ClassLink’s Post

I am still thinking about her story! Check out the latest episode of "Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition" to hear details.

How do you get your pieces up to speed? 🤔 A popular method is to start by practising them slowly using a metronome and then repeating passages while gradually increasing the metronome tempo. However, there are much better ways of building speed while retaining accuracy and control. One of these is called "chaining" - in this video excerpt from an online workshop recording, Graham Fitch shows how to use chaining to learn the Allegro of the first movement of Beethoven's Pathétique Sonata: https://lnkd.in/dawwmbUm

Spoiler Alert: Last Friday night I attended a brilliant new musical called “Alan” (a coincidence!), a poignant work from Spain exploring the life of Alan Montoliu, a teen who took his own life due to the bullying he endured while transitioning. I was captivated by the story, the characters and music, then boom -- I suddenly realized that two of the characters (spoiler alert!) who I thought were brother and sister were actually the same person, but at different ages. It was brilliant storytelling, using the powerful technique of “the element of surprise.” Once I realized the twist, the musical took on even greater meaning. In developing speeches using story, the “element of surprise” can be a very powerful technique to use. If you want to learn how to employ this technique in your own storytelling, here are a few tips! 1. Start with an Unexpected Statement or Question Kick off your speech with something that makes people go, "Wait, what?" For example, "Did you know more people have access to a smartphone than a clean bathroom? So, if you're texting from the toilet, you are part of the solution!" 2. Incorporate an Anecdote with a Twist Tell a story where everyone thinks they know the ending, then flip it on its head. "I once spent an hour convincing a stranger on a plane I was a Harvard Professor... only to find out they were actually on Harvard’s Board of Trustees!" 3. Use Props or Visuals Unexpectedly Bring in a random object that seems totally unrelated and then surprise everyone with its relevance. I sometimes use a magic wand – and later people realize it relates to my experience working on the Harry Potter book series. But Wait! You Didn’t Think I Wasn’t Going to Mention TedX Summer Camp, Did You? And on a related note, if you have a big speech to give and you need help coming up with that Big Idea – and a few “elements of surprise” to keep your audience engaged – check out my upcoming Ted X program. That Big Idea for a Ted Talk, even if you never give one, can also be the focus of a keynote or talk. This might be the program for you. Here is the info and registration link!

How do you get your pieces up to speed? 🤔 A popular method is to start by practising them slowly using a metronome and then repeating passages while gradually increasing the metronome tempo. However, there are much better ways of building speed while retaining accuracy and control. One of these is called "chaining" - in this video excerpt from an online workshop recording, Graham Fitch shows how to use chaining to learn the Allegro of the first movement of Beethoven's Pathétique Sonata: https://lnkd.in/dawwmbUm

I'm curious. Always. This is why I love TedTalks. They feed me bite-sized content and work well as learning reinforcement across all subjects. I'm currently designing a course that includes the TedTalk below as a resource 👇 It's well worth the short 9 minutes for many reasons. I love site-specific performances that connect communities and how they "celebrate culture as the highest expression of the human spirit." What TedTalk have you found engaging and why? #LifelongLearner #curiosity #CommunityConnection

Gain valuable perspective on the timing of post-concert discussions and reflections. Join us as we explore the significance of discussing concert wins, preparations, and areas for improvement after returning from a break. Learn how to effectively engage students in conversations about concert performances and caroling day experiences to foster continuous growth and development. Discover why it's never too late to reflect and strategize for future success! #ConcertReflections #ContinuousImprovement #StudentEngagement 🎶📈

Events to listen, learn and absorb the wisdom of others is key to change. Count Us In last week provided a session on just that. Key takeouts... - to drive positive change how can we avoid hypocrisy and past behaviour getting in the way? - how do we avoid putting up barriers and making our sustainable future an elite conversation? - what universal subject matter (food, nature, football, music) can we put at the heart of the conversation to reach the masses?

Watch my keynote to hear the latest trends in Entertainment and news and new launches at Disguise

You can't always use this technique - but when you have the opportunity, it can be a fantastic way to win someone over if they're initially not too excited about engaging with you. PS: Excuse the occasional choppy audio - getting good sound on a windy beach with the waves crashing is challenging 😁 #communication #connection #socialskills #relating #relationshipbuilding

More relevant today than ever.