According to the American Society for Training and Development, "U.S. organizations spent $134.39 billion on employee learning and development in 2007. Nearly two-thirds of the U.S. total ($83.62 billion) was spent on the internal learning function, such as staff salaries and internal development costs."

Did that get your attention? If you're in the training and development field, it most certainly did.

When I design my training modules, I like to use a "grab" to get the participants' attention at the start of the class. Statistics is a good way to do this. Now, don't overdo it by reading off a list that goes on and on. A few startling statistics can have a huge impact, and get participants wanting to know more.

"Grab" your participants at the start of your classes. Avoid the usual introductions and welcome...at least until later.

(For more on "grabs," check out the Designing Training For Fun and Results Training Kit or what I consider to be a self-study course.)