| By :
Ted Holcomb
"The pen is mightier than the sword", who said that? Well it doesn't matter because if you have no voice, it is a true statement! Being able to immediately engage a person in a conversation, to buy something you want, or to ask a friend out is difficult if you have lost your voice. That is until you realize that the most powerful tools you have available are a pencil and a pad. It is amazing how quick you can get a person's attention when you write them a note. There is something demanding and intrusive about receiving a note. If you think about it, when your mail arrives, are you eager to see if someone has sent you a letter or card? It's the first thing you open! People love to read notes. That's why it is the most powerful tool you have available to help communicate with others. I go to Staples or my favorite place, the Forest Elementary School Store, and buy the pads and pencils. Since most people will not be able to buy pencils and pads from Forest, let me tell you what I get from Staples. First the pencils: You can use pens as well as pencils of course. I prefer pencils. Once when talking to someone at a wedding reception and asked why I used a pencil instead of a pen, my answer was "with a pencil you can write in space or under water." That is true, but the reason is I can erase my question or comment in case a change needs to be made. There are two pencil packages that work for me. One is a Zebra #2 10 pack for $3.99, and the other is a Z-Grip (also made by Zebra) 7 pack for $3.49. Both are 0.7mm lead with erasers. I like the Zebra #2 because the eraser on the Z-Grip comes off in my pocket. Both pencils are refillable with standard 0.7mm lead. The Zebra #2 is smaller and fits into my pocket. Also, on both pencils, you can retract the lead before putting it into your pocket so you don't write on your clothes! Second, the pads: Staples also have pads that fit my needs. They refer to them as memo books. You can buy a 5 pack of various colors, 3 X 5 in with the spine at the top. They also come with the spine on the side, so you have a choice. The price for the 5 pack is $4.95. I carry my pad in my back pocket to have it ready to whip out and start talking. The pad is small enough that it fits everywhere. My pads can be found in my car, at home on the kitchen table, in my bedroom, in my briefcase, at work by my computer, in my gym bag, and just about anywhere I might end up having a conversation. So for less than $10 you have a supply of the most useful tools available if you have no voice. So handy and practical you would not leave home without it. Not having a voice to communicate is a big change in a person's life. You can feel sorry for yourself, or accept it and move forward. I choose to move forward and find ways to take advantage of my new reality. Communicating with a pencil and pad is one of the most effective tools I have found. Low cost, convenient, and flexible.
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