Motivational Speaker uses acronyms to motivate and inpire

You may have heard of antonyms, synonyms, and homonyms. But have you heard of "Derricknyms"?

ASSIST News Service (PRWEB) June 1, 2003 - PO Box 2126, Garden Grove, CA 92842-2126 USA
E-mail: assistcomm@cs.com, Web Site: www.assistnews.net

Wednesday, August 7, 2002

"DERRICKNYMS FROM A TO Z"
Motivational Speaker Uses Acronyms To Motivate And Inspire

By Michael Ireland
Chief Correspondent, ASSIST News Service
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Marietta, Georgia (ANS) -- You may have heard of antonyms, homonyms and synonyms. But have you ever heard of "Derricknyms"?

"Derricknyms" are the creation of Derrick Hayes, who was born and raised in Rantoul, Illinois, and received a B.A. in Business Administration from Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee.

Derricknyms are "acronyms with a touch of Derrick" where words are motivational messages. God gave him a gift to take a word and to turn it into a positive message.

Hayes has been speaking to youth since 1992 and in doing so found out that acronyms were a good way to motivate others. So he decided to include them in his speeches -- and Derricknyms were born. He is now the author of "Derricknyms From A to Z: Acronyms with a touch of Derrick where words are motivational messages," self-published by Hayes himself.

Hayes says,"Everyone has a God-given talent or an ability that can be used to inspire and motivate others. My gift enables me to entertain and educate people at the same time with creative motivational material. Whatever you do well, let others experience the greatness of what you have to offer."

In his book, Hayes uses acronyms in a way that they have never been used before. They are the result of years of motivating youth and organizations to reach their potential. The book is in alphabetical order and has an easy to use index in the back to let you know what words have been taken to another level with the "Derricknym Experience."

"I started speaking to youth in 1992 and in my presentations I would use acronyms. A good friend of mine suggested that I should write a book, and since I had a collection of acronyms, I started to put them in alphabetical order. I then looked for a name to call them and 'Derricknyms' was the one that sounded good," Hayes told ASSIST News Service (ANS).

"I didn't realize I had a special gift until after I started writing the book. I now offer a 'Derricknym Challenge' where if someone gives me their name and I can't turn it into a message, then they get a copy of my book free.

"The reaction I get from audiences when I share my gift of Derricknyms inspires me to write and speak more. I want to be successful by doing something positive. I started writing in high school and into college. I would write commercials and songs hoping one day to be in big advertising. I love the challenge of breaking a word down into a positive message," said Hayes.

Hayes even created a Derricknym for Dan Wooding, founder of the ASSIST News Service. He chose the words
"Wisdom Opens Our Dreams Into New Greatness."

Hayes said his goal is "to inspire others to use their God-given talents and abilities to start businesses, build careers and change lives. I hope to achieve a platform so I can share my gift with people all around the world. There are never enough positive stories that people can learn from."

What can readers of his book and participants in his courses learn about God and themselves?

"People will learn that God gave us all a gift, talent or an ability to achieve success and to give back to the community. God wants you to truly put it in his hands. If you step out in faith, God will walk with you. Realize that you are special and that no one else is like you," Hayes said.

Hayes believes that motivational messages are important because, "If someone hears a message that motivates and inspires them, then it can make a difference in their life. You never know what a person read or heard that made them want to better themselves. My messages come from God, so I give people another avenue to God's
kingdom."

If Hayes could say one thing to young people around the world, he said:"Use your skills, or someone else will."

Hayes has spoken at conferences, schools, camps, colleges, churches, events and to corporations. Those interested in obtaining his book or scheduling him for a speaking engagement may log-on to his website at: www.derrickhayes.com.

You may also reach Derrick by writing to him at P.O. Box 1482, Marietta, GA 30061, or by telephoning him at (678) 851-8787. E-mail: derrickh@derrickhayes.com.
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** Michael Ireland is a British freelance journalist. A former reporter with a London newspaper, Michael is the Chief Correspondent for ASSIST News Service of Garden Grove, CA. Michael immigrated to the United States in 1982 and became a US citizen in Sept., 1995. He is married with two children. Michael is a frequent contributor to United Christian Broadcasters, Europe Radio, a British