Monica (from my new book WORD PICTURES)

The high school football player whose letter was reprinted in the preceding entry, used the WORD PICTURE "breakaway" to become the most dominant player in his league.

A college softball player used the WORD PICTURE "extra bases" to trigger a vision of hitting the ball down the line, kicking up chalk for doubles.

A high school coach with one State championship in his 40 year career, focused on the WORD PICTURE "championship" in what would become his final years on the bench. A month later he one his second State championship.

A professional hockey player, battling a scoring drought, began to picture the word "goal" in his mind. I urged him to combine that word with the sounds associated with a goal scored during the game.

He began to associate the WORD PICTURE "goal" with the flashing lights which immediately followed after the puck went into the net. He heard the roar of the crowd in his mind and the music which filled the arena.

Over the course of the next few playoff games, he scored several goals and led his team to the league championship.

Over the years, my students have shared their success experiences with me in school, sports, business and life.

One of my most memorable experiences was not someone who made millions in business or hit a ball over the fence.

It was a young girl named Monica who was in one of my very first WORD PICTURES classes.

Monica was shy. Monica was a girl you can find today in any school in America.

You know this girl. She is shy, reticent, withdrawn. She sits in the back of the room, inconspicuous to everyone.

When Monica spoke, she covered her mouth with her hand. Her self esteem was fragile. She had few friends. If anyone was a perfect candidate for a massive makeover. Monica was the ideal choice.

It wouldn't be a new wardrobe, braces or a new social standing which would serve as Monica's makeover.

It started with WORD PICTURES and it all began in that classroom.

Monica's classmates were trying to get me fired that first semester of the introductory WORD PICTURES course in South Florida.

When I showed the students how I associated "salubrious" with the climate of Martinique, they went beserk.

They protested vehemently.

How does a definition of "salubrious" include the word "Martinique?"

It's my WORD PICTURES, not yours, but I want you to understand words beyond their structured definition.

I went on to ask that they open their minds to a new way of learning.

It wasn't easy. Years of traditional vocabulary teaching would be the most formidable opponent I ever faced in any of my classes.

Eventually, these students came around and stopped asking the headmaster for my own head.

There was one girl at the back of the class who was never part of the strident voices.

She sat back and observed a new world around her.

On her final day in class, she delivered a note to me.

I kept it for the longest time.


Dear Mr. Tarde

I was a scared little girl at the beginning of my senior year.

Then you came along with those controversial WORD PICTURES.

From that very first day, when the others students declared war against your innovative methods, I took the very first steps in taking my life back.

You sir, have rejuvenated me.

I am a different woman than that meek girl who was biting ehr nails and nervously waiting for time to pass me by.....



To read the rest of Monica's Letter and all 50 Chapters in my new book WORD PICTURES, contact me for special delivery which includes free lessons.

Email me at stevetarde@yahoo.com