Franklin D. Turner, Ph.D.

I draw on years of living with a learning disability, I presents what I calls the “Just Shoot the Ball” approach to life.  Just shoot the ball, meaning do not be afraid to be successful. Using powerful personal glimpses into my life, while explorating Attitudes, Motivation, Self-Doubt, Learned Helplessness, Heart and a Never Quit Approach shows not only how he overcame daunting challenges brought on by the difficulties and the stigma of a learning disability, but also how everyone has the power within them to overcome their own life challenges.

When I was in the second grade, I was diagnosed with a learning disability, and had to repeat that grade. Embarrassed and ashamed, I began to feel helpless and angry. My loving parents did all they could to support me, but the next ten years of school were painfully filled with failure after failure.  The odds were stacked against me.

Today, I am married; a father; a full-time professor, accomplished athletic coach, fund-raiser and avid volunteer. In 1991, I began speaking to middle and high school students about how I was beginning to overcome his disability by earning Dean’s List honors as a college student.  I have not stopped telling my story. I have spoken to thousands of people across the United States.

To answer that question, you only have to hear my “Just Shoot the Ball!” talk, which centers on the Six W’s method to achieving goals, reaching optimal performance and ultimately a higher quality of life.  The Six W’s are simple:

• What I would say to the new me?
• Why do I want to achieve this goal? 
• What do I need to know to achieve this goal?
• What do I need to do to achieve this goal? 
• What do I need to do to maintain what I have achieved? 
• What do I want to say to the old me?

The ebbs and flow of my life provides the underpinning for a presentation that will bring forth several emotions. You will laugh, cry and most of all, everyone will feel the power they possess to make positive and lasting changes in their lives. A power that we all can harness for our own personal gain, but also a power that can transform those we encounter everyday.

"Dr. Turner’s talk was captivating and insightful...our faculty overwhelming felt they left his session empowered to become better teachers!"

John Johnson, Jr., MA, Guidance Counselor -

(New Jersey)