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
Saturday, January 11, 2014
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".
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Happy Customers Buy More Products by Madeline Frank, Ph.D.
Would you rather go into a store and purchase your everyday necessities from a smiling friendly clerk or one who scowls at you? Everything in life is about relationships.
Recently I went into two local stores near my house. In the first store the clerk said to me, before ringing up my purchases, “Will you make a donation of $1 to the following cause?” My response was “we will see!”
When she threw my new reading glasses into the bag with my canned goods all bets were off! I was not willing to donate.
The second store clerk smiled at me as I walked into her store. I asked her, “How are your husband and two children doing?” She replied, “Wonderfully well!”
She always asks how my family is doing too! She is always positive, friendly, helpful, and carefully bags my purchases. She is always dressed neatly with her hair combed. If she had asked me to donate for a worthy cause I would have.
It’s all about relationships and connecting with others. Our behavior matters!
So, what are the three things your employees should do to make your customers want to come back to your store and to even donate to your store’s worthy cause when money is really tight?
1)When your customers enter your business your employees need to smile, be respectful, be polite, be helpful, be knowledgeable, be well groomed, dress appropriately and make a good first impression so your customers want to continue being your customers.
2)Employees should treat their customers as if they are honored guests in your store. Your employees should speak to customers and their family members in a reliable and timely manner.
3)When the sale is completed your employees should carefully place the items purchased in the bag. It does not matter if it is a $2 can or a $500 glass lamp, your customers purchases should be treated carefully with respect. All customers wish to be treated with courtesy and respect in a friendly polite manner.
Remember we are there to serve our customers. First impressions are lasting impressions and can never be repeated!
Recently I went into two local stores near my house. In the first store the clerk said to me, before ringing up my purchases, “Will you make a donation of $1 to the following cause?” My response was “we will see!”
When she threw my new reading glasses into the bag with my canned goods all bets were off! I was not willing to donate.
The second store clerk smiled at me as I walked into her store. I asked her, “How are your husband and two children doing?” She replied, “Wonderfully well!”
She always asks how my family is doing too! She is always positive, friendly, helpful, and carefully bags my purchases. She is always dressed neatly with her hair combed. If she had asked me to donate for a worthy cause I would have.
It’s all about relationships and connecting with others. Our behavior matters!
So, what are the three things your employees should do to make your customers want to come back to your store and to even donate to your store’s worthy cause when money is really tight?
1)When your customers enter your business your employees need to smile, be respectful, be polite, be helpful, be knowledgeable, be well groomed, dress appropriately and make a good first impression so your customers want to continue being your customers.
2)Employees should treat their customers as if they are honored guests in your store. Your employees should speak to customers and their family members in a reliable and timely manner.
3)When the sale is completed your employees should carefully place the items purchased in the bag. It does not matter if it is a $2 can or a $500 glass lamp, your customers purchases should be treated carefully with respect. All customers wish to be treated with courtesy and respect in a friendly polite manner.
Remember we are there to serve our customers. First impressions are lasting impressions and can never be repeated!
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Faithful Friends Are Treasures by Madeline Frank, Ph.D.
Think of your closest friends. How did you choose them? What characteristics do you want your friends to have?
A true friend has good character, is honest, trustworthy, gives unconditional love, and always does the right thing. Their reputation is everything to them. A true friend is someone who will lift you up when you are down and will inspire you on your journey to the best person you can be. Friends help you to reach your goals and are willing to listen when you have a problem even when they would rather not. When you win and are successful they are truly happy to celebrate with you and when you lose they have a shoulder for you to lean and cry on. That's what a real friend is. A treasure!
Throughout my life I have been truly blessed by having several good friends. My mama, Romayne Leader Frank taught me by example to have good character, to be honest, trustworthy, and to always do the right thing. Mama was my first role model, mentor, best friend and teacher. She modeled for me the right way to behave and treat others. She was the finest person I have ever known. Mama was a lawyer who helped families who had lost everything get back on their feet. Through her wise guidance she would show them how to repair their finances. She was always willing to listen and help. As a friend, wife, mother, and lawyer she cared about helping others to succeed with their goals and she was always willing to help you find your way.
My friend Jean and I have been friends for over 20 years and we have been there for each other during crises and celebrations. In 2006, I was sharing with her my research on how medical doctors were using Classical music to help patients recover from different illnesses and how Classical music was helping children to be better students in school. She suggested I share my research in a monthly article with parents, teachers, and friends. That was the beginning of "Madeline's Monthly Article and Musical Tips" in October 2006. The next year when I began a Radio Show interviewing scientists, medical doctors, and others, she suggested guests for the show. This was the beginning of "Madeline's One Minute Musical Radio Show". Friends' help you stretch your abilities to help you and others learn to grow and be better people.
Sometimes you learn the hard way who is really not your friend. Ray is a top repairman of heating and Air conditioning systems. His friend Jay asked him on his day off to fix his air conditioner. Ray's father-in-law told Ray "that he needs to lose this friend". He's right! It's time for Ray to weed out his garden.
Monty is a CPA and his good friend Abel asks him on his day off to do his taxes for him. Is Abel a true friend? Of course not! Monty needs to look for a new friend who will honor and protect him not take advantage of him. It's time for Monty to weed out his garden too!
Those of you that are familiar with Shakespeare's play "Othello" will remember the character Iago, pronounced "e-og-go. Iago pretends to be a friend to his boss Othello, the Moor. Iago did not get the promotion he expected from Othello and he is jealous of the love and happiness Othello has with his beloved wife Desdemona. Iago decides to make Othello think his wife, Desdemona, is having an affair with another man. Iago sets Desdemona up destroying her marriage to Othello by deceit and dishonesty.
All of us have an Iago, a false friend, in our lives who is jealous of our success, our happy family, our lives, our honesty and our integrity. Do not let this false friend destroy your life and that of your family.
Jay, Abel, and Iago are friends you need to weed out of your garden and find new honorable and trustworthy friends.
Dave Sheffield, the Shef, motivational speaker, author, coach, and friend said it best; know "when it is time to love them from a distance." He also said, "One thing that I like to remember is that some people are in your life for a season, and others are in your life for a reason."
So how should you choose your friends? What are the 3 characteristics of a good friend?
1) A friend is honest, trustworthy, has good character, and always does the right thing. Their reputation is everything to them. When you have a problem a friend will listen to you, even when they do not want to, and help you make the right decision. You can depend on them to steer you in the right direction.
2) A friend is someone who will lift you up when you are down and will inspire you on your journey to the best person you can be. They have a shoulder for you to lean on and cry on when needed. They will also give you a hug when you are down and when something terrible happens they will surround you, stand by you, and protect you.
3) When you are winning and are successful, your friends are truly happy for you, and celebrate with you.
Remember when you are choosing your friends make sure he or she has good character, is honest, trustworthy, always chooses to do the right thing, and is a positive person who encourages you to do the right thing to be the best person you can be.
By choosing your friends wisely, you will have faithful friends, who you will treasure for a life time!
Madeline Frank, Ph.D. is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker, business owner, 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
A true friend has good character, is honest, trustworthy, gives unconditional love, and always does the right thing. Their reputation is everything to them. A true friend is someone who will lift you up when you are down and will inspire you on your journey to the best person you can be. Friends help you to reach your goals and are willing to listen when you have a problem even when they would rather not. When you win and are successful they are truly happy to celebrate with you and when you lose they have a shoulder for you to lean and cry on. That's what a real friend is. A treasure!
Throughout my life I have been truly blessed by having several good friends. My mama, Romayne Leader Frank taught me by example to have good character, to be honest, trustworthy, and to always do the right thing. Mama was my first role model, mentor, best friend and teacher. She modeled for me the right way to behave and treat others. She was the finest person I have ever known. Mama was a lawyer who helped families who had lost everything get back on their feet. Through her wise guidance she would show them how to repair their finances. She was always willing to listen and help. As a friend, wife, mother, and lawyer she cared about helping others to succeed with their goals and she was always willing to help you find your way.
My friend Jean and I have been friends for over 20 years and we have been there for each other during crises and celebrations. In 2006, I was sharing with her my research on how medical doctors were using Classical music to help patients recover from different illnesses and how Classical music was helping children to be better students in school. She suggested I share my research in a monthly article with parents, teachers, and friends. That was the beginning of "Madeline's Monthly Article and Musical Tips" in October 2006. The next year when I began a Radio Show interviewing scientists, medical doctors, and others, she suggested guests for the show. This was the beginning of "Madeline's One Minute Musical Radio Show". Friends' help you stretch your abilities to help you and others learn to grow and be better people.
Sometimes you learn the hard way who is really not your friend. Ray is a top repairman of heating and Air conditioning systems. His friend Jay asked him on his day off to fix his air conditioner. Ray's father-in-law told Ray "that he needs to lose this friend". He's right! It's time for Ray to weed out his garden.
Monty is a CPA and his good friend Abel asks him on his day off to do his taxes for him. Is Abel a true friend? Of course not! Monty needs to look for a new friend who will honor and protect him not take advantage of him. It's time for Monty to weed out his garden too!
Those of you that are familiar with Shakespeare's play "Othello" will remember the character Iago, pronounced "e-og-go. Iago pretends to be a friend to his boss Othello, the Moor. Iago did not get the promotion he expected from Othello and he is jealous of the love and happiness Othello has with his beloved wife Desdemona. Iago decides to make Othello think his wife, Desdemona, is having an affair with another man. Iago sets Desdemona up destroying her marriage to Othello by deceit and dishonesty.
All of us have an Iago, a false friend, in our lives who is jealous of our success, our happy family, our lives, our honesty and our integrity. Do not let this false friend destroy your life and that of your family.
Jay, Abel, and Iago are friends you need to weed out of your garden and find new honorable and trustworthy friends.
Dave Sheffield, the Shef, motivational speaker, author, coach, and friend said it best; know "when it is time to love them from a distance." He also said, "One thing that I like to remember is that some people are in your life for a season, and others are in your life for a reason."
So how should you choose your friends? What are the 3 characteristics of a good friend?
1) A friend is honest, trustworthy, has good character, and always does the right thing. Their reputation is everything to them. When you have a problem a friend will listen to you, even when they do not want to, and help you make the right decision. You can depend on them to steer you in the right direction.
2) A friend is someone who will lift you up when you are down and will inspire you on your journey to the best person you can be. They have a shoulder for you to lean on and cry on when needed. They will also give you a hug when you are down and when something terrible happens they will surround you, stand by you, and protect you.
3) When you are winning and are successful, your friends are truly happy for you, and celebrate with you.
Remember when you are choosing your friends make sure he or she has good character, is honest, trustworthy, always chooses to do the right thing, and is a positive person who encourages you to do the right thing to be the best person you can be.
By choosing your friends wisely, you will have faithful friends, who you will treasure for a life time!
Madeline Frank, Ph.D. is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker, business owner, 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
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About Me
- 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".