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Member of the National PTA

A light-hearted program that explains the importance of creating a mission statement, setting short term/long term goals and working with teachers and mentors to plan a course of action. The students will be given ideas and suggestions that will assist them in getting their ducks in a row.

Program Synopsis:

A a forty-five minute motivational program that explains the importance of having a life vision and the benefits of setting goals.

Richard begins the presentation with an eye opening story of when he was in tenth grade and how challenging and sometimes difficult is was not to only look different (birth defect his right shorter than his left with two fingers) but also to be below average when it came to academic skills. He explains that he gave up on himself and how he was on the road to being the number one host of the poor poor me pity party. He explains how his Aunt Sally (one of his many life mentors) inspired him to keep trying and reminded him that the world was waiting, waiting for him to share his gifts. From there he demonstrates how he taught himself ventriloquism and that his first life goal was to learn how to become a professional ventriloquist.

As a quick humorous example he brings his hands to life performing a mini skit. Then he introduces his first ventriloquist character Babalou and shares how they used to perform in his parent’s garage charging ten cents to get in and twenty-five cents to get out. Following the demonstration he instructs the students to fill out a simple handout entitled “The World Is Waiting.” He asks them to write down: What they like to do? Why they like to do it? How can they get better? From there he asks selected students to share their vision of themselves and their abilities. He explains that unless we have some kind of definition of ourselves and what we can do we will never be able to find out who we are.

He then explains how life’s so called failures are the building blocks of success. As an example he tells that if Thomas Edison and Walt Disney quit after their first failure they would have never been able to find out their position in life. He quotes from authors Al Ries and Jack Trout “anything worthwhile doing is worthwhile doing lousy.” He reminds them unless they have a vision of there future, set goals and are willing to try they run the risk of never being who it is they really are.

Next Peking Duck humorously shares how a lama named Dolly taught him how to believe in himself. As an added bonus a student is brought up to help Richard with his funny trained flea Fredrick. Together they demonstrate that with determination and will one can accomplish anything.

Here's What Others Think of Richard!

Richard,

I met with my staff after our Appreciation Luncheon and the consensus was that your message came through "loud and clear" - YES! I CAN!!!!. That's exactly what I wanted them to hear! ! Not only did you deliver that message, but you did it in a way that all of our students despite their individual disabilities could understand. The "universal" employability skills like be on time, look "sharp", have fun and work with your coworkers, accept constructive criticism, respect authority, etc, can never be emphasized enough with our students! I thank you sincerely for contributing to a successful event for our students, and look forward to working with you in the future.

Martha Smith, Transition Coordinator, St. Clair County RE