Why SMEs Need Specialized Training and How to Provide It

In every industry, Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) play a crucial role, bringing specialized knowledge essential to keeping products and services at their best. Yet, while SMEs excel in technical know-how, they often face challenges when asked to share this expertise with others. As companies grow, so does the need for SMEs to communicate their knowledge effectively to new employees, clients, and other teams.

The problem? Most SMEs are not natural trainers, and translating deep expertise into engaging, accessible learning experiences requires additional skills.

This gap presents an opportunity: with the right support, SMEs can build the communication skills they need to convey complex ideas clearly, creating more value for their organizations. Specialized training unlocks SMEs’ potential as effective communicators, strengthening organizational learning and fostering long-term success.

The Expertise Gap: Why Specialized Training is Essential for SMEs

In many companies, internal experts lead technical training due to their deep product knowledge. However, studies show that relying on SMEs alone can yield mixed results. Research from the ATD found that 56% of organizations depend on SMEs to develop learning content. However, without support in areas like presentation skills and audience engagement, the effectiveness of such training may be limited.

Consider a senior developer at a software company who knows every detail of a complex product. When asked to train new hires, this developer may dive too deep into technical details, leaving trainees confused or disengaged. The issue isn’t a lack of expertise, it’s the need for training in how to teach effectively.

Specialized training that focuses on skills like simplifying complex ideas, storytelling, and engaging diverse audiences can transform SME knowledge into meaningful learning experiences that resonate and stick.

Challenges SMEs Face in Sharing Knowledge Effectively

While SMEs bring invaluable expertise to their organizations, effectively sharing that knowledge requires a different skill set. Without guidance in communication, simplification, and audience engagement, SMEs often encounter obstacles in making their knowledge accessible. Common challenges include:

• Overly Technical Explanations: SMEs’ in-depth knowledge is critical for their roles but can overwhelm or confuse others. Without training on how to simplify complex information, SMEs may struggle to make their content relatable and understandable.
• Limited Presentation Skills: Many SMEs have little formal experience in presenting or teaching, which can make it challenging to deliver engaging, memorable sessions. They may rely heavily on technical jargon or data-heavy slides, unintentionally creating a barrier between themselves and their audience.
• Difficulty Adapting to Different Learning Styles: People absorb information in different ways. Visual aids, hands-on activities, and storytelling, for example, can improve engagement and retention. Without training on these techniques, SMEs may unintentionally leave some learners behind.
• Balancing Core Responsibilities with Training Needs: For many SMEs, training is an additional responsibility outside their primary role. This can create time constraints and a focus on efficiency over effectiveness, impacting the quality of knowledge-sharing.

According to LinkedIn Learning, companies increasingly recognize that even top experts need support in “soft skills” like communication and adaptability to improve training outcomes. Without these skills, SMEs may unintentionally hinder information retention and engagement, leading to less productive learning experiences.

These challenges highlight the need for specialized training that empowers SMEs to communicate effectively, helping organizations unlock the full value of their internal knowledge base. With structured support, SMEs can transform their expertise into accessible, impactful learning, benefiting both their peers and the organization as a whole.

How Training Coaches and Instructional Designers Help SMEs Share Knowledge Effectively

For many SMEs, the challenge isn’t a lack of knowledge but rather finding ways to communicate that knowledge in a clear, engaging manner. This is where training coaches and instructional designers play a crucial role, working alongside SMEs to refine their presentation and delivery techniques.

Training Coaches: Building Confidence and Communication Skills

Training coaches provide SMEs with personalized support in areas like public speaking, storytelling, and audience engagement. Through one-on-one sessions and workshops, coaches help SMEs adapt their communication style to suit different learners, making it easier for them to connect with their audience. A training coach might work with an SME on using real-life examples, asking questions to gauge understanding, or adding storytelling elements to make complex topics more relatable. These practical skills not only enhance the SME’s confidence but also make the knowledge transfer process more impactful.

Instructional Designers: Structuring Knowledge for Maximum Retention

While training coaches focus on delivery, instructional designers bring expertise in structuring content to improve learning outcomes. They work with SMEs to break down technical information into manageable segments, creating a logical flow that makes it easier for trainees to absorb and retain. Instructional designers may introduce visual aids, interactive elements, or hands-on exercises that align with various learning styles, helping to reinforce key points and improve engagement.

Real-Life Example: Take an SME at a manufacturing company tasked with training new employees on specialized machinery. A training coach could help this SME practice explaining complex processes in simple terms, while an instructional designer might create diagrams or step-by-step guides to support the training session. Together, they ensure that the SME’s knowledge is presented in a way that’s both comprehensive and accessible.

Through this tailored approach, training coaches and instructional designers enable SMEs to become more effective communicators. This collaborative support empowers SMEs to share their expertise in ways that benefit their teams, fostering a culture of continuous learning and organizational growth.

The Untapped Potential of SME Development: A Strategic Investment for Lasting Success

Empowering SMEs with the skills to share their expertise has a ripple effect that extends far beyond individual training sessions. When SMEs can convey their knowledge in ways that resonate, they contribute to stronger teams, faster innovation, and a culture where knowledge is a shared resource rather than a siloed asset. As the workforce evolves, investing in SME training ensures that critical insights are preserved, accessible, and ready to fuel long-term growth.

While SME training does require resources, the benefits extend far beyond immediate gains. Companies that choose to equip their SMEs with communication skills build a more agile, resilient organization. The question isn’t whether organizations can afford this investment, but rather—can they afford not to?

Is your team ready to turn expertise into impact? Take the next step and equip your SMEs to lead the way. For more on developing your employees, check out this recent podcast we did with our TTA’s Learning Strategist, Jason Schneider.