Last Minute Words of Wisdom...

[garand4life]

Tomorrow I am conducting my first official handgun/CCW course without the aid of any other instructors. I only have 3 students fortunately, one of which is an old shooting buddy and former co-worker of mine, and another is a former LEO. Any words of wisdom from you trainers out there to help calm my nerves? Does and Don'ts  are okay but I've heard alot of those already. And to preempt FQ, I do remember which way to point the gun... With the big open end pointing toward me right???

[Hazcat]

If yer talking about 'nerves' remember.  They are there because they WANT to hear what you have to say.  You know the material AND have plenty of practical experience.  Be friendly, informative...be yerself!  LISTEN to their questions and let that guide how much time to spend on each subject.  If you end up needing to spend a lot on basics the guys that don't really need it will understand as they too want the beginner to get the 'best of it'.  Draw the class into the discussion, don't just lecture.

Hope that helps.

Haz who has spent years teaching in the military and industrial fields.

[Bic]

If the rules require that you keep your pupils at the course for the ridiculous number of hours that the Texas CHL course does then be prepared with lots of anecdotes to fill in the time.

Sincerity, sincerity, sincerity...........once you've learned to fake that it should be easy.

[bulldog75]

After teaching around 450 military students. Just relax and when you goof say there is Murphys law I dropped the ball and go on do not dwell on mistakes. I had a Captain grill me for 30 minutes because I told him what the army standard was and what was going to really happen and he started sharp shooting me. I finally told him that if he wanted to pass my course he would take a seat and follow the instruction or he would be sent to my boss the Commander, and he would be recycled through again. He did not want another 10 hour day with me again.

[Solus]

You will do fine, Garand.  You know the stuff and with 3 students, it can be more like a rap session than a formal class.  

Just have a coach gun next to you and begin to reach for it anytime someone starts to raise their hand.  

[Sponsor]

[twyacht]

Haz who has spent years teaching in the military and industrial fields.

Uh, you were a Drill Sgt..... "friendly and nice" is not what comes to mind.....

 

[bulldog75]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhlWddAXSRA

[shooter32]

If yer talking about 'nerves' remember.  They are there because they WANT to hear what you have to say.  You know the material AND have plenty of practical experience.  Be friendly, informative...be yerself!  LISTEN to their questions and let that guide how much time to spend on each subject.  If you end up needing to spend a lot on basics the guys that don't really need it will understand as they too want the beginner to get the 'best of it'.  Draw the class into the discussion, don't just lecture.

Hope that helps.

Haz who has spent years teaching in the military and industrial fields.

+1 

[ellis4538]

Don't let them rope you into a shooting demo!  Just be yourself and remember you are in charge.  Give them what they pay for.  Remember...it might be a setup.  One of your students might be a ringer to make sure you are teaching what is required!

Good Luck,

Richard

PS:  Aren't I the trusting type?   LOL

[Timothy]

Nathan, you'll do fine.  The only thing I can add is remember, people taking these classes might have more bad habits than good.  Be patient and be helpful.

Not all LEO know firearms, don't assume anything.