Show Biz Training: Fun and Effective Business Training Techniques from the Worlds of Stage, Screen, and Song

This book is an outstanding resource for all trainers, rookies and veterans alike. The reader is given numerous tips for improving training sessions, yet also learns about the underlying theories for why the techniques work. The concept of learnertainment brings a new perspective on the emerging expectations of workshop participants. I especially liked the product resources, including examples of how to use them in a meaningful way.

I just finished reading Show Biz Training. I am very impressed. In this book Millbower not only reveals what teaching is all about, but impressed me with the breadth of his knowledge. Just reading the footnote references tells me the author has thoroughly researched his subject. This is an important contribution to those whose goal is aid people to learn.

As an international consultant, facilitator and trainer I've find Showbiz Training a highly valuable tool, rich in information and practical skills to utilise with world-class learners. My audiences are mainly highly analytical and logical executives of corporations for whom it is very important to first understand how and why these techniques work before they will take ownership of these ideas and techniques. In this regard I have used many techniques from this book to enhance the effectiveness of my training interventions and to validate some learning techniques. I can therefore highly recommend this book to any person who facilitates learning as a powerful tool to enhance the quality of their learning interventions and increase their understanding of the value of using entertainment in training.

This book does a number of things well, which adds to the reason for its volume. In fact, Part I ought to be required reading by marketing classes, it does such a good job at explaining the whys and history behind marketing, advertising, and entertainment. That sets the stage for Part II, which provides great how tos for people to create showbiz style training, especially those who may not be naturally creative in this light. The exercises are simple, and the process very regimented for the most left-brained, process-oriented person (or DiSC type C or MBTI type ISTJ). Millbower shares the secrets of some of Disney's success in a four step model that makes fundamental sense. This model is one that can be used by educators of all kinds, not just trainers.All in all, I would highly recommend this book because of the wealth that it brings and the research behind it that many others don't.

I liked this book! Mr. Millbower does a very competent job of giving trainers many anecdotes and real-world examples of how the human brain functions and processes information. All of which can be directly extrapolated and used in making any trainer's programs more effective. While many of the ideas are akin to training tips I have written about in my own books, I learned quite a few things about how comedy, props, music and many other tools can be integrated to stimulate learners. There are literally hundreds of examples of tools that can be used (e.g. lists of songs that can be tied to training topics)included in the book. In looking at the author's background of entertainment, magic, music and being a long-time Disney employee, I can see where he gets his wealth of knowledge on the subject. This book is helpful to any trainer, especially newer ones. A definite source for any bookshelf!