Training materials, such as posters, flash cards, videos, films, models and other audio-visual aids, can effectively communicate ideas and information to trainees. Carefully chosen or prepared drawings or diagrams can usually communicate concepts and ideas better than words alone. People remember pictures they see better than words they hear. If people hear words and see pictures at the same time, they will remember even better.

Training materials are often available locally and sometimes can be prepared from materials that are close at hand. Materials must be selected carefully to ensure that they are appropriate for the training group.