Have you ever had a teacher who really wanted to teach you?
As a teacher what is the most important thing you can do for your students?
You have to genuinely care about your students and believe in their ability to learn. As a teacher you must be kind and patient with your student and be willing to help them solve their problems.
I'm going to tell you about the greatest compassionate teacher I know. His name is William "Bill" Whitson. What was so special about Mr. Whitson? He had a burning passion to share his knowledge of playing the violin with you. He had a kindness and patience that he directed at his students.
When did I meet Mr. William Whitson?
The summer I was eight years old my Mom, Romayne Leader Frank, arranged for me to take violin lessons with Mr. Whitson. Mr. Whitson was Mom's last hope. She had tried every type of reading class available and still, I was unable to read.
What was my first impression of Mr. Whitson as an 8-year-old child?
Mr. Whitson was a tall, handsome, young man who looked at me with a big smile, with a bright light shining from his eyes, that said without saying a word, you can be a good student, and I will show you how.
His positive attitude just glowed from him. He was in the military. I did not know at the time that he was only 23 years old.
He looked delighted to be teaching me. It was the first time I had a teacher that smiled and really looked like he actually liked me and wanted to teach me. My first impression of Mr. Whitson is the finest example of what a teacher should be.
At our first lesson, Mr. Whitson taught me how to hold the violin, how to hold the bow, how to read the notes on the musical page, and where to put my fingers on the violin to play the theme from Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. He also taught me how to maintain my violin and bow and to clean it after playing; wiping the rosin off the violin and bow with a soft cotton cloth.
When Mr. Whitson and I finished my first violin lesson, I asked my Mom to take me to the Library. I wanted to read all about Beethoven.
You see Mr. Whitson did the impossible. By teaching me to play the violin, he taught me to read the musical notes on the page, which is parallel to reading a book. That summer the light went on and I began my journey of playing the violin and learned to read.
During the summer, Mr. Whitson would give me a violin lesson and then he and my Dad, Dr. Robert J. Frank, would go fly fishing on the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia. They always had a wonderful time and we had great dinners during those summers.
Mr. Whitson asked my parents if I could attend his chamber music concert? My parents agreed and we traveled in his car, a 1957 Corvette, with another musician a French Hornist, named Ms. Linda. The Chamber Music concert was wonderful. It was my first time attending a classical music concert, where we heard a piano trio for violin, French horn, and piano. It was a terrific concert. The three musicians played so well together. I also enjoyed the ride to and from the concert in Mr. Whitson’s Thunderbird.
I studied with Mr. Whitson for 2 years until he completed his military service and returned home to Palo Alto, California to found his Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra, where he was the musical director and conductor for 37 years.
Thanks to Mr. Whitson I became a good student in school and continued playing and studying the violin. At 17, I played for the first time at Carnegie Hall and went on to earn two degrees from the Juilliard School, where Mr. Whitson had also studied. I performed with the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera, played concerts with Frank Sinatra, Lou Rawls, Natalie Cole, and performed concerts and recitals around the world also teaching classes as a visiting professor. Later I went on to earn a Ph.D. in Administration/Management with an emphasis on Total Quality Management.
Mr. William Whitson made all of this possible because of his belief in my ability even when I had no belief in myself and could not read. I still remember as a child of 8, Mr. Whitson looking at me with his bright shining eyes that said, without saying a word, you can learn to read and be a good student, and I will show you how!
Many years later, the summer of 1990, Mr. Whitson asked me to coach chamber music and give a master class for his viola students in his Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra summer camp. I was honored to be coaching and teaching his students just as he had taught me all those years ago. Because of his love and passion for teaching and playing chamber music and working with his students, I have spent many wonderful years patiently and with kindness teaching students as well.
Some of these students were also unable to read and because of Mr. Whitson’s fine example as a teacher, I was able to teach them how to read, and become good students through playing the violin, viola, or cello.
Mr. William “Bill” Whitson taught for over 40 years, winning many awards, and making a difference in so many students’ lives. He taught his students to strive for excellence, to be the very best people they could be, and to share their love of music with others. His legacy is boundless. His many former students are playing and teaching around the world and I am proud to be one of them. With Mr. Whitson nothing was impossible.
What 3 things did Mr. William Whitson teach me about teaching students?
1) As a teacher he taught me how to be kind and patient with each student. Your students need to know you care about them and believe in them.
2) To always have a big smile on your face, a bright shinning light in your eyes, and have a positive attitude, and make it fun and inviting to learn.
3) Become an expert in your field, never stop studying and learning and always be willing to help others. Dr. Georgi Lozanov , Father of Accelerated Learning said, “ Learning is a matter of attitude, not aptitude.”
Remember to Mr. Whitson nothing was impossible.
What 3 lessons did Mr. William “Bill” Whitson teach his students that benefitted us our entire lives?
1) How to concentrate, be disciplined, be cooperative, stay motivated, and how to work as a team.
2) How to take care of our violins, violas, cellos, or basses, which taught us self-esteem and self-worth.
3) Reading musical notes on the page taught us how to read the words in a book.
William Whitson passed away on August 8, 2001. His family, his students, and his friends were blessed to have known such a wonderful caring compassionate person who shared his passion for learning and playing classical music. His legacy lives on through the many students he trained to be excellent compassionate teachers, musicians, conductors, and thinkers.
Madeline Frank, Ph.D., DTM is an author, sought after speaker, motivational teacher, researcher, business owner, and concert artist. She writes a monthly newsletter "Madeline's Monthly Article & Musical Tips" and a monthly radio show "Madeline's One Minute Musical Radio Show". She has just published her new book "Leadership On A Shoestring Budget".
Contact Madeline Frank for your next speaking engagement at mfrankviola@gmail.com
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Remember the Important People In Your Life by Madeline Frank, Ph.D., DTM
Have you shown anyone an attitude of gratitude lately? Do you have a mentor, teacher, coach, or friend who has guided you on your journey through life? When did you thank them for helping you? Talent is not enough. Someone has to help you direct traffic and inspire and motivate you for success.
Zig Ziglar said, “Of all the attitudes we can acquire, surely the Attitude of Gratitude is the most important and by far most life changing."
As a young student, my roommate, Anna Brady, a wonderful violist, artist, and scholarship student from New Jersey from a family of 9 siblings, introduced me to her teacher at the Juilliard School, Professor William Lincer. He was the former Principal Violist of the Cleveland Orchestra, the former Principal Violist of the New York Philharmonic, a member of the Gordon Quartet, and had been teaching for over 40 years.
Professor Lincer heard me play and immediately added me into his chamber music class. Throughout the year he motivated and inspired me to be the very best violinist I could be. He was a marvelous teacher patiently working with each member of my chamber group to improve their playing. He called me the “red hot fiddler” because he enjoyed my musical phrasing. At the end of that year, I decided to switch instruments to the viola so I could study with Professor Lincer as one of his viola students the following September.
Professor Lincer sent me that summer to the University of Cincinnati Congress of Strings on full scholarship to study with his former student Mr. Eugene Becker. Becker was a marvelous teacher, violist in the New York Philharmonic, and later the Assistant Principal Violist of the Philharmonic. He taught me to enjoy the rich deep sound of the viola and inspired his students to work hard and do their best. I began the summer sitting last chair in the viola section of the orchestra at Cincinnati Congress of Strings and by the end of the summer moved to the Principal Viola chair and played an 8 bar viola solo. For several summers I studied with Mr. Eugene Becker and appreciated his help and guidance.
I continued studying with Professor Lincer through my Bachelor’s and Master’s degree and continued to study viola and chamber music with him for many years after finishing at the Juilliard.
When I began studying with Professor Lincer, he sent me to a Yoga Class for exercise, Alexander Technique classes for posture and movement and meditation classes to release stress. He was dedicated to helping each student be his or her best. He also had a reading list and you read and studied the book and wrote a report on it to Professor Lincer to make sure you understood the importance of the book. He was interested in motivating, inspiring, and encouraging his students to be as educated as possible and was always reading and studying to improve his ability as a teacher and mentor.
Professor William Lincer taught for 70 years working “to unlock a student’s special talent.” Before Professor Lincer died in August 1997, he made me promise to write to Dr. Gerald Edelman and Dr. Oliver Sacks. I wrote both doctors and received letters from both of them, which I treasure. Dr. Edelman wrote in his letter, “I was sad to hear that Professor Lincer died. He was a superb musician and a broad ranging spirit.”
Dr. Gerald Edelman is a violinist, medical doctor, researcher, and Nobel Prize winner for his work in immunology. He had also been working on his study of the brain. Professor Lincer admired, Dr. Edelman’s book “Bright Air, Brilliant Fire: On The Matter Of The Mind”.
Dr. Oliver Sacks is a pianist, medical doctor specializing in Neurology and uses music to help his patients heal faster. Dr. Edelman says, “This power of music to integrate and cure, to liberate the Parkinsonian and give him freedom while it lasts..is quite fundamental, and seen in every patient.” Dr. Sacks has written many books on his work with his patients. His first book “Awakenings” was made into a movie.
Professor Lincer encouraged me over the years to do research into music and the brain and study how so many scientists, mathematicians, and medical doctors were also musicians. The research turned into my book, “The Secret of Teaching Science and Math Through Music” an Amazon.com best seller.
Studying a musical instrument is a powerful tool for teaching students discipline, teamwork, concentration, and self esteem.
Coach John Wooden said, “It takes 10 hands to make a basket.” Remember to be a success and reach your goal it takes many teachers, coaches, friends, and mentors to help you on your journey through life. No one does it alone.
So what are 3 things you should do to thank your teachers, coaches, mentors, and friends for helping you to succeed on your journey?
1) Start a note book today and write in it the names of your teachers, mentors, coaches, and friends who have made a difference in your life and do something nice for them.
2) Honor a special person in your life on a weekly basis by acts of kindness to others.Zig Ziglar said, "Of all the attitudes we can acquire, surely the Attitude of Gratitude is the most important and by far most life changing."
3) Remember that if we help others we will be helping ourselves at the same time.
Be grateful for your blessings and thank your teachers, mentors, friends, and coaches who have helped you on your journey.
What have I learned from Anna Brady, Professor William Lincer, and Mr. Eugene Becker?
1) To think calmly, clearly, and be persistent about solving problems and reaching goals.
2) To have a teachable spirit.
3) To teach others and help them learn and grow.
Coach John Wooden said, “It takes 10 hands to make a basket.” To be a success it takes the help of teachers, friends, and coaches to reach your goal. No one does it alone.
Madeline Frank, Ph.D., DTM is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker, business owner, motivational teacher, researcher, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations “Tune Up their Businesses". Her innovative observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your business successful. She writes a monthly newsletter "Madeline's Monthly Article & Musical Tips" and a monthly radio show "Madeline's One Minute Musical Radio Show". She has just published her new book "Leadership On A Shoestring Budget".
Contact Madeline Frank for your next speaking engagement at mfrankviola@gmail.com
Zig Ziglar said, “Of all the attitudes we can acquire, surely the Attitude of Gratitude is the most important and by far most life changing."
As a young student, my roommate, Anna Brady, a wonderful violist, artist, and scholarship student from New Jersey from a family of 9 siblings, introduced me to her teacher at the Juilliard School, Professor William Lincer. He was the former Principal Violist of the Cleveland Orchestra, the former Principal Violist of the New York Philharmonic, a member of the Gordon Quartet, and had been teaching for over 40 years.
Professor Lincer heard me play and immediately added me into his chamber music class. Throughout the year he motivated and inspired me to be the very best violinist I could be. He was a marvelous teacher patiently working with each member of my chamber group to improve their playing. He called me the “red hot fiddler” because he enjoyed my musical phrasing. At the end of that year, I decided to switch instruments to the viola so I could study with Professor Lincer as one of his viola students the following September.
Professor Lincer sent me that summer to the University of Cincinnati Congress of Strings on full scholarship to study with his former student Mr. Eugene Becker. Becker was a marvelous teacher, violist in the New York Philharmonic, and later the Assistant Principal Violist of the Philharmonic. He taught me to enjoy the rich deep sound of the viola and inspired his students to work hard and do their best. I began the summer sitting last chair in the viola section of the orchestra at Cincinnati Congress of Strings and by the end of the summer moved to the Principal Viola chair and played an 8 bar viola solo. For several summers I studied with Mr. Eugene Becker and appreciated his help and guidance.
I continued studying with Professor Lincer through my Bachelor’s and Master’s degree and continued to study viola and chamber music with him for many years after finishing at the Juilliard.
When I began studying with Professor Lincer, he sent me to a Yoga Class for exercise, Alexander Technique classes for posture and movement and meditation classes to release stress. He was dedicated to helping each student be his or her best. He also had a reading list and you read and studied the book and wrote a report on it to Professor Lincer to make sure you understood the importance of the book. He was interested in motivating, inspiring, and encouraging his students to be as educated as possible and was always reading and studying to improve his ability as a teacher and mentor.
Professor William Lincer taught for 70 years working “to unlock a student’s special talent.” Before Professor Lincer died in August 1997, he made me promise to write to Dr. Gerald Edelman and Dr. Oliver Sacks. I wrote both doctors and received letters from both of them, which I treasure. Dr. Edelman wrote in his letter, “I was sad to hear that Professor Lincer died. He was a superb musician and a broad ranging spirit.”
Dr. Gerald Edelman is a violinist, medical doctor, researcher, and Nobel Prize winner for his work in immunology. He had also been working on his study of the brain. Professor Lincer admired, Dr. Edelman’s book “Bright Air, Brilliant Fire: On The Matter Of The Mind”.
Dr. Oliver Sacks is a pianist, medical doctor specializing in Neurology and uses music to help his patients heal faster. Dr. Edelman says, “This power of music to integrate and cure, to liberate the Parkinsonian and give him freedom while it lasts..is quite fundamental, and seen in every patient.” Dr. Sacks has written many books on his work with his patients. His first book “Awakenings” was made into a movie.
Professor Lincer encouraged me over the years to do research into music and the brain and study how so many scientists, mathematicians, and medical doctors were also musicians. The research turned into my book, “The Secret of Teaching Science and Math Through Music” an Amazon.com best seller.
Studying a musical instrument is a powerful tool for teaching students discipline, teamwork, concentration, and self esteem.
Coach John Wooden said, “It takes 10 hands to make a basket.” Remember to be a success and reach your goal it takes many teachers, coaches, friends, and mentors to help you on your journey through life. No one does it alone.
So what are 3 things you should do to thank your teachers, coaches, mentors, and friends for helping you to succeed on your journey?
1) Start a note book today and write in it the names of your teachers, mentors, coaches, and friends who have made a difference in your life and do something nice for them.
2) Honor a special person in your life on a weekly basis by acts of kindness to others.Zig Ziglar said, "Of all the attitudes we can acquire, surely the Attitude of Gratitude is the most important and by far most life changing."
3) Remember that if we help others we will be helping ourselves at the same time.
Be grateful for your blessings and thank your teachers, mentors, friends, and coaches who have helped you on your journey.
What have I learned from Anna Brady, Professor William Lincer, and Mr. Eugene Becker?
1) To think calmly, clearly, and be persistent about solving problems and reaching goals.
2) To have a teachable spirit.
3) To teach others and help them learn and grow.
Coach John Wooden said, “It takes 10 hands to make a basket.” To be a success it takes the help of teachers, friends, and coaches to reach your goal. No one does it alone.
Madeline Frank, Ph.D., DTM is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker, business owner, motivational teacher, researcher, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations “Tune Up their Businesses". Her innovative observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your business successful. She writes a monthly newsletter "Madeline's Monthly Article & Musical Tips" and a monthly radio show "Madeline's One Minute Musical Radio Show". She has just published her new book "Leadership On A Shoestring Budget".
Contact Madeline Frank for your next speaking engagement at mfrankviola@gmail.com
Saturday, January 11, 2014
This New Year Year What is Your Resolution? by Madeline Frank, Ph.D., DTM
Think about this carefully! What one thing do you want to change and fix in your life this year? That should be your New Year’s resolution. Throw out that list of ten things you will never do.
Dave Sheffield, The Shef, speaker, mentor, and author, just wrote a new article for this New Year called “One Word Can Change your Life”. He asked, “What if one word could change your year for the better?”
Dave’s article got me to thinking! In Billy Crystal’s movie “City Slickers”, Cowboy Curly, tells Mitch, “Do you know what the secret of life is?” That’s when Curly held “up one finger.” When Mitch wanted to know “what is the one thing?” Curly said, “That’s what you have to find out.” Like Mitch, “you have to find out” the one thing you want to accomplish this year.
Dabney, a friend of mine, said this year she would like to have a “nest egg” for the future. I said, “How about socking away $50 a month out of your pay check?” She said, “I’m going to do it and I’m going to get my kids to do it too! That way each of us will have $600 in our nest egg by the end of the year.”
Many years ago, my older son was in the fourth grade and did not understand fractions. In fact his entire class was failing fractions. His teacher did not know what to do.
I remembered my teacher and mentor at the Juilliard School, Mr. William Lincer saying, “Math is rhythm and rhythm is math.” I looked at my son’s math book and saw that eight authors had written his math book and each page contained eight different math-teaching concepts. Children like adults learn one thing at a time and build on this foundation. I decided to simplify this to one concept per page. My children have always enjoyed music and what makes music special is the rhythm. I began writing math to rhythm equivalents to make it easier for my son to understand the math concepts step by step. He also learned math through the rhythm of music by visually seeing the math to rhythm combination, by clapping and tapping the rhythms, and by hearing the combinations. We made it into a game. That was when my son understood fractions.
His math teacher called me and asked, “How come your son now understands fractions?” I explained the concept to him. He then said, “Can you come and show me how to teach my class fractions?”
I said, “I’d be happy to help you.” I went to the public school the next day and showed his teacher how to teach fractions through rhythm of music. My son’s class all understood fractions after that.
On a side note, when this math teacher tried to use my new math to rhythm program to teach fractions he decided to submit my work as his at the local college for his teaching certificate project.
I received a call from the head of the education department at the local college asking, “If I had just written a “math to rhythm program” to teach fractions to children?” I said, “Yes, I had written it for my older son who was having trouble with learning fraction in his fourth grade class at the local public school. I also told her the name of his teacher at the school.” She told me to “publish my "Math to rhythm program" immediately." That year I published my first book.
I asked my Mom, Romayne Leader Frank, what she thought we should call my new “Math to rhythm” book that teaches fractions and decimals through the rhythm of music to children in kindergarten-5th grade? She said, call it “Musical Notes On Math”. It later became a winner of the Parent-to-Parent Adding Wisdom Award.
Dr. Albert Einstein said it best,” If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.”
So, what “one thing” do you want to accomplish this New Year?
As Cowboy Curly might say, “You have to decide that.”
Madeline Frank, Ph.D., DTM is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker, business owner, motivational teacher, researcher, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Businesses". Her innovative observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your businesses successful. She writes a monthly newsletter "Madeline's Monthly Article & Musical Tips" and a monthly radio show "Madeline's One Minute Musical Radio Show". She has just published her new book "Leadership On A Shoestring Budget".
Contact Madeline Frank for your next speaking engagement at mfrankviola@gmail.com
Dave Sheffield, The Shef, speaker, mentor, and author, just wrote a new article for this New Year called “One Word Can Change your Life”. He asked, “What if one word could change your year for the better?”
Dave’s article got me to thinking! In Billy Crystal’s movie “City Slickers”, Cowboy Curly, tells Mitch, “Do you know what the secret of life is?” That’s when Curly held “up one finger.” When Mitch wanted to know “what is the one thing?” Curly said, “That’s what you have to find out.” Like Mitch, “you have to find out” the one thing you want to accomplish this year.
Dabney, a friend of mine, said this year she would like to have a “nest egg” for the future. I said, “How about socking away $50 a month out of your pay check?” She said, “I’m going to do it and I’m going to get my kids to do it too! That way each of us will have $600 in our nest egg by the end of the year.”
Many years ago, my older son was in the fourth grade and did not understand fractions. In fact his entire class was failing fractions. His teacher did not know what to do.
I remembered my teacher and mentor at the Juilliard School, Mr. William Lincer saying, “Math is rhythm and rhythm is math.” I looked at my son’s math book and saw that eight authors had written his math book and each page contained eight different math-teaching concepts. Children like adults learn one thing at a time and build on this foundation. I decided to simplify this to one concept per page. My children have always enjoyed music and what makes music special is the rhythm. I began writing math to rhythm equivalents to make it easier for my son to understand the math concepts step by step. He also learned math through the rhythm of music by visually seeing the math to rhythm combination, by clapping and tapping the rhythms, and by hearing the combinations. We made it into a game. That was when my son understood fractions.
His math teacher called me and asked, “How come your son now understands fractions?” I explained the concept to him. He then said, “Can you come and show me how to teach my class fractions?”
I said, “I’d be happy to help you.” I went to the public school the next day and showed his teacher how to teach fractions through rhythm of music. My son’s class all understood fractions after that.
On a side note, when this math teacher tried to use my new math to rhythm program to teach fractions he decided to submit my work as his at the local college for his teaching certificate project.
I received a call from the head of the education department at the local college asking, “If I had just written a “math to rhythm program” to teach fractions to children?” I said, “Yes, I had written it for my older son who was having trouble with learning fraction in his fourth grade class at the local public school. I also told her the name of his teacher at the school.” She told me to “publish my "Math to rhythm program" immediately." That year I published my first book.
I asked my Mom, Romayne Leader Frank, what she thought we should call my new “Math to rhythm” book that teaches fractions and decimals through the rhythm of music to children in kindergarten-5th grade? She said, call it “Musical Notes On Math”. It later became a winner of the Parent-to-Parent Adding Wisdom Award.
Dr. Albert Einstein said it best,” If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.”
So, what “one thing” do you want to accomplish this New Year?
As Cowboy Curly might say, “You have to decide that.”
Madeline Frank, Ph.D., DTM is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker, business owner, motivational teacher, researcher, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Businesses". Her innovative observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your businesses successful. She writes a monthly newsletter "Madeline's Monthly Article & Musical Tips" and a monthly radio show "Madeline's One Minute Musical Radio Show". She has just published her new book "Leadership On A Shoestring Budget".
Contact Madeline Frank for your next speaking engagement at mfrankviola@gmail.com
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Everyone Needs to Be Accountable by Madeline Frank, Ph.D., DTM
When you make a promise do you keep it? Can your employer, your family, and your friends depend on you?
What does accountability mean? Webster’s Dictionary of 1828 says, “Accountability is the state of being liable to answer for one’s conduct; to receive reward or punishment for actions.” Accountability means you can be counted on. You are dependable, honest, trustworthy, and you won’t let your company, your family, your friends, your teachers, or your mentors down. You can be relied on!
President Harry Truman had a sign on his desk at the White House that said, “The buck stops here.” As a leader, President Truman accepted responsibility for his actions.
In his farewell address to the American people, President Truman said, “The President-whoever he is- has to decide. He can’t pass the buck to anybody. No one else can do the deciding for him. That’s his job.”
President Truman was saying a leader, a President, must take responsibility for his or her actions and be accountable for them. A leader does not pass the blame on to someone else.
Do you want your employees to work as a team and be responsible and accountable for their areas of expertise? Of course you do!
Recently my colleagues and I attended an Educational Conference, which each of us paid a considerable amount of money to attend. The Educational Conference included meals. Ten of us went into the dinning room to find there was no place for us to sit and eat our meal. We went to speak to the head of the Conference in charge of food service and the hotel dining room staff to have them put up another table. No one wanted to step up and be accountable for this problem. For over 30 minutes we waited while everyone else was eating their dinner. The Conference head in charge of dinning did not take responsibility to solve the problem quickly. Finally, after waiting 40 minutes the hotel staff put up another table with a tablecloth, napkins, silverware, and glasses. After this experience several of us said, “Never again would we attend this Conference.”
Would you like to attend a Conference where no one was accountable for his or her actions? Of course not! You want to surround yourself with people who are accountable like President Harry Truman.
In a fancy New York City restaurant in a well-known hotel off of Park Avenue, my Mom ordered a cup of coffee during the buffet meal. The waiter brought half a cup. When she asked for more coffee the waiter never served it. When the bill arrived Mom paid the bill leaving a small tip. The server came over demanding a larger tip. Mom said, “If you are not satisfied with the tip give it back. Tips are for excellent service. Your service was not.”
Each person should be accountable for his or her actions and needs to be taught by their employers, family members, and friends the significance of being accountability and responsible for their actions.
What are the 3 things you need to remember about accountability?
1) To be counted on you must be dependable, honest, and trustworthy, and reliable. You won’t let them down! When you make a promise you keep it! Mark Twain said, “Do the right thing. It will gratify some people and astonish the rest.”
2) Teach accountability to your employees, your family members, your students, and to those around you.
3) Darren LaCroix, World Champion of Public Speaking says, “It’s not about you.” Help others and always do the right thing by being accountable and responsible so people can rely and depend on you.
When you say you are going to do something, follow through, and do it by the due date you promised. Jeffrey Gitomer, best selling author and top sales trainer says, “Your word is your bond.” Start today to be a leader that is accountable and responsible for your actions. Remember a sign of maturity is accountability!
Madeline Frank, Ph.D., DTM is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker, business owner, motivational teacher, researcher, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Businesses". Her innovative observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your businesses successful. She writes a monthly newsletter "Madeline's Monthly Article & Musical Tips" and a monthly radio show "Madeline's One Minute Musical Radio Show". She has just published her new book "Leadership On A Shoestring Budget".
Contact Madeline Frank for your next speaking engagement at mfrankviola@gmail.com
What does accountability mean? Webster’s Dictionary of 1828 says, “Accountability is the state of being liable to answer for one’s conduct; to receive reward or punishment for actions.” Accountability means you can be counted on. You are dependable, honest, trustworthy, and you won’t let your company, your family, your friends, your teachers, or your mentors down. You can be relied on!
President Harry Truman had a sign on his desk at the White House that said, “The buck stops here.” As a leader, President Truman accepted responsibility for his actions.
In his farewell address to the American people, President Truman said, “The President-whoever he is- has to decide. He can’t pass the buck to anybody. No one else can do the deciding for him. That’s his job.”
President Truman was saying a leader, a President, must take responsibility for his or her actions and be accountable for them. A leader does not pass the blame on to someone else.
Do you want your employees to work as a team and be responsible and accountable for their areas of expertise? Of course you do!
Recently my colleagues and I attended an Educational Conference, which each of us paid a considerable amount of money to attend. The Educational Conference included meals. Ten of us went into the dinning room to find there was no place for us to sit and eat our meal. We went to speak to the head of the Conference in charge of food service and the hotel dining room staff to have them put up another table. No one wanted to step up and be accountable for this problem. For over 30 minutes we waited while everyone else was eating their dinner. The Conference head in charge of dinning did not take responsibility to solve the problem quickly. Finally, after waiting 40 minutes the hotel staff put up another table with a tablecloth, napkins, silverware, and glasses. After this experience several of us said, “Never again would we attend this Conference.”
Would you like to attend a Conference where no one was accountable for his or her actions? Of course not! You want to surround yourself with people who are accountable like President Harry Truman.
In a fancy New York City restaurant in a well-known hotel off of Park Avenue, my Mom ordered a cup of coffee during the buffet meal. The waiter brought half a cup. When she asked for more coffee the waiter never served it. When the bill arrived Mom paid the bill leaving a small tip. The server came over demanding a larger tip. Mom said, “If you are not satisfied with the tip give it back. Tips are for excellent service. Your service was not.”
Each person should be accountable for his or her actions and needs to be taught by their employers, family members, and friends the significance of being accountability and responsible for their actions.
What are the 3 things you need to remember about accountability?
1) To be counted on you must be dependable, honest, and trustworthy, and reliable. You won’t let them down! When you make a promise you keep it! Mark Twain said, “Do the right thing. It will gratify some people and astonish the rest.”
2) Teach accountability to your employees, your family members, your students, and to those around you.
3) Darren LaCroix, World Champion of Public Speaking says, “It’s not about you.” Help others and always do the right thing by being accountable and responsible so people can rely and depend on you.
When you say you are going to do something, follow through, and do it by the due date you promised. Jeffrey Gitomer, best selling author and top sales trainer says, “Your word is your bond.” Start today to be a leader that is accountable and responsible for your actions. Remember a sign of maturity is accountability!
Madeline Frank, Ph.D., DTM is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker, business owner, motivational teacher, researcher, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Businesses". Her innovative observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your businesses successful. She writes a monthly newsletter "Madeline's Monthly Article & Musical Tips" and a monthly radio show "Madeline's One Minute Musical Radio Show". She has just published her new book "Leadership On A Shoestring Budget".
Contact Madeline Frank for your next speaking engagement at mfrankviola@gmail.com
Sunday, November 17, 2013
All of Us Need New Goals to Conquer by Madeline Frank, Ph.D., DTM
When you have accomplishing your goal it’s time to set a new one. I have just received my DTM, my Distinguished Toastmasters Award. Dave Sheffield, “The Shef”, motivational speaker, author, and Coach says, it’s “Freshly minted”.
A DTM is the highest award in the speaking and leadership organization Toastmasters. To my mind a DTM is like a Ph.D. in public speaking, communication, and leadership skills. I completed it in less than 3 years.
How did I do it? I set a goal date for each course or set of projects. For your goal dates choose a date that is important to you like your birthday, your parent’s birthdays, your wedding anniversary, your parent’s wedding anniversary, your children’s birthdays, friend’s birthdays or sibling’s birthdays. Whatever dates you choose make sure it’s a date that is special to you!
For the first 10 speaking projects in the Toastmasters “Competent Communicator Manual” and the 10 leadership projects in the “Competent Leadership Manual”, I set my birthday, November 24th as my goal date. Having completed that goal and date, I set out to finish the next 10 speaking projects, for the “Advanced Communicator Bronze” and the “Advanced Leader Bronze” by my Mother’s birthday, May 28th. By choosing dates that are important to you, you will finish and accomplish your goals. As I finished each goal I had already set up the next goal date.
So what are the three steps to accomplishing your new goals?
1) Write down what your new goal is and the date you want to complete it. Remember to visualize accomplishing this goal. For each step of your goal write down the date you will complete it and stick to that date. Place it where you can see the goal and the date every day so you can focus on it! Make it apart of your daily “Agenda”.
2) Write down your obstacles that you will have to overcome to reach your goal. Every obstacle is a problem, which means it’s an “opportunity” to grow, learn, and change.
3) Write down your “plan of action” and the “time limit” for each phase of your plan with your goal date for completing each section of your goal.
Remember to keep your goals and dates in front of you where you can see them everyday. My new goal is to work for a second DTM. What’s your goal and what date do you plan to complete it? Don’t get sidetracked. You can do it!
Madeline Frank, Ph.D., DTM is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker, business owner, motivational teacher, researcher, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Businesses". Her innovative observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your businesses successful. She writes a monthly newsletter "Madeline's Monthly Article & Musical Tips" and a monthly radio show "Madeline's One Minute Musical Radio Show". She has just published her new book "Leadership On A Shoestring Budget".
If you need a speaker contact Madeline at: mfrankviola@gmail.com
Friday, October 18, 2013
Everyone Needs Encouragement by Madeline Frank, Ph.D., DTM
Every person in life needs positive encouragement to motivate and inspire them for success. Dr. George Adams says, “Encouragement is the oxygen of the soul.”
George W. Crane, medical doctor, psychologist, professor , and author taught in Chicago in the 1920’s at North Western University. When he began teaching students in his evening classes, he found that his adult students were older working in businesses, stores, factories, and offices during the day. Each of them desired to improve their education at night. Some of his students told him they felt iceolated and shy. He designed his first assignment to help his students connect with others.
Dr. Crane said to his class, “You are to use your psychology every day either at home or work on the streetcars and buses. For the first month, your written assignment will be the Compliment Club. Every day you are to pay an honest compliment to each of three different persons… for 30 consecutive days.” He said, “Keep a record of those to whom you pay your three compliments. You need not give me their names, but list them as ‘Newsboy’ or ‘Street conductor’ or ‘Sales clerk’ . Keep an accurate record of how people acknowledge your compliments.”
Dr. Crane said, “At the end of the 30-day experiment, I want you to write a theme or paper on your experiences. Include the changes you have noted in the people around you, as well as your own altered outlook on life.”
As his students complimented others their lives changed and improved too! And by complementing others they were motivated, encouraged, and inspired as well. Dr. Crane said, “Appreciative words are the most powerful force for good on earth.”
http://www.complimentclub.com
As a teacher I have watched my students and colleagues blossom from words of encouragement. By giving them a sincere compliment they have the energy and the desire to try harder at whatever they are working on. Everyone in life needs positive encouragement to help them grow , inspire and motivate them to succeed. The “Power of Encouragement” gives us hope that we can succeed and everyone needs it!
A fabulous story of motivating and inspiring students is “All the Good Things” by Sister Helen P. Mrosla. She was teaching her eighth grade math students a very difficult math concept and her students were very frustrated . This is when she asked her students to write down all the students names in the class, on two sheets of paper, and to leave room to write, “the nicest thing they could say about each of their classmates”.
After class, Sister Mrosla made a separate list of these wonderful compliments on two sheets of note book paper for each student and handed them out to her students the following Monday. Her students were all glowing with happiness after reading their sheets. Many years later she would be asked to attend Mark Eklund’s funeral by his parents. Her former student was killed in Vietnam. When she spoke to his parents after the funeral they shared with Sister Mrosla the two sheets of notebook paper that she had written down “all the good things” his classmates had written about him. These two sheets were well worn and were in his pocket when he died.
Mark’s mother said, “ Thank you so much for doing that. As you can see, Mark treasured it.” http://www.my-happy-heart.com/all-good-things.html
These words of praise can last a life time. In all of life, people need praise and encouragement to improve, to be inspired, to learn , and to grow. When President Abraham Lincoln died, among the items in his pocket were 8 newspaper clippings on positive things said about him during his re-election campaign. During his Presidency, Lincoln was maligned many times by the newspapers.
These 8 newspaper clippings, President Lincoln read and re-read just as Mark Eklund read and re-read “all the good things” said about him by his classmates . Both men “treasured” their sheets. Words of praise can last a life time!
One of my favorite rules is Dr. John Maxwell’s “30 second rule” which says, “Within the first thirty seconds of a conversation, say something encouraging to a person.” This should be your motto for connecting with your students, family members, your colleagues, and anyone else you are around.
So what are the three simple things you can do beginning today, for your ten day challenge to inspire, encourage, and motivate others around you?
1) As Dr. George Crane said, “Every day pay an honest compliment to each of three different persons.” Coach John Wooden said “Be specific with your praise.”
2) Follow Dr. John Maxwell’s “30 second rule” and say your inspiring words within 30 seconds of talking to someone. Dave Sheffield,motivational speaker and author says,“Happy employees equal happy customers”.
3) Every evening at home think of several “honest compliments” you can give to “3 different people” you will be coming in contact with the next day. They can be family members, business co -workers, students, friends, and strangers. Happy people are inspired and motivated to do better work. Give the gift of compliments and you will be given a gift in return.
So begin today to train your mind to look for the good in people to brighten their day and your day. Always begin with an “honest compliment”! Remember words of encouragement motivate and inspire us to do a better job, to improve our skills, and work at a higher level.
Madeline Frank, Ph.D., DTM is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker, business owner, motivational teacher, researcher, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Businesses". Her innovative observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your businesses successful. She writes a monthly newsletter "Madeline's Monthly Article & Musical Tips" and a monthly radio show "Madeline's One Minute Musical Radio Show". She has just published her new book "Leadership On A Shoestring Budget”.
To contact Madeline: mfrankviola@gmail.com
George W. Crane, medical doctor, psychologist, professor , and author taught in Chicago in the 1920’s at North Western University. When he began teaching students in his evening classes, he found that his adult students were older working in businesses, stores, factories, and offices during the day. Each of them desired to improve their education at night. Some of his students told him they felt iceolated and shy. He designed his first assignment to help his students connect with others.
Dr. Crane said to his class, “You are to use your psychology every day either at home or work on the streetcars and buses. For the first month, your written assignment will be the Compliment Club. Every day you are to pay an honest compliment to each of three different persons… for 30 consecutive days.” He said, “Keep a record of those to whom you pay your three compliments. You need not give me their names, but list them as ‘Newsboy’ or ‘Street conductor’ or ‘Sales clerk’ . Keep an accurate record of how people acknowledge your compliments.”
Dr. Crane said, “At the end of the 30-day experiment, I want you to write a theme or paper on your experiences. Include the changes you have noted in the people around you, as well as your own altered outlook on life.”
As his students complimented others their lives changed and improved too! And by complementing others they were motivated, encouraged, and inspired as well. Dr. Crane said, “Appreciative words are the most powerful force for good on earth.”
http://www.complimentclub.com
As a teacher I have watched my students and colleagues blossom from words of encouragement. By giving them a sincere compliment they have the energy and the desire to try harder at whatever they are working on. Everyone in life needs positive encouragement to help them grow , inspire and motivate them to succeed. The “Power of Encouragement” gives us hope that we can succeed and everyone needs it!
A fabulous story of motivating and inspiring students is “All the Good Things” by Sister Helen P. Mrosla. She was teaching her eighth grade math students a very difficult math concept and her students were very frustrated . This is when she asked her students to write down all the students names in the class, on two sheets of paper, and to leave room to write, “the nicest thing they could say about each of their classmates”.
After class, Sister Mrosla made a separate list of these wonderful compliments on two sheets of note book paper for each student and handed them out to her students the following Monday. Her students were all glowing with happiness after reading their sheets. Many years later she would be asked to attend Mark Eklund’s funeral by his parents. Her former student was killed in Vietnam. When she spoke to his parents after the funeral they shared with Sister Mrosla the two sheets of notebook paper that she had written down “all the good things” his classmates had written about him. These two sheets were well worn and were in his pocket when he died.
Mark’s mother said, “ Thank you so much for doing that. As you can see, Mark treasured it.” http://www.my-happy-heart.com/all-good-things.html
These words of praise can last a life time. In all of life, people need praise and encouragement to improve, to be inspired, to learn , and to grow. When President Abraham Lincoln died, among the items in his pocket were 8 newspaper clippings on positive things said about him during his re-election campaign. During his Presidency, Lincoln was maligned many times by the newspapers.
These 8 newspaper clippings, President Lincoln read and re-read just as Mark Eklund read and re-read “all the good things” said about him by his classmates . Both men “treasured” their sheets. Words of praise can last a life time!
One of my favorite rules is Dr. John Maxwell’s “30 second rule” which says, “Within the first thirty seconds of a conversation, say something encouraging to a person.” This should be your motto for connecting with your students, family members, your colleagues, and anyone else you are around.
So what are the three simple things you can do beginning today, for your ten day challenge to inspire, encourage, and motivate others around you?
1) As Dr. George Crane said, “Every day pay an honest compliment to each of three different persons.” Coach John Wooden said “Be specific with your praise.”
2) Follow Dr. John Maxwell’s “30 second rule” and say your inspiring words within 30 seconds of talking to someone. Dave Sheffield,motivational speaker and author says,“Happy employees equal happy customers”.
3) Every evening at home think of several “honest compliments” you can give to “3 different people” you will be coming in contact with the next day. They can be family members, business co -workers, students, friends, and strangers. Happy people are inspired and motivated to do better work. Give the gift of compliments and you will be given a gift in return.
So begin today to train your mind to look for the good in people to brighten their day and your day. Always begin with an “honest compliment”! Remember words of encouragement motivate and inspire us to do a better job, to improve our skills, and work at a higher level.
Madeline Frank, Ph.D., DTM is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker, business owner, motivational teacher, researcher, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Businesses". Her innovative observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your businesses successful. She writes a monthly newsletter "Madeline's Monthly Article & Musical Tips" and a monthly radio show "Madeline's One Minute Musical Radio Show". She has just published her new book "Leadership On A Shoestring Budget”.
To contact Madeline: mfrankviola@gmail.com
Sunday, September 29, 2013
“How Not to Suck at Giving Toastmaster Evaluations” by Madeline Frank, Ph.D., DTM
Would you want someone to say nasty things about your speech and demoralize you? Of course “Not”! Dr. John Maxwell says, “Encouragement is oxygen for the soul.” Everyone in life needs encouragement to motivate and inspire them for success.
I have been a member of Toastmasters for four years. Toastmasters International is defined as a club “for helping members improve their communication, public speaking and leadership skills.” Toastmasters clubs teach their members, through their manual speeches, how to prepare speeches, how to deliver speeches, how to critically think and improve their written and oral presentation skills. Many speeches in the Toastmasters manuals are 5-7 minutes and are timed. Constructive feedback is given in a positive friendly atmosphere. Every manual speech has an Evaluator who will listen critically to tell the speaker what the speaker has done well and what they need to improve. Every person in life needs positive encouragement to motivate and inspire them.
During exam week at a College in Virginia , I had finished teaching for the day and was getting into my car in the parking lot when one of my third year education students ran over and said, “My friend “G” is about to be thrown out of College. She is in her third year of the education program. G’s main professor said “She is not talented enough to be a teacher. “G” is only shy. You have to help her right now!”
I immediately asked “A’ to take me to the auditorium where the professors were meeting to decide on “G’s” future. I walked in to “G’s” jury and raised my hand and asked the faculty committee, the men’s club, as I was the only women present, “If I could address them on “G’s” behalf?” They agreed.
“I asked the committee if it would be possible for me to work with “G” this summer, to make up their list of deficiencies, and in the fall the committee would re-convene and re-examine the issue of her graduation?” They asked me to leave so they could discuss this.
That summer we worked together to make up all her deficiencies in a step- by- step process. In the fall, the committee re-examined “G’s” application to graduate with her class. She passed with flying colors. The committee was very impressed and asked me, “How did you do it?” I answered, “Have you heard of kindness and patience?” One professor’s mouth fell to the floor. At that moment, I wished a fly would go by and go in the professors open mouth, but it didn’t happen!”
“G” graduated with honors and has been teaching very successfully for over 13 years in the public schools. During her summer vacations, she went back to school part time, to receive her Master’s degree in 2007. I received an invitation to her graduation. I’m very proud of her success. Through her adversity she has learned how to help her students gain self-esteem and self-worth by giving them positive encouragement and showing them kindness and patience. Her students love and respect her and she understands the value of positive encouragement and how it can last a life time.
Over the years I have watched my students and colleagues blossom from words of encouragement. Everyone in life needs positive encouragement to help us grow , inspire and motivate us to succeed. The “Power of Encouragement” gives us hope that we can succeed and everyone needs it!
One of my favorite rules is Dr. John Maxwell’s “30 second rule” which says, “Within the first thirty seconds of a conversation, say something encouraging to a person.” This should be your motto for evaluating and connecting with people.
Recently I gave a speech entitled “The Power of Encouragement”. The Evaluator for my speech sat and listened to my speech of how a teacher motivated, inspired, and empowered her 34 students by giving them positive encouragement which lasted for many years after her class. During this speech for over 6 minutes, the evaluator listened with tears running down his face. He seemed truly involved and touched by the story and message of my speech. The other Toastmasters were listening intently too! After my speech was concluded the evaluator was called up to the lectern to evaluate my speech.
He said, “Your diction needs improvement, you need more vocal variety, and you need to be more animated.”
Listening to his Evaluation “I felt like I had been whip lashed! Apparently nothing I did was any good. I felt like giving up!” Everyone needs to feel cared about and loved. When we cut people down and say nasty things about them we steal and take away their self-esteem. We do a hatchet job on their confidence. Vicious words hurt!
The purpose of a Speech Evaluation or any other type of evaluation is to tell the speaker or employee what they did well and what they can do to improve their speech or their work. The purpose of an evaluation is not to demoralize you and make you want to give up and quit. Words of encouragement motivate and inspire us to do a better job to improve our skills at delivering a speech or doing a job at a higher level.
So, how should you approach the Evaluation of your speaker?
1) First read the objectives of your speaker’s project.
2) Toastmaster World Champion Speaker Lance Miller says, “Ask your speaker if possible “if there is anything they are working on specifically that they want you to watch?”
3) Before the speech take out a blank piece of paper to take notes on. My mama, Romayne Leader Frank said, “New born babies arrive with blank pages. Be careful what you write on them.” Writing a speech evaluation is like that too! On one side of your blank page, before the speech begins, write down the following 5 parts of your speech leaving space for your brief notes: Opening, Body, Conclusion, and Message. On the other side of your blank page list the following Technical items of a speech and leave space to write brief notes: First impression, eye contact, vocal variety, use of notes, gestures, props, use of the stage, humor, audience attention, prepared or not. Does the speaker, speak with passion, conviction, enthusiasm, and clarity? Any distractions? Are they nervous? Be very brief in your notes.
4)As the speaker begins, "listen carefully and focus on your speaker.” Write down a few words on your first impression of your speaker’s opening. Did it grab your attention? On the body of the speech did your speaker tell a story and make a point? Bill Gove, "the legendary father of professional speaking" said, "Your audience will remember your stories long after they forget the content of your speech. Tell a story and make a point... and then tell them another story and make another point." Did your speaker do this? Did your speaker, speak with passion, conviction, enthusiasm, and clarity?
5)What was the conclusion? Did your speaker have a message, a “call to action” for their audience? Write down all your speaker’s strengths.
6)On the Technical side you are noting,in your short hand, if your speaker is making eye contact with the audience, how their vocal variety is , if they use notes, gestures, props, how they use the stage, if they use humor, if the audience’s attention is on your speaker, and if your speaker is prepared or not.
7)Do not look at the Evaluation sheet until after the speech is finished! When the speaker has finished speaking, then as the Evaluator you look at the evaluation form, and first tell them all the wonderful things you enjoyed about their speech. Then make one or two suggestions for improving their speech. Always begin and end with all the wonderful things the speaker has done in the speech.
Remember you are there to build up and make better speakers and leaders. You are not there to destroy anyone’s self-esteem. You are there to find their strengths and build on them. Words of encouragement motivate and inspire us to do a better job and these words last forever!
Madeline Frank,Ph.D., DTM is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker, business owner, motivational teacher, researcher, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Businesses". Her innovative observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your businesses successful. She writes a monthly newsletter "Madeline's Monthly Article & Musical Tips" and a monthly radio show "Madeline's One Minute Musical Radio Show". She has just published her new book "Leadership On A Shoestring Budget".
I have been a member of Toastmasters for four years. Toastmasters International is defined as a club “for helping members improve their communication, public speaking and leadership skills.” Toastmasters clubs teach their members, through their manual speeches, how to prepare speeches, how to deliver speeches, how to critically think and improve their written and oral presentation skills. Many speeches in the Toastmasters manuals are 5-7 minutes and are timed. Constructive feedback is given in a positive friendly atmosphere. Every manual speech has an Evaluator who will listen critically to tell the speaker what the speaker has done well and what they need to improve. Every person in life needs positive encouragement to motivate and inspire them.
During exam week at a College in Virginia , I had finished teaching for the day and was getting into my car in the parking lot when one of my third year education students ran over and said, “My friend “G” is about to be thrown out of College. She is in her third year of the education program. G’s main professor said “She is not talented enough to be a teacher. “G” is only shy. You have to help her right now!”
I immediately asked “A’ to take me to the auditorium where the professors were meeting to decide on “G’s” future. I walked in to “G’s” jury and raised my hand and asked the faculty committee, the men’s club, as I was the only women present, “If I could address them on “G’s” behalf?” They agreed.
“I asked the committee if it would be possible for me to work with “G” this summer, to make up their list of deficiencies, and in the fall the committee would re-convene and re-examine the issue of her graduation?” They asked me to leave so they could discuss this.
That summer we worked together to make up all her deficiencies in a step- by- step process. In the fall, the committee re-examined “G’s” application to graduate with her class. She passed with flying colors. The committee was very impressed and asked me, “How did you do it?” I answered, “Have you heard of kindness and patience?” One professor’s mouth fell to the floor. At that moment, I wished a fly would go by and go in the professors open mouth, but it didn’t happen!”
“G” graduated with honors and has been teaching very successfully for over 13 years in the public schools. During her summer vacations, she went back to school part time, to receive her Master’s degree in 2007. I received an invitation to her graduation. I’m very proud of her success. Through her adversity she has learned how to help her students gain self-esteem and self-worth by giving them positive encouragement and showing them kindness and patience. Her students love and respect her and she understands the value of positive encouragement and how it can last a life time.
Over the years I have watched my students and colleagues blossom from words of encouragement. Everyone in life needs positive encouragement to help us grow , inspire and motivate us to succeed. The “Power of Encouragement” gives us hope that we can succeed and everyone needs it!
One of my favorite rules is Dr. John Maxwell’s “30 second rule” which says, “Within the first thirty seconds of a conversation, say something encouraging to a person.” This should be your motto for evaluating and connecting with people.
Recently I gave a speech entitled “The Power of Encouragement”. The Evaluator for my speech sat and listened to my speech of how a teacher motivated, inspired, and empowered her 34 students by giving them positive encouragement which lasted for many years after her class. During this speech for over 6 minutes, the evaluator listened with tears running down his face. He seemed truly involved and touched by the story and message of my speech. The other Toastmasters were listening intently too! After my speech was concluded the evaluator was called up to the lectern to evaluate my speech.
He said, “Your diction needs improvement, you need more vocal variety, and you need to be more animated.”
Listening to his Evaluation “I felt like I had been whip lashed! Apparently nothing I did was any good. I felt like giving up!” Everyone needs to feel cared about and loved. When we cut people down and say nasty things about them we steal and take away their self-esteem. We do a hatchet job on their confidence. Vicious words hurt!
The purpose of a Speech Evaluation or any other type of evaluation is to tell the speaker or employee what they did well and what they can do to improve their speech or their work. The purpose of an evaluation is not to demoralize you and make you want to give up and quit. Words of encouragement motivate and inspire us to do a better job to improve our skills at delivering a speech or doing a job at a higher level.
So, how should you approach the Evaluation of your speaker?
1) First read the objectives of your speaker’s project.
2) Toastmaster World Champion Speaker Lance Miller says, “Ask your speaker if possible “if there is anything they are working on specifically that they want you to watch?”
3) Before the speech take out a blank piece of paper to take notes on. My mama, Romayne Leader Frank said, “New born babies arrive with blank pages. Be careful what you write on them.” Writing a speech evaluation is like that too! On one side of your blank page, before the speech begins, write down the following 5 parts of your speech leaving space for your brief notes: Opening, Body, Conclusion, and Message. On the other side of your blank page list the following Technical items of a speech and leave space to write brief notes: First impression, eye contact, vocal variety, use of notes, gestures, props, use of the stage, humor, audience attention, prepared or not. Does the speaker, speak with passion, conviction, enthusiasm, and clarity? Any distractions? Are they nervous? Be very brief in your notes.
4)As the speaker begins, "listen carefully and focus on your speaker.” Write down a few words on your first impression of your speaker’s opening. Did it grab your attention? On the body of the speech did your speaker tell a story and make a point? Bill Gove, "the legendary father of professional speaking" said, "Your audience will remember your stories long after they forget the content of your speech. Tell a story and make a point... and then tell them another story and make another point." Did your speaker do this? Did your speaker, speak with passion, conviction, enthusiasm, and clarity?
5)What was the conclusion? Did your speaker have a message, a “call to action” for their audience? Write down all your speaker’s strengths.
6)On the Technical side you are noting,in your short hand, if your speaker is making eye contact with the audience, how their vocal variety is , if they use notes, gestures, props, how they use the stage, if they use humor, if the audience’s attention is on your speaker, and if your speaker is prepared or not.
7)Do not look at the Evaluation sheet until after the speech is finished! When the speaker has finished speaking, then as the Evaluator you look at the evaluation form, and first tell them all the wonderful things you enjoyed about their speech. Then make one or two suggestions for improving their speech. Always begin and end with all the wonderful things the speaker has done in the speech.
Remember you are there to build up and make better speakers and leaders. You are not there to destroy anyone’s self-esteem. You are there to find their strengths and build on them. Words of encouragement motivate and inspire us to do a better job and these words last forever!
Madeline Frank,Ph.D., DTM is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker, business owner, motivational teacher, researcher, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Businesses". Her innovative observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your businesses successful. She writes a monthly newsletter "Madeline's Monthly Article & Musical Tips" and a monthly radio show "Madeline's One Minute Musical Radio Show". She has just published her new book "Leadership On A Shoestring Budget".
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- Madeline
- Madeline Frank, Ph.D. business owner, teacher, researcher, speaker and concert artist. She writes a monthly newsletter "Madeline's Monthly Article & Musical Tips" and a monthly radio show "Madeline's One Minute Musical Radio Show".