Posted By Pete48 Carl, I cannot think of any H&S training that is so serious as to preclude the use of anecdotes. In fact just the reverse, an anecdote-a brief personal story-can be used to illustrate and stress the seriousness of a point just as well as lightening the mood when needed. To be effective when in serious mood they must relate directly to the subject and highlight the key learning point, otherwise you risk confusion or even worse you lose the respect of those you are trying to help. When in humorous mode, you can be more open and use any knowledge you have gained of the group as a foil for the anecdote. You do not have to use them to be a successful trainer but somehow they are often what people remember and use as a prompt to the subject many years later. I am sure we all have examples that have just popped into our heads now, that's the power of good anecdotes! Oh and its Friday in a couple of hours, watch out!