Keynotes
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INVISIBLE HANDCUFFS & THE LIMITS OF LABELS:
Bringing Out the Best in All Young People

When working with young people, what we expect is a prime cause of what we get. And it’s not just low expectations that matter. People with good feelings and high expectations of themselves as “social” may not see themselves as good at reading or writing. Every one of us, adults and youth, are limited by what Michael calls “invisible handcuffs”—an often unexamined and unchallenged inventory of self-beliefs. This presentation is a fun, inspiring, and practical demonstration of specific things we can do to motivate young people and bring out their best while cutting through often unconscious barriers that may unnecessarily limit their abilities as well as our own. You will feel energized, powerful, and ready to make a difference.