Professor Russell Jay Hendel holds a doctorate in theoretical mathematics from M.I.T., an associateship from the Society of Actuaries, and is in a doctoral program at the Spertus Institute for a degree in Jewish studies. He is currently an Adjunct II faculty member at Towson University which has recently become a Center of Actuarial Excellence. His research and publication interests include discrete number theory, actuarial science, biblical exegesis, the theory of pedagogy, applications of technology to pedagogy, and the interaction of mathematics and the arts. He regularly reviews books for the Mathematical Association of America.

You are evaluating a student’s work. Your goal is to get the student to improve. What is the most effective verbal encouragement you can give? Would it be a letter Grade? If so, would it be A, B, or C? Or would it be words and guidance? You are a doctor saying goodbye to a person who just recovered from a heart attack.  You have a moment to wish the patient well. What is the most effective verbal encouragement? Is there a real difference in terms of avoidance of recurrence in what you say? You are a big athlete who just lost a competitive match. You spontaneously exclaim to yourself, “I don’t believe I did that?” Is there other self-talk that would prevent future mistakes? You are a Rabbi, Priest, Imam or Atheist praying for someone’s good fortune in some sphere. Does it matter what you say? Can different prayers achieve significantly outcomes?  In this talk, we will focus on effective verbal encouragement. The theory is not fully developed but more like a fresh meadow sprouting after a winter thaw-out. We will expose the audience to the varied colors of this young field, we will see its best opportunities and we will learn principles of effective verbal encouragement. Along the way, we will water our field with the principles of attribution theory and measurability. Numerous examples will be given.