Different learning and teaching traditions may influence whether trainees expect a formal, sober style focused on their professional role or if they feel more at ease with an informal and personal style. Tensions may arise because some people prefer a very direct communication style where it is important to get to the point quickly. Besides, they may not refrain from voicing negative aspects or controversial issues.

Some trainees might prefer to have information presented to them by way of stories, case studies or scenarios. Some find extensive theoretical passages tedious and long run-on paragraphs difficult to read, whereas others are happy with solid blocks of text.
Also, whereas some trainees expect short, precise instructions on how to answer exam questions, others might feel lost without very detailed instructions.

Similarly, the rating or ranking scales for test results vary between cultures and will need to be explained.