The Art of Storytelling in Teaching Adults

        

No matter who you are you have been told a story that either moved or provoked something inside of you. Grandparents are a prime example of this old adage. Storytelling is not a new method in teaching adults; in fact storytelling happens every day in some form of learning structure. Storytelling is the art of relaying a message for the purpose of learning and understanding (a TSC definition). Storytelling adds a personal touch to the message being given. As stated by Diana Oreck of Ritz-Carlton, the VP of their Leadership Center “stories add colors to facts” Weinstein, (2014). Adults are constantly seeking the “why” in everything we do. Simply stating a fact to an adult will not satisfy the craving to understand the why, however a story will perhaps meet that need. Stories allow the “teller” to be transparent and the “receiver” to understand and build trust. Storytelling works well in many settings such as one-on-one mentor sessions, lecture/classroom, conference, tutoring, mentoring, and small group discussions to name a few. The Adult Educator whether they are an instructor, facilitator, or trainer has a duty to learn their audience. A great way to connect to the audience is tell them a great story. The objective is to allow the audience to relate and elaborate on the story and perhaps tell their own. Storytelling will allow for a comfortable learning environment to be created and foster audience engagement.

 

Weinstein, M. (July/August (2014). Once Upon A Time in Training. Training Magazine, 22-25.

Your thoughts are welcome…

www.truthspeakscoaching.com

MJW

Everyday

According to Dictionary.com the word "Everyday" means “A routine, ordinary day, or occasion”.

Therefore, we should make it an a routine to:

1. Praise ourselves and others.

2. Smile.

3. Laugh out loud.

4. Study, watch, and learn.

5. Simply live life.

Now, what do these 5 “routine” actions mean to you? Do they seem simple or difficult to achieve? Only you can answer these questions and only you have control over all 5 of these “routine” activities. You may say “but I have problems and I cannot do any of these on an “everyday basis”, if this is the case I ask this simple question: If you start doing these 5 “routine” suggestions is it possible your problems may be minimized or dissolved? Try them for 5 days and see; what do you have to lose?

Your thoughts are welcome.

MJW

www.truthspeakscoaching.com

10 interpretations of Proverbs for Motivation

Anyone can benefit from these simple and practical steps for a better life. 

Enjoy!
 
 
  1. Accomplish a desire. You will feel better about yourself.
 
  2. Walk, sit, eat, talk, and run with wise people, you will be wise.
 
  3. Watch what you say. You will have exactly what you speak, good or bad.
 
  4. Be excellent. There is no substitute.
 
  5. Always seek counsel. You do not know it all.
 
  6. Do not hate people. What is the purpose. Really?
 
  7. Always take instruction and teachings. You will only get wiser.
 
  8. Always have integrity. It is your character and character is what people think of you.
 
  9. Measure out life situations. Give credit where it is due. Be fair.
 
  10. Do not worry about the wrong others do. Trust me it really does not matter. Bad situations always take care of themselves.
 
  Your thoughts are welcome
 
  MJW
  Www.truthspeakscoaching.com

Wooden’s Principles

I recently read one of the many books about Coach John Wooden entitled "Coach Wooden’s Leadership Game Plan for Success". I was very impressed at his ability to coach successful basketball teams for over 40 years using some simple tactics which could benefit us all. Here is a small sample of what I learned:

1  

1. Do not let what you can’t do interfere with what you can do.

2. Aim to work hard not to win. Keep your mind focused on what you can do and not what the opponent can do.

3. Character is who you really are. You cannot hide it, it will eventually come out.

4. Discipline yourself and others will not have to.

5. Learn as if you were to live forever; live as if you were to die tomorrow.

6. Always be ready and the opportunity will come.

7. Be slow to criticize and quick to commend.

8. The best talent doesn’t always make the best team. Attitude rules everything.

9. Enthusiasm is the ignition switch. Turn it on and things start happening.

10. Never Lie, Never Cheat, Never Steal. Don’t whine, Don’t complain, and Don’t make excuses.

Let us know your thoughts.

 

Wooden J. & Jamison S. (2009), Coach Wooden’s Leadership Game Plan for Success. 12 Lessons for   Extraordinary Performance and Personal Excellence. McGraw-Hill. New York, NY.

MJW

www.truthspeakscoaching.com

Education vs. Learning

Facts about Education and Learning
Education is not the same as learning.
Education is useless without learning.
Learning must be present in order for education to be relevant.
Education is systematic and follows a certain process.
Learning has to be in the process of education.
Formal Education is not mandatory standard for adults to have.
Learning however is a mandatory standard adults should have and crave.
Education is one of the vehicles to which learning can be obtained.
Education and Learning are choices adults must make, however education can be wasted if learning has not taken place.

www.truthspeakscoaching.com