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Speaking Tip # 27: What unique story do you have to share with your audience that will help them solve a problem?

Every person has a unique story to share with a particular audience. For instance when I was asked to speak at a teachers conference I shared the following true story with them:

I had finished giving my last exam of the day at a College in Virginia and was in the parking lot getting into my car when one of third year education student’s ran over to me and said, “Dr. Frank you can’t leave, I need your help!”

I got out of my car and asked, “How can I help”?

She said, “My friend is going to be thrown out of the college. Her professor says she’s not talented enough to be a teacher. They are having a meeting in the auditorium right now to determine her fate! Can you go in and help her?” 

This student was hard working and honest. I asked her to show me where the meeting was taking place.

I went into the auditorium raised my hand and asked the faculty committee, “the men’s club”, as I was the only women present- “if I could address them.”

They agreed. “I asked the committee if it would be possible for me to work with this student during the summer and make up all the deficiencies on a list they would give me, and if this committee could reconvene in the fall to re-examine the issue of her graduation?”

They asked me to step out in the hall so they could discuss this.

A few minutes later I was asked to return and they had all agreed except “the gentleman from South America”. I use that term loosely!

“I was told the student and I could work out her deficiencies during the summer and the committee would reconvene in the fall and re-examine the issue of her graduation.”

That summer we worked together to make up all the deficiencies in a step-by-step process.

In the fall, the committee re-examined her application to graduate with her class. She passed with flying colors. The committee was very impressed and asked, “How did you do it?”

I answered, “Have you heard of kindness and patience?”

One professor’s mouth fell to the floor.

This student graduated with honors and has been teaching very successfully in the public schools for over 16 years. She went part time during her summer vacations to receive her master’s degree.

In December 2007, I received an invitation to her Master’s degree ceremony. I’m very proud of her success. She is a teacher just like you. Because of her adversity and hard work she has learned how to help her students gain self-esteem and self- worth by showing them kindness and patience.

When you leave our class today remember this lesson and help your students to learn by showing them kindness and patience. That is the lesson I want you to take with you.

What unique story will you share with your audience to help them solve a problem?

Please share your thoughts and comments about this blog. 

Until next week remember to share your unique story with your audience and make it memorable and visual.

Madeline Frank, Ph.D., is a 2014 Certified World Class Speaking Coach. She has been coaching and mentoring business professionals to be champion speakers for over 5 years. She is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, speaker, business owner, teacher, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Business". Her observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your business successful.  Her latest book "Leadership On A Shoestring Budget" is available everywhere books are sold.  Contact Madeline Frank for your booking and other inquiries  at mfrankviola@gmail.com



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