The thing I enjoy most about being a motivational speaker is meeting all kinds of great people from many different walks of life.
Speaking to a group of teachers at their staff development day in Texas recently was both a challenge and a lesson. The challenge was to maintain interest during a two hour presentation. The lesson was to never underestimate this group’s capabilities. They rocked!
We talked about the power teachers have to influence lives, ignite passion and leave a legacy of inspiration for our youth. Using my background as a professional pianist, I told the story of how my music teacher ‘rode me hard’ to practice scales and master the piano resulting in becoming valedictorian of my school at age 12. She said I had the talent to make a career in music and I believed her. Little did she know at the time what a HUGE impact her words would have on my life.
Fast forward thirty years: I’ve played piano on cruise ships & private yachts, entertained in thirteen countries around the world, appeared before celebrities like Elton John, Princess Grace & ‘James Bond’ and was chosen by Coca Cola to perform at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy. And it all started with my music teacher, Mrs. Higgenbottom.
Since I used a piano in my keynote presentation at this teachers’ staff development day, we played games that centered around music to demonstrate points on the power of passion, attitude and people connecting with other people. Bam! this group was all about participating! (see video)
The challenge to engage was no longer a problem. The lesson was to remember how we ALL have the power to influence others.
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