Toe by Toe

Synopsis

Toe By Toe is a small red book designed for anyone who finds reading difficult. This includes weak readers who struggle to decode or those with dyslexic difficulties.

Keda Cowling chose the name Toe By Toe to signify that students make progress by the tiniest steps – one toe at a time. However, even though the steps taken are small, students can clearly measure progress right from the first page. Confidence and self-esteem are boosted as a result.

Over 25 years of fieldwork went into the development of the system and it is this research that makes the method so easy to use. You don’t have to be trained in any field of education to coach with Toe By Toe. In fact, the manual often works better with non-professionals as they do not come to the task with any pre-conceived notions and thus simply follow the very detailed instructions to the letter.

The unique syllable division employed by Toe By Toe is very easy to use. Once the sound of a phoneme has been taught using the ‘polynons’ (nonsense words), these rules can then be applied to any multi-syllabic word and students find a whole new world of reading opening before their eyes.

Regardless of the nature of students’ literacy problems, they can be taught to read using Toe By Toe. The severity of their problems may only be reflected in the length of time needed to get through the book. The rapid improvement in reading age is truly astonishing.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Essential Elements of a Great Interaction

* Emphasizes building rapport, being authentic, and showing empathy.
Example: A sales representative greets a customer with a warm handshake and a personalized greeting, setting the stage for a positive interaction.

Chapter 2: The Power of the Pause

* Highlights the value of pausing to allow thoughts to settle, reduce anxiety, and improve listening skills.
Example: A customer service representative pauses for a moment before responding to a customer's concern, allowing the customer to fully express themselves and ensuring a thoughtful response.

Chapter 3: The Art of Active Listening

* Describes the techniques of attentive listening, such as mirroring, paraphrasing, and asking clarifying questions.
Example: A manager actively listens to an employee's feedback by mirroring their body language, paraphrasing their concerns, and asking specific questions to understand their perspective.

Chapter 4: The Importance of Intentional Communication

* Urges clarity and transparency in communication, using specific language, avoiding jargon, and setting clear expectations.
Example: A project manager provides a clear and detailed briefing to the team, outlining project goals, responsibilities, and timelines.

Chapter 5: Building Rapport and Trust

* Explains the importance of finding common ground, showing appreciation, and maintaining a positive demeanor.
Example: A recruiter establishes rapport with a candidate by asking about their hobbies and interests, creating a more relaxed and engaging interview experience.

Chapter 6: Managing Conflict Effectively

* Outlines strategies for addressing conflict respectfully, including separating emotions from facts, finding areas of agreement, and seeking compromises.
Example: A team leader mediates a conflict between two team members by encouraging them to focus on the issue rather than attacking each other, and facilitating a mutually agreeable solution.

Chapter 7: The Power of Nonverbal Communication

* Highlights the importance of body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions in conveying messages.
Example: A job applicant maintains eye contact, sits upright, and speaks with confidence, making a positive impression on the interviewer.

Chapter 8: The Role of Emotional Intelligence

* Emphasizes the ability to understand and manage one's own emotions and those of others.
Example: A therapist uses emotional intelligence to create a safe and supportive environment for clients, facilitating their emotional healing and growth.

Chapter 9: The Art of Negotiation

* Describes negotiation as a process of finding mutually acceptable solutions, involving preparation, compromise, and collaboration.
Example: A business negotiator successfully reaches an agreement with a supplier by identifying common interests, exploring options, and finding a solution that benefits both parties.

Chapter 10: The Power of Feedback

* Outlines the principles of effective feedback, including using specific examples, providing constructive criticism, and encouraging growth.
Example: A mentor gives a performance review to a mentee, praising them for their strengths and providing specific feedback on areas for improvement.