Attention is often drawn to the need for re-orientation in forestry extension services towards more participatory practice, but there is less guidance on how to conduct the relevant training. This paper drew on the author's experience of teaching annual short courses on Rural Extension for Foresters, in the U.K. and Thailand, to provide general advice on training techniques. She identified four types of learning: knowledge, understanding, skills and attitude. Varied teaching methods, from lectures to role plays, would allow trainees to form new opinions as well as gain information. Trainers should cast themselves in facilitatory roles as far as possible, leaving much of the responsibility for learning and directing the course to the trainees.