INFOGRAPHIC: Effective training room layouts for group meetings

A lecture theatre can accommodate a large number of participants. Common lecture halls have pitched floors, allowing those who are seated at the back to see the speaker.

Advantage: Excellent visibility (if the training room is well engineered).

Disadvantages: Communication tends to be one way; poor trainer-participant interaction.

U shaped training room/horseshoe

A room layout that is appropriate for 10-12 participants, it is best for formal business meetings.

Advantages: High possibility of trainer-participant interaction; trainer can move closer to each member and participants can easily see demonstrations (if any)

Disadvantage: Participants seated at the front will be looking at an angle, which might cause discomfort

Herring bone

This is an appropriate room layout for IT training or for sessions that require a lot of note taking or self-study/work.

Advantage: Trainer can walk down the aisles and can easily see all the participants.

Disadvantage: If the trainer remains at the front, first row participants are blocking back row participants

Boardroom

Suitable for small group meetings, the seats on the short dimension sides of the table are intended for the meeting chair/trainer.

Advantages: Easily share resources; promotes equality.

Disadvantage: Poor visibility for those at the opposite end to the speaker.

Gala/bistro style

This training room style is suitable for semi-formal training which involves groupings and other extra activities.

Advantage: Best for group work/projects.

Disadvantages: Poor visibility; requires multimedia to capture the attention of every participant (microphones, sound system)