Do It Myself Blog – Glenda Watson Hyatt

People are often puzzled by how I can be a motivational speaker when I have such a pronounced speech impairment. A fair puzzlement, indeed.

My career choice is largely thanks to technology. Because of technology, I am able to convert text into synthesized speech, which I then embed into my PowerPoint presentation that also has scrolling captions and images.

However, the process is not for the faint of heart or technophobe. For the technophile who likes an ingenious mashup, here is a behind-the-scene-look at how I created my most recent PowerPoint presentation “Go Beyond: Stare Your Fear in the Face and Go for It!”

Writing and Editing

The process begins with writing my presentation in Microsoft Word. Typing with only my left thumb is slow; using the WordQ software for word prediction and completion saves me keystrokes.

However, when I am in my writing groove, I either keep typing and lose the benefit of having word prediction or I constantly look up at the word prediction box on my computer screen and lose the flow of words.

Here’s where using my original iPad with the free (yet no longer available) DisplayLink app as a second computer screen comes in handy. I drag the word prediction box over to the second screen and place the iPad on my lap, within the same view as my keyboard, which makes writing a little more comfortable.

Time: 20.75 hours

Chunking Text

The scrolling captions, for the benefit of audience members who are hearing impaired, are actually text boxes stacked above each PowerPoint slide. Motion paths (the green and red arrows in the image below) move the captions down to along the top of the slide when I hit the Space Bar while presenting. Each slide has 15 captions; an arbitrary number that can easily be decreased on a slide, but not easily increased.

Each caption holds approximately a line and a half of text from Microsoft Word.

Once I have written my presentation, I break the text into slides and captions. Captions become identified by the format Slide X-Y – where X is the slide number and Y the caption number – which is important in later steps.

Some slides end up having less than 15 captions and some captions are short depending on natural breaks in the content and where I want slightly longer pauses. This is one of the few ways I can control the speed of delivery.

Time: 2.5 hours

Copying the Captions

At this point, my ever-patient husband Darrell copies the captions from Word and pastes into the corresponding the caption box in PowerPoint. He also saves each caption as a separate text file, using the structure Slide X-Y as the filename.

Time: 4.33 hours

Kate-izing the Text

Next comes converting the text into speech with the software TextAloud and the synthesized voice known as Kate. One by one, I open each text file and listen to how Kate reads it. Sometimes some tweaking of the pronunciation is necessary; for example, is “read” meant to be spoken as “reed” or “red” in that instance?

Once saving it as a WAV file (the only option compatible with PowerPoint), I link the audio file with the appropriate caption via the Animation Panel in PowerPoint. Here’s where the filename structure Slide X-Y comes in handy.

Time: 5.25 hours

Creating, Adding and Layering images

For the most part, I use my own images rather than stock ones in my presentations. Finding them and then cropping and adding arrows or such (as needed) takes time, albeit fun.

The tricky part is the layering of the images. The slide below has four images layered upon one another, plus text boxes and arrows to highlight details. All of these are inserted between the appearance of the captions via the Animation Pane on the right.

Getting the order and the timing right for all of these moving bits is when I reach for the chocolate; the darker, the better.

Time: 17.25 hours

Testing, Tweaking and Practicing

Now that the presentation is built, I can see how it looks and sounds as a whole. I make revisions, adjustments and corrections as needed. Changing one word means redoing the audio file, editing the caption and re-linking the audio file to the caption. It all takes time, but it is worth it in the end.

With this one presentation, I ran out of time before I was 100% happy with the end product. No one knew except me.

Time: 3 hours

After 53.08 hours, 16 slides, 163 audio files, 163 captions, 163 motion paths, 38 images and numerous arrows, text boxes and accessories, I have a 30 minute presentation. Whatever it takes to get the job done!

Here is a brief clip from “Go Beyond: Stare Your Fear in the Face and Go for It!”:

(Transcript is available here.)

To have me share the entire presentation with your group, your organization or at your event, please contact me.

If you enjoyed this post, consider buying me a chai tea latte. Thanks kindly.

For a few years Darrell and I had talked about working together on a project. We just needed an idea.

That idea came this summer: we would write an ebook about the subject we know best – our lives together.

However, this idea caused Darrell great trepidation. He is not a writer; writing is painful. Yet, he trusted me to move forward with the idea; a trust I did not (and do not) take lightly.

We decided on a question and answer format, so that our readers would, hopefully, feel like they were sitting around the table, chatting with us. Once we came up with the list of questions, we each wrote our responses separately. Response by response, the ebook was written. A light editing was then applied to correct the grammatical errors and yet still maintain the rawness and truthfulness of our words.

We are happy to announce the release of Seated in Empowerment: A couple’s journey with cerebral palsy through life, marriage and success!

Glenda and Darrell both have physical disabilities, specifically cerebral palsy. Both are unable to walk independently, Glenda does not speak clearly. Between them, they have the equivalent of two functioning hands. But that doesn’t define who they are, neither does it hold them back.

Despite various medical professionals saying these two individuals wouldn’t amount to much, they fell in love, got married and bought a condo. They struggle with the unenlightened attitudes of others, needless physical accessibility issues and household chores. Through it all, they keep a sense of humour and determination, and a deep love and admiration for one another.

What is the one thing they would change about themselves? How do they make life and marriage work? What do they see as success?

Seated in Empowerment is available on the Kindle. However, you do not need a Kindle to read this and other ebooks. Check out the many ways you can read Kindle books.

At the moment, Seated in Empowerment is only available in electronic format. I still need to check if the book is long enough for CreateSpace, the print-on-demand arm of Amazon. (Our ebook is a quick read.) If you would prefer a printed copy, please let me know in the comments below. That will indicate to me whether looking into CreateSpace should be higher on my priority list.

Please welcome Darrell into the world of published authors on Amazon; a world he never envisioned himself entering. I am so proud of him!

And…happy reading!

If you enjoyed this post, consider buying me a chai tea latte. Thanks kindly.

With a mix of happy and sad tears, I would like to introduce Faith’s successor: Buddy!

The Kitty Stork (aka foster mom Wendy) delivered Buddy to us Friday evening after I had a successful adoption interview that morning, which really wasn’t much of an interview at all. I think emailing a list of blog posts about Faith to the Application Manager helped to demonstrate my capacity to be a loving kitty mommy.

Darrell and I then made a quick trip to the pet supply store for the essentials and not-so-essentials in preparation for the Kitty Stork’s arrival:

That shopping trip was fun! Obviously, he will be loved lots.

Only a little is known about Buddy’s background: his family could not afford him and chose to surrender him a few weeks ago. Because he is so cuddly and affectionate, I have no doubt that was a heartbreaking decision for them. But surrendering him to a lady who assists people on low incomes with their pets, who in turn handed him over to Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue (VOKRA), was the best decision for this little guy. He will be well cared for and neutered; he won’t be contributing to the unwanted cat population.

Because VOKRA fosters all of their kitties in homes, I was concerned about getting to various homes to view the kitties. Yet, once again the Universe came through: Wendy had her first husband- and daughter-free weekend in years. She brought the kitty, formerly known as Sterling, to me on the agreement that I would be honest and tell her if he wasn’t the right kitty for me. As if! It was instant love.

Buddy is likely a Russian Blue, at least in part. His guessimated birth date is June 1st, making him now four months old. He is full of energy, as well as affection and purrs.

For seventeen year, Darrell claimed that he is not a cat person. Within twenty-four hours, Buddy had blown hubby’s cover! Buddy jumps up on his lap for cuddles, pats and purrs. Darrell might not be a cat person, but he is definitely a Buddy person. Who knew!

Why Buddy?

The non-cat person started calling him Buddy until I could come up with a more suitable name. I didn’t have any potential names in mind when he arrived; I wanted to wait for the little guy to tell me who he is.

After a name like Faith, I kept thinking this little one needed a more significant name than Buddy. Upon further thought, I realized that everyone should be a blessed with a good, reliable friend who is there through the happy and sad times, the good and bad. A buddy. What is more significant than that! 

Welcome Buddy!

If you enjoyed this post, consider buying me a chai tea latte. Thanks kindly.

My Faith kitty came to me while I was still pretty much seen (and behaved) as “non-verbal”. Over the years, she was by my side to witness me emerging from the silence. First, as I found my voice online with blogging and subsequent social networking platforms. She slept on the couch too many late nights, patiently waiting for me to go to bed, while I was exploring, learning and experimenting in this new world title was opening up to me.

Next, she was patient with me as my husband Darrell and I experimented and mashed together various technologies so that I could give presentations. She gave me “the look” every time I packed my bag to go on a trip.

She was with me when I finally decided (and declared to myself) that I wanted to be a motivational speaker; apparently many other people already saw me as such but I hadn’t yet caught up with myself.

Faith was with me through negotiating my first gig as a motivational speaker, which the fee turned out being an honorarium – it’s a start!

Sadly, she was not with me, in the physical sense, when I gave my first official motivational speech two weeks ago.

But I did wear my “Faith socks” – black socks with a cat appliqué that I had received in my Christmas stocking several years and that I have worn while delivering nearly every presentation. At some point while I was presenting “Go Beyond: Stare Your Fear in the Face and Go for It!” the word FAITH in white text briefly flashed in my mind’s eye.

This also happened a few days earlier while I was dancing in the Kickstart Festival’s Final Procession.

As I was about to head out the doors at the Roadhouse, totally in the moment and focused on what I was doing, the word FAITH in large white text, in a font slightly fancier than Times New Roman, quickly appeared in my mind. I was startled and somewhat perplexed. What? Now? I can’t really let the tears flow in this moment. I guess it was the little monkey’s way of letting me know she was with me.

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For the last few weeks I had been itching to wheel down a few extra blocks to the pet supply store – where I used to buy Faith’s litter and food – to see if there were any notices of available kitties posted in the window. I finally felt brave enough to make the trek last Wednesday afternoon, which appears to be Faith’s time. I discovered the Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue (VOKRA) and I rushed home to check out the website. They are a no-kill rescue and all of the kitties are fostered in homes, which really appeals to me. I don’t think I have it within me, at least not right now, to deal with the drama and trauma of adopting from a shelter.

After exploring the gallery of adorable kitties available for adoption and pondering it overnight, I realized that a new kitty would be Faith’s successor, NOT her replacement! It seems fitting that my honorarium from my first official motivational speech goes toward the adoption fee (and perhaps one bag of food) for her successor who will, hopefully, see me through the next stages of my speaking career and the next chapters in my life.

But. first, I had to finish something; something that I was scared to finish because it might make losing Faith feel all too final – that something was my tribute to her. I had drafted and chosen the photos a few weeks earlier, but I couldn’t bear to do the final edits. Not until Saturday night when I finished editing and then sent it off to Eve at Until We Meet Again.

I was then drawn back to the VOKRA gallery of kitties and lured to tentatively start completing the adoption application. I hit the submit at 12:05am on the 22nd, the four-month mark of Faith’s leaving. The guilt.

Not expecting a response over the weekend, particularly since Sunday was VOKRA’s fundraiser, I was surprisingly excited and antsy to hear back regarding the next step in the adoption process: the interview. Do the feelings mean I am ready? I am not sure. It is what it is.

Meanwhile, earlier this week, my business friend Becky McCray forwarded me an email that reminded me about Business Leadership Networks (BLNs) – networks of corporations committed to hiring people with disabilities. Since they hire employees with disabilities, they might also be amenable to booking a motivational speaker with a disability. It was worth exploring.

While doing some online research on Tuesday afternoon, one thing led to another – as they often do while online – and I discovered Dameon Brooks Associates: “the only speaker and performing arts bureau that represents those with a disability.” Scrolling through the list of speakers, one name jumped off the screen. I had seen him at the Kicksart Festival at the Roundhouse two weeks earlier; however I hadn’t been brave enough to introduce myself.

Finding his Facebook page, I discovered we have six mutual friends, including my good friend Avril Orloff. What are the chances! I had no hesitation in emailing Avril to request an introduction this seasoned speaker with a disability.

I start composing an email to her when I get a notification from Dropbox that the raw video from my presentation from two week ago is ready for download AND an email with possible interview times for the kitty adoption process. In the time it took me to begin downloading the video and reply to the VOKRA Applications Manager, I receive a response from Eve – Faith’s tribute would up be up on their memorial site the following day, which perhaps not so coincidentally, ended up being late Wednesday afternoon: Faith’s time.

I finally get back to emailing Avril, who has kindly introduced me to her friend.

Holy guacamole!

Everything IS connected! Business, personal, excitement, sadness and a tinge of guilt are all mashed together. That is life! This is my life; I am living and experiencing it the best I can because it is the only one I get.

If you enjoyed this post, consider buying me a chai tea latte. Thanks kindly.

Eight weeks ago Wednesday afternoon, my constant companion and friend for seventeen years, Faith, was gently removed from my lap. Since then, many, many tears have fallen.

Did you know that the chemical makeup of tears of sorrow or grief is quite different from tears of happiness or relief? And, that crying is as healthy for you physically as it is emotionally?

In her article The Health Benefits of Tears, Judith Orloff, M.D., shares “tears are a sign of courage, strength, and authenticity." Strangely, I don’t really feel courageous and brave with all of these tears streaming down my cheek. I actually feel the opposite: weak. vulnerable.

But I do love this bit:

Crying is also essential to resolve grief, when waves of tears periodically come over us after we experience a loss. Tears help us process the loss so we can keep living with open hearts. Otherwise, we are set up for depression if we suppress these potent feelings. When a friend apologized for curling up in the fatal position on my floor, weeping, depressed over a failing romance, I told her, “Your tears blessed my floor. There is nothing to apologize for.”

I find these words to be a relief and, actually, refreshing. Like, perhaps, I haven’t been in the wrong for being “too sensitive” all of my life.

One reason for these tears is the loss of the pure joy that Faith freely gave to me all of these years.

• Her purring. What sound creates more pure joy than a kitty’s purr?
• Her presence. She was never too far away.
• Her closeness. Curling up in bed to read with her right beside me.
• Her kitty kisses. Too early in the morning.
• Her warmth and softness. Nap times on the couch.
• Her beauty. And her captivating big green eyes.

Since May 22nd, I haven’t felt like curling up with a book. The last book I read was Rod Stewart’s autobiography back in April with Faith purring beside me; I thoroughly enjoyed that time together. I haven’t even sat on the couch since Faith was taken from my arms. Napping there would not be the same now. I desperately miss her joyous purr and regret that I didn’t record it and didn’t take more videos of her. (I thought I would have more time with her to do that.)

Those moments of joy can not be replaced. I hope, eventually, those memories will bring a smile rather than tears.

For now, I am trying to find joy elsewhere:

• Taking time to appreciate the flowers on my deck and how the purple petunias with white edges remind me of the colourful frilly skirts worn by square dancers.
• Going on photo wheels with Darrell.
• Listening to Rod Stewart’s newest CD. He is still my fav, even after reading his autobiography.
• Spending time talking with my loving and extremely patient Darrell over an iced mocha.

I am sure the list will slowly grow with time.

What brings you joy? How do you find joy again after such a loss? Please feel free to share in the comments below.

If you enjoyed this post, consider buying me a chai tea latte. Thanks kindly.