Daily Reading - Allen James' Calendar Books - "A Teacher's Daily Guide to Success"

Our reading for April 13th is from "A Teacher's Daily Guide to Success" but is applicable to each and every one of us..."Don't be afraid to mark with comments".

When I first began my teaching career all the teacher training I had obtained in English education taught me to "bleed" openly on student papers. This was difficult for me as I had always detested the "blood" on my own papers while in school. Having to open a folder and see red pen markings was not something "I" was ever going to subject my students to. However; insects bleed black....so the black ink pen sufficed. I never held back in making comments on essays from which students could learn, positive comments as well as correctional ones.

How might this translate to working toward personal success one may ask? Simple. Never be afraid to express to others your opinions in a helping manner. Do you perhaps struggle to express your thoughts and opinions? It can all become overwhelming, and no one wants to be a shadow in the crowd; having their thoughts and opinions heard must be a priority.

The very achievement of being able to express yourself; and more importantly be listened to, is an extremely rewarding feeling. Just how can you express your ideas and opinions clearly and assure you are listened to?

The following 5 tools can help in expressing your comments to others in a positive, helpful, non-threatening or intrusive manner:

1. Clarify your objective

Make sure before attempting to open your mouth and the words begin to flow you are 100% clear on the ideas which need to be expressed. Knowing where you want to go with the conversation will help to give you an extra confidence boost.

When the one you are speaking with can see you are confident then they will be more alert and want to listen.

2) Don't expect "perfection"

Just sit and ask yourself, exactly what is perfect? Is there anyone out there 100% perfect? The fact is we are only human and the reality is not one of us is perfect and without flaw. A small error is acceptable, there's no need to be stringent to the point you begin to struggle voicing your opinion! As long as you know the topic of importance, a simple error can be overlooked.

3) "Keep it simple"

Consider why you "tune out" others when they voice their opinion; remember your days at school and college with teachers lecturing in front of the class. Being lectured to is boring!

There really is no need to use big words. Comments voiced in an exciting manner will be more than enough to keep others tuned in. It's extremely annoying to have someone chatting away for 30 minutes, when the conversation could have been kept basic, ending in half the time.

Stay on the straight and narrow; turning left and right is not going to turn into a success story. Don't cause the one to whom you are making comments fall asleep!

4) Consider what you say before you speak

One of the major fears of having to express your opinion to others is how you will be perceived by them. Can you really afford to let negativity like this get in the way?!

If you have the chance, write down what you're planning to say, then read it back to yourself! This will assist you in "thinking before you speak" and possibly commenting in an attitude/tone you didn't intend.

5) Revise before you talk

Yes, simple revision of your conversation will help you take it to the next level. The very factor you are confident and know what you are talking about will help significantly.

When people feel assured you know what you are talking about and you are certain on what you're expressing, then they will have confidence in you and possible make application to their own lives. Think about possible questions which might arise from your comments and be prepared to rebut if needed!

A good friend, and a Calendar Books by Allen James fan, Amanda S. once said to me, "What do you say when you have nothing to say yet something must be said". How profound! Again, draw from your inner strength and know your comments are worth sharing. Helping others with your opinions and thoughts propels you down the path in your journey to personal success.

Keep looking up. : ) AJ