Years ago, at a party, my introductory statement to a guest was, "So, tell me your story." Everyone has a story, or a collection of stories. It's their favourite topic. Some of these stories inspire me.
I found out yesterday that one of my lecturers at college, a respected pastor and effective communicator was deemed 'unable to express himself' in school. Mr. Fergusson has many stories, recorded in his diary. He pulls out the right story to illustrate a point, drive it home. Another international speaker's teacher from school said it was a miracle he could even speak in public.
It gives me courage that teachers are unable to predict the success of a child with accuracy. Perhaps they're focusing too much on performance and not potential. What you are now, how well you perform and current success is not a definite indication of the future you.
Potential is a far greater indicator of success than performance. It's also harder to gauge. Well, all the same, it makes for interesting stories when people focus on the latter.
I found out yesterday that one of my lecturers at college, a respected pastor and effective communicator was deemed 'unable to express himself' in school. Mr. Fergusson has many stories, recorded in his diary. He pulls out the right story to illustrate a point, drive it home. Another international speaker's teacher from school said it was a miracle he could even speak in public.
It gives me courage that teachers are unable to predict the success of a child with accuracy. Perhaps they're focusing too much on performance and not potential. What you are now, how well you perform and current success is not a definite indication of the future you.
Potential is a far greater indicator of success than performance. It's also harder to gauge. Well, all the same, it makes for interesting stories when people focus on the latter.