What I Learned from Walt Disney About Stories and Sound

Posted on June 3, 2014 by Tricia Ransom

I visited the Walt Disney Family Museum a few days ago and was INSPIRED!

Yes, he’s known for Disneyland, DisneyWorld, and amazing cartoons…These are all stories or experiences to help us learn something about ourselves, history or human nature.

And isn’t that what we try to do in L&D every day?

 

4 Key Points

Tempo means how fast or slow the music is played. This helps set the mood of a scene.

Tempo means how fast or slow the music is played.
This helps set the mood of a scene.

 

 

 

1. Tempo Tells a Story

 

Composers work with the artists to create music that enhances the mood of a scene.

Composers work with the artists to create music that enhances the mood of a scene.

 

 

2. Music Sets the Mood

 

 

 

A musical them, underscoring a character, adds depth and meaning to the character.

A musical theme, underscoring a character, adds depth and meaning to the character.

 

 

3. Themes Enlighten Characters

 

 

 

Songs are more than interludes; they can help tell the story.

Songs are more than interludes; they can help tell the story.

 

 

4. Words Set to Music Speak Volumes

 

 

 

For me, the takeaway was simple – sound and music are as integral to a story as the words and actors.

Here’s my proof – Name these movies:

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Inspiration is EVERYWHERE!

Posted on May 31, 2014 by Tricia Ransom

Right now I’m in the Disney Family museum in San Francisco.
Blog post coming soon about Walt Disney’s advocation of music, tempo, sound, color in storytelling.
And wait until you see the flowchart! Nothing linear. He was doing social learning/creation before it was social!

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How I Learned that Shannon Tipton is AMAZING at Feedback!

Posted on May 30, 2014 by Tricia Ransom

I used to work for Shannon Tipton. On Twitter I called her #BossLady. Although it was a brutal commute – over 50 miles each way – it was worth every hour spent on the Chicago roadways.

Ambius drive

I wasn’t kidding about the commute, was I?

 

You’re probably wondering why I did it.

 

Shannon Tipton.

 

Shannon is the reason I did these Hell Drives.

 

She pushed me into being better than I ever thought I could be.

 

A couple of days ago, I blogged about some bad reviews I received for my facilitation skills, or lack thereof according to two people. I learned I’m not as perfect as I thought!

And this is where the brilliance of Shannon Tipton shines brightest.

Her response to me encourages and urges. She has full belief that everyone can always be better. Don’t take my word for it, read hers:

shannonThis is a great and brave reflective exercise! It’s hard to accept that we aren’t perfect. How dare the people tell us we aren’t wearing any clothes? Getting feedback is key, getting constructive feedback even better. Might I suggest you record the next webinar and listen back, not just to your voice/tone etc. but to the responses (or lack thereof) of the participants. Did you just tell a joke that you thought fit, but after listening back all you’re hearing is awkward silence? This is why video taping presentations is so valuable. But this kind of exercise is good for all things, like having a member of your #PLN read your posts before they go out… *wink*

And that is the essence of Shannon. I miss working for her, and I wonder what we could have accomplished. She’ll tell you that I abandoned her. It wasn’t her; I had to leave Chicago winters!

But thanks to Social Media, she’s always around to push me to be better than I ever thought I could be.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Showing My Work: The Ugly

Posted on May 27, 2014 by Tricia Ransom

I train customers on our products. We do this by providing elearning followed by a facilitated virtual classroom.

Last week I got my first HORRIBLE reviews on my facilitation skills. I know, it happens.

me really2I ask you, who wants to hear about their flaws?

Not me!

In my happy place, I’m convinced that I am sheer perfection!

However, showing your work and sharing your learning is predicated on one inescapable fact:

You are not perfect

My brain’s response: “Whatever. Says who?”

Then I asked my brain, “But brain…what if it’s true? What if…*gasp*… I’m not perfect?”

I spent all weekend thinking about the reviews. Some feedback I dismissed: there isn’t a thing I could do about the technical issues on their end. Some feedback was fair such as the comments about my facilitation style.

The end result:

  • Spoke with our Customer Success team and asked them to reach out to our customer to offer a do-over
  • Pledged to myself to “rein it in” for the quiet attendees. My style isn’t for everyone, and I need to adapt to provide the best learning experience for my customers
  • Emailed customer directly to talk w/them about their technical issues

Here is what I learned:

  • Bad reviews happen.
  • Not everyone will like you and that’s OK.
  • I need to reflect on feedback, and determine if it is valid. If it is just ranting, then it’s not feedback.
  • Bad isn’t always bad.
  • Bad is your chance to reflect on what you’re doing, and change if needed. Try it.
  • Receivers of feedback are going to get defensive. It’s a human reaction.
  • We need to help feedback receivers move beyond their feelings so they can hear the other person’s feelings.

I still ABHOR bad evaluations. I dread that sinking feeling in my stomach. I’m human, I expect this.

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How I Learned a FOURTH Unexpected Reason to Submit a Speaking Proposal

Posted on May 23, 2014 by Tricia Ransom

The inspiration for this post is David Kelly of the eLearning Guild and his blog post,  Three Unexpected Reasons to Submit a Speaking Proposal.

It made me mutter aloud to myself as I was reading it. You see, I recently submitted my very first speaking proposal.

“Mutter, mutter, mutter. Wait, what did I just say to myself?” Yep, that’s how my brain works.

“Yes brain, you’re right. Even if I don’t get accepted, I know that I’m worthy of speaking at a conference.”

Whoa. If I think I’m worthy to speak at a conference, then it becomes true.

I’m not going to lie. The whole process was HARD.

Picture me in front of my laptop at home. My husband is pacing in front of the TV while asking “how does that sentence apply to what people will learn, blah blah blah.” I’m sitting there, and my mind goes blank.

I tearfully proclaim to my husband, “But I have nothing to say! What am I going to talk about?” Anyone who’s been around me for longer than 2 minutes knows how much hooey that is…

Jimmy and I took the leap of faith together. He grabbed my finger, and together we clicked Submit. And it was just over. For a minute, I was disappointed. And then…

…and then my brain yelled “SHE IS WORTHY“.

And I finally believed it.

It’s a leap of faith. Even if I don’t get accepted, I know I tried. I know that my thoughts mean something.

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