Earlier today, I attended the "Area A" CADA/CASL Leadership conference in Woodland. While it was a welcoming refreshment compared to sitting in class
, it wasn't a conference that I'd pay to attend. (The CASC ones, especially the summer camp, are much better)
During the afternoon keynote address, the speaker discussed the “YES factor,” with the aid of a personal experience. He told us about his experience with deep sea driving (or whatever the correct term is). Apparently, his friend had invited him to go diving with him (in the ocean) while they were on a speech tour. As some of you are already aware, one must have certification prior to engaging in this recreational sport. However, from what I understand, it is still “legal” to sea dive, but only to a limited depth.
While the speaker's friend held a certification, the speaker himself did not. Thus, he enrolled himself in a one-day instructional course covering the basics of sea diving. (Note: the course for the actual certification process is different, as he discussed later.)
The following day, the speaker’s friend congregated with his another experienced crowd to go sea diving, and left the speaker himself to the care of an “expert/master” at sea diving. As agreed upon prior to entering the water, the speaker was suppose to dive no further than 35 ft (as allowed) as he did not hold the necessary certification.
So, the two enter the water. Everything went fine. They first went to 7 ft, then 20 ft, then 35 ft. At 35 ft, the “master” asked the speaker for his “OK signal,” meaning everything was fine. And it was, so the speaker replied with his “OK signal.”
And they continued diving down further.
Then to 45 ft. Then to 55 ft. Then to 65 ft, 75ft, and finally the ocean floor, at 85 ft.
But every 10 ft, he stopped and asked for the “OK signal,” to ensure that all was well.
The “master’s” intent was to take the process one step at a time, or asking a “small yes,” as he was asking the speaker to step out of his comfort zone into an activity he wasn’t supposed to be doing and he may not feel comfortable doing. If the “master” had asked the speaker if they could go to the ocean floor before the two entered the water, the reply would’ve be evidently, a firm no, as he would’ve been asked a “big yes.” But given the gentle and gradual process of asking for a “small yes” at a time, the speaker himself was able to gradually do something he had not previously envisioned himself to do. That was the keynote speaker’s point: it is important to take “baby steps” in doing things.
So now, you’re wondering why I’m telling you all of this?
To illustrate an example of a “big yes” and a “little yes,” he decided to pick from members of the audience.
I was his first pick.
At that point, I was unaware of what I’d be made an example of, a “little yes” or a “big yes.”
Well, it was the latter.
He asked me for my name (Michael), then asked that I stand on top of the chair I was sitting on.
I was told to sing the first verse of the Star-Spangled Banner!
Granted, this was a crowd of well over 300 people, probably 400. Mostly female students comprised of the “elite” of every school as it was a gathering for the regional student council groups. So these aren’t your typical high school low lifers, well may be there were a few.
As a musically challenged male, one who has never performed in front of an audience and is severely challenged in public speaking, this was a very intimidating moment.
Anyway, immediately upon standing up on the chair, and after given my “assignment,” my jaw literally dropped. Of course, almost simultaneously, a huge cheer (and clap) rose from the crowd, so the pressure was too strong at that point to back down. Nevertheless, I had to perform what I was asked; I began, but was stopped after the third word (or so), and was asked to sing even louder. Again, a cheer and immense clapping rose from the crowd.
Ultimately, I performed what I was asked to their satisfaction (I guess) and thankfully sat back down.
So that was my Tuesday. How was yours?
During the afternoon keynote address, the speaker discussed the “YES factor,” with the aid of a personal experience. He told us about his experience with deep sea driving (or whatever the correct term is). Apparently, his friend had invited him to go diving with him (in the ocean) while they were on a speech tour. As some of you are already aware, one must have certification prior to engaging in this recreational sport. However, from what I understand, it is still “legal” to sea dive, but only to a limited depth.
While the speaker's friend held a certification, the speaker himself did not. Thus, he enrolled himself in a one-day instructional course covering the basics of sea diving. (Note: the course for the actual certification process is different, as he discussed later.)
The following day, the speaker’s friend congregated with his another experienced crowd to go sea diving, and left the speaker himself to the care of an “expert/master” at sea diving. As agreed upon prior to entering the water, the speaker was suppose to dive no further than 35 ft (as allowed) as he did not hold the necessary certification.
So, the two enter the water. Everything went fine. They first went to 7 ft, then 20 ft, then 35 ft. At 35 ft, the “master” asked the speaker for his “OK signal,” meaning everything was fine. And it was, so the speaker replied with his “OK signal.”
And they continued diving down further.
Then to 45 ft. Then to 55 ft. Then to 65 ft, 75ft, and finally the ocean floor, at 85 ft.
But every 10 ft, he stopped and asked for the “OK signal,” to ensure that all was well.
The “master’s” intent was to take the process one step at a time, or asking a “small yes,” as he was asking the speaker to step out of his comfort zone into an activity he wasn’t supposed to be doing and he may not feel comfortable doing. If the “master” had asked the speaker if they could go to the ocean floor before the two entered the water, the reply would’ve be evidently, a firm no, as he would’ve been asked a “big yes.” But given the gentle and gradual process of asking for a “small yes” at a time, the speaker himself was able to gradually do something he had not previously envisioned himself to do. That was the keynote speaker’s point: it is important to take “baby steps” in doing things.
So now, you’re wondering why I’m telling you all of this?
To illustrate an example of a “big yes” and a “little yes,” he decided to pick from members of the audience.
I was his first pick.
At that point, I was unaware of what I’d be made an example of, a “little yes” or a “big yes.”
Well, it was the latter.
He asked me for my name (Michael), then asked that I stand on top of the chair I was sitting on.
I was told to sing the first verse of the Star-Spangled Banner!
Granted, this was a crowd of well over 300 people, probably 400. Mostly female students comprised of the “elite” of every school as it was a gathering for the regional student council groups. So these aren’t your typical high school low lifers, well may be there were a few.
As a musically challenged male, one who has never performed in front of an audience and is severely challenged in public speaking, this was a very intimidating moment.
Anyway, immediately upon standing up on the chair, and after given my “assignment,” my jaw literally dropped. Of course, almost simultaneously, a huge cheer (and clap) rose from the crowd, so the pressure was too strong at that point to back down. Nevertheless, I had to perform what I was asked; I began, but was stopped after the third word (or so), and was asked to sing even louder. Again, a cheer and immense clapping rose from the crowd.
Ultimately, I performed what I was asked to their satisfaction (I guess) and thankfully sat back down.
So that was my Tuesday. How was yours?
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