylan once said..'I know my song well before I start singing..' Don't over do it on blood and gore as it takes more away and becomes a side show. Zimmy

Sorry Phillip, my fault mate.

The IPAF ones I mentioned earlier are here - http://www.ipaf.org/en/publications/film/ The "Spot the Mistake" and "Only Dummies" vids are particularly useful and can be downloaded FOC. Sorry - double post, this one is the correct one.