Speaking

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Upper Saddle River Library

While my regular Mah Jong game was suspended, I was looking for ways to improve my game. I came across Michele’s instructional videos.  She so clearly explained decision-making during the Charleston that I asked her to lead a virtual Charleston Skill Building workshop at my Library.  It was a big hit with both beginners and more advanced players.  We already have plans for Michele to lead more virtual workshops.  I can’t wait!  Linda M.

TOP THREE TOPICS

Content will be customized based on venue and audience needs. If need be, I can provide a laptop and remote for the presentation.

Skill Builders

Just like athletes, recurring practice and conditioning can mean the difference between victory or defeat. In these talks, participants will learn ways to build their skills and improve with decision-making so they can play with confidence.

Strategies

Mahjong is a complex game that requires critical thinking and social intelligence. In these talks, participants will learn strategies that can improve their gameplay and take their enjoyment of the game to a new level.

Annual Card Analysis

There are several ways to play American Mah Jongg. The National Mah Jongg League annual card, published in April, is by far the most popular.  This presentation includes an analysis of the changes from the previous year’s card and actionable tips that will shorten the learning curve for many players. 

This presentation is best given between April and June.

Other topics include variations, sportsmanship, group dynamics, and instruction.

FORMATS

All formats can be in-person or virtual. Speaker fee and covered expenses are negotiable. 

Podcasts

Virtual interviews or conversational events, pre-recorded or live.

Talks

Talks are typically 10-20 minutes and are given without visual aids. 

Presentations

Presentations are typically 20-40 minutes and are comprised of spoken and visual communication. PowerPoint software will be used for the presentation and  PDF handouts will be available for electronic distribution. 

Workshops

Workshops are half-day or full-day events. They can include a combination of talks,  presentations, and hands-on exercises. Game-play with coaching can be included for in-person events, time permitting.  

BIOS

Short Bio

Michele Frizzell is an avid player, group leader, and instructor. She and her mom, Caroylyn, first learned to play Wright-Patterson Mah Jongg in 1973 and the game became their shared passion.  Carolyn passed away from cancer in 2004 and Michele continued to share the game in her honor. Michele has since learned several versions including the National Mah Jongg League version. 

In 2017, Michele moved to rural Georgia and discovered that there were there no mah jongg players in the area, so she decided to become a YouTube creator to share her passion online. She has published over 2,0000 videos for five versions and has over 18,000 subscribers.  

In the spring of 2020, Michele launched American Mah Jongg Ventures with friend and fellow instructor, Debbie Barnett. Together they host events for mah jongg enthusiasts and they offer online courses and certification for current and aspiring instructors. 

Long Bio

Michele Frizzell was born and raised to play mahjong.  As a child she watched her Filipino grandfather play Mahjong with his friends and it mystified her. In ‘73 Michele’s mother, Carolyn, learned how to play Wright-Patterson Mah Jongg at the McChord Air Force Base Officer’s Wives Club. Carolyn taught Michele how to play so she could practice at home. Mahjong was their special bond. Carolyn became an avid player and led several Mahjong groups. On occasion Michele would play with Carolyn and her friends – these have become some of Michele’s most cherished memories. Carolyn passed away from cancer in 2004 and that was the pivotal moment when Michele began her mission to share the joys of mahjong with others in honor of her mother. 

Through the years Michele has learned to play several styles:

  • Wright-Patterson Mah Jongg (1973) 
  • National Mah Jongg League (1990)  
  • Hong Kong Mahjong (1990)  
  • Japanese Mahjong/Riichi (2013)  
  • Mahjong Competition Rules (2018) 
  • Taiwanese (2019)    

What makes Michele unique is that she teaches all of these styles through her YouTube channel. She has designed comprehensive player references and has developed teaching methods that have shortened the learning curve significantly for most players. Anyone who has learned to play from Michele speaks highly of her creative approach to learning and great patience as a teacher.     

In 2017, Michele moved to rural Georgia and discovered that there were there no mah jongg players in the area, so she decided to become a YouTube creator to share her passion online. She has published over 2,0000 videos for five versions and has over 18,000 subscribers.    

In the spring of 2020, Michele launched American Mah Jongg Ventures with friend and fellow instructor, Debbie Barnett. Together they host events for mah jongg enthusiasts and they offer online courses and certification for current and aspiring instructors. 

Michele currently lives in Canton, GA (2 hours north of Atlanta) with her husband Dave.  They will be celebrating 25 years of marriage this year.  Michele has two grown sons, Jamie (30) and Conner (21).