Cue Card

Describe a time when you encouraged someone to do something that they didn’t want to do

You should say:

• Who you encouraged
• What you encouraged them to do
• How they reacted
• And explain why you encouraged them to do this thing.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. How can leaders encourage their employees?
2. When should parents encourage their children?
3. What kind of encouragement should parents give?
4. Do you think some people are more persuasive?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I was working on a team project in college, and my friend Rachel was tasked with giving a presentation in front of the whole class. She was terrified of public speaking and had been putting it off for weeks. I could see the stress and anxiety eating away at her, so I decided to take matters into my own hands. I sat her down and told her, 'Rachel, you're an expert on this topic. You've spent hours researching and preparing. You're not just presenting for the sake of presenting, you're sharing your knowledge with the class.' I reminded her that everyone gets nervous, even the most confident speakers, and that it's okay to make mistakes. I offered to help her practice, and we spent hours rehearsing her presentation together.

At first, Rachel was hesitant and stumbled over her words. But with each practice session, she grew more confident. I encouraged her to focus on her message rather than her nervousness, to remember that she was speaking to share her ideas, not to impress anyone. I reminded her that it's okay to pause, take a deep breath, and collect her thoughts before continuing. And you know what? It worked. When the day of the presentation arrived, Rachel nailed it. She spoke clearly, confidently, and with conviction. The class was impressed, and more importantly, Rachel was proud of herself.

After the presentation, Rachel thanked me for pushing her out of her comfort zone. She realized that she was capable of more than she thought, and that the sense of accomplishment she felt was worth the initial discomfort. I learned that sometimes, all someone needs is a little nudge to tap into their inner strength and confidence. By encouraging Rachel to face her fears, I helped her discover a newfound sense of self-assurance that went far beyond that one presentation.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

take matters into my own hands

to take control of a situation and do what needs to be done

I decided to take matters into my own hands and fix the leaky faucet myself.

She took matters into her own hands and started her own business.

nail it

to do something perfectly or exactly right

She nailed the job interview and got the offer.

He nailed the presentation and impressed the clients.

Sample Part 3 Answers

How can leaders encourage their employees? One way leaders can encourage their employees is by acknowledging and valuing their contributions. I recall a time when I was working on a team project, and our team lead took the time to recognize each of our individual efforts, no matter how small they seemed. She explained how each task was crucial to the project's success and how our unique skills brought a different perspective to the table. By doing so, she not only boosted our confidence but also made us feel seen and appreciated. This kind of encouragement motivated us to take on more responsibilities and strive for excellence in our work.

When should parents encourage their children? Parents should encourage their children during times of uncertainty or self-doubt. I remember when my younger cousin was hesitant to try out for the school play because she was afraid of not getting a lead role. Her parents sat down with her and shared stories of their own experiences with failure and perseverance. They explained that it's okay to take risks and that the value lies in the learning process, not just the outcome. By sharing their own vulnerabilities, they helped my cousin see that it's normal to feel scared, but that's where the growth happens. With their encouragement, she decided to audition and ended up landing a supporting role, which boosted her confidence and helped her develop a growth mindset.

What kind of encouragement should parents give? Parents should give encouragement that focuses on effort, not just talent or results. My friend's mom is a great example of this. When my friend was struggling to learn how to ride a bike, her mom didn't just praise her for being a 'natural' or 'gifted' rider. Instead, she focused on the effort my friend was putting in, saying things like, 'I can see you're really trying hard to balance!' or 'Your persistence is paying off, you're getting closer to riding on your own!' By emphasizing the process, not just the outcome, my friend's mom helped her develop a growth mindset and build resilience.

Do you think some people are more persuasive? I believe that some people are naturally more persuasive, but it's also a skill that can be developed. I've noticed that people who are more empathetic and genuinely interested in others tend to be more persuasive. They take the time to understand the other person's perspective and find common ground. My friend's dad is a great example of this. He's a doctor, and he always takes the time to explain complex medical concepts in a way that's easy to understand. He's not just trying to convince you of something; he's trying to educate and empower you with knowledge. That's what makes him so persuasive – he's coming from a place of kindness and a genuine desire to help.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

see things from a different perspective

to consider a situation or problem from a different point of view

I never thought of it that way, you're helping me see things from a different perspective.

Taking a break from the project helped me see things from a different perspective and come up with a solution.