Are you using YouTube to market your business?
This is my daughter Leigh Watson from w-esthetics. This is a promotional video she shot with a web cam for her business.
You can do the same. I recently was directed to someone who has prepared a video series which inspired me and it may inspire you too to create your very own video for your company. I have included a link to her site below. I encourage you to check it out. Social media is growing faster and faster and you need to grow with it.
You don't have to be a public speaker to create your video. You just have to be willing to put yourself on the line to talk about your business. Isn't it worth it?
Fran
P.S. Here is the link to the Video Conversion Formula videos. http://www.videoconversionformula.com/
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Public Speaking Tips - Why Toastmasters?
Pursue Your Passion... This is a phrase we hear often these days, but what does it mean exactly? How do we determine what our passion really is? How do we find the time to pursue anything with all the work we have to do? Those are really good questions and I'm not really sure that I have the answers to them, but one thing I do know is that pursuing your passion involves choices. That's right choices.
If you want to pursue anything, it means you have to take some type of action. The word pursue involves movement and if you are sitting on the couch watching the lastest episode of Lost or The Amazing Race, then you are not moving, (other than to get up from the couch to go to the fridge for snacks).
Pursuing your passion means making choices to forgo that tv show to get out and do something about what you are passionate about. If it is playing hockey, then it probably won't matter that you don't have ice time until 11 pm and don't get home until 1:00 am and still have to go to work. If it is building a better body, then you probably won't mind getting up really early in the morning to exercise and work out. If it is becoming a public speaker, then you will want to attend public speaking events so that you can practice and learn.
Not all Toastmasters have dreams of pursuing a career in public speaking, but they do all have a desire to improve their communication skills in some way. Perhaps they are shy and want to overcome the nervousness they feel in social situations. Perhaps they have to give presentations as part of their job and they want to become more comfortable standing in front of an audience. Perhaps they want to be able to talk about their business without becoming embarassed. Whatever the reason, they have to make a choice. A choice to show up at a meeting, to find out more about public speaking, about Toastmasters in particular.
I have been a member of Toastmasters now for 8 years. I recently completed my DTM. I have held every office in Toastmasters, but my favourite is that of Public Relations. I really like to spread the word about the benefits of Toastmasters! I have seen members grow from being so shy that they could hardly speak loud enough to be heard in a meeting, to competing in a Division Contest.
I have been privileged to be a mentor to many new Toastmasters, to be a part of their growth from their first speech - the Ice Breaker - to the final speech in their Competent Communicator manual and beyond. I have attended conferences and helped with the contest activities by judging and/or timing. I have served as Area Governor and as a member of two High Performance Leadership teams.
My choice is to learn and to serve in Toastmasters, to become better at speaking and to share my knowledge with other club members. That is one of the reasons I insist on Educational Tips being a part of every meeting and every club I belong to. It is important that we learn and grow.
What is your choice? What are you passionate about?
Fran
P.S. If you are passionate about public speaking and want to get a list of over 800 speech topics, simply click on this link to my webpage and sign up for my free public speaking ezine.
If you want to pursue anything, it means you have to take some type of action. The word pursue involves movement and if you are sitting on the couch watching the lastest episode of Lost or The Amazing Race, then you are not moving, (other than to get up from the couch to go to the fridge for snacks).
Pursuing your passion means making choices to forgo that tv show to get out and do something about what you are passionate about. If it is playing hockey, then it probably won't matter that you don't have ice time until 11 pm and don't get home until 1:00 am and still have to go to work. If it is building a better body, then you probably won't mind getting up really early in the morning to exercise and work out. If it is becoming a public speaker, then you will want to attend public speaking events so that you can practice and learn.
Not all Toastmasters have dreams of pursuing a career in public speaking, but they do all have a desire to improve their communication skills in some way. Perhaps they are shy and want to overcome the nervousness they feel in social situations. Perhaps they have to give presentations as part of their job and they want to become more comfortable standing in front of an audience. Perhaps they want to be able to talk about their business without becoming embarassed. Whatever the reason, they have to make a choice. A choice to show up at a meeting, to find out more about public speaking, about Toastmasters in particular.
I have been a member of Toastmasters now for 8 years. I recently completed my DTM. I have held every office in Toastmasters, but my favourite is that of Public Relations. I really like to spread the word about the benefits of Toastmasters! I have seen members grow from being so shy that they could hardly speak loud enough to be heard in a meeting, to competing in a Division Contest.
I have been privileged to be a mentor to many new Toastmasters, to be a part of their growth from their first speech - the Ice Breaker - to the final speech in their Competent Communicator manual and beyond. I have attended conferences and helped with the contest activities by judging and/or timing. I have served as Area Governor and as a member of two High Performance Leadership teams.
My choice is to learn and to serve in Toastmasters, to become better at speaking and to share my knowledge with other club members. That is one of the reasons I insist on Educational Tips being a part of every meeting and every club I belong to. It is important that we learn and grow.
What is your choice? What are you passionate about?
Fran
P.S. If you are passionate about public speaking and want to get a list of over 800 speech topics, simply click on this link to my webpage and sign up for my free public speaking ezine.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Sandy Forster - Renowned Public Speaker
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Wednesday, July 7, 2010
How To Find A Speech Topic
FINDING A SPEECH TOPIC
by J.A. Gamache Third place Champion at the 2001 Toastmasters International World Championship of Public Speaking
Make an inventory of your personal stories. You know--the anecdotes you enjoy telling your friends and family. You'll be surprised at how many interesting topics you'll come up with.
I often hear people say, "I'd like to speak in public, but I really don't know what to talk about." Not a problem! Anyone who wants to write a speech has a personal treasure trove of stories at hand.
All you have to do is find the stories within your own mind. They're part of your personal history. Never underestimate the value of your life experiences! Your memories contain dozens of anecdotes that are worth telling. Your misfortunes teach many of life's lessons, and your successes can bring hope to others.
There's a great advantage to using your personal stories: they can be told without any formal preparation. Why is that? Because you know the stories thoroughly, having recounted them during family gatherings or with friends.
While the material we need may be close at hand, we forget to use it when we sit down to write, simply because we haven't actually made a list.
Here's what I suggest:
1- INVENTORY ALL YOUR PERSONAL STORIES
Make a list of all the personal stories that come to mind. You don't actually need to write the stories themselves because you're so familiar with them already. A few words will do. For example: "Bitten by neighbour's dog."
2- DON'T CENSOR
Write everything down. Also, note all the anecdotes you don't want to tell in public. Just use some kind of code so no one will recognize the story. It's important to write everything down because a story you want to keep secret may lead to another story that is appropriate to tell.
3- CARRY A NOTEBOOK AND PEN
During your next conversation you'll most likely hear something that triggers a memory from your past. That's when the notebook and pen come in handy. Write the story immediately, and add it to your list later on.
A great many personal stories are stored in your memory. All you need is to find a way to retrieve them and incorporate them into a list. You can then look up a story the next time you're searching for a speech topic. Furthermore, you don't have to limit yourself to your own personal stories. Your parents, grandparents and friends also have great stories
that you could add to your list.
Happy writing!
©MMIX J.A. Gamache www.jagamache.com All rights reserved.
---------------------------------
PERMISSION IS GRANTED TO REPRODUCE THIS ARTICLE in whole or
in part if a copy of the reproduced text is sent to J.A.
Gamache at info@jagamache.com after publication and also
provided that this byline, including the following paragraph,
appears along with the reproduced text:
This article was reproduced from "Speaking in Public with
J.A.", a FREE electronic magazine authored by J.A. Gamache,
International Inspirational Speaker. To subscribe to his
FREE e-zine or to find out more about his presentations,
visit: http://www.jagamache.com.
***************
JA is a member of my Toastmasters District - District 61. I have heard him speak a number of times and I am subscribed to his ezine. I encourage you to sign up and get the benefit of his knowledge and skills.
Fran Watson, DTM
Renfrew/Pembroke/Valley Vintage Advanced Clubs
by J.A. Gamache Third place Champion at the 2001 Toastmasters International World Championship of Public Speaking
Make an inventory of your personal stories. You know--the anecdotes you enjoy telling your friends and family. You'll be surprised at how many interesting topics you'll come up with.
I often hear people say, "I'd like to speak in public, but I really don't know what to talk about." Not a problem! Anyone who wants to write a speech has a personal treasure trove of stories at hand.
All you have to do is find the stories within your own mind. They're part of your personal history. Never underestimate the value of your life experiences! Your memories contain dozens of anecdotes that are worth telling. Your misfortunes teach many of life's lessons, and your successes can bring hope to others.
There's a great advantage to using your personal stories: they can be told without any formal preparation. Why is that? Because you know the stories thoroughly, having recounted them during family gatherings or with friends.
While the material we need may be close at hand, we forget to use it when we sit down to write, simply because we haven't actually made a list.
Here's what I suggest:
1- INVENTORY ALL YOUR PERSONAL STORIES
Make a list of all the personal stories that come to mind. You don't actually need to write the stories themselves because you're so familiar with them already. A few words will do. For example: "Bitten by neighbour's dog."
2- DON'T CENSOR
Write everything down. Also, note all the anecdotes you don't want to tell in public. Just use some kind of code so no one will recognize the story. It's important to write everything down because a story you want to keep secret may lead to another story that is appropriate to tell.
3- CARRY A NOTEBOOK AND PEN
During your next conversation you'll most likely hear something that triggers a memory from your past. That's when the notebook and pen come in handy. Write the story immediately, and add it to your list later on.
A great many personal stories are stored in your memory. All you need is to find a way to retrieve them and incorporate them into a list. You can then look up a story the next time you're searching for a speech topic. Furthermore, you don't have to limit yourself to your own personal stories. Your parents, grandparents and friends also have great stories
that you could add to your list.
Happy writing!
©MMIX J.A. Gamache www.jagamache.com All rights reserved.
---------------------------------
PERMISSION IS GRANTED TO REPRODUCE THIS ARTICLE in whole or
in part if a copy of the reproduced text is sent to J.A.
Gamache at info@jagamache.com after publication and also
provided that this byline, including the following paragraph,
appears along with the reproduced text:
This article was reproduced from "Speaking in Public with
J.A.", a FREE electronic magazine authored by J.A. Gamache,
International Inspirational Speaker. To subscribe to his
FREE e-zine or to find out more about his presentations,
visit: http://www.jagamache.com.
***************
JA is a member of my Toastmasters District - District 61. I have heard him speak a number of times and I am subscribed to his ezine. I encourage you to sign up and get the benefit of his knowledge and skills.
Fran Watson, DTM
Renfrew/Pembroke/Valley Vintage Advanced Clubs
Thursday, June 10, 2010
BIG Results
You're bigger than you think. So, fit your thinking to your true size. Think as big as you really are! Never, never, never sell yourself short!" -David J. Schwartz, PhD
"Predetermine the objectives you want to accomplish. Think big, act big and set out to accomplish big results." -Mark Victor Hansen, co-creator of Chicken Soup for the Soul
"BIG RESULTS..." Is that what you think about when you set your head on your pillow at night?
There are two kinds of people in this world, those who wish and those who will. The world belongs to those who will." -Louis L'Amour
To be successful is a matter of will....Will you?
Will you do the work it takes to write a good speech?
Will you do the work it takes to practice a good speech?
Will you do the work to find out about your audience?
Will you do the work to craft your speech to fit your audience?
Will you care enough about others to make it about helping them?
I hope your answer is yes!!
To successful speaking....
Fran Watson
"Predetermine the objectives you want to accomplish. Think big, act big and set out to accomplish big results." -Mark Victor Hansen, co-creator of Chicken Soup for the Soul
"BIG RESULTS..." Is that what you think about when you set your head on your pillow at night?
There are two kinds of people in this world, those who wish and those who will. The world belongs to those who will." -Louis L'Amour
To be successful is a matter of will....Will you?
Will you do the work it takes to write a good speech?
Will you do the work it takes to practice a good speech?
Will you do the work to find out about your audience?
Will you do the work to craft your speech to fit your audience?
Will you care enough about others to make it about helping them?
I hope your answer is yes!!
To successful speaking....
Fran Watson
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Get a free Mini ecourse in Public Speaking
Many of us are interested in mastering the art of being and becoming a master of public speaking or speaking in public at a variety of formal and social events. This interest is increasing in recent years and people hone, harness and refine their skills. Engaging, shaping and influencing audiences all around is what is at stake. Sounding confident, convincing and speaking with energized speech is paramount, regardless of the context. For business, social and public life, it is a core skill and almost an entry-level pre-requisite these days to be deemed 'successful'.
If you have an interest in improving your public speaking skills, then this is the ultimate practical guide for you. Simply send an email to receive a FREE, five-part mini e-course, which is taken straight from this recently released ebook. Enjoy a preliminary taste of things you will find in this comprehensive public speaking reference guide!
Yours to improved speaking success
Fran Watson
If you have an interest in improving your public speaking skills, then this is the ultimate practical guide for you. Simply send an email to receive a FREE, five-part mini e-course, which is taken straight from this recently released ebook. Enjoy a preliminary taste of things you will find in this comprehensive public speaking reference guide!
Yours to improved speaking success
Fran Watson
Saturday, May 15, 2010
5 Surefire Tips To Better Public Speaking
Public Speaking Tip #1
KNOW YOUR TOPIC! I don’t mean know your topic, I mean inside and out, upside down, what ever question someone could throw at you, you know the answer.
If you search in Google for the term “public speaking tips” you get roughly 2.6 million responses. That seems like a lot, but when you have to be the one standing in front of the group there isn’t enough information in the world that could get you over that fear.
Believe it or not, most of those fears are self imposed. What do I mean? The people listening to you don’t really care how the information is disseminated, they just want the information. It’s the speaker who puts themselves through the ringer weeks before the event. Here are some tips that may seem obvious, but once completed, will really put your mind at ease, trust me.
Public Speaking Tip #1
KNOW YOUR TOPIC! I don’t mean know your topic, I mean inside and out, upside down, what ever question someone could throw at you, you know the answer. You really need to be prepared to reach this level. You need to know your speech almost by heart; you need to know the products you will be discussing. Do your homework, you will know you have reached public speaking Nirvana when you get that “feeling”, it will come with knowledge. Believe!
Public Speaking Tip #2
Greet as many of the attendees prior to your speech as possible. Familiarity promotes confidence. Besides, think of the benefit you provide about the topic you are to speak on when you take the time to meet people before you go on.
This strategy also prevents you from pacing back and forth and worrying yourself to death until you go on. There is no point in cramming now, if you don’t know it, you wont, and it will show.
Public Speaking Tip #3
DON’T think of everyone in the audience as naked or in their underwear. This can be very disconcerting and will, in fact, hurt your chances of a successful public speaking outing.
Public Speaking Tip # 4
When you find yourself with only a mouthful of uhs and ums, stop yourself, repeat the sentence as if to add importance, and replace the uhs and ums with silence to allow your points to hit home.
Public Speaking Tip # 5
Animate your speech. Most people think that good communication is mouth-centric. Nothing could be farther from the truth! To be a powerful communicator, you have to use your entire body. Gestures and body language add energy and enthusiasm to your speech. However, they should be natural and just flow from the words you are speaking. You should not have to think about making a particular gesture.
These are tips can really help you take your next step in public speaking. Do you realize that people pass up promotions because they will be required to speak publicly?
Do you realize people fear speaking in public more than they fear dying? Maybe because dying is abstract and appears far away while the podium or lectern is right in front of them. Either way, you really can come to grips with your fear and maybe you won’t enjoy it, but you’ll be able to get through it easier. I can’t emphasize enough that half of your battle will be just knowing what you are going to say, and anticipating what others are going to ask. It can be easy!
Remember, you are there to share your knowledge or experience with your audience - they are the most important part of your speaking experience.
To your successful speaking experience!!
Fran
P.S. If you can't think of a topic for your next speech, go here for 800+ speech topics. http://www.franwatson.ca/publicspeaker.html
KNOW YOUR TOPIC! I don’t mean know your topic, I mean inside and out, upside down, what ever question someone could throw at you, you know the answer.
If you search in Google for the term “public speaking tips” you get roughly 2.6 million responses. That seems like a lot, but when you have to be the one standing in front of the group there isn’t enough information in the world that could get you over that fear.
Believe it or not, most of those fears are self imposed. What do I mean? The people listening to you don’t really care how the information is disseminated, they just want the information. It’s the speaker who puts themselves through the ringer weeks before the event. Here are some tips that may seem obvious, but once completed, will really put your mind at ease, trust me.
Public Speaking Tip #1
KNOW YOUR TOPIC! I don’t mean know your topic, I mean inside and out, upside down, what ever question someone could throw at you, you know the answer. You really need to be prepared to reach this level. You need to know your speech almost by heart; you need to know the products you will be discussing. Do your homework, you will know you have reached public speaking Nirvana when you get that “feeling”, it will come with knowledge. Believe!
Public Speaking Tip #2
Greet as many of the attendees prior to your speech as possible. Familiarity promotes confidence. Besides, think of the benefit you provide about the topic you are to speak on when you take the time to meet people before you go on.
This strategy also prevents you from pacing back and forth and worrying yourself to death until you go on. There is no point in cramming now, if you don’t know it, you wont, and it will show.
Public Speaking Tip #3
DON’T think of everyone in the audience as naked or in their underwear. This can be very disconcerting and will, in fact, hurt your chances of a successful public speaking outing.
Public Speaking Tip # 4
When you find yourself with only a mouthful of uhs and ums, stop yourself, repeat the sentence as if to add importance, and replace the uhs and ums with silence to allow your points to hit home.
Public Speaking Tip # 5
Animate your speech. Most people think that good communication is mouth-centric. Nothing could be farther from the truth! To be a powerful communicator, you have to use your entire body. Gestures and body language add energy and enthusiasm to your speech. However, they should be natural and just flow from the words you are speaking. You should not have to think about making a particular gesture.
These are tips can really help you take your next step in public speaking. Do you realize that people pass up promotions because they will be required to speak publicly?
Do you realize people fear speaking in public more than they fear dying? Maybe because dying is abstract and appears far away while the podium or lectern is right in front of them. Either way, you really can come to grips with your fear and maybe you won’t enjoy it, but you’ll be able to get through it easier. I can’t emphasize enough that half of your battle will be just knowing what you are going to say, and anticipating what others are going to ask. It can be easy!
Remember, you are there to share your knowledge or experience with your audience - they are the most important part of your speaking experience.
To your successful speaking experience!!
Fran
P.S. If you can't think of a topic for your next speech, go here for 800+ speech topics. http://www.franwatson.ca/publicspeaker.html
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Toastmasters - Your Road To Better Public Speaking
When you join toastmasters
Over the next few weeks I will be sharing with you 100 reasons to join Toastmasters. You may have heard the name before. You may have read some articles in the paper. You may have head people talk about it. But you are still not sure if Toastmasters is for you. Perhaps after you read these articles you will decide that it is indeed for you and for many of your friends. If so, please contact one of the numbers at the end of the article for more information.
To start out, let’s look at some of the growth you will experience with Toastmasters.
You will develop:
1. Public speaking skills
2. Presentation skills
3. Communication skills
4. Listening skills
5. Leadership skills
6. Evaluation techniques
7. Vocal variety
8. Effective non-verbal communication (body language)
9. Research techniques
If you are in customer service in any capacity, you can benefit from learning to develop your public speaking skills. If you are an employer, you might want to encourage your staff to attend weekly meetings. The Competent Communicator Manual gives you the opportunity to learn and practice some of the following: Organize Your Speech, Get to the Point (what do you want to achieve?), and How to Say It (Be specific, use vivid words, incorporate rhetorical devices, watch for jargon, etc.).
Have you ever been called upon at the last minute to give a presentation or a talk on something you’ve been working on, or something for a new client? Well, Toastmasters can help you think on your feet and be well organized so that this will become easy for you.
Communication involves more than just talking. It also involves shutting up (aka listening). Communication is a two way conversation. Many people say, “I have no problem talking”, and those around them are well aware of that. These people may have a problem letting other people talk. How many times have you been at a meeting where the person is supposed to speak only for 5 minutes and 15 minutes later they are still at it? At Toastmasters you learn how to craft a speech to fit within a specified time frame.
Listening skills are an important part of communication. It is important to listen well enough so that you really “hear” what the other person is saying. At our weekly meetings the Quizmaster tests the listening skills of the group by asking questions about things that went on during the meeting.
Leadership skills – are developed as members take on roles such as Toastmaster, Table Topics Master, Timer, Quizmaster, General Evaluator and others. Each person takes control of the lectern for their role and you have a chance to earn the Competent Leader award as you work through various roles such as: Speaker, Speech Evaluator, Timer, Grammarian, Ah Counter, Toastmaster, Mentoring a New or Existing Member, etc.
It is important to learn how to correctly evaluate someone so that they learn about the things they need to improve while being recognized for the things that they already do well. If all they hear is criticism, they don’t feel very good about themselves. One of the biggest challenges of a leader is to be able to give feedback to others on their performance. Feedback involves praising others to reinforce their outstanding performance and criticizing others to improve their performance. Often leaders are uncomfortable giving feedback. If team members are to perform to their potential, they need to know what they are doing well, what they are not doing well, and how they can improve. If you want to improve your team’s performance, you must be able to comfortably offer feedback to team members. Toastmasters teaches the “sandwich technique” for evaluations. Start with something positive, insert the message about things that could be improved and end with a positive comment. Come to a meeting and find out more.
Keep your conversations lively and worth listening to. Have you ever listened to a boring lecture where the person just drones on and on with no variety or depth to their voice? It’s enough to put you to sleep. Speech #6 will help you learn how to effectively use your voice for the highs and lows to keep people’s attention, (be expressive, use pauses for effectiveness, control your volume, pitch, rate and quality).
Your body often speaks louder than your actual words and people “read” what you are saying by the way you say it. Learn how to use gestures and eye contact to keep the audience watching and listening. Speech #5 - Your Body Speaks gives tips on how to use stance and movement, gestures, facial expression and eye contact naturally to enhance your communication.
Research techniques are developed as you prepare for your roles. If you are providing the word of the week, you will research the word to find out where it came from and what it means. If you are giving the Toast, you may want to look up more information on the weekly theme. If you are giving an Educational Tip, you will want to research your topic and prepare. Speech #7 from the Competent Communicator Manual gives you tips and ideas on how to research your topic to get the facts you need to support your message.
I hope this article has intrigued you and that you will consider joining us. Toastmasters is an international non-profit club run by volunteers to improve our public speaking ability by speaking regularly in a supportive environment with a solid program and helpful feedback.
Anyone over 18 who is interested in public speaking can join. Clubs have a great mix of experienced and beginning speakers, young and old. We believe that a diverse club offers the best learning opportunities.
Fran Watson
Proud Member of Pembroke & Renfrew Toastmaster Clubs
www.toastmastersdistrict61.org
For more information, you can go to www.toastmasters.org
Over the next few weeks I will be sharing with you 100 reasons to join Toastmasters. You may have heard the name before. You may have read some articles in the paper. You may have head people talk about it. But you are still not sure if Toastmasters is for you. Perhaps after you read these articles you will decide that it is indeed for you and for many of your friends. If so, please contact one of the numbers at the end of the article for more information.
To start out, let’s look at some of the growth you will experience with Toastmasters.
You will develop:
1. Public speaking skills
2. Presentation skills
3. Communication skills
4. Listening skills
5. Leadership skills
6. Evaluation techniques
7. Vocal variety
8. Effective non-verbal communication (body language)
9. Research techniques
If you are in customer service in any capacity, you can benefit from learning to develop your public speaking skills. If you are an employer, you might want to encourage your staff to attend weekly meetings. The Competent Communicator Manual gives you the opportunity to learn and practice some of the following: Organize Your Speech, Get to the Point (what do you want to achieve?), and How to Say It (Be specific, use vivid words, incorporate rhetorical devices, watch for jargon, etc.).
Have you ever been called upon at the last minute to give a presentation or a talk on something you’ve been working on, or something for a new client? Well, Toastmasters can help you think on your feet and be well organized so that this will become easy for you.
Communication involves more than just talking. It also involves shutting up (aka listening). Communication is a two way conversation. Many people say, “I have no problem talking”, and those around them are well aware of that. These people may have a problem letting other people talk. How many times have you been at a meeting where the person is supposed to speak only for 5 minutes and 15 minutes later they are still at it? At Toastmasters you learn how to craft a speech to fit within a specified time frame.
Listening skills are an important part of communication. It is important to listen well enough so that you really “hear” what the other person is saying. At our weekly meetings the Quizmaster tests the listening skills of the group by asking questions about things that went on during the meeting.
Leadership skills – are developed as members take on roles such as Toastmaster, Table Topics Master, Timer, Quizmaster, General Evaluator and others. Each person takes control of the lectern for their role and you have a chance to earn the Competent Leader award as you work through various roles such as: Speaker, Speech Evaluator, Timer, Grammarian, Ah Counter, Toastmaster, Mentoring a New or Existing Member, etc.
It is important to learn how to correctly evaluate someone so that they learn about the things they need to improve while being recognized for the things that they already do well. If all they hear is criticism, they don’t feel very good about themselves. One of the biggest challenges of a leader is to be able to give feedback to others on their performance. Feedback involves praising others to reinforce their outstanding performance and criticizing others to improve their performance. Often leaders are uncomfortable giving feedback. If team members are to perform to their potential, they need to know what they are doing well, what they are not doing well, and how they can improve. If you want to improve your team’s performance, you must be able to comfortably offer feedback to team members. Toastmasters teaches the “sandwich technique” for evaluations. Start with something positive, insert the message about things that could be improved and end with a positive comment. Come to a meeting and find out more.
Keep your conversations lively and worth listening to. Have you ever listened to a boring lecture where the person just drones on and on with no variety or depth to their voice? It’s enough to put you to sleep. Speech #6 will help you learn how to effectively use your voice for the highs and lows to keep people’s attention, (be expressive, use pauses for effectiveness, control your volume, pitch, rate and quality).
Your body often speaks louder than your actual words and people “read” what you are saying by the way you say it. Learn how to use gestures and eye contact to keep the audience watching and listening. Speech #5 - Your Body Speaks gives tips on how to use stance and movement, gestures, facial expression and eye contact naturally to enhance your communication.
Research techniques are developed as you prepare for your roles. If you are providing the word of the week, you will research the word to find out where it came from and what it means. If you are giving the Toast, you may want to look up more information on the weekly theme. If you are giving an Educational Tip, you will want to research your topic and prepare. Speech #7 from the Competent Communicator Manual gives you tips and ideas on how to research your topic to get the facts you need to support your message.
I hope this article has intrigued you and that you will consider joining us. Toastmasters is an international non-profit club run by volunteers to improve our public speaking ability by speaking regularly in a supportive environment with a solid program and helpful feedback.
Anyone over 18 who is interested in public speaking can join. Clubs have a great mix of experienced and beginning speakers, young and old. We believe that a diverse club offers the best learning opportunities.
Fran Watson
Proud Member of Pembroke & Renfrew Toastmaster Clubs
www.toastmastersdistrict61.org
For more information, you can go to www.toastmasters.org
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Are you Edacious?
I subscribe to a daily word service. Each day I am sent some interesting words to add to my vocabulary and today's word is one that can easily be incorporated into anyone's conversation, arousing a bit of interest and an opportunity to share it's meaning. If you are the Word Master for a Toastmaster's Club, it is an excellent word to bring to the table. I would like to encourage you to be an edacious Toastmaster or Public Speaker devouring all the information you can about the subject of public speaking.
A.Word.A.Day
with Anu Garg
edacious
PRONUNCIATION: (i-DAY-shuhs)
MEANING: adjective: Devouring; voracious.
ETYMOLOGY:
From Latin edere (to eat). Ultimately from the Indo-European root ed- (to eat, to bite) that has given other words such as edible, comestible, obese, etch, fret, and postprandial.
USAGE:
"For too many years my edacious reading habits had been leading me into one unappealing corner after another, dank cul-de-sacs littered with tear-stained diaries, empty pill bottles, bulging briefcases, broken vows, humdrum phrases, sociological swab samples, and the (lovely?) bones of dismembered children."
Tom Robbins; In Defiance of Gravity; Harper's (New York); Sep 2004.
You can sign up for your own "word of the day" by going to Wordsmith.org and I would encourage you to be a more edacious reader and learner.
To a Better You!!
Fran Watson
P.S. Check out this book - Mastering Public Speaking
A.Word.A.Day
with Anu Garg
edacious
PRONUNCIATION: (i-DAY-shuhs)
MEANING: adjective: Devouring; voracious.
ETYMOLOGY:
From Latin edere (to eat). Ultimately from the Indo-European root ed- (to eat, to bite) that has given other words such as edible, comestible, obese, etch, fret, and postprandial.
USAGE:
"For too many years my edacious reading habits had been leading me into one unappealing corner after another, dank cul-de-sacs littered with tear-stained diaries, empty pill bottles, bulging briefcases, broken vows, humdrum phrases, sociological swab samples, and the (lovely?) bones of dismembered children."
Tom Robbins; In Defiance of Gravity; Harper's (New York); Sep 2004.
You can sign up for your own "word of the day" by going to Wordsmith.org and I would encourage you to be a more edacious reader and learner.
To a Better You!!
Fran Watson
P.S. Check out this book - Mastering Public Speaking
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Body Language in Public Speaking
DO YOU SHOUT - EVEN WHEN YOU ARE SILENT?
By Martin Avis
There is a language that we all speak, but few are conscious of: the language of our bodies.
When we are talking to others - either face-to-face, or from the front of the room, our posture, gestures, eye movements and general demeanor communicate far more than our words.
It is said that women interpret up to 80% of the meaning of a conversation by non-verbal means. Men fall a bit behind and 'only' rely on non-verbal clues for about 30%. However, in either case, if you are unconsciously giving out the wrong signals, the meaning behind your intended message will be weakened or lost.
Body language is a vast, fascinating subject, but from a business point of view, there are several pointers that can help to strengthen your message. The aim is to match your audience's unconscious template of what makes a person trustworthy and believable.
Try out these five tips and see if they help you:
1. Personal Space
Everybody has a personal space threshold. Generally, Americans and Northern Europeans prefer to stand about a meter (3 feet) apart. People from Southern European and Asian countries are comfortable a little closer. Folks who live in rural areas like a little more space. Social situations allow closer proximities than non-social.
Be aware if the person you are talking to is backing up, and try not to intrude on their territory. Otherwise the reaction will be defensive or hostile.
2. Eye Movements
Many people are nervous about making eye contact - it is vital to overcome that fear if you want to be respected and believed. An evasive or indirect gaze sends out a strong signal of untrustworthiness.
When speaking to a room full of people, it is essential that you allow yourself to make - and maintain for a few seconds - eye contact with everyone in the room, over and over.
++++++++++ True Story ++++++++++
I was recently invited to America to give a presentation to about forty business people, few of them known to me. The meeting went well and I made as much eye contact as possible. Afterwards, a guy who had been sitting off to my left came up to me and thanked me for a useful and entertaining talk. Then he said something strange: he apologized for offending me.
Puzzled, I assured him that it wasn't so, and asked why he thought so. This is what he said:
"Oh, I had a very late night last night, and after you had been talking for twenty minutes or so, I couldn't [keep] myself [from] yawning. After that, you didn't make any eye contact with me for the rest of the session, so I figured I'd upset you."
The truth was, I hadn't seen the yawn. He had been sitting just outside my comfortable visual area, and I had been concentrating on eyeballing everyone else in the room so hard, that I had missed him out.
I gave him a lot of attention he went away happy. But I couldn't help think that that guy might have been the most important person in the room and I could have blown the whole trip with that stupid act of inattention.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
3. Appearance
It seems old-fashioned to talk about the need to be 'well turned out', but the axiom that 'you don't get a second chance to make a good first impression' is as true today as ever.
Experts say that the first five seconds of a meeting are more important than the next hour. Check all the obvious things like hair, teeth, fingernails, shoes, breath, immediately before the meeting. But also make sure you are putting on your best front, well in advance.
Even if the dress code is casual, there is a world of difference between dirty jeans and a crumpled T-shirt, and freshly laundered casual trousers and a polo shirt. Remember - dress to respect yourself and you automatically respect your audience.
4. Hands
Your hands are like semaphore flags. They send a message whatever position they are in.
Take a look at prominent politicians - they almost all use their hands to reinforce their words. Whether it is a chopping motion, like John F. Kennedy, or an open handed gesture like the English Prime Minister Blair, they are all intended to send visual signals directly to the right-brain of the listener to augment the words which normally address the left-brain.
One of the things I am asked most often when teaching presentation skills is 'what do I do with my hands?'
The easy answer 'just be natural' is not only unhelpful, but also completely wrong. You have to think of your hands and arms as every bit as important as the charts and slides you are presenting.
There are five places your hands can comfortably be:
- 1. In your pockets. Don't do it! It might feel natural, but the signal this gives is anything but. You will look uncomfortable, casual and unsure of yourself.
- 2. Clasped behind your back. This looks aloof and superior, and should be avoided.
- 3. Relaxed, by your side. This feels very unnatural to most people, but actually looks good to the audience. It makes you seem to lack tension.
- 4. On your hips. This is a very positive position. It sends out a message that you are comfortable and self- assured. Don't overdo it. This stance is best used at moments when you stop speaking and are allowing the audience a moment to absorb your message.
- 5. Gesticulating. Learn the messages that your hands convey and use them to emphasize your points: an open hand denotes honesty; a closed fist, aggression or evasion; a pointing finger, hostility. Also be aware of cultural differences. The American thumb and forefinger gesture meaning 'okay' may be insulting in Denmark.
5. Read the Room
You are not the only one who is communicating non-verbally. Learn to recognize the unconscious signals that your audience is feeding back to you.
* A tilted head and direct eye contact indicates attentive approval.
* Raised eyebrows and forward-leaning posture denotes attentive alertness.
* Indirect gaze, accompanied by pen or finger biting show uncertainty.
* Folded arms can indicate hostility.
* A hand to the chin show that you are being summed up.
Finally, learn constantly. Whenever you watch a presenter, try to work out why they are good or bad. Every time you make a presentation, try to detach yourself and see how you can be even better next time.
And remember, applause doesn't always mean you are great - the audience might be being polite, and gentle snoring from the back of the room doesn't always show that you need to work on your technique - the CEO probably just had too good a lunch!
Martin Avis publishes a free weekly newsletter: BizE-Zine - your unfair advantage in Internet marketing, business and personal success. To subscribe, and get 4 great free gifts, please visit http://www.BizE-zine.com
Yours to letting your body speak positively for you!
Fran Watson
By Martin Avis
There is a language that we all speak, but few are conscious of: the language of our bodies.
When we are talking to others - either face-to-face, or from the front of the room, our posture, gestures, eye movements and general demeanor communicate far more than our words.
It is said that women interpret up to 80% of the meaning of a conversation by non-verbal means. Men fall a bit behind and 'only' rely on non-verbal clues for about 30%. However, in either case, if you are unconsciously giving out the wrong signals, the meaning behind your intended message will be weakened or lost.
Body language is a vast, fascinating subject, but from a business point of view, there are several pointers that can help to strengthen your message. The aim is to match your audience's unconscious template of what makes a person trustworthy and believable.
Try out these five tips and see if they help you:
1. Personal Space
Everybody has a personal space threshold. Generally, Americans and Northern Europeans prefer to stand about a meter (3 feet) apart. People from Southern European and Asian countries are comfortable a little closer. Folks who live in rural areas like a little more space. Social situations allow closer proximities than non-social.
Be aware if the person you are talking to is backing up, and try not to intrude on their territory. Otherwise the reaction will be defensive or hostile.
2. Eye Movements
Many people are nervous about making eye contact - it is vital to overcome that fear if you want to be respected and believed. An evasive or indirect gaze sends out a strong signal of untrustworthiness.
When speaking to a room full of people, it is essential that you allow yourself to make - and maintain for a few seconds - eye contact with everyone in the room, over and over.
++++++++++ True Story ++++++++++
I was recently invited to America to give a presentation to about forty business people, few of them known to me. The meeting went well and I made as much eye contact as possible. Afterwards, a guy who had been sitting off to my left came up to me and thanked me for a useful and entertaining talk. Then he said something strange: he apologized for offending me.
Puzzled, I assured him that it wasn't so, and asked why he thought so. This is what he said:
"Oh, I had a very late night last night, and after you had been talking for twenty minutes or so, I couldn't [keep] myself [from] yawning. After that, you didn't make any eye contact with me for the rest of the session, so I figured I'd upset you."
The truth was, I hadn't seen the yawn. He had been sitting just outside my comfortable visual area, and I had been concentrating on eyeballing everyone else in the room so hard, that I had missed him out.
I gave him a lot of attention he went away happy. But I couldn't help think that that guy might have been the most important person in the room and I could have blown the whole trip with that stupid act of inattention.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
3. Appearance
It seems old-fashioned to talk about the need to be 'well turned out', but the axiom that 'you don't get a second chance to make a good first impression' is as true today as ever.
Experts say that the first five seconds of a meeting are more important than the next hour. Check all the obvious things like hair, teeth, fingernails, shoes, breath, immediately before the meeting. But also make sure you are putting on your best front, well in advance.
Even if the dress code is casual, there is a world of difference between dirty jeans and a crumpled T-shirt, and freshly laundered casual trousers and a polo shirt. Remember - dress to respect yourself and you automatically respect your audience.
4. Hands
Your hands are like semaphore flags. They send a message whatever position they are in.
Take a look at prominent politicians - they almost all use their hands to reinforce their words. Whether it is a chopping motion, like John F. Kennedy, or an open handed gesture like the English Prime Minister Blair, they are all intended to send visual signals directly to the right-brain of the listener to augment the words which normally address the left-brain.
One of the things I am asked most often when teaching presentation skills is 'what do I do with my hands?'
The easy answer 'just be natural' is not only unhelpful, but also completely wrong. You have to think of your hands and arms as every bit as important as the charts and slides you are presenting.
There are five places your hands can comfortably be:
- 1. In your pockets. Don't do it! It might feel natural, but the signal this gives is anything but. You will look uncomfortable, casual and unsure of yourself.
- 2. Clasped behind your back. This looks aloof and superior, and should be avoided.
- 3. Relaxed, by your side. This feels very unnatural to most people, but actually looks good to the audience. It makes you seem to lack tension.
- 4. On your hips. This is a very positive position. It sends out a message that you are comfortable and self- assured. Don't overdo it. This stance is best used at moments when you stop speaking and are allowing the audience a moment to absorb your message.
- 5. Gesticulating. Learn the messages that your hands convey and use them to emphasize your points: an open hand denotes honesty; a closed fist, aggression or evasion; a pointing finger, hostility. Also be aware of cultural differences. The American thumb and forefinger gesture meaning 'okay' may be insulting in Denmark.
5. Read the Room
You are not the only one who is communicating non-verbally. Learn to recognize the unconscious signals that your audience is feeding back to you.
* A tilted head and direct eye contact indicates attentive approval.
* Raised eyebrows and forward-leaning posture denotes attentive alertness.
* Indirect gaze, accompanied by pen or finger biting show uncertainty.
* Folded arms can indicate hostility.
* A hand to the chin show that you are being summed up.
Finally, learn constantly. Whenever you watch a presenter, try to work out why they are good or bad. Every time you make a presentation, try to detach yourself and see how you can be even better next time.
And remember, applause doesn't always mean you are great - the audience might be being polite, and gentle snoring from the back of the room doesn't always show that you need to work on your technique - the CEO probably just had too good a lunch!
Martin Avis publishes a free weekly newsletter: BizE-Zine - your unfair advantage in Internet marketing, business and personal success. To subscribe, and get 4 great free gifts, please visit http://www.BizE-zine.com
Yours to letting your body speak positively for you!
Fran Watson
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Engage Yourself, Engage Your Audience
By Jean Hamilton, Owner and Founder of Speaking Results
Do you wish you were a more dynamic and compelling speaker? Do you want to know how to effectively engage your audience? In this article I identify 4 elements that enable you be at your best when speaking. The four elements are: Passionate, Analytical, Confiding and Extemporaneous or P.A.C.E.
The Passionate Speaker. Passionate speakers exude energy and a contagious enthusiasm. Passion is the fuel. If we don't care about our message, it's a sure bet that nobody else will. Often, people care about their message, but are reluctant to show much passion in their presentations. In everyday life when we are excited about something, we show it, we communicate it, and influence others. It makes sense then, during a presentation when your objective is to motivate or persuade others, to allow yourself to get passionate!
If you are fearful that you will look foolish, remember audiences do not like boring speakers. So go for it. Allow your voice to get loud. Move through space. Feel strongly about your subject. Both you and your audience will enjoy the benefits. As important as it is, passion just for the sake of passion gets tiresome. It's a wonderful flavor, but we don't always want hot chili peppers.
The Analytical Speaker. The purpose of this element is to establish credibility and expertise. You accomplish this when you relay information in a clear, concise manner. Content level is high with facts and data. For your left-brain audience members, this is essential.
To develop your Analytical side, question your beliefs. How can you support those beliefs with data and examples? There is little body movement in the Analytical style and the voice has little modulation.
The Analytical element is necessary for establishing credibility, but if used too much, presentations will become boring. Many people think that business presentations are "supposed" to be analytical. But if your audience is not listening, your speech has no impact. When eyes start to glaze over, become passionate! As long as you shift gears, you will get the audience back.
The Confiding Speaker. When we confide with someone, we bring them in as our trusted advisor. We develop rapport. To create a stronger connection with your audience, explore the confiding style.
The Confiding speaker talks slowly, and quietly, with good eye contact. Emotion is bubbling right under the surface. Share aspects from your life experiences with stories that overlap with their stories. There is great strength in being "at home" in front of an audience. We can be vulnerable without becoming weak.
Strength and passion motivate others, but the key to an effective presenter is flexibility in your behavior. You can be loud, and you can also be soft. Rather than always persuading or motivating, let the audience come to you. Too much emphasis placed on the Confiding style will make your speech self-indulgent. Just the right amount makes the audience a true supporter. You have brought them into the role of a confidant, and they feel honored.
Finally, the Extemporaneous Speaker. The purpose of this element is to keep your presentations fresh. It requires you to be available and responsive to impulses. Humor happens in the moment. Often the funniest, most pertinent times happen when we are improvising with our audience.
When you speak extemporaneously, your voice has a lot of variety. Your body emphasizes points with gestures and facial expressions. Your mood is light and readily responds to audience reactions.
Many people are scared to be spontaneous during a speech. But if you hold on to the reins too tightly, you squelch the life out of your speech. Even if much of your presentation is planned, allow for some moments of spontaneity, and you will develop a deeper connection to your audience.
How do you become more extemporaneous? Take a deep breath and relax. It's impossible to be extemporaneous if you are tense. Notice yourself in everyday interactions when you give a quick, witty response. Recognize that you have that capability within you. Take an Improvisation or Stand-up Comedy class to build your "spontaneity" muscle. Though it is vital to be extemporaneous, if you spend too much time there, your presentation will lack a clear sense of direction.
By interweaving all four elements of the P.A.C.E. model: Passionate, Analytical, Confiding and Extemporaneous, you will be able to engage your audience intellectually and emotionally.
Flexibility is key. When you have the skill to shift your style according to what the situation calls for, you can engage your audience and have much more impact.
Reprinted from Presenters University
Jean Hamilton, owner of Speaking Results, is a speaker, trainer and coach on Communication and Presentation Skills. She has worked with CEO's, CFO's, administrators, sales trainers, realtors, and financial advisors. Companies that she has worked for include; Aventail, CREW Network, First Consulting Group, Global Partnerships, Merrill Lynch, Peterson Sullivan, and Port of Seattle. Visit Jean's web site at: www.speakingresults.com. Call her with any questions at: 206-933-6645.
Do you wish you were a more dynamic and compelling speaker? Do you want to know how to effectively engage your audience? In this article I identify 4 elements that enable you be at your best when speaking. The four elements are: Passionate, Analytical, Confiding and Extemporaneous or P.A.C.E.
The Passionate Speaker. Passionate speakers exude energy and a contagious enthusiasm. Passion is the fuel. If we don't care about our message, it's a sure bet that nobody else will. Often, people care about their message, but are reluctant to show much passion in their presentations. In everyday life when we are excited about something, we show it, we communicate it, and influence others. It makes sense then, during a presentation when your objective is to motivate or persuade others, to allow yourself to get passionate!
If you are fearful that you will look foolish, remember audiences do not like boring speakers. So go for it. Allow your voice to get loud. Move through space. Feel strongly about your subject. Both you and your audience will enjoy the benefits. As important as it is, passion just for the sake of passion gets tiresome. It's a wonderful flavor, but we don't always want hot chili peppers.
The Analytical Speaker. The purpose of this element is to establish credibility and expertise. You accomplish this when you relay information in a clear, concise manner. Content level is high with facts and data. For your left-brain audience members, this is essential.
To develop your Analytical side, question your beliefs. How can you support those beliefs with data and examples? There is little body movement in the Analytical style and the voice has little modulation.
The Analytical element is necessary for establishing credibility, but if used too much, presentations will become boring. Many people think that business presentations are "supposed" to be analytical. But if your audience is not listening, your speech has no impact. When eyes start to glaze over, become passionate! As long as you shift gears, you will get the audience back.
The Confiding Speaker. When we confide with someone, we bring them in as our trusted advisor. We develop rapport. To create a stronger connection with your audience, explore the confiding style.
The Confiding speaker talks slowly, and quietly, with good eye contact. Emotion is bubbling right under the surface. Share aspects from your life experiences with stories that overlap with their stories. There is great strength in being "at home" in front of an audience. We can be vulnerable without becoming weak.
Strength and passion motivate others, but the key to an effective presenter is flexibility in your behavior. You can be loud, and you can also be soft. Rather than always persuading or motivating, let the audience come to you. Too much emphasis placed on the Confiding style will make your speech self-indulgent. Just the right amount makes the audience a true supporter. You have brought them into the role of a confidant, and they feel honored.
Finally, the Extemporaneous Speaker. The purpose of this element is to keep your presentations fresh. It requires you to be available and responsive to impulses. Humor happens in the moment. Often the funniest, most pertinent times happen when we are improvising with our audience.
When you speak extemporaneously, your voice has a lot of variety. Your body emphasizes points with gestures and facial expressions. Your mood is light and readily responds to audience reactions.
Many people are scared to be spontaneous during a speech. But if you hold on to the reins too tightly, you squelch the life out of your speech. Even if much of your presentation is planned, allow for some moments of spontaneity, and you will develop a deeper connection to your audience.
How do you become more extemporaneous? Take a deep breath and relax. It's impossible to be extemporaneous if you are tense. Notice yourself in everyday interactions when you give a quick, witty response. Recognize that you have that capability within you. Take an Improvisation or Stand-up Comedy class to build your "spontaneity" muscle. Though it is vital to be extemporaneous, if you spend too much time there, your presentation will lack a clear sense of direction.
By interweaving all four elements of the P.A.C.E. model: Passionate, Analytical, Confiding and Extemporaneous, you will be able to engage your audience intellectually and emotionally.
Flexibility is key. When you have the skill to shift your style according to what the situation calls for, you can engage your audience and have much more impact.
Reprinted from Presenters University
Jean Hamilton, owner of Speaking Results, is a speaker, trainer and coach on Communication and Presentation Skills. She has worked with CEO's, CFO's, administrators, sales trainers, realtors, and financial advisors. Companies that she has worked for include; Aventail, CREW Network, First Consulting Group, Global Partnerships, Merrill Lynch, Peterson Sullivan, and Port of Seattle. Visit Jean's web site at: www.speakingresults.com. Call her with any questions at: 206-933-6645.
Confident Public Speaking - Have Something To Say
The trouble with many speakers is that they go before an audience with their minds a blank. It is no wonder that nature, abhorring a vacuum, fills them with the nearest thing handy, which generally happens to be, "I wonder if I am doing this right! How does my hair look? I know I shall fail." Their prophetic souls are sure to be right.
It is not enough to be absorbed by your subject—to acquire self-confidence you must have something in which to be confident. If you go before an audience without any preparation, or previous knowledge of your subject, you ought to be self-conscious—you ought to be ashamed to steal the time of your audience.
Prepare yourself. Know what you are going to talk about, and, in general, how you are going to say it. Have the first few sentences worked out completely so that you may not be troubled in the beginning to find words.
Know your subject better than your hearers know it, and you have nothing to fear.
To confidence in public speaking!!
Fran Watson
P.S. Sign up for my ezine - speakersinfo@getresponse.com
P.P.S. Check out this book - Mastering Public Speaking
It is not enough to be absorbed by your subject—to acquire self-confidence you must have something in which to be confident. If you go before an audience without any preparation, or previous knowledge of your subject, you ought to be self-conscious—you ought to be ashamed to steal the time of your audience.
Prepare yourself. Know what you are going to talk about, and, in general, how you are going to say it. Have the first few sentences worked out completely so that you may not be troubled in the beginning to find words.
Know your subject better than your hearers know it, and you have nothing to fear.
To confidence in public speaking!!
Fran Watson
P.S. Sign up for my ezine - speakersinfo@getresponse.com
P.P.S. Check out this book - Mastering Public Speaking
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Procrastination Prevents Public Speaking?
Do you believe that you have to wait until things calm down a bit before you get your act together?
Do you keep telling yourself that tomorrow you will get at that chore you’ve been putting off, that course you’ve been wanting to take, that phone call you’ve been going to make, take some time to look after yourself, go to the spa, take a hot bath, etc. etc.?
Well then, you are normal. Most of us are waiting until tomorrow, but the truth is, as Sarah Ban Breathnach says, “life never calms down long enough for us to wait until tomorrow to start living the lives we deserve. Life is always movement, always change, always unforeseen circumstances.”
So, what are our options? How do we begin working on this life of ours to make it more satisfying? Sarah says “We can accept, bless, give thanks, and get going. “ Wow, what a concept. Accept things as they are. Give thanks for our circumstances and then just get on with things.
As I read the thought for January 25th from Sarah Ban Brethnach’s Simple Abundance, A Daybook of Comfort and Joy, I was struck by how many things I have let slide. How many times procrastination has crept in and how many opportunities this has cost me. How many times have you had a thought, “I should call so and so”, but then let it slide only to find out later that something happened to that person, they moved away, or they died and that opportunity will never come again. How many friendships have you let slide? How many times have you turned down the chance to do something just for yourself – taking a nice long bath for instance. I can hear you now - “Oh, I couldn’t do that, there is laundry to do, dishes to be done, the house to clean, etc., etc., etc.” Well, those things will always be there. It’s time to stop making excuses. You will NEVER FIND THE TIME to do anything. You need to MAKE THE TIME to do what it is you want to do.
Sarah encouraged me to “Call a friend for lunch, begin to read or even write that novel, organize your papers, try a new recipe for dinner, smile at everyone you meet, sit and dream before a blazing fire, pick up your needlepoint again, act as if you’re grateful to be alive, scatter joy.” Simple things to get us started on LIVING out life instead of letting it pass us by.
Now it is your turn. Think for a moment about one thing that you can do that will bring you genuine pleasure…and then do it.
Think about one thing that will move your business forward…and then do it.
Think about one thing that will improve your relationship (if you are in one)….and then do it.
Simple things, and easy to do…IF we just go ahead and do them.
What will you do today????
Fran Watson
P.S. Think about one thing that you can do and then speak about!!
www.franwatson.ca/SFIsplash.html
Do you keep telling yourself that tomorrow you will get at that chore you’ve been putting off, that course you’ve been wanting to take, that phone call you’ve been going to make, take some time to look after yourself, go to the spa, take a hot bath, etc. etc.?
Well then, you are normal. Most of us are waiting until tomorrow, but the truth is, as Sarah Ban Breathnach says, “life never calms down long enough for us to wait until tomorrow to start living the lives we deserve. Life is always movement, always change, always unforeseen circumstances.”
So, what are our options? How do we begin working on this life of ours to make it more satisfying? Sarah says “We can accept, bless, give thanks, and get going. “ Wow, what a concept. Accept things as they are. Give thanks for our circumstances and then just get on with things.
As I read the thought for January 25th from Sarah Ban Brethnach’s Simple Abundance, A Daybook of Comfort and Joy, I was struck by how many things I have let slide. How many times procrastination has crept in and how many opportunities this has cost me. How many times have you had a thought, “I should call so and so”, but then let it slide only to find out later that something happened to that person, they moved away, or they died and that opportunity will never come again. How many friendships have you let slide? How many times have you turned down the chance to do something just for yourself – taking a nice long bath for instance. I can hear you now - “Oh, I couldn’t do that, there is laundry to do, dishes to be done, the house to clean, etc., etc., etc.” Well, those things will always be there. It’s time to stop making excuses. You will NEVER FIND THE TIME to do anything. You need to MAKE THE TIME to do what it is you want to do.
Sarah encouraged me to “Call a friend for lunch, begin to read or even write that novel, organize your papers, try a new recipe for dinner, smile at everyone you meet, sit and dream before a blazing fire, pick up your needlepoint again, act as if you’re grateful to be alive, scatter joy.” Simple things to get us started on LIVING out life instead of letting it pass us by.
Now it is your turn. Think for a moment about one thing that you can do that will bring you genuine pleasure…and then do it.
Think about one thing that will move your business forward…and then do it.
Think about one thing that will improve your relationship (if you are in one)….and then do it.
Simple things, and easy to do…IF we just go ahead and do them.
What will you do today????
Fran Watson
P.S. Think about one thing that you can do and then speak about!!
www.franwatson.ca/SFIsplash.html
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Ten Tips TO Becoming A Better Communicator
3 January, 2010
By Liz Guthridge, HR Columnist, Troy Media
In Malcolm Gladwell's book Outliers, he reports that an individual needs to practice a complex task for about 10,000 hours before he or she becomes a world-class expert. He cites the Beatles, Mozart, Sun Microsystems co-founder Bill Joy, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, and others. (Ability, luck, support from others and timing are also important for success.)
Generally, you can reach the 10,000 hour milestone after 10 years. According to a neurologist cited in the book, the brain needs that many hours to assimilate all the lessons from practicing a complex craft to reach a level of mastery.
What about the 10,000 hour rule in day-to-day communication? Most of us certainly spend the majority of our waking hours communicating -- much more than the 1,000 annual hours for a decade.
Yet how come so few of us are experts? Yes, we have flashes of brilliance every now and then, some of us more often than not. But many of our co-workers, friends and families still complain about our miscommunication misfires.
Unlike the musicians, athletes and technologists, we probably aren't taking our practice as seriously as we should. For example, to ensure we're becoming better communicators, not just older communicators, consider following these 10 tips.
1. Know our intent, including what outcomes we want.
2. Put ourselves in others' shoes to help us shape our message.
3. Rehearse what we'll say and edit what we write.
4. Listen better.
5. Acknowledge what people tell us.
6. Question ourselves and others; be curious.
7. Tell more stories.
8. Work with a coach.
9. Match our words and actions.
10. Practice humility.
It's ironic that a frequent excuse for not communicating well is not having enough time. We communicate many more hours than Tiger Woods (used to) play golf, yet few of us are on par with him. (Yes, bad pun intended for which I should get knocked down a few hundred hours.)
So be mindful about practicing. Eliminate wasteful communication. Make the hours matter and become a better LEAN Communicator.
Fran
P.S. Joining a local Toastmasters club cvan help make you a better communicator - check it out here to find a club near you. http://www.toastmasters.org
By Liz Guthridge, HR Columnist, Troy Media
In Malcolm Gladwell's book Outliers, he reports that an individual needs to practice a complex task for about 10,000 hours before he or she becomes a world-class expert. He cites the Beatles, Mozart, Sun Microsystems co-founder Bill Joy, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, and others. (Ability, luck, support from others and timing are also important for success.)
Generally, you can reach the 10,000 hour milestone after 10 years. According to a neurologist cited in the book, the brain needs that many hours to assimilate all the lessons from practicing a complex craft to reach a level of mastery.
What about the 10,000 hour rule in day-to-day communication? Most of us certainly spend the majority of our waking hours communicating -- much more than the 1,000 annual hours for a decade.
Yet how come so few of us are experts? Yes, we have flashes of brilliance every now and then, some of us more often than not. But many of our co-workers, friends and families still complain about our miscommunication misfires.
Unlike the musicians, athletes and technologists, we probably aren't taking our practice as seriously as we should. For example, to ensure we're becoming better communicators, not just older communicators, consider following these 10 tips.
1. Know our intent, including what outcomes we want.
2. Put ourselves in others' shoes to help us shape our message.
3. Rehearse what we'll say and edit what we write.
4. Listen better.
5. Acknowledge what people tell us.
6. Question ourselves and others; be curious.
7. Tell more stories.
8. Work with a coach.
9. Match our words and actions.
10. Practice humility.
It's ironic that a frequent excuse for not communicating well is not having enough time. We communicate many more hours than Tiger Woods (used to) play golf, yet few of us are on par with him. (Yes, bad pun intended for which I should get knocked down a few hundred hours.)
So be mindful about practicing. Eliminate wasteful communication. Make the hours matter and become a better LEAN Communicator.
Fran
P.S. Joining a local Toastmasters club cvan help make you a better communicator - check it out here to find a club near you. http://www.toastmasters.org
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