Simple Silence, Part III of III
By Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
Simple Silent, Part I was posted 12/8/09, www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Part II was posted 12/19/09.
Simple Silence, Part III of III:
Again, the topic of sound – or lack thereof – is introduced.
In 1993, when I opened my CART “headquarters” within a sign interpreter’s business, I feng shui-ed my office see if it would generate more revenue.
Hearing and deaf trolled through and parked in chairs, sharing, “It feels peaceful.”
Maybe having been surrounded by music and sound as a child and adult created an opportunity for my choice.
My mother, a special education elementary instructor (certified in two states) and music teacher with an associate’s degree in opera, plays approximately seven instruments. She always played an instrument or brought one home to practice for class lessons.
Her mother, my grandmother, was a piano prodigy who formed her own orchestra in Corpus Christi, Texas. Each musician had to play a minimum of four instruments.
I grew up with a lot of sound. The day that astronauts landed on the moon, my family was traveling and camping in a pop-up tent trailer. We were in El Paso, Texas. My memory is brutally hot – no air conditioning or TV.
That day, my youngest brother, Kevin Drue, bought a (cheap) guitar. In that heat (with no trees in sight), Kevin sat on a barbecue table. I listened as he taught himself to play guitar in that unbelievable heat.
Several hours later Kevin was pretty darn good. Additional information for Kevin may be found: www.captainkevindonnelly.com
And I married a man who plays the guitar – a lot.
The younger generation? Yes, music (and video games) are played – a lot.
Often court reporters have had music lessons prior to entering our profession. This talent can be a plus for students.
Walking into stores now, typically music is now blaring. Studies reveal that people shop longer (with the air conditioning cranked up – even in cooler weather) when music is heard.
While reading e-mails today as I finished this article on sound, I read that several sign interpreting friends were commenting about a new, just-released CD they are purchasing.
One deaf friend wrote, “What is it? Country? Rock? ‘Sounds’ good! Ha-ha.”
Silence, in my opinion, is powerful. This is a conversation I have had with many friends who cannot hear sounds. (Watching – actually staring at – people who “sign” is considered to be eavesdropping as shared with me by the deaf community.) They are my teachers on the subject of sound.
Court reporters, captioners, students and instructors are accustomed to listening to rapid-fire, back-to-back words in talk-over conversations.
Often we think, “When are ‘they’ going to inhale? How long can this pace continue?”
We know people are talking faster in depositions, court, and on TV. The subject has been documented.
As we round the corner for holidays, adding tasks to busy schedules, I want to remind you to listen to simple silence.
The seed I am planting here – silence – as gifted by my deaf friends is “hearing the sound of sound.” I seek to resonate this moment within you. This is my simple silent wish.
Part I and Part II are posted www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Monette Benoit may be reached at: Tutoring@CRRbooks.com
Monette Benoit, B. B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE
Realtime Court Reporter, Instructor, Consultant, Columnist
Coach, Tutor and Multiple Title Author of Books & Test Prep for the
Court Reporting
& Captioning Industry
About the Author:
Monette Benoit, B.B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, is a JCR Contributing Editor for the National Court Reporters Association, NCRA.
She is the author of multiple books and Test Prep for the Court Reporting & Captioning Industry to include the national and state RPR, RMR, RDR, CSR ‘Written Knowledge Exam’ Textbook, Workbook, Companion Study Guide, ‘The CRRT WKT’ CD Software Program, Advanced SAT, LSAT, GRE, Real-Time Vocabulary Workbook and ‘CATapult’ Your Dictionary CD Software Program series.
Books, CDs, private tutoring, mentoring services and articles may be referenced www.crrbooks.com/
Monette is an experienced consultant, instructor, real-time court reporter, tutor, life coach, CART provider, columnist. She teaches, tutors and coaches home-study students, college students, court reporters and professionals.
Monette speaks to groups at state, national and international conventions about motivation, technology, expanding skills and Deaf, Oral Deaf, Hard of Hearing.
Monette Benoit, B.B.A., Certified Court Reporter, Certified Reporting Instructor, Certified Program Evaluator, Paralegal, may be reached at: http://www.crrbooks.com/ http://www.catapultdix.com/ and All American RealTime/Captioning Services, Inc.: http://www.artcs.com/
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Monette’s Mindful Management: Lose Him? Part I
Mindful management is a term I share when I’m coaching, tutoring and assisting professionals and students with test prep. I desire to share mindful management moments with you.
Monette’s Mindful Management: Lose Him? Part I
By Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
Carting (carrying) a list of tasks to accomplish, I added one stop to my list.
The store always has sales; it is the season to give.
I rationalized this thought pulling into the busy parking lot and found a spot near the door. A sign? Yes, I rationalized that, too.
Inside the store, people were bumping into each other, many ‘mindlessly’ (truly) walking aisles, bumping carts (baskets) into other customers.
I scooted around people in all shapes and sizes and scurried like a bunny.
I needed to return to the office for tutoring and coaching. I was on schedule with few minutes to spare. I focused on the clock and my mission.
Then I saw it. On a shelf, eye level, was the item that just made my day!
It was an elongated heart-shaped item. The background was beige.
Printed in large capital letters: Lose Him!
I paused and saw the wick. A candle that said “Lose Him!” in large black letters? In the Christmas clearance section? I roared with laughter.
Then I wondered, “Did I know anyone who ‘needed’ this candle?”
That thought, during the Christmas season, was comical to me. And the price? Multiple red stickers were placed on the candle. It was reduced to $1.99; yet alone it sat on the shelf.
My court reporter focus here on a work day began to wonder, “Why was there only one “Lose Him!” candle? Was there a “Lose Her!” candle? Why was it on clearance and still here at $1.99?”
When the first shopper walked past, I showed it to her and said, “Look at this.”
She paused, then roared with laughter. She said, “I don’t know anyone who needs that. Do you?”
Another shopper approached, cautiously using a walker for assistance, and this woman showed the item to the elderly woman. Yes, she paused, threw her head back and howled with laughter.
The elderly woman said, “I don’t know anyone who needs that now. Do you?”
As people approached, each ‘new’ person showed the next (virgin) customer this “Lose Him!” candle. Every single person had the same pause, head tilt, then sudden laughter.
I watched (court reporter focus, perhaps). I could not stop laughing.
Reluctantly I returned the candle to the shelf – multiple customers were now flocked in a group, chatting with one another. No one was bothered that the entire aisle was blocked. The laughter was infectious, and a man with a British accent (“visiting your country” - a few shoppers understood this to be "Texas") approached. Yes, customers showed him, too.
My opinion is the ‘right’ person will find that candle.
I would love to be a fly on the wall when “Lose Him!” is gifted this Christmas season, as I believe it will be. $1.99 for a special message like that? Yes, it will be a gift.
How does this relate to mindful management? Messages come in all shapes and sizes.
Part II will target this message and Lose Him! within our professional world.
As we approach Christmas and 2010, I seek to share the wonder of the season and the gift of laughter – especially when it unfolds in real-time within a holiday-filled gifting mission.
Part II will be posted January 2010. Part III will be posted Valentine's Day.
Now you choose. Mindful management: If I may help you, I want to do so. What do you need?
Monette Benoit may be reached at: Tutoring@CRRbooks.com
Mylegal.com Contributing Editor, Monette Benoit, B.B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, may be reached at www.CRRbooks.com and www.ARTCS.com for customized coaching.
Monette Benoit, B. B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, Paralegal
Motivation Management & Life Coach,
Tutor and Multiple Title Author of Books & Test Prep for the Court Reporting & Captioning Industry
Realtime Court Reporter, Instructor, Consultant, Columnist
Court Reporter Reference Books & CDs: www.CRRbooks.com
Blog: Monette's Musings, www.monettebenoit.com
* Educational/Career Advancement; Private Tutoring/Customized Coaching
All American RealTime/Captioning Services, Inc.: www.ARTCS.com
Did You Know: You can accelerate your career with private tutoring and coaching?
Court reporting veteran Monette Benoit can help you achieve your goals.
Coaching and tutoring topics include:
• Motivation skills to keep you moving forward,
• Time-management skills,
• Process learning for more effective retention,
• Communication skills and daily interaction improvement skills, and much more.
Who comes to Monette for tutoring and coaching?
• Veteran court reporters, CART providers and captioners brushing up on their skills for test-taking requirements,
• In-class students who feel they’re falling behind or aren’t ready for the required tests,
• Students or veterans who struggle with focus, goal-setting, time-management or other life skills that might be interfering in their upward success,
• At-home students who want to ensure they’re on track for their exam and career goals,
• Veteran court reporters and captioners expanding their career options in related fields,
• Students and veterans alike who find they’re struggling with one or two key areas of daily practice,
• Students or veterans who have begun to question their career or whether they’re on the “right track” …
Check It Out: Reach Your Goals! Tutoring and Coaching
http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=29
Monette Benoit can help you achieve at much high levels. Where do you want to go? What have you really wanted to do with your career, and ultimately, your life? Specific custom-designed guidance efficiently assists you!
About Monette Benoit:
As a 25+year court reporter, CART provider, author of NCRA test prep material and an instructor, Monette Benoit has taught multiple theories, academics, all speed classes and the 225 homeroom within NCRA-approved schools and a community college. She understands the challenges many adults now face in our industry and schooling.
Monette Benoit has worked with thousands of professionals, court reporters, students and instructors. She has also helped create new court reporting training programs, worked with federal grants, and assisted instructors in developing curriculum for both in-class and at-home students.
Her one-on-one tutoring has greatly assisted thousands of students, novice and experienced professionals to privately reach the next level.
Monette’s Mindful Management: Lose Him? Part I
By Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
Carting (carrying) a list of tasks to accomplish, I added one stop to my list.
The store always has sales; it is the season to give.
I rationalized this thought pulling into the busy parking lot and found a spot near the door. A sign? Yes, I rationalized that, too.
Inside the store, people were bumping into each other, many ‘mindlessly’ (truly) walking aisles, bumping carts (baskets) into other customers.
I scooted around people in all shapes and sizes and scurried like a bunny.
I needed to return to the office for tutoring and coaching. I was on schedule with few minutes to spare. I focused on the clock and my mission.
Then I saw it. On a shelf, eye level, was the item that just made my day!
It was an elongated heart-shaped item. The background was beige.
Printed in large capital letters: Lose Him!
I paused and saw the wick. A candle that said “Lose Him!” in large black letters? In the Christmas clearance section? I roared with laughter.
Then I wondered, “Did I know anyone who ‘needed’ this candle?”
That thought, during the Christmas season, was comical to me. And the price? Multiple red stickers were placed on the candle. It was reduced to $1.99; yet alone it sat on the shelf.
My court reporter focus here on a work day began to wonder, “Why was there only one “Lose Him!” candle? Was there a “Lose Her!” candle? Why was it on clearance and still here at $1.99?”
When the first shopper walked past, I showed it to her and said, “Look at this.”
She paused, then roared with laughter. She said, “I don’t know anyone who needs that. Do you?”
Another shopper approached, cautiously using a walker for assistance, and this woman showed the item to the elderly woman. Yes, she paused, threw her head back and howled with laughter.
The elderly woman said, “I don’t know anyone who needs that now. Do you?”
As people approached, each ‘new’ person showed the next (virgin) customer this “Lose Him!” candle. Every single person had the same pause, head tilt, then sudden laughter.
I watched (court reporter focus, perhaps). I could not stop laughing.
Reluctantly I returned the candle to the shelf – multiple customers were now flocked in a group, chatting with one another. No one was bothered that the entire aisle was blocked. The laughter was infectious, and a man with a British accent (“visiting your country” - a few shoppers understood this to be "Texas") approached. Yes, customers showed him, too.
My opinion is the ‘right’ person will find that candle.
I would love to be a fly on the wall when “Lose Him!” is gifted this Christmas season, as I believe it will be. $1.99 for a special message like that? Yes, it will be a gift.
How does this relate to mindful management? Messages come in all shapes and sizes.
Part II will target this message and Lose Him! within our professional world.
As we approach Christmas and 2010, I seek to share the wonder of the season and the gift of laughter – especially when it unfolds in real-time within a holiday-filled gifting mission.
Part II will be posted January 2010. Part III will be posted Valentine's Day.
Now you choose. Mindful management: If I may help you, I want to do so. What do you need?
Monette Benoit may be reached at: Tutoring@CRRbooks.com
Mylegal.com Contributing Editor, Monette Benoit, B.B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, may be reached at www.CRRbooks.com and www.ARTCS.com for customized coaching.
Monette Benoit, B. B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, Paralegal
Motivation Management & Life Coach,
Tutor and Multiple Title Author of Books & Test Prep for the Court Reporting & Captioning Industry
Realtime Court Reporter, Instructor, Consultant, Columnist
Court Reporter Reference Books & CDs: www.CRRbooks.com
Blog: Monette's Musings, www.monettebenoit.com
* Educational/Career Advancement; Private Tutoring/Customized Coaching
All American RealTime/Captioning Services, Inc.: www.ARTCS.com
Did You Know: You can accelerate your career with private tutoring and coaching?
Court reporting veteran Monette Benoit can help you achieve your goals.
Coaching and tutoring topics include:
• Motivation skills to keep you moving forward,
• Time-management skills,
• Process learning for more effective retention,
• Communication skills and daily interaction improvement skills, and much more.
Who comes to Monette for tutoring and coaching?
• Veteran court reporters, CART providers and captioners brushing up on their skills for test-taking requirements,
• In-class students who feel they’re falling behind or aren’t ready for the required tests,
• Students or veterans who struggle with focus, goal-setting, time-management or other life skills that might be interfering in their upward success,
• At-home students who want to ensure they’re on track for their exam and career goals,
• Veteran court reporters and captioners expanding their career options in related fields,
• Students and veterans alike who find they’re struggling with one or two key areas of daily practice,
• Students or veterans who have begun to question their career or whether they’re on the “right track” …
Check It Out: Reach Your Goals! Tutoring and Coaching
http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=29
Monette Benoit can help you achieve at much high levels. Where do you want to go? What have you really wanted to do with your career, and ultimately, your life? Specific custom-designed guidance efficiently assists you!
About Monette Benoit:
As a 25+year court reporter, CART provider, author of NCRA test prep material and an instructor, Monette Benoit has taught multiple theories, academics, all speed classes and the 225 homeroom within NCRA-approved schools and a community college. She understands the challenges many adults now face in our industry and schooling.
Monette Benoit has worked with thousands of professionals, court reporters, students and instructors. She has also helped create new court reporting training programs, worked with federal grants, and assisted instructors in developing curriculum for both in-class and at-home students.
Her one-on-one tutoring has greatly assisted thousands of students, novice and experienced professionals to privately reach the next level.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Simple Silence, Part II of III
Simple Silence
By Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
Simple Silent, Part I was posted 12/8/09, www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Part II of III:
Why am I sharing this special memory? I believe court reporters are sensitive to sound. It is, after all, our bread and butter. Deaf friends have asked, “Is there technology to accurately help me do what you do?”
I slowly shake my head with a smile, “Um, I don’t think so.”
The reply, always, “Me neither; I just wanted to know.” I am surprised how often this conversation evolves.
Another conversation evolves with court reporters and students while I coach and tutor.
I am repeatedly asked, “What are you listening to?”
When I inquire why this is being asked, I hear, “You are very quiet when I speak. Do you have your computer on? Are you doing something else? Do you have music playing?” I am surprised how often I hear these words.
I reply, “When I work – court, depo or CART – I am listening. When I am teaching, coaching, I am listening. This is what we do well. My computer is not on, so I may focus. There’s no music.”
Then I pause for the follow-up, which is sure to follow: “What do you have in the background? Fish tank? Fountain? What do you have for sound?”
I reply, “Silence. I have bird feeders outside. Truly, that’s it.”
Individuals with severe hearing loss (there are degrees) or profound deafness may not have sound.
Silence is powerful. Is that one reason we are comforted walking into church? Close church doors, and you may not hear external sounds. Open those doors, and the world instantly changes.
When people arrive at my office or home often silence is a topic. Adults pause, “What is that? No sound? It’s so silent. I can’t do that in my world or home.”
And some add, “I hate to leave; it’s peaceful, quiet.
Teens comment, “What? No TV, music? What’s up with that? It’s too quiet. Why?” Teens shrug, hands in the air, gesturing their thoughts on ‘no sound’.
Frequently, in the next sentence, individuals say, “I like it; it feels good” – or – they say the complete opposite, “I need something in the background; I could never do that.” (There’s not much middle ground on this.)
Again, the topic of sound – or lack thereof – is introduced.
In 1993, when I opened my CART “headquarters” within a sign interpreter’s business, I feng shui-ed my office see if it would generate more revenue.
Hearing and deaf trolled through and parked in chairs, sharing, “It feels peaceful.”
Maybe having been surrounded by music and sound as a child and adult created an opportunity for my choice.
Part III will be posted 12/29/09 on www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Monette Benoit may be reached at: Tutoring@CRRbooks.com
Monette Benoit, B. B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE
Realtime Court Reporter, Instructor, Consultant, Columnist
Coach, Tutor and Multiple Title Author of Books & Test Prep for the
Court Reporting
& Captioning Industry
About the Author:
Monette Benoit, B.B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, is a JCR Contributing Editor for the National Court Reporters Association, NCRA.
She is the author of multiple books and Test Prep for the Court Reporting & Captioning Industry to include the national and state RPR, RMR, RDR, CSR ‘Written Knowledge Exam’ Textbook, Workbook, Companion Study Guide, ‘The CRRT WKT’ CD Software Program, Advanced SAT, LSAT, GRE, Real-Time Vocabulary Workbook and ‘CATapult’ Your Dictionary CD Software Program series.
Books, CDs, private tutoring, mentoring services and articles may be referenced www.crrbooks.com/
Monette is an experienced consultant, instructor, real-time court reporter, tutor, life coach, CART provider, columnist. She teaches, tutors and coaches home-study students, college students, court reporters and professionals.
Monette speaks to groups at state, national and international conventions about motivation, technology, expanding skills and Deaf, Oral Deaf, Hard of Hearing.
Monette Benoit, B.B.A., Certified Court Reporter, Certified Reporting Instructor, Certified Program Evaluator, Paralegal, may be reached at: http://www.crrbooks.com/ http://www.catapultdix.com/ and All American RealTime/Captioning Services, Inc.: http://www.artcs.com/
By Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
Simple Silent, Part I was posted 12/8/09, www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Part II of III:
Why am I sharing this special memory? I believe court reporters are sensitive to sound. It is, after all, our bread and butter. Deaf friends have asked, “Is there technology to accurately help me do what you do?”
I slowly shake my head with a smile, “Um, I don’t think so.”
The reply, always, “Me neither; I just wanted to know.” I am surprised how often this conversation evolves.
Another conversation evolves with court reporters and students while I coach and tutor.
I am repeatedly asked, “What are you listening to?”
When I inquire why this is being asked, I hear, “You are very quiet when I speak. Do you have your computer on? Are you doing something else? Do you have music playing?” I am surprised how often I hear these words.
I reply, “When I work – court, depo or CART – I am listening. When I am teaching, coaching, I am listening. This is what we do well. My computer is not on, so I may focus. There’s no music.”
Then I pause for the follow-up, which is sure to follow: “What do you have in the background? Fish tank? Fountain? What do you have for sound?”
I reply, “Silence. I have bird feeders outside. Truly, that’s it.”
Individuals with severe hearing loss (there are degrees) or profound deafness may not have sound.
Silence is powerful. Is that one reason we are comforted walking into church? Close church doors, and you may not hear external sounds. Open those doors, and the world instantly changes.
When people arrive at my office or home often silence is a topic. Adults pause, “What is that? No sound? It’s so silent. I can’t do that in my world or home.”
And some add, “I hate to leave; it’s peaceful, quiet.
Teens comment, “What? No TV, music? What’s up with that? It’s too quiet. Why?” Teens shrug, hands in the air, gesturing their thoughts on ‘no sound’.
Frequently, in the next sentence, individuals say, “I like it; it feels good” – or – they say the complete opposite, “I need something in the background; I could never do that.” (There’s not much middle ground on this.)
Again, the topic of sound – or lack thereof – is introduced.
In 1993, when I opened my CART “headquarters” within a sign interpreter’s business, I feng shui-ed my office see if it would generate more revenue.
Hearing and deaf trolled through and parked in chairs, sharing, “It feels peaceful.”
Maybe having been surrounded by music and sound as a child and adult created an opportunity for my choice.
Part III will be posted 12/29/09 on www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Monette Benoit may be reached at: Tutoring@CRRbooks.com
Monette Benoit, B. B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE
Realtime Court Reporter, Instructor, Consultant, Columnist
Coach, Tutor and Multiple Title Author of Books & Test Prep for the
Court Reporting
& Captioning Industry
About the Author:
Monette Benoit, B.B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, is a JCR Contributing Editor for the National Court Reporters Association, NCRA.
She is the author of multiple books and Test Prep for the Court Reporting & Captioning Industry to include the national and state RPR, RMR, RDR, CSR ‘Written Knowledge Exam’ Textbook, Workbook, Companion Study Guide, ‘The CRRT WKT’ CD Software Program, Advanced SAT, LSAT, GRE, Real-Time Vocabulary Workbook and ‘CATapult’ Your Dictionary CD Software Program series.
Books, CDs, private tutoring, mentoring services and articles may be referenced www.crrbooks.com/
Monette is an experienced consultant, instructor, real-time court reporter, tutor, life coach, CART provider, columnist. She teaches, tutors and coaches home-study students, college students, court reporters and professionals.
Monette speaks to groups at state, national and international conventions about motivation, technology, expanding skills and Deaf, Oral Deaf, Hard of Hearing.
Monette Benoit, B.B.A., Certified Court Reporter, Certified Reporting Instructor, Certified Program Evaluator, Paralegal, may be reached at: http://www.crrbooks.com/ http://www.catapultdix.com/ and All American RealTime/Captioning Services, Inc.: http://www.artcs.com/
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Simple Silence, Part I of III
Simple Silence, Part I of III
By Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
I want to plant a seed; simple silence. Silence is powerful. I have Deaf friends (their term) who would not change their deafness. They embrace their world.
A special memory was created when I introduced two people who have been deaf since childhood. I met each through my CART, communication access real-time translation, work. They did not know each other and wanted to meet.
I met my friends for Sunday morning lunch (I called it ‘breaking bread together’) at a golf country club. I was a club visitor. Separately, each spent much time on the golf courses with their families. This was a comfortable environment for them.
While ordering food at the counter (which was then delivered), one friend stood with his hands tucked in his khaki pants pockets, shoulders back and down. He was reading our lips.
My other friend, the young lady, had her hands on the counter, and was reading the menu and watching our lips. She and I were signing (ASL, American Sign Language). He does not sign; he is oral deaf.
My male friend said, voice a tad louder than might have been for the Sunday country club, “Have you ever heard sound?”
I stepped back to watch this communication.
The dude taking our order gasped; golfers stepped away.
She voiced, “I don’t think so. I don’t know.”
My friends looked to me, paused, and smiled ‘ear to ear’.
My male friend who refuses to learn sign said, “I have no sound. Nothing! Never heard sound. Did you?”
She, who signs, said, “Maybe. I might have. I do not remember.”
Within the restaurant and outdoor patio, mature “bruncher” (my term) adults were seated at little round tables wearing tennis and golfing outfits.
Individuals now were ‘frozen’ (similar to within a photograph) – their food and fork suspended midair. Everyone clearly heard this conversation about sound.
Everyone, many with raised eyebrows, waited. No one – and I mean ‘no one’ – moved. I softly giggled and returned my attention to my friends.
My friends wrapped up the conversation, “I wonder what sound is like. Silence is good. It’s all I know.”
The counter-dude had not spoken to my friends while they ordered their lunch. (Yes, I worked to change that.
My friends handled the situation. How? Per their request, I ordered.)
I glanced behind me one more time. (Court reporter reaction, perhaps?)
People were now eating; yet there was no conversation in the room or patio. There was complete silence. People worked to avoid eye contact with us. I remember the moment well. And I ordered a glass of wine (before noon on Sunday), which I slowly sipped watching the moments unfold in real-time.
Part II of III will be posted 12/19/09 on www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Monette Benoit may be reached at: Tutoring@CRRbooks.com
Monette Benoit, B. B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE
Realtime Court Reporter, Instructor, Consultant, Columnist
Coach, Tutor and Multiple Title Author of Books & Test Prep for the
Court Reporting
& Captioning Industry
About the Author:
Monette Benoit, B.B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, is a JCR Contributing Editor for the National Court Reporters Association, NCRA.
She is the author of multiple books and Test Prep for the Court Reporting & Captioning Industry to include the national and state RPR, RMR, RDR, CSR ‘Written Knowledge Exam’ Textbook, Workbook, Companion Study Guide, ‘The CRRT WKT’ CD Software Program, Advanced SAT, LSAT, GRE, Real-Time Vocabulary Workbook and ‘CATapult’ Your Dictionary CD Software Program series.
Books, CDs, private tutoring, mentoring services and articles may be referenced www.crrbooks.com/
Monette is an experienced consultant, instructor, real-time court reporter, tutor, life coach, CART provider, columnist. She teaches, tutors and coaches home-study students, college students, court reporters and professionals.
Monette speaks to groups at state, national and international conventions about motivation, technology, expanding skills and Deaf, Oral Deaf, Hard of Hearing.
Monette Benoit, B.B.A., Certified Court Reporter, Certified Reporting Instructor, Certified Program Evaluator, Paralegal, may be reached at: http://www.crrbooks.com/ http://www.catapultdix.com/ and All American RealTime/Captioning Services, Inc.: http://www.artcs.com/
By Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
I want to plant a seed; simple silence. Silence is powerful. I have Deaf friends (their term) who would not change their deafness. They embrace their world.
A special memory was created when I introduced two people who have been deaf since childhood. I met each through my CART, communication access real-time translation, work. They did not know each other and wanted to meet.
I met my friends for Sunday morning lunch (I called it ‘breaking bread together’) at a golf country club. I was a club visitor. Separately, each spent much time on the golf courses with their families. This was a comfortable environment for them.
While ordering food at the counter (which was then delivered), one friend stood with his hands tucked in his khaki pants pockets, shoulders back and down. He was reading our lips.
My other friend, the young lady, had her hands on the counter, and was reading the menu and watching our lips. She and I were signing (ASL, American Sign Language). He does not sign; he is oral deaf.
My male friend said, voice a tad louder than might have been for the Sunday country club, “Have you ever heard sound?”
I stepped back to watch this communication.
The dude taking our order gasped; golfers stepped away.
She voiced, “I don’t think so. I don’t know.”
My friends looked to me, paused, and smiled ‘ear to ear’.
My male friend who refuses to learn sign said, “I have no sound. Nothing! Never heard sound. Did you?”
She, who signs, said, “Maybe. I might have. I do not remember.”
Within the restaurant and outdoor patio, mature “bruncher” (my term) adults were seated at little round tables wearing tennis and golfing outfits.
Individuals now were ‘frozen’ (similar to within a photograph) – their food and fork suspended midair. Everyone clearly heard this conversation about sound.
Everyone, many with raised eyebrows, waited. No one – and I mean ‘no one’ – moved. I softly giggled and returned my attention to my friends.
My friends wrapped up the conversation, “I wonder what sound is like. Silence is good. It’s all I know.”
The counter-dude had not spoken to my friends while they ordered their lunch. (Yes, I worked to change that.
My friends handled the situation. How? Per their request, I ordered.)
I glanced behind me one more time. (Court reporter reaction, perhaps?)
People were now eating; yet there was no conversation in the room or patio. There was complete silence. People worked to avoid eye contact with us. I remember the moment well. And I ordered a glass of wine (before noon on Sunday), which I slowly sipped watching the moments unfold in real-time.
Part II of III will be posted 12/19/09 on www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Monette Benoit may be reached at: Tutoring@CRRbooks.com
Monette Benoit, B. B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE
Realtime Court Reporter, Instructor, Consultant, Columnist
Coach, Tutor and Multiple Title Author of Books & Test Prep for the
Court Reporting
& Captioning Industry
About the Author:
Monette Benoit, B.B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, is a JCR Contributing Editor for the National Court Reporters Association, NCRA.
She is the author of multiple books and Test Prep for the Court Reporting & Captioning Industry to include the national and state RPR, RMR, RDR, CSR ‘Written Knowledge Exam’ Textbook, Workbook, Companion Study Guide, ‘The CRRT WKT’ CD Software Program, Advanced SAT, LSAT, GRE, Real-Time Vocabulary Workbook and ‘CATapult’ Your Dictionary CD Software Program series.
Books, CDs, private tutoring, mentoring services and articles may be referenced www.crrbooks.com/
Monette is an experienced consultant, instructor, real-time court reporter, tutor, life coach, CART provider, columnist. She teaches, tutors and coaches home-study students, college students, court reporters and professionals.
Monette speaks to groups at state, national and international conventions about motivation, technology, expanding skills and Deaf, Oral Deaf, Hard of Hearing.
Monette Benoit, B.B.A., Certified Court Reporter, Certified Reporting Instructor, Certified Program Evaluator, Paralegal, may be reached at: http://www.crrbooks.com/ http://www.catapultdix.com/ and All American RealTime/Captioning Services, Inc.: http://www.artcs.com/
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