Tuesday, 17 June 2025
Monday, 16 June 2025
Professor M. S. Rao’s Vision 2030: One Million Global Leaders : Effective Tips for Note-Taking—Professor M.S. Rao,...
Sunday, 15 June 2025
Effective Tips for Note-Taking—Professor M.S. Rao, Ph.D.—21st-Century Philosopher & The Father of “Soft Leadership”
"Never use a sentence when you can use a phrase, or a phrase when you can use a word" —Berkeley
Note-taking is an art and the process of writing the content in a shorthand format in an unstructured manner without losing the essence for future reference and records. Usually, the speaking rate is faster than the writing. When any lecture takes place the entire information can not be written by the listeners. Therefore, the key and important information is written succinctly in a notebook. It is a skill anyone can cultivate and inculcate through the right application of tools and techniques. There is also software related to this, which is known as note-taking software that has several advantages.
Merits of Note-Taking
Note-taking helps in absorbing and memorizing the material effectively due to the muscular movement of the hand. It helps in broadening your mental faculties. It saves time and energy. It helps in bridging the gap between speaking and writing. It can be used for future reference.
Dos and Don’ts during Note Taking
Focus on the content, not on the speaker.
Listen attentively to the speaker.
Write clearly and legibly for your clarity.
Write the keywords.
Write only what is required.
Don’t write lengthy sentences.
Don't sit beside your colleague as you may be disturbed during note-taking.
Don’t divert your mind here and there.
Note Taking Tips
Studies on memory have shown that, without review, 47% of what a person has just learned is forgotten in the first twenty minutes and 62% is forgotten after the first day. (University of Texas at Austin).
Develop a positive mindset about the speaker and the content as it encourages you towards note-taking.
Be attentive and listen carefully to the speaker.
Create and develop your method of taking notes which helps to decode as and when required.
Write on one side of the paper so that extra information, ideas, or insights can be added later on.
Create your shorthand style to note down the key relevant content.
Pay your attention closely and keenly to the content.
Divide the page into three columns. In the first column write down what was taught in the class in key words. In the second column, write down the same in an elaborate form after reading from the text. In the third column, write down the queries to be posed to the teacher, if any. It saves your precious time as you don't have to duplicate the content freshly in another page book. In addition, this approach aligns the entire information in depth and makes the information available on a platter.
Use different colored highlighters to accord the priority of importance.
Research reveals that we can recall what was taught in the class within 24 hours only by 80 percent. Therefore, jot down immediately after the class what was said if you don't find time during the class.
By referring to textbook material before being delivered you get to know idea about the topic. Secondly, it will help you to jot down what is not there in the text. In this way, note-taking adds value to your knowledge as you get knowledge beyond books delivered by the teacher.
Maintain separate notebooks per subject. It helps in organizing things properly and also saves your time and avoids stress arising out of searching for the content.
A Take-Home Message
“A short pencil is always better than a long memory.”
Students can do well with note-taking skills. It is a skill anyone can develop and hone. In schools, note-taking skills should be taught as it saves time and helps in better memory retention.
Teachers should write key content and concepts on the board as it helps both the teacher and students. For teachers, it helps to teach better in the next class due to the muscular movement the key facts can better be remembered. For students, it becomes easier to write and also helps in separating grain from the chaff. Therefore, brush up your note-taking skills to achieve optimum results.
Share if you care!
“Things You Don’t Know about Professor M. S. Rao” http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com/2015/10/things-you-dont-know-about-professor-m.html
Read my ‘Vision 2030 One Million Global Leaders’ URL: http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com/2014/12/professor-m-s-raos-vision-2030-one_31.html
Note: I had a brain hemorrhage. I was in bed for five months. My right hand has been numb and paralyzed. I am recovering. Thanks for empathizing with me. With gratitude. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFJrSRLHPUk&ab_channel=ProfessorM.S.Rao
Life is great!
Professor M.S. Rao, Ph.D.
Founder of MSR Leadership Consultants, India
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/M.-S.-Rao/e/B00MB63BKM
Vision 2030: https://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/professormsrao
Substack: https://professormsrao.substack.com
X: http://twitter.com/professormsrao
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ProfessorMSRao
Meta: https://www.facebook.com/Professor-MS-Rao-451516514937414
See the Light in You: https://www.amazon.com/See-Light-You-Spiritual-Mindfulness/dp/1949003132
Thanks for reading!
Kindly share your thoughts and comments below. I’m sure someone out there will find your story useful.
Copyright©2025 MSR Leadership Consultants India. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
This nonprofit blog will share Professor M.S. Rao’s passion and vision to build one million students as global leaders by 2030. Please don't cut articles from my blog; redistribute them by email or post them on the web. The use of this material is free provided the copyright is acknowledged and a reference or link is made to the Blog http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com. Without permission, this material may not be sold, published, or used to provide business services to a third party.
How to Deliver Your Commencement/Graduation Speech?—Professor M.S. Rao, Ph.D.—21st-Century Philosopher & The Father of “Soft Leadership”
“We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better.” —J.K. Rowling, Harvard University
I was invited to deliver a convocation address in 2020. Here is how you can proceed with your commencement or graduation speech. Research the audience thoroughly, brainstorm several ideas, shortlist the best one, prepare unique content, and rehearse several times to build your confidence, connect with your audience effectively, and ensure takeaways to them successfully.
Here is the template for your commencement speech. In the introduction, thank the host and congratulate the audience for their efforts and achievements. In the body, share three ideas with anecdotes or inspiring stories. Appreciate the audience. In conclusion, thank the listeners for their time and listening, and wish them good luck.
Preparation and Delivery of Your Speech
“I know that men are won over less by the written than by the spoken word, that every great movement on this earth owes its growth to orators and not to great writers.” —Adolf Hitler, Mein Kampf
Delivering a commencement address is a great responsibility. So, you must choose your words carefully. The audience expects unique content on your presentation plate. Here are some tips to consider before delivering your speech successfully. Keep your speech between 10 to 15 minutes. Focus on three ideas and share them with anecdotes, examples, and illustrations. Keep your content crisp and communication clear. Write your speech and edit it several times to drive home your messages effectively. Rehearse your prepared speeches, delivery, hand gestures, and body language. Include animation to convey your ideas and ideals emphatically. Take feedback from your facial expressions, vocal expressions, and body expressions to improve your oratory. Perfect the art and craft of public speaking by emphasizing excellence.
Be an energetic and inspiring speaker. Appreciate the audience for their efforts, discipline, focus, and sacrifices to acquire their degrees. Don't spoon-feed the audience by defining the concepts. Get straight into the examples and illustrations. Avoid using famous quotes. When you are invited as a speaker, you are special and your messages should become quotes for others. Avoid sharing conventional content. Instead, share unconventional and unique content to make your speech memorable and everlasting. Understand the body language of your audience and adapt your oral language accordingly. Give adequate pauses to enable your audiences to understand your ideas and applaud. Communicate in the language of the audience to connect with them. Create a unique brand by including emotional and inspiring words. Speak with humility with an emphasis on humanity and hope. Share them slowly and steadily to enable your audiences to digest the essences easily. Be lively filled with energy and enthusiasm. Your voice must be clear, content must be crisp, and communication must be effective. Avoid jargon. Use your body language positively. Use your sense of humor appropriately. Remember that your speech must come from your heart, not your head.
Conclusion
"Of all the talents bestowed upon men, none is so precious as the gift of oratory. He who enjoys it wields a power more durable than that of a great king. He is an independent force in the world. Abandoned by his party, betrayed by his friends, stripped of his offices, whoever can command this power is still formidable." ― Winston Churchill
Don’t make your speech preachy. Ensure that your speech is inspiring and calling for an action to dream and achieve big. To conclude, delivering a commencement or graduation speech is a great opportunity for speakers to convey their ideas, insights, and challenges. The content must be strong and communication must be clear. The ideas and insights must be simple and straight hitting the bull's eye.
"Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart." —Steve Jobs
References
https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Successful-Public-Speaking-Speaker/dp/1628656107
https://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com/2020/06/tips-to-deliver-your.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sgvtd6W8GNw&t=275s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuPl0oFxQXU
Share if you care!
“Things You Don’t Know about Professor M. S. Rao” http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com/2015/10/things-you-dont-know-about-professor-m.html
Read my ‘Vision 2030 One Million Global Leaders’ URL: http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com/2014/12/professor-m-s-raos-vision-2030-one_31.html
Note: I had a brain hemorrhage. I was in bed for five months. My right hand has been numb and paralyzed. I am recovering. Thanks for empathizing with me. With gratitude. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFJrSRLHPUk&ab_channel=ProfessorM.S.Rao
Life is great!
Professor M.S. Rao, Ph.D.
Founder of MSR Leadership Consultants, India
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/M.-S.-Rao/e/B00MB63BKM
Vision 2030: https://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/professormsrao
Substack: https://professormsrao.substack.com
X: http://twitter.com/professormsrao
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ProfessorMSRao
Meta: https://www.facebook.com/Professor-MS-Rao-451516514937414
See the Light in You: https://www.amazon.com/See-Light-You-Spiritual-Mindfulness/dp/1949003132
Thanks for reading!
Kindly share your thoughts and comments below. I’m sure someone out there will find your story useful.
Copyright©2025 MSR Leadership Consultants India. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
This nonprofit blog will share Professor M.S. Rao’s passion and vision to build one million students as global leaders by 2030. Please don't cut articles from my blog; redistribute them by email or post them on the web. The use of this material is free provided the copyright is acknowledged and a reference or link is made to the Blog http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com. Without permission, this material may not be sold, published, or used to provide business services to a third party.
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Professor M. S. Rao’s Vision 2030: One Million Global Leaders : Leadership Lessons from Jhansi Rani Lakshmibai—Pro...
Wednesday, 21 May 2025
Leadership Lessons from Jhansi Rani Lakshmibai—Professor M.S. Rao, Ph.D.—21st-Century Philosopher & The Father of “Soft Leadership”
"The Ranee was remarkable for her bravery, cleverness, and perseverance; her generosity to her subordinates was unbounded. These qualities, combined with her rank, rendered her the most dangerous of the rebel leaders." —General Sir High Rose
There are several women leaders who contributed to India’s independence and prosperity. The list is endless. In this post, I will discuss Rani Lakshmibai, her leadership style, and the lessons we must learn from her leadership.
Rani Lakshmibai was born on 19 November 1828 in Varanasi, India, and died on 18 June 1858 near Gwalior. She was an educated, civilized, bold, brilliant, and beautiful woman. She became the ruler of Jhansi when she was barely 18 years old. She was an incredible and inspiring leader. She was an iconic leader who fought for India's independence. She fought valiantly and gave a tough time to the British. She emerged as the mascot for Indian nationalism.
Leadership Lessons
Rani Lakshmibai was self-educated and a voracious reader. There are several lessons you can learn from her leadership. Here are some of them.
Be courageous enough to face the challenges.
Be honest and straightforward.
Overcome volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity.
Encourage women's empowerment.
Stand by your principles and philosophies.
Conclusion
“Whatever Rani Laxmibhai's faults in British eyes may have been, her countrymen will ever remember that she was driven by ill-treatment into rebellion and that she lived and died for her country. We cannot forget her contribution to India." —Colonel Malleson
Films and serials have been named in her eulogy, her fight for independence. Kangana Ranaut played the lead role in the film Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, which was released on 25 January 2019. Learn lessons from her leadership to excel as a successful leader. You are gifted with one life, and you must deliver your goods sincerely without craving for any attention and approval to provide meaning to your life.
Rani Lakshmibai was a legend who lived her life without any fear. She remains an inspiration for all Indians and will be remembered forever in Indian history for her courageous leadership. Jai Hind.
"In her death, the rebels lost their bravest and best military leader." —Regimental history of the 8th Hussars
"In appearance, she was fair and handsome, with a noble presence and figure and a dignified and resolute, indeed stern, expression, which appeared to have usurped the place of the peculiar softness which, when she was younger and had good hope of a prosperous life, distinguished her." —Meadows Taylor (quoted in Smyth)
Share if you care!
“Things You Don’t Know about Professor M. S. Rao” http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com/2015/10/things-you-dont-know-about-professor-m.html
Read my ‘Vision 2030 One Million Global Leaders’ URL: http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com/2014/12/professor-m-s-raos-vision-2030-one_31.html
Note: I had a brain hemorrhage. I was in bed for five months. My right hand has been numb and paralyzed. I am recovering. Thanks for empathizing with me. With gratitude. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFJrSRLHPUk&ab_channel=ProfessorM.S.Rao
Life is great!
Professor M.S. Rao, Ph.D.
Founder of MSR Leadership Consultants, India
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/M.-S.-Rao/e/B00MB63BKM
Vision 2030: https://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/professormsrao
Substack: https://professormsrao.substack.com
X: http://twitter.com/professormsrao
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ProfessorMSRao
Meta: https://www.facebook.com/Professor-MS-Rao-451516514937414
See the Light in You: https://www.amazon.com/See-Light-You-Spiritual-Mindfulness/dp/1949003132
Thanks for reading!
Kindly share your thoughts and comments below. I’m sure someone out there will find your story useful.
Copyright©2025 MSR Leadership Consultants India. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
This nonprofit blog will share Professor M.S. Rao’s passion and vision to build one million students as global leaders by 2030. Please don't cut articles from my blog; redistribute them by email or post them on the web. The use of this material is free provided the copyright is acknowledged and a reference or link is made to the Blog http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com. Without permission, this material may not be sold, published, or used to provide business services to a third party.
Leadership Lessons from Subramania Bharati: Reform, Perform and Transform—Professor M.S. Rao, Ph.D.—21st-Century Philosopher & The Father of “Soft Leadership”
"Let the sky fall, when it crumbles, we will stand tall and face it all together." —Subramanya Bharathiyar
அச்சமில்லை அச்சமில்லை அச்சமென்பதில்லையே
துச்சமாக எண்ணி நம்மைத் தூறு செய்த போதினும்
Several leaders changed the face of India with their courage, creativity, and contribution. The list is endless. In this post, I will discuss Subramanya Bharathiyar, his creative leadership, and the lessons we must learn from his leadership.
Subramanya Bharathiyar (Dec. 11, 1882—Sept. 11, 1921)
“Live in the present and shape the future, do not cast lingering looks to the distant past for the past has passed away, never again to return." —Subramanya Bharathi
Subramanya Bharati was a great poet, patriot, nationalist, freedom fighter, and social reformer. He was also known as "Mahakavi Bharati." He is considered the father of the modern Tamil style. He was born in Thoothukudi and lived in Triplicane, Chennai. He lived in Varanasi, where he had a Sikh friend. He loved Sikhs and wore a turban and a beard like a Sikh. He was associated with Mahatma Gandhi during India's freedom struggle. He moved to Puducherry during the freedom struggle and lived there for 10 years. Puducherry is a land of creativity and cultural prosperity where he translated the Bhagavad Gita into Tamil. He died poor in pocket but rich in heart.
Leadership Lessons—Reform, Perform, and Transform
"World will prosper in knowledge and intellect if both men and women are deemed equal." —Subramanya Bharathi
There are several lessons you must learn from Bharathiyar’s creative leadership. Here are some of them.
Walk your talk.
Be fearless. Do what is just and right.
Don’t compromise with your principles and philosophies.
Advocate for women's empowerment.
Be rich in ideas despite being poor economically.
When the going gets tough, tough gets going.
Emphasize knowledge, not wealth.
Conclusion
“He who writes poetry is not a poet. He whose poetry has become his life, and who has made his life his poetry—it is he who is a poet.” —Subramanya Bharathi
Bharathiyar contributed immensely to poetry and India's freedom struggle. As a mark of respect for his contribution, Bharathiar University was named after him in Coimbatore in 1982; the road was named after him in New Delhi; award was instituted after him by the Ministry of Human Resources; and statues erected in various places including Indian Parliament, Marina Beach, Chennai, and Puducherry.
You are gifted with one life, and you must deliver your goods with excellence without craving for any attention and seeking approval from others to provide meaning to your life.
Subramanya Bharati remains an inspiration for all Indians, especially for Tamilians. He will be remembered forever in Indian history for his courageous and creative leadership. Jai Hind.
“He who forgets not God and fails not in his duty, no matter whatever befalls him and however much he suffers, will at the end attain honor and happiness." —Subramanya Bharathi
Share if you care!
“Things You Don’t Know about Professor M. S. Rao” http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com/2015/10/things-you-dont-know-about-professor-m.html
Read my ‘Vision 2030 One Million Global Leaders’ URL: http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com/2014/12/professor-m-s-raos-vision-2030-one_31.html
Note: I had a brain hemorrhage. I was in bed for five months. My right hand has been numb and paralyzed. I am recovering. Thanks for empathizing with me. With gratitude. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFJrSRLHPUk&ab_channel=ProfessorM.S.Rao
Life is great!
Professor M.S. Rao, Ph.D.
Founder of MSR Leadership Consultants, India
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/M.-S.-Rao/e/B00MB63BKM
Vision 2030: https://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/professormsrao
Substack: https://professormsrao.substack.com
X: http://twitter.com/professormsrao
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ProfessorMSRao
Meta: https://www.facebook.com/Professor-MS-Rao-451516514937414
See the Light in You: https://www.amazon.com/See-Light-You-Spiritual-Mindfulness/dp/1949003132
Thanks for reading!
Kindly share your thoughts and comments below. I’m sure someone out there will find your story useful.
Copyright©2025 MSR Leadership Consultants India. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
This nonprofit blog will share Professor M.S. Rao’s passion and vision to build one million students as global leaders by 2030. Please don't cut articles from my blog; redistribute them by email or post them on the web. The use of this material is free provided the copyright is acknowledged and a reference or link is made to the Blog http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com. Without permission, this material may not be sold, published, or used to provide business services to a third party.
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