Congratulations to all whom have confirm your attendance. You are the happening people!! I am sure you will have a great night this Sunday. We have an exciting program all line up for you. The Tabletopics competition will be address to only past and present Toastmasters but the humor competition is open to all. So remember to register yourselves for the humor competition at the door.
A quick reminder that our SAA will be calling the dinner to order at 7.30pm sharp, followed by a toast to our Agong. Dinner should start at 7.35pm. Our official ceremonies and competitions start at 8.30pm and dancing should begin at about 10.00pm.
Congratulations again on your wise decision. Like a past attendee used to say "you will never ever be bored in a Toastmasters dinner".
Venue : Royale Bintang Resort & Spa
Place : Chinese Restaurant M Floor
Type : Buffet Dinner
Date : 2nd August 2009 on Sunday
Time : 7.00 Arrival (Dinner starts at 7.30pm) till 11.30pm
Dress : Formal
Price : RM40.00/pax
For further informations please contact Tan Soo Guan
Email- sgtan@pamitran.com
Phone- 019-3816300
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Word of the Day
Word to the Wise: Jocular
"Jocular" (JOK-yuh-lur) - from the Latin - means facetious; comic or jesting.
Example (as used by Don Hauptman today): "Unless the writer is Tarzan or Frankenstein's monster, he meant to say methinks, an archaic form of 'I think' or 'It seems to me' that, nowadays, is used only in a jocular fashion."
"Jocular" (JOK-yuh-lur) - from the Latin - means facetious; comic or jesting.
Example (as used by Don Hauptman today): "Unless the writer is Tarzan or Frankenstein's monster, he meant to say methinks, an archaic form of 'I think' or 'It seems to me' that, nowadays, is used only in a jocular fashion."
The Language Perfectionist
The Language Perfectionist: A Multitude of Misuses
By Don Hauptman
Here's another compilation of errors, all spotted during my routine reading of various print publications:
"There's only one institution capable of holding these leaders' feet to the fire: the national press corp."
The correct word here is not corp., an abbreviation of corporation, but corps (pronounced "core") - a group of people acting under direction, as in Marine Corps.
Letter to Editor I: "Children these days are taught that simply trying your best at an activity is all that is needed to enjoy the spoils of victory, regardless of the true outcome. These lessons are re-enforced when adults are insulated from the consequences of their actions... ."
The writer probably isn't referring to a police activity, so he should have used the word reinforced.
Letter to Editor II: "Having just come back from Disney World for the third time since November, I can tell you the decrease in attendance is a myth... me thinks the mouse is crying 'wolf.'"
Unless the writer is Tarzan or Frankenstein's monster, he meant to say methinks, an archaic form of "I think" or "It seems to me" that, nowadays, is used only in a jocular fashion.
Ad headline: "Graphics Auction Event of the Decade (To Be Offered in Bulk or Piece Meal Basis)"
Piecemeal - like methinks - is one word, not two.
"You have two 15-year-olds mashing in the back seat of the car - who's the criminal here? Do we really need Big Brother to decide whether or not that needs to be judiciously pursued?"
The word judicious means prudent, exhibiting good judgment. It's possible that this is what the quoted speaker meant, but my hunch is that she thought the word has something to do with the judicial system. The correct word in this context is legally.
Note that the above are most likely not simple typos but rather what I call "errors of ignorance" - mistakes that neither the writers nor their editors caught.
By Don Hauptman
Here's another compilation of errors, all spotted during my routine reading of various print publications:
"There's only one institution capable of holding these leaders' feet to the fire: the national press corp."
The correct word here is not corp., an abbreviation of corporation, but corps (pronounced "core") - a group of people acting under direction, as in Marine Corps.
Letter to Editor I: "Children these days are taught that simply trying your best at an activity is all that is needed to enjoy the spoils of victory, regardless of the true outcome. These lessons are re-enforced when adults are insulated from the consequences of their actions... ."
The writer probably isn't referring to a police activity, so he should have used the word reinforced.
Letter to Editor II: "Having just come back from Disney World for the third time since November, I can tell you the decrease in attendance is a myth... me thinks the mouse is crying 'wolf.'"
Unless the writer is Tarzan or Frankenstein's monster, he meant to say methinks, an archaic form of "I think" or "It seems to me" that, nowadays, is used only in a jocular fashion.
Ad headline: "Graphics Auction Event of the Decade (To Be Offered in Bulk or Piece Meal Basis)"
Piecemeal - like methinks - is one word, not two.
"You have two 15-year-olds mashing in the back seat of the car - who's the criminal here? Do we really need Big Brother to decide whether or not that needs to be judiciously pursued?"
The word judicious means prudent, exhibiting good judgment. It's possible that this is what the quoted speaker meant, but my hunch is that she thought the word has something to do with the judicial system. The correct word in this context is legally.
Note that the above are most likely not simple typos but rather what I call "errors of ignorance" - mistakes that neither the writers nor their editors caught.
Monday, July 27, 2009
6 More Days to Installation Night 2nd August 2009
5 reasons why you must bring your partner or a guest.
1) The dancing will starts before 10.00pm. Have you brought your own dancing partner? All the single guys and girls are already fully booked. There will be a long queue before you get your turn to dance with them. So bring your own partner. Or else you will not get the chance to dance the night away!
2) You have been faithfully attending meetings and sometime going home only after 11.00pm (including second round lepak session). Is your partner getting suspicious whom you are mixing with? Clear all their doubts and introduced them to Seremban's finest crowd.
3) We know you have been cutting back on good food and entertainment in this bad economic time. We also know you are BORED with food courts, mamak stalls, or partner cooked food. So come and bring your partner along to enjoy this 2-in-1 Dinner and Dance Installation Night at Seremban's only 5-Star hotel at a miserly RM40/pax. Free fun and entertainment all night long.
4) Bring a guest or two along. This will be your chance to introduced them to the wonderful world of communication and leadership. They will forever be thankful to you.
5) We need to fill up 40 seats.
Venue : Royale Bintang Resort & Spa
Place : Chinese Restaurant M Floor
Type : Buffet Dinner
Date : 2nd August 2009 on Sunday
Time : 7.00 Arrival (Dinner starts at 7.30pm) till 11.30pm
Dress : Formal
Price : RM40.00/pax
For further informations please contact Tan Soo Guan
Email- sgtan@pamitran.com
Phone- 019-3816300
1) The dancing will starts before 10.00pm. Have you brought your own dancing partner? All the single guys and girls are already fully booked. There will be a long queue before you get your turn to dance with them. So bring your own partner. Or else you will not get the chance to dance the night away!
2) You have been faithfully attending meetings and sometime going home only after 11.00pm (including second round lepak session). Is your partner getting suspicious whom you are mixing with? Clear all their doubts and introduced them to Seremban's finest crowd.
3) We know you have been cutting back on good food and entertainment in this bad economic time. We also know you are BORED with food courts, mamak stalls, or partner cooked food. So come and bring your partner along to enjoy this 2-in-1 Dinner and Dance Installation Night at Seremban's only 5-Star hotel at a miserly RM40/pax. Free fun and entertainment all night long.
4) Bring a guest or two along. This will be your chance to introduced them to the wonderful world of communication and leadership. They will forever be thankful to you.
5) We need to fill up 40 seats.
Venue : Royale Bintang Resort & Spa
Place : Chinese Restaurant M Floor
Type : Buffet Dinner
Date : 2nd August 2009 on Sunday
Time : 7.00 Arrival (Dinner starts at 7.30pm) till 11.30pm
Dress : Formal
Price : RM40.00/pax
For further informations please contact Tan Soo Guan
Email- sgtan@pamitran.com
Phone- 019-3816300
Saturday, July 25, 2009
8 More Days to Installation Night 2nd August 2009
You have not registered yet because
1) Recently I have been to a lot of dinners.
I bet your dinners are mostly wedding dinners. This is a place where firstly you wait forever for the event to start (suppose to start at 7pm but actual time could be 930pm), lonely because the rest at the tables do not like to talk and boring because the only activity is eat.
You will be coming to a Toastmasters Dinner and Dance! First we will definately starts on time. 7pm arrival of members and guests. 730pm makan time. All of us loves to talk; each time we meet, it is like we have not seen each other for centuries especially with guests. Blah! Blah! Blah! You will enjoy lots of other activities like humor contests, table topics contest where members are pick to answer questions. See how they stumble and fumble with the answer. It will be a fun, fun, fun dinner.
REGISTER NOW!
2) Expensive
Aiyoo yoo! RM40 in a 5-star hotel for dinner and dance function, where to get-lah. Our Secretary has managed to negiotiate a special deal for us! It is extra value for money with all the free fun thrown in.
REGISTER NOW!
3) Next day must work
Good thing about Royale Bintang Hotel in Seremban. Any direction you head will take you about 5 mins to reach home!
REGISTER NOW!
Venue : Royale Bintang Resort & Spa
Place : Chinese Restaurant M Floor
Type : Buffet Dinner
Date : 2nd August 2009 on Sunday
Time : 7.00 Arrival (Dinner starts at 7.30pm) till 11.30pm
Dress : Formal
Price : RM40.00/pax
For further informations please contact Tan Soo Guan VPPR
Email- sgtan@pamitran.com
Phone- 019-3816300
1) Recently I have been to a lot of dinners.
I bet your dinners are mostly wedding dinners. This is a place where firstly you wait forever for the event to start (suppose to start at 7pm but actual time could be 930pm), lonely because the rest at the tables do not like to talk and boring because the only activity is eat.
You will be coming to a Toastmasters Dinner and Dance! First we will definately starts on time. 7pm arrival of members and guests. 730pm makan time. All of us loves to talk; each time we meet, it is like we have not seen each other for centuries especially with guests. Blah! Blah! Blah! You will enjoy lots of other activities like humor contests, table topics contest where members are pick to answer questions. See how they stumble and fumble with the answer. It will be a fun, fun, fun dinner.
REGISTER NOW!
2) Expensive
Aiyoo yoo! RM40 in a 5-star hotel for dinner and dance function, where to get-lah. Our Secretary has managed to negiotiate a special deal for us! It is extra value for money with all the free fun thrown in.
REGISTER NOW!
3) Next day must work
Good thing about Royale Bintang Hotel in Seremban. Any direction you head will take you about 5 mins to reach home!
REGISTER NOW!
Venue : Royale Bintang Resort & Spa
Place : Chinese Restaurant M Floor
Type : Buffet Dinner
Date : 2nd August 2009 on Sunday
Time : 7.00 Arrival (Dinner starts at 7.30pm) till 11.30pm
Dress : Formal
Price : RM40.00/pax
For further informations please contact Tan Soo Guan VPPR
Email- sgtan@pamitran.com
Phone- 019-3816300
6 Ways to Make People Like You
Dale Carnegie on 6 Ways to Make People Like You
Principle 1. Become genuinely interested in other people.
Principle 2. Smile.
Principle 3. Remember that a person's name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.
Principle 4. Be a good listener: Encourage others to talk about themselves.
Principle 5. Talk in terms of the other person's interests.
Principle 6. Make the other person feel important - and do it sincerely."
(Source: How to Win Friends and Influence People)
Principle 1. Become genuinely interested in other people.
Principle 2. Smile.
Principle 3. Remember that a person's name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.
Principle 4. Be a good listener: Encourage others to talk about themselves.
Principle 5. Talk in terms of the other person's interests.
Principle 6. Make the other person feel important - and do it sincerely."
(Source: How to Win Friends and Influence People)
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Where to Find Personal Stories
by Bill Stainton
If you know anything at all about me and my speaking style, you know that I am a huge, huge fan of humorous personal stories! I think they are, hands down, the best way to add humor to your speech or presentation. I like them better than jokes, funny quotes, and cartoons. Why? Because they are unique, memorable, bombproof, and a small handful of stories will cover you in a surprisingly large number of situations!
In my coaching and consulting sessions with other speakers, however, I’m surprised at how often I hear somebody say something like, “But I don’t have any stories; nothing funny ever happens to me!” To which I reply, “Balderdash!” (Well, actually I use a slightly different expression, but the meaning is essentially the same.) Everybody’s got stories!
I remember reading an interview with David Letterman quite a few years ago. He was saying that all he asks of his guests is to come to the show prepared with two or three decent stories to tell. He went on to say, “If you’ve been on the planet for two decades or more and don’t have three decent stories, you’re doing something wrong!”
I couldn’t agree more with Dave. In my workshops, I go through a couple of exercises designed to help people find and develop personal stories. In one exercise, which takes less than 30 minutes, most people are able to come up with a dozen or more “story events.” These are events that have happened in their lives that can, with a bit of development, be turned into memorable and humorous platform stories. Remember, these are people who say they “don’t have any stories.” All of a sudden they’ve got a dozen or more possibilities. I won’t go into the full exercise here (but I’m certainly available for consultations and/or workshops…), but I will give you the key that unlocks the floodgates. First, though, a bit of history…
My background is as a comedy writer. I was a writer and executive producer for a multiple-Emmy Award winning comedy TV show in Seattle for 15 years. I’ve also written for Comedy Central, HBO, National Public Radio, and The Tonight Show Starring Jay Leno. And here’s one of the big things I’ve learned about comedy along the way. Comedy is when something goes wrong! If everything’s going along just fine, there’s no comedy. A person walking down the sidewalk isn’t funny. It’s when the person slips on the proverbial banana peel that the laughs start.
Okay, so how can you put this concept to use in your speaking career? Here’s what you do. Take a piece of paper and a pencil, sit down for a half hour, and think about the times in your life when something went wrong. Don’t worry, at this point, about whether these times seem funny to you. That will come later, during the development stage. And don’t feel like only the big things count. Sure, the time the car broke down while you were rushing to the hospital to give birth to your first child should be on the list, but so should the time you were having a week’s worth of groceries checked and bagged—with a long line of people behind you—and you suddenly realized you’d left your wallet at home.
A story doesn’t have to be of monumental magnitude to be a good platform story. In fact, sometimes it’s the smallest stories—the things that happen to all of us at one time or another—that resonate the most with an audience. This is because we, as an audience, can relate to your misfortune; we’ve been there! All you have to do is find a way to take the lesson that you learned from your mishap and link it to the message of your presentation. That's covered in an article titled, appropriately enough, Linking Your Stories to Your Message, but until then, you now know where to look for those great, funny, and memorable personal stories, because you know that…
Comedy is when something goes wrong!
If you know anything at all about me and my speaking style, you know that I am a huge, huge fan of humorous personal stories! I think they are, hands down, the best way to add humor to your speech or presentation. I like them better than jokes, funny quotes, and cartoons. Why? Because they are unique, memorable, bombproof, and a small handful of stories will cover you in a surprisingly large number of situations!
In my coaching and consulting sessions with other speakers, however, I’m surprised at how often I hear somebody say something like, “But I don’t have any stories; nothing funny ever happens to me!” To which I reply, “Balderdash!” (Well, actually I use a slightly different expression, but the meaning is essentially the same.) Everybody’s got stories!
I remember reading an interview with David Letterman quite a few years ago. He was saying that all he asks of his guests is to come to the show prepared with two or three decent stories to tell. He went on to say, “If you’ve been on the planet for two decades or more and don’t have three decent stories, you’re doing something wrong!”
I couldn’t agree more with Dave. In my workshops, I go through a couple of exercises designed to help people find and develop personal stories. In one exercise, which takes less than 30 minutes, most people are able to come up with a dozen or more “story events.” These are events that have happened in their lives that can, with a bit of development, be turned into memorable and humorous platform stories. Remember, these are people who say they “don’t have any stories.” All of a sudden they’ve got a dozen or more possibilities. I won’t go into the full exercise here (but I’m certainly available for consultations and/or workshops…), but I will give you the key that unlocks the floodgates. First, though, a bit of history…
My background is as a comedy writer. I was a writer and executive producer for a multiple-Emmy Award winning comedy TV show in Seattle for 15 years. I’ve also written for Comedy Central, HBO, National Public Radio, and The Tonight Show Starring Jay Leno. And here’s one of the big things I’ve learned about comedy along the way. Comedy is when something goes wrong! If everything’s going along just fine, there’s no comedy. A person walking down the sidewalk isn’t funny. It’s when the person slips on the proverbial banana peel that the laughs start.
Okay, so how can you put this concept to use in your speaking career? Here’s what you do. Take a piece of paper and a pencil, sit down for a half hour, and think about the times in your life when something went wrong. Don’t worry, at this point, about whether these times seem funny to you. That will come later, during the development stage. And don’t feel like only the big things count. Sure, the time the car broke down while you were rushing to the hospital to give birth to your first child should be on the list, but so should the time you were having a week’s worth of groceries checked and bagged—with a long line of people behind you—and you suddenly realized you’d left your wallet at home.
A story doesn’t have to be of monumental magnitude to be a good platform story. In fact, sometimes it’s the smallest stories—the things that happen to all of us at one time or another—that resonate the most with an audience. This is because we, as an audience, can relate to your misfortune; we’ve been there! All you have to do is find a way to take the lesson that you learned from your mishap and link it to the message of your presentation. That's covered in an article titled, appropriately enough, Linking Your Stories to Your Message, but until then, you now know where to look for those great, funny, and memorable personal stories, because you know that…
Comedy is when something goes wrong!
Relax Meditation Freebie
You can use the Core Energy Technique to release ANY unwanted though, feeling or belief in the moment. It's also a great way to of connecting to Core (God, Source etc) whenever you feel knocked off track
http://energymeditationsecrets.com/download.html
Hope you enjoy it... and more importantly...
USE IT... regularly. It will change your life.
Happy practicing,
Kevin Schoeninger & Matt Clarkson
The Mind-Body Training Company
http://energymeditationsecrets.com/download.html
Hope you enjoy it... and more importantly...
USE IT... regularly. It will change your life.
Happy practicing,
Kevin Schoeninger & Matt Clarkson
The Mind-Body Training Company
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Installation Night 2nd August 2009
We are planning a big bash to install President Kaladevi, CTM,CL and her team to lead the club to even greater success.
This is an important occasion when we recognized all the incoming executive committee members for their roles to bring the club to the next level. For the exco members, they must then pledge to perform their best for the club during this one year.
The serious part will probably last for about half an hour. The rest of the evening we will have good food, good fun, good fellowship and good dancing. We even managed to get a big discount from the hotel for the buffet dinner. Come and join us.
Venue: Royale Bintang Hotel Chinese Restaurant
Food: Buffet Dinner
Date: 2nd August on Sunday
Time: 7.00pm Arrival (Dinner starts at 7.30pm)
Dress: Formal
Price: RM40/pax
Please contact Tan Soo Guan at +6019-3816300 or e-mail sgtan@pamitran.com for further informations.
This is an important occasion when we recognized all the incoming executive committee members for their roles to bring the club to the next level. For the exco members, they must then pledge to perform their best for the club during this one year.
The serious part will probably last for about half an hour. The rest of the evening we will have good food, good fun, good fellowship and good dancing. We even managed to get a big discount from the hotel for the buffet dinner. Come and join us.
Venue: Royale Bintang Hotel Chinese Restaurant
Food: Buffet Dinner
Date: 2nd August on Sunday
Time: 7.00pm Arrival (Dinner starts at 7.30pm)
Dress: Formal
Price: RM40/pax
Please contact Tan Soo Guan at +6019-3816300 or e-mail sgtan@pamitran.com for further informations.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Quote of the Day
Act on what you love, not from what you fear, and watch how fear fades as love grows –Guy Finley
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Word to the Wise: Occiput
Word to the Wise: Occiput
The "occiput" (AHK-sih-put) - from the Latin for "against the head" - is the back part of the skull.
Example (as used by Alan Falk in Michigan Lawyers Weekly): "So let me suggest that everyone put away their pitchforks and firebrands and stop trying to 'bury the hatchet' by planting it in the other fellow's occiput."
The "occiput" (AHK-sih-put) - from the Latin for "against the head" - is the back part of the skull.
Example (as used by Alan Falk in Michigan Lawyers Weekly): "So let me suggest that everyone put away their pitchforks and firebrands and stop trying to 'bury the hatchet' by planting it in the other fellow's occiput."
Friday, July 17, 2009
The Power of Personal Stories
Bill Stainton
Most people who know me as a speaker, consultant, or coach know two things about me:
I love humor!
I hate jokes!
Don’t get me wrong: I like hearing a good joke; I’m just not a big fan of their use on the platform. I think there’s a much more powerful resource for humor available to the speaker, and it’s called the personal story. In my experience, personal stories—or personal anecdotes, if you prefer—have several convincing advantages over jokes, and I’d like to explore a few of those advantages here.
1. Personal Stories Are Unique
This is a huge, huge advantage! Your personal stories are just that: yours! They didn’t come out of some book that’s been read by 50,000 people. You’re not going to hear another speaker telling your stories (at least, not ethically). But more to the point, your audience will not have heard them before!
2. Personal Stories Are Easy to Remember
Let’s face it: jokes are tough to remember! And I’m sure there’s a corollary of Murphy’s Law that states that jokes are even harder to remember when you’re standing on a platform with a microphone in your hand in front of 500 people! That’s the beauty of personal stories! They’re easier to remember, for two reasons:
a. They come from your own experience
You don’t have to try to remember what comes next; you know what comes next, because you were there!
b. You’ve already told them dozens—perhaps hundreds—of times
These are the stories you’ve already told to your family, your co-workers, your friends. Sure, you’ll tweak them a bit for the platform—add a line here, clean up a segment there, bend the story a bit to further your message—but, by and large, you know how to tell these stories!
3. Personal Stories Are “Bombproof”
When you tell a joke, and it doesn’t get a laugh, you’ve bombed! You know it, and the audience knows it. That’s because the sole purpose of a joke is to get a laugh! Even if you’re using the joke to further your point, the joke itself is there to get a laugh, and everybody knows it. If it doesn’t get a laugh, you’ve got nowhere to go. It’s not a good feeling. Believe me, I know! Personal stories, on the other hand, exist first and foremost to further your point. If your story gets a laugh, that’s icing on the cake. But if it just gets warm smiles, or no response at all, you simply move on! Your audience will never know they were supposed to laugh; they’ll simply assume you’ve told them a mildly entertaining story to exemplify your point. Now, granted, you may have been expecting a laugh. But if you don’t show it, the audience will be none the wiser. As long as you keep your cool, you can’t bomb!
Most people who know me as a speaker, consultant, or coach know two things about me:
I love humor!
I hate jokes!
Don’t get me wrong: I like hearing a good joke; I’m just not a big fan of their use on the platform. I think there’s a much more powerful resource for humor available to the speaker, and it’s called the personal story. In my experience, personal stories—or personal anecdotes, if you prefer—have several convincing advantages over jokes, and I’d like to explore a few of those advantages here.
1. Personal Stories Are Unique
This is a huge, huge advantage! Your personal stories are just that: yours! They didn’t come out of some book that’s been read by 50,000 people. You’re not going to hear another speaker telling your stories (at least, not ethically). But more to the point, your audience will not have heard them before!
2. Personal Stories Are Easy to Remember
Let’s face it: jokes are tough to remember! And I’m sure there’s a corollary of Murphy’s Law that states that jokes are even harder to remember when you’re standing on a platform with a microphone in your hand in front of 500 people! That’s the beauty of personal stories! They’re easier to remember, for two reasons:
a. They come from your own experience
You don’t have to try to remember what comes next; you know what comes next, because you were there!
b. You’ve already told them dozens—perhaps hundreds—of times
These are the stories you’ve already told to your family, your co-workers, your friends. Sure, you’ll tweak them a bit for the platform—add a line here, clean up a segment there, bend the story a bit to further your message—but, by and large, you know how to tell these stories!
3. Personal Stories Are “Bombproof”
When you tell a joke, and it doesn’t get a laugh, you’ve bombed! You know it, and the audience knows it. That’s because the sole purpose of a joke is to get a laugh! Even if you’re using the joke to further your point, the joke itself is there to get a laugh, and everybody knows it. If it doesn’t get a laugh, you’ve got nowhere to go. It’s not a good feeling. Believe me, I know! Personal stories, on the other hand, exist first and foremost to further your point. If your story gets a laugh, that’s icing on the cake. But if it just gets warm smiles, or no response at all, you simply move on! Your audience will never know they were supposed to laugh; they’ll simply assume you’ve told them a mildly entertaining story to exemplify your point. Now, granted, you may have been expecting a laugh. But if you don’t show it, the audience will be none the wiser. As long as you keep your cool, you can’t bomb!
Word to the Wise
Word to the Wise: Obstreperous
Someone who's "obstreperous" (ob-STREP-ur-us) - from the Latin for "to make a noise against" - is noisily and stubbornly defiant.
Example (as used by Marilyn Stasio in a New York Times review of Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich): "Eye on the reward, Stephanie's obstreperous fat friend, Lula, decides to enter the cook-off, which she reckons will attract the killer."
Someone who's "obstreperous" (ob-STREP-ur-us) - from the Latin for "to make a noise against" - is noisily and stubbornly defiant.
Example (as used by Marilyn Stasio in a New York Times review of Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich): "Eye on the reward, Stephanie's obstreperous fat friend, Lula, decides to enter the cook-off, which she reckons will attract the killer."
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Speechmaking "Rules" Part 2
Speechmaking "Rules" You Should NOT Pay Attention To. Part 2
By Michael Masterson
5. Tell a joke to get started. Too risky. If you feel you need to tell a joke to loosen yourself up, chances are you won't tell it well. It's safer and just as effective to lead with a strong, compelling statement or question.
6. Cover all bases. I've never been able to cover even half the bases. If you research your subject properly, if you do some serious thinking, if you prepare yourself by seeking ideas and talking to other people, you'll have much, much more to say than you will be able to say in the time allotted. Decide, beforehand, on the most important issues and address them. Leave the lesser matters to the Q&A period, if there is one.
7. Summarize at the end. Never summarize. Summary is always boring because it is, by definition, abstract or diluted. Rather than summarize, restate your big idea in a different way. Make your last line a knock-out punch.
8. Keep control at all times. Like the "Don't be nervous" advice, this isn't helpful. The way to keep control is not to think about control. Think about what you are saying. Think, "I have something important to tell these people. They really need to hear it." Focus on your ideas, not yourself.
[Ed. Note: The above was adapted from Michael Masterson's book Power and Persuasion. Pick up your copy to discover the keys to mastering the two universal rules of power and success and unlocking massive personal and professional power.]
By Michael Masterson
5. Tell a joke to get started. Too risky. If you feel you need to tell a joke to loosen yourself up, chances are you won't tell it well. It's safer and just as effective to lead with a strong, compelling statement or question.
6. Cover all bases. I've never been able to cover even half the bases. If you research your subject properly, if you do some serious thinking, if you prepare yourself by seeking ideas and talking to other people, you'll have much, much more to say than you will be able to say in the time allotted. Decide, beforehand, on the most important issues and address them. Leave the lesser matters to the Q&A period, if there is one.
7. Summarize at the end. Never summarize. Summary is always boring because it is, by definition, abstract or diluted. Rather than summarize, restate your big idea in a different way. Make your last line a knock-out punch.
8. Keep control at all times. Like the "Don't be nervous" advice, this isn't helpful. The way to keep control is not to think about control. Think about what you are saying. Think, "I have something important to tell these people. They really need to hear it." Focus on your ideas, not yourself.
[Ed. Note: The above was adapted from Michael Masterson's book Power and Persuasion. Pick up your copy to discover the keys to mastering the two universal rules of power and success and unlocking massive personal and professional power.]
Quote of the Day
"Success is going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm."
-- Winston Churchill, British prime minister
-- Winston Churchill, British prime minister
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
More Relaxing Hypnosis Freebies
Thank you for requesting a download from The Hypnosis Network!
To get the download that you requested, please go to:
Self-Hypnosis Inductions http://www.hypnosisnetwork.com/downloads/?Z3MP7
If this link doesn't work for you, copy the 5-character code at the end of the link and paste it into the box labeled "Download Key."
We suggest that you listen in a place where you will be relaxed and undisturbed.
This download is free of charge. If you do decide to purchase any of our programs, please remember that all of our programs come with a one-year, no-questions-asked, money-back guarantee. To read what others have said about our programs, please click here.
If you have any questions about this download, any of our programs, or clinical hypnosis, I would be happy to answer them. Please send me your questions at michael@hypnosisnetwork.com.
Regards
Michael Lovitch
Co-FounderThe Hypnosis Network
michael@hypnosisnetwork.com
http://www.hypnosisnetwork.com
To get the download that you requested, please go to:
Self-Hypnosis Inductions http://www.hypnosisnetwork.com/downloads/?Z3MP7
If this link doesn't work for you, copy the 5-character code at the end of the link and paste it into the box labeled "Download Key."
We suggest that you listen in a place where you will be relaxed and undisturbed.
This download is free of charge. If you do decide to purchase any of our programs, please remember that all of our programs come with a one-year, no-questions-asked, money-back guarantee. To read what others have said about our programs, please click here.
If you have any questions about this download, any of our programs, or clinical hypnosis, I would be happy to answer them. Please send me your questions at michael@hypnosisnetwork.com.
Regards
Michael Lovitch
Co-FounderThe Hypnosis Network
michael@hypnosisnetwork.com
http://www.hypnosisnetwork.com
Quote of the Day
"Try not to become a man of success, but rather a man of value."
-- Albert Einstein, scientist
-- Albert Einstein, scientist
Speechmaking "Rules" Part 1
Speechmaking "Rules" You Should NOT Pay Attention To. Part 1
By Michael Masterson
I found the following "rules" in a popular book on speechmaking. It occurred to me that they are all wrong.
1. Don't be nervous. What good does this advice do? Telling someone not to be nervous is like telling someone not to flinch when you slap him.
2. Use a podium. This is a big mistake. Using a podium will only make your presentation appear static and boring.
3. State your objective by telling them what you're going to tell them. You need to tell them what you are going to tell them, yes. But that's not your objective. Your objective is to give them information that they need. So tell them how your speech will help, instruct, or enlighten them. Make it clear that they will benefit from what you have to say.
4. Speak slowly. What matters in speech is articulation, not speed. Pace your speech with your enthusiasm. Pronounce each word. Be natural.
By Michael Masterson
I found the following "rules" in a popular book on speechmaking. It occurred to me that they are all wrong.
1. Don't be nervous. What good does this advice do? Telling someone not to be nervous is like telling someone not to flinch when you slap him.
2. Use a podium. This is a big mistake. Using a podium will only make your presentation appear static and boring.
3. State your objective by telling them what you're going to tell them. You need to tell them what you are going to tell them, yes. But that's not your objective. Your objective is to give them information that they need. So tell them how your speech will help, instruct, or enlighten them. Make it clear that they will benefit from what you have to say.
4. Speak slowly. What matters in speech is articulation, not speed. Pace your speech with your enthusiasm. Pronounce each word. Be natural.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
E-Book on Hypnosis Freebies
Tan,
I'm giving you a chance to download my latest 63 page e-Book, "Hypnosis: Who It Will Work For And Why It Will Work For Them" absolutely FR.EE.
What You Will Find In This e-Book:Clear, precise, and interesting information on hypnosis and NLP. You'll learn everything that you need to know about the type of hypnotherapy that will work best for you as an individual.
There is NO catch of any kind. Download e-Book Right Now!
I'm giving you a chance to download my latest 63 page e-Book, "Hypnosis: Who It Will Work For And Why It Will Work For Them" absolutely FR.EE.
What You Will Find In This e-Book:Clear, precise, and interesting information on hypnosis and NLP. You'll learn everything that you need to know about the type of hypnotherapy that will work best for you as an individual.
There is NO catch of any kind. Download e-Book Right Now!
Why Gestures Can Hurt or Help You
Why Gestures Can Hurt or Help You on the Platform
Part of a natural speaking style is to emphasize specific points with the use of gestures. This can include hand movements and body movement to reinforce a point. It is imperative that gestures flow naturally, and do not look rehearsed or forced.
For some speakers, gesturing is a part of normal speech patterns; therefore incorporating hand movements is a natural part of the speaking process.
This is very evident in the way President Obama speaks. Even with the stress of talking to millions of people, there is still an easiness or fluidity to his movements that help him emphasize his points.
As an actor I used to try and control certain extraneous "awkward movements" with my arms that I was told by my teacher was quite distracting to my audience.
That's why when you watch TV and movie actors... a lot of their emotion and passion comes from their faces... why?
Because the camera is very tight on them. It picks up every nuance. This is why there are different acting techniques for stage and film. (But that is another article for this blog)
You see, any movement actors used during "their presentation" comes from being in the "moment!" And it should be the same with your speaking.
Remember: Even though you know your speech and have gone over it time and time again...it should come off as fresh to your audience. In a nutshell: You voice, speech patterns, and movement should work as "one unit!"
On the other hand, other speakers, nervousness impairs the ability to move freely and they allow their arms to dangle like sausages on a meat hook.
This lack of movement can impact the audience’s ability to effectively hear the message. It keeps the audience from connecting with the speaker.
The size of the audience is a good gauge for the size of the gestures. In an intimate setting with a small audience, the gestures should be smaller. In a large venue with a bigger audience, the gestures need to embrace the scope of the room and the size of the crowd.
Practice gesturing as part of the rehearsal process. The more often gestures are used; the more likely they are to look natural. Be careful not to look robotic or overly mechanical in the use of hand movements and walking.
Peter Fogel is "The Reinvention Guy" Speaker - Author - Seminar Leaderand creator of "Making the Bucks for Getting the Yuks! E-book
Part of a natural speaking style is to emphasize specific points with the use of gestures. This can include hand movements and body movement to reinforce a point. It is imperative that gestures flow naturally, and do not look rehearsed or forced.
For some speakers, gesturing is a part of normal speech patterns; therefore incorporating hand movements is a natural part of the speaking process.
This is very evident in the way President Obama speaks. Even with the stress of talking to millions of people, there is still an easiness or fluidity to his movements that help him emphasize his points.
As an actor I used to try and control certain extraneous "awkward movements" with my arms that I was told by my teacher was quite distracting to my audience.
That's why when you watch TV and movie actors... a lot of their emotion and passion comes from their faces... why?
Because the camera is very tight on them. It picks up every nuance. This is why there are different acting techniques for stage and film. (But that is another article for this blog)
You see, any movement actors used during "their presentation" comes from being in the "moment!" And it should be the same with your speaking.
Remember: Even though you know your speech and have gone over it time and time again...it should come off as fresh to your audience. In a nutshell: You voice, speech patterns, and movement should work as "one unit!"
On the other hand, other speakers, nervousness impairs the ability to move freely and they allow their arms to dangle like sausages on a meat hook.
This lack of movement can impact the audience’s ability to effectively hear the message. It keeps the audience from connecting with the speaker.
The size of the audience is a good gauge for the size of the gestures. In an intimate setting with a small audience, the gestures should be smaller. In a large venue with a bigger audience, the gestures need to embrace the scope of the room and the size of the crowd.
Practice gesturing as part of the rehearsal process. The more often gestures are used; the more likely they are to look natural. Be careful not to look robotic or overly mechanical in the use of hand movements and walking.
Peter Fogel is "The Reinvention Guy" Speaker - Author - Seminar Leaderand creator of "Making the Bucks for Getting the Yuks! E-book
Friday, July 10, 2009
Food for Thought
"Three billion people on the face of the earth go to bed hungry every night, but four billion people go to bed every night hungry for a simple word of encouragement and recognition."
- Cavett Robert
- Cavett Robert
Three Skills to Improve Conversation
Three Skills to Improve Conversation
By: Brian Tracy
One key to becoming a great conversationalist is to pause before replying. A short pause, of three to five seconds, is a very classy thing to do in a conversation. When you pause, you accomplish three goals simultaneously.
The Benefits of Pausing
First, you avoid running the risk of interrupting if the other person is just catching his or her breath before continuing. Second, you show the other person that you are giving careful consideration to his or her words by not jumping in with your own comments at the earliest opportunity. The third benefit of pausing is that you will actually hear the other person better. His or her words will soak into a deeper level of your mind and you will understand what he or she is saying with greater clarity. By pausing, you mark yourself as a brilliant conversationalist.
Ask Questions
Another way to become a great conversationalist is to question for clarification. Never assume that you understand what the person is saying or trying to say. Instead, ask, "How do you mean, exactly?"
This is the most powerful question I've ever learned for controlling a conversation. It is almost impossible not to answer. When you ask, "How do you mean?" the other person cannot stop himself or herself from answering more extensively. You can then follow up with other open-ended questions and keeps the conversation rolling along.
Paraphrase the Speaker's Words
The third way to become a great conversationalist is to paraphrase the speaker's words in your own words. After you've nodded and smiled, you can then say, "Let me see if I've got this right. What you're saying is . . ."
Demonstrate Attentiveness
By paraphrasing the speaker's words, you demonstrate in no uncertain terms that you are genuinely paying attention and making every effort to understand his or her thoughts or feelings. And the wonderful thing is, when you practice effective listening, other people will begin to find you fascinating. They will want to be around you. They will feel relaxed and happy in your presence.
Listening Builds Trust
The reason why listening is such a powerful tool in developing the art and skill of conversation is because listening builds trust. The more you listen to another person, the more he or she trusts you and believes in you.
Listening also builds self-esteem. When you listen attentively to another person, his or her self-esteem will naturally increase.
Listening Develops Discipline
Finally, listening builds self-discipline in the listener. Because your mind can process words at 500-600 words per minute, and we can only talk at about 150 words per minute, it takes a real effort to keep your attention focused on another person’s words. If you do not practice self-discipline in conversation, your mind will wander in a hundred different directions. The more you work at paying close attention to what the other person is saying, the more self-disciplined you will become. In other words, by learning to listen well, you actually develop your own character and your own personality.
Action Exercises
Here are two things you can do immediately to put these ideas into action.
First, make a habit of pausing before replying in any conversation or discussion. You will be amazed at how powerful this technique really is.
Second, continually ask, "How do you mean?" in response to anything that is not perfectly clear. This gives you even more time to listen well.
By: Brian Tracy
One key to becoming a great conversationalist is to pause before replying. A short pause, of three to five seconds, is a very classy thing to do in a conversation. When you pause, you accomplish three goals simultaneously.
The Benefits of Pausing
First, you avoid running the risk of interrupting if the other person is just catching his or her breath before continuing. Second, you show the other person that you are giving careful consideration to his or her words by not jumping in with your own comments at the earliest opportunity. The third benefit of pausing is that you will actually hear the other person better. His or her words will soak into a deeper level of your mind and you will understand what he or she is saying with greater clarity. By pausing, you mark yourself as a brilliant conversationalist.
Ask Questions
Another way to become a great conversationalist is to question for clarification. Never assume that you understand what the person is saying or trying to say. Instead, ask, "How do you mean, exactly?"
This is the most powerful question I've ever learned for controlling a conversation. It is almost impossible not to answer. When you ask, "How do you mean?" the other person cannot stop himself or herself from answering more extensively. You can then follow up with other open-ended questions and keeps the conversation rolling along.
Paraphrase the Speaker's Words
The third way to become a great conversationalist is to paraphrase the speaker's words in your own words. After you've nodded and smiled, you can then say, "Let me see if I've got this right. What you're saying is . . ."
Demonstrate Attentiveness
By paraphrasing the speaker's words, you demonstrate in no uncertain terms that you are genuinely paying attention and making every effort to understand his or her thoughts or feelings. And the wonderful thing is, when you practice effective listening, other people will begin to find you fascinating. They will want to be around you. They will feel relaxed and happy in your presence.
Listening Builds Trust
The reason why listening is such a powerful tool in developing the art and skill of conversation is because listening builds trust. The more you listen to another person, the more he or she trusts you and believes in you.
Listening also builds self-esteem. When you listen attentively to another person, his or her self-esteem will naturally increase.
Listening Develops Discipline
Finally, listening builds self-discipline in the listener. Because your mind can process words at 500-600 words per minute, and we can only talk at about 150 words per minute, it takes a real effort to keep your attention focused on another person’s words. If you do not practice self-discipline in conversation, your mind will wander in a hundred different directions. The more you work at paying close attention to what the other person is saying, the more self-disciplined you will become. In other words, by learning to listen well, you actually develop your own character and your own personality.
Action Exercises
Here are two things you can do immediately to put these ideas into action.
First, make a habit of pausing before replying in any conversation or discussion. You will be amazed at how powerful this technique really is.
Second, continually ask, "How do you mean?" in response to anything that is not perfectly clear. This gives you even more time to listen well.
Relax and Centre Hypnosis Freebie
For those of you who experience anxieties before your speech, maybe you can try hypnosis. Visit the link below for Relax and Centre with Dr Neil Fiore. Enjoy.
http://www.hypnosisnetwork.com/downloads/?C7KV5
http://www.hypnosisnetwork.com/downloads/?C7KV5
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Improved Memory Freebie
Access the link for a MP3 Improved Memory gift!
Hi Tan,
Here's the download page for the gift:
http://livebetterlife.org/gift/thxxx.htm
Have a wonderful day!
Marian
http://LiveBetterLife.org
Hi Tan,
Here's the download page for the gift:
http://livebetterlife.org/gift/thxxx.htm
Have a wonderful day!
Marian
http://LiveBetterLife.org
Top 10 Ways to Butcher Your Presentation-Part 3
Top 10 Ways to Butcher Your Presentation and How to Avoid Them! Part 3
By Arvee Robinson
8. Avoiding eye contact. The old adage "look above your audience's head" is a bunch of hogwash and should never be done. If you don't look at your audience, they'll soon lose interest and ignore you, too. To reach your audience, you must connect with them. The best way to do this is by looking them directly in the eyes as you speak. That doesn't mean you stare at them. It means you look at each person for about three to four seconds, then move on to the next person. Be careful not to bop your head from one side of the room to the other. Instead, slowly move from one person to the next in a sweeping motion.
9. Using the wrong hand gestures. Inappropriate hand gestures such as placing your hands in your pockets or flailing them can be as distracting as pacing the floor. Keep hands and arms comfortably at your side ready to jump up and make a meaningful gesture. The best gestures are those that demonstrate an action or a point of measure. All gestures should add to the understanding of the message, not be distractions.
10. Taking a mental exit. Forgetting what you're going to say can really mess up a presentation. It can cause great awkwardness and often is hard to cover up. Typically, speakers forget what they're going to say because they have either memorized their speech or relied too heavily on their notes. If this happens, simply return to the lectern, look down at your notes, pause and look up at your audience, and deliver the next line. The main message here is to not panic. Never let your audience see you sweat.
By Arvee Robinson
8. Avoiding eye contact. The old adage "look above your audience's head" is a bunch of hogwash and should never be done. If you don't look at your audience, they'll soon lose interest and ignore you, too. To reach your audience, you must connect with them. The best way to do this is by looking them directly in the eyes as you speak. That doesn't mean you stare at them. It means you look at each person for about three to four seconds, then move on to the next person. Be careful not to bop your head from one side of the room to the other. Instead, slowly move from one person to the next in a sweeping motion.
9. Using the wrong hand gestures. Inappropriate hand gestures such as placing your hands in your pockets or flailing them can be as distracting as pacing the floor. Keep hands and arms comfortably at your side ready to jump up and make a meaningful gesture. The best gestures are those that demonstrate an action or a point of measure. All gestures should add to the understanding of the message, not be distractions.
10. Taking a mental exit. Forgetting what you're going to say can really mess up a presentation. It can cause great awkwardness and often is hard to cover up. Typically, speakers forget what they're going to say because they have either memorized their speech or relied too heavily on their notes. If this happens, simply return to the lectern, look down at your notes, pause and look up at your audience, and deliver the next line. The main message here is to not panic. Never let your audience see you sweat.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Top 10 Ways to Butcher Your Presentation-Part 2
Top 10 Ways to Butcher Your Presentation and How to Avoid Them! Part 2
By Arvee Robinson
4. Pacing while you speak. Walking back and forth is a BIG distraction to your audience. Not only will their necks hurt after the game of Ping-Pong that you just put them through, but you'll have them anxiously wondering "Is this ever going to stop!?" Pacing keeps the audience from hearing what you're saying. Movement is good; it keeps a presentation lively and interesting. However, it's important to move with a purpose instead of meandering.
5. Swaying in the wind. Like pacing, swaying in front of an audience is a HUGE no-no. Not only is it a distraction, it may even make your audience seasick. The best way to keep from swaying is to stand in the rooted position, which is when both feet are shoulder-length apart. Standing in this position will create a look of confidence and eliminate the temptation to sway.
6. Leaning on the lectern. A surefire way to lose your audience's confidence is to lean on the lectern. Not only does this casual style show a lack of respect to both the audience and the lectern, it also gives the appearance of a sloppy speaker. Treat the lectern as you would your child. Never lean on it, hit it, or leave it unattended.
7. Speaking in a monotone voice. Speaking in a one-dimensional, monotone voice is boring, boring, boring. If you deliver your presentation using only one vocal pitch and rate, you'll surely put your audience to sleep. People can't grasp your message if they're snoring. Therefore, it's important to create excitement and keep interest by using a variety of vocal tones, pitches, and rates when you speak.
By Arvee Robinson
4. Pacing while you speak. Walking back and forth is a BIG distraction to your audience. Not only will their necks hurt after the game of Ping-Pong that you just put them through, but you'll have them anxiously wondering "Is this ever going to stop!?" Pacing keeps the audience from hearing what you're saying. Movement is good; it keeps a presentation lively and interesting. However, it's important to move with a purpose instead of meandering.
5. Swaying in the wind. Like pacing, swaying in front of an audience is a HUGE no-no. Not only is it a distraction, it may even make your audience seasick. The best way to keep from swaying is to stand in the rooted position, which is when both feet are shoulder-length apart. Standing in this position will create a look of confidence and eliminate the temptation to sway.
6. Leaning on the lectern. A surefire way to lose your audience's confidence is to lean on the lectern. Not only does this casual style show a lack of respect to both the audience and the lectern, it also gives the appearance of a sloppy speaker. Treat the lectern as you would your child. Never lean on it, hit it, or leave it unattended.
7. Speaking in a monotone voice. Speaking in a one-dimensional, monotone voice is boring, boring, boring. If you deliver your presentation using only one vocal pitch and rate, you'll surely put your audience to sleep. People can't grasp your message if they're snoring. Therefore, it's important to create excitement and keep interest by using a variety of vocal tones, pitches, and rates when you speak.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
More Public Speaking Freebies
Good stuff on public speaking. Go visit the link below.
Hi Tan,
Just checking that you received
your free public speaking report
and the other bonuses.
If not, please download it again
by going to http://www.freepublicspeakingreport.com
Passionately Speaking
Arvee Robinson
Master Speaker Trainer
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Top 10 Ways to Butcher Your Presentation-Part 1
Top 10 Ways to Butcher Your Presentation and How to Avoid Them!
By Arvee Robinson
1. Getting there late. Walking frantically into a room full of people who have been waiting for you to arrive can be an embarrassing situation. Unless you are a magician, you might as well turn around and leave. It would take a miracle to get this audience to forget the inconvenience you have caused them. They probably have already passed judgment on you, deciding you're an inconsiderate speaker rather than a viable expert in your field. Make the extra effort to arrive at least ½ hour before the event begins.
2. Apologizing before you start. Starting off your presentation with "Uh, I'm sorry that I . . ." is the quickest, most assured way to lose your audience's attention and leave them cold. Remember, YOU are the expert and true experts have nothing to be sorry for. The audience doesn't care if you have a cold, woke up late, got caught in traffic, or tripped on a banana skin. All they care about is what information you're going to give them that will benefit them in the shortest amount of time. Remember Love Story--"Love means never having to say you're sorry."
3. Not having a clear purpose. Not having a clearly defined purpose for speaking is like driving to a restaurant in another city without a clue about how to get there. You'll end up meandering, not really going anywhere, until finally the people in the car with you get frustrated, lose their patience, and take a mental exit, determined never to ride with you again. Decide why you are speaking, and to whom, and stick to it.
By Arvee Robinson
1. Getting there late. Walking frantically into a room full of people who have been waiting for you to arrive can be an embarrassing situation. Unless you are a magician, you might as well turn around and leave. It would take a miracle to get this audience to forget the inconvenience you have caused them. They probably have already passed judgment on you, deciding you're an inconsiderate speaker rather than a viable expert in your field. Make the extra effort to arrive at least ½ hour before the event begins.
2. Apologizing before you start. Starting off your presentation with "Uh, I'm sorry that I . . ." is the quickest, most assured way to lose your audience's attention and leave them cold. Remember, YOU are the expert and true experts have nothing to be sorry for. The audience doesn't care if you have a cold, woke up late, got caught in traffic, or tripped on a banana skin. All they care about is what information you're going to give them that will benefit them in the shortest amount of time. Remember Love Story--"Love means never having to say you're sorry."
3. Not having a clear purpose. Not having a clearly defined purpose for speaking is like driving to a restaurant in another city without a clue about how to get there. You'll end up meandering, not really going anywhere, until finally the people in the car with you get frustrated, lose their patience, and take a mental exit, determined never to ride with you again. Decide why you are speaking, and to whom, and stick to it.
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