whereby her coaching strategies help children to feel confident speaking up where before they might have not. She is aware that if a child is a confident speaker, would-be victimizers will often shy away.

“Children need to be in touch with their own thoughts and feelings to the degree that should a situation arise where an adult a child knows and trusts, attempts to harm them, that they can speak up until they are heard,” said Blackmon. “People who intend harm toward a child...look for children who may not appear as confident. If a child has been harmed, resulting in low confidence, there are more obstacles for a child to overcome in the journey for success; but it can be done.”

Meredith Larson, Ph.D. Literacy, supports Blackmon's approach, as well as her willingness to point out risks and fears involved in speaking up or out, even for adults.

“Leanna's E-book is a wonderful, easy to utilize guide for parents and other adults who interact with children. She clearly provides the background for understanding public speaking, and offers suggestions to help children become proficient, competent public speakers,” said Larson, who practices in Santa Maria, California.

Blackmon also realizes the importance of speech in the classroom, and the learning standards and objectives that are part of the curriculum for children at each grade level. She draws from years of teaching at the Kindergarten though university level. She can also speak as a parent, as she herself is a single mother.

“As parents are the primary teachers of their children, I felt it was important to help empower them to empower their children,” she said. “Often times, adults themselves fear public speaking and have experienced how it has limited their potential personally or professionally. It is essential for parents to recognize the need to apply these core coaching concepts, in a natural progression, that bridges informal and formal speaking settings.

Topics covered in Blackmon's E-book, include Speaking Up, Public Speaking, Expectations and the Ability to do so. It also includes References at the end. Endorsers of the E-book have ranged from professors, therapists, and authors, to Jack Zufelt, international speaker and author of www.DNAofsuccess.com. The e-book, which lists testimonials and additional information can be purchased at www.LeannaBlackmon.com.

Johanna Munoz, is a former newspaper reporter with The Fresno Bee and is awaiting the publication of her first book.


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