Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.
It’s great to see all of you and thank you for coming to our 125th Anniversary celebration as a professional association. A lot has changed since the birth of the Association, but one thing remains crystal clear: Our members are simply the best at capturing the record. Full stop!
As the repeat Conference attendees can tell you, my speeches are often based upon lessons learned from my family and how they relate to the court reporting and captioning professions. Lessons taught to me like, “leave it better than you found it”; my motto of “give expecting nothing thereof,” or “be kind.”
This year’s speech is a little different because it encompasses something that is missing in our global society, including in our Association and how you as an individual can effect change. It seems like the fabric of civility in society is quickly eroding. Solution-based constructive debate and civility is now pretty much extinct because of the toxicity of people feeling it is appropriate to do and say whatever they feel like. We have keyboard warriors and anonymous “voices” who enjoy the destruction of society that we all live in. You see, in this world WORDS TRULY MATTER.
In prepping for this Conference, I decided to look at what were the themes or guiding thoughts of some of our past leaders. These are some of the highlights of our past presidents, who I was honored to serve, and these are their themes that should still remain today.
From Sue Terry, FAPR, RPR, CRR, CRC: “I would ask you to spend this Conference celebrating one another as professionals united in our purpose and supporting our Association. We ARE NCRA!” She is 100% correct.
From Max Curry, RPR, CRI: “Life is full of change … but change can be a good thing because it gives us a path forward.” Max, we wish you and James well in your new adventure in Portugal! (Talk about change.)
From Christine Phipps, RPR: “We are the change agents who can meet the challenges of our business … but only if we act together. We should focus on what we can control and what we can change. We must be the heroines and heroes in our own lives.” This is one of the mottos I live my life by because Superman or Captain America is not going to save you so save yourself!
From Debbie Dibble, FAPR, RDR, CRR, CRC: “A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle. WE shine brighter together. And always assume best intent when dealing with another person.” She’s right … unless someone is truly miserable we should always assume best intent first. What a world we would live in if people just believed that.
From Jason Meadors, FAPR, RDR, CRR, CRC: “Be the type of person you would like to work with. Change is necessary but should not be looked at as a challenge but one to experience together.” Let’s go out and live that adventure and create our future.
From Kristin Anderson, RPR, CRI: “In a world of uncertainty, I remind you to think before you speak and ask yourself these three things. Is it true, is it necessary, and is it kind. Connections matter and so do words. Those three things should be the guiding light for whatever comes out of our mouth or out of the keyboard. Is it true, is it necessary, and is it kind.” Very well said, Kristin.
These are all amazing vital words to live by in our court reporting and captioning worlds.
Unfortunately, words also have the ability to destroy. Careless, factless, and baseless claims rule political campaigns and incite people to lose their minds and do insane things based upon completely made-up or embellished facts. Politics at every level, even the association level, ruin lives and friendships. By a show of hands, how many people here have a crazy family member who you dread talking to because their political or ideological ideas. Add to that the garbage thrown out on social media? We are talking about a tornado of hate and destruction, and I don’t know about you but nothing good ever comes from a tornado. Singular and one-track thinking breaks apart families, both biological and professional.
Herein lies the downfall of society, our governments, and our associations. Hateful words matter just as much as the kind ones. This erosion of basic courtesy undermines our ability to communicate effectively and resolve conflicts constructively. First and foremost, it deepens divisions within our society. When we engage in hostile exchanges, we build walls instead of bridges. We focus on what separates us rather than what unites us. This polarization fuels animosity, making it harder to find common ground and work together towards shared goals. Finally, the absence of civility can threaten the stability and cohesion of the nation, as it undermines the shared values and mutual respect that are crucial for a functioning democracy and a harmonious society.
So how do we, as individuals, break the cycle of hate and distrust? Some of the answers have already been revealed in the earlier part of this speech. Assume best intent and, before speaking, ask is it REALLY true, is it necessary and is it kind. We as individual humans must make a conscious decision to take positive actions, create safe spaces for alternative ideas, and truly listen and understand others’ points of view. This, my friends, is where the truth, collaboration, compromise, and solutions lie. It is not in the extremes but in the middle. Unless you are truly a narcissist, we as humans have the ability to do great things. We also have the ability to do awful things to each other as history has shown us; but I believe most of us have a good heart and that is the saving grace for humanity.
It is incumbent upon each of us to reverse this trend by embracing and promoting respectful behavior in all our interactions. Our politicians could benefit from this mindset. By doing so, we can build a more united, trusting, and peaceful society. Every interaction cannot be a zero-sum game or else we all lose. Change needs to start with us, today … in this moment.
I am sure that you have heard of the butterfly effect. If not, basically the butterfly effect is the idea that small events (or interactions) can have large, unpredictable consequences in the future. One kind word or act can have a profound impact on someone who is going through a struggle you know nothing about. One kind word may save a person’s life. One kind word brings hope. The butterfly effect is real but effecting change has to start with you.
I would like to close with a short story and a request of you. First the story. When I moved to Washington and worked on Capitol Hill it was a collegial place, and if your boss and another Member of Congress got into an ideological argument on the floor, they would argue respectfully and then get together for a cocktail and discuss where the arguments fell short and what was truly best for the country. That handshake across the aisle then has turned into a complete annihilation of their opponent now, and they will use every lie, low blow, and negative thing for a win. Both parties, all the way to the Presidency, use these tactics and it is disgusting. We need to be better!
Now the request. During this Conference, I ask you each day to say or do something positive to 1-5 people who you do not know. Something small like saying: “I like your shoes or “Great speech” (hint hint), “How are you doing?” Or even the act of holding the door for someone. When my boys were growing up, that was on their must-do list every day, and I would ask them at supper, what did they do with their tasks. Now, they have grown up to be great young men with big hearts and a positive part of society.
I also ask that you give people some grace. We all have things going on in our personal and professional lives that weigh on us heavily. Remember, words matter so think before you speak or interact with others. Your words have an impact on the lives of others so choose them carefully. Remember, is it true, is it necessary, and is it kind. And please remember to always assume best intent first.
Thank you for your time and looking forward to a great rest of the Conference.
Dave Wenhold, CAE, PLC, is the NCRA Executive Director.
This speech was given during the 2024 NCRA Conference & Expo. Some edits were made to better identify people mentioned in the speech.
