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Teflon Rating Scale [TRS] is provided exclusively for non-commercial research and educational purposes. Any reproduction or commercial use of this instrument without the expressed written consent or authorization of Discobolos Consulting Services, Inc., or John M. Curtis, Ph.D., may represent a copyright infringement and is strictly prohibited. Should media, PR, political or poll organizations or individuals wish to use this instrument, they should contact Discobolos Consulting Services, Inc., for permission and details.

Description

Teflon Rating Scale [TRS] was developed by J.M.Curtis (1990). The index measures personality force, popularity and adaptability. Based on 10 years of media and political/public relations consulting, the scale was designed to objectify Nielsen’s Q-rating—a combined measure of popularity, likeability and charisma. It was revised in 1998 to reflect contemporary definitions of Teflon. The scale consists of 20 counterbalanced items, conveniently rated on a 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest) Likert scale.

Cronbach’s Coefficent Alpha—a measure of the test’s internal consistency—was .90. Namely, only 10% on the scale’s items were attributed to error variance, or factors unrleated to the construct of Teflon.

High scores indicate powerful, influential personalities, capable of changing opinions and dodging the bullet. Elevated scores closely correlate with dynamic personalities, strong persuasive skills, and high levels of popularity and likeability.

Low scores indicate individuals without social sophistication, low levels of persuasion and influence, and difficulty selling. Depressed scores closely correlate with boring personalities, low levels of enthusiasm, and poor sales ability.

Directions

On each item (1) circle the appropriate score that best characterizes the traits of the person measured. Next, (2) sum up the total scores. Then, (3) divide the total score by 140 and (4) multiply by 100 to obtain the Q or Teflon quotient.

Scores below 70% may require evaluation and Teflon training to improve interpersonal sophistication. Hi-end professionals, e.g., salespersons, politicians, diplomats, agents, trial attorneys, CEOs, celebrities, etc., require Teflon scores above 90% to assure favorable results. Scores below 70% risk failure in a variety of performance situations.

TEFLON RATING SCALE [TRS]

Copyright 1998
[All Rights Reserved]

John M. Curtis, Ph.D.

Circle the number [1 = lowest, 7 = highest] which best describes the individual in question:

1. He/she gives me hope and makes me feel like my life is going to get better. Score
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
2. He/she seems enthusiastic and overflowing with positive energy. Score
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
3. He/she usually appears reponsive and playful when answering questions. Score
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
4. He/she looks impeccably attired, well groomed and actively attractive. Score
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
5. He/she understands and is tuned-in to my needs, hopes and aspirations. Score
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
6. He/she is down-to-earth, approachable and communicates warmly Score
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
7. He/she makes me feel like a special, unique and accepted person. Score
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8. He/she shows sensitivity and relates to my unique experience. Score
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
9. He/she usually seems to give plausible explanations and make credible excuses. Score
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
10. He/she speaks with such confidence that I believe what he/she is saying. Score
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
11. He/she responds to attacks with tolerance, patience and good humor. Score
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
12. He/she cheerfully answers questions and isn't on the defensive. Score
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
13. He/she knows how to speak diplomatically without offending others. Score
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
14. He/she usually seems to be having fun and a good time. Score
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
15. He/she usually finds a silver lining to even adverse circumstances. Score
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
16. He/she remains cool, collected and shows grace-under-pressure. Score
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
17. He/she is a good listener and is tuned-in to the needs of people. Score
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
18. He/she avoids condemning, attacking and criticizing others. Score
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
19. He/she validates, compliments, and praises
others.		 Score
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
20. He/she shows eternal optimism, high energy and enthusiasm. Score
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
TOTAL:
Compute Teflon/Q Quotient:
Total ÷ 140 x 100 =		 TEFLON/Q QUOTIENT:
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