Communication

Communication is the name of the game. If a private student doesn't understand what I have told them, then I need to explain it in a different way.

Three books (see also, complete list) that have been instrumental in developing my teaching style are:

1. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen R. Covey. Simon & Schuster. ISBN 0-671-70863-5.
2. What to Say to Get What You Want, Sam Deep and Lyle Sussman. Addison-Wesley. ISBN 0-201-57712-7.
3. How to Get Your Child to Practice Without Resorting to Violence!!, Cynthia Richards. Advance Publications. Available from Ithaca Talent Education (800-338-7483).

Some of the key principles of communication from these books are:

1. Put first things first.
2. Expect the best.
3. Seek to understand then be understood. Listen before talking, think before acting.
4. Get to the point.
5. Change what they do, not who they are.
6. Model the behavior you desire.
7. Adapt your approach to the person.
8. Provide for dignity and self-respect.
9. Appeal to self-interest using natural rewards.
10. Rejoice at success.
11. Feel your losses with remorse not guilt.
12. Think win/win--synergize.
13. Sharpen the saw--take time out to improve yourself and your teaching methods.
14. Be positive and enthusiastic.
15. Use tension dissolvers.