TDKtalks Soft Skills: Recent Episodes
Terry D Kozlyk
Just Say YES We were walking out of a successful 1-hour meeting with Shaw TV. We were pitching a documentary idea about the charity's upcoming mission to Vietnam. They loved it! We are in. That's when Laverne turns to me and asks, "Do you want to come along and be our videographer?" It really is true. If an opportunity presents itself to you, something that you are passionate about, Just Say Yes. Don't waste a second thinking about it. The dots will connect. It will all come together. And so did my first trip as a volunteer videographer to Vietnam in March 2014. You can read the detailed story here Volunteer Videographer for a Children's Mission in Vietnam Arrival We land at Saigon airport, after 3 legs of a 23-hour flight. Our taxi pulls up to our downtown hotel around 3 am. But there is still partying outside as if it were Mardi Gras. By the time we each get our room assignments and keys, I turn in around 4 am. Don't Bolt I awake several hours later at 7 am. I hitch up with Laverne, who has been here several times. She is my tour guide and we are going for coffee. It is Sat at 8 am and I am confounded with the rain and shower of motorbikes flooding the street haphazardly without any uniformity as we know in the west. But this is the street we need to cross, to get to the newest and biggest Starbucks ever. She turns to me and gives me my first and BIGGEST piece of advice – “Whatever you do, don’t bolt”. That is, when you are crossing the street, be seen, be predictable, do not zig – do not zag. If you do, You will get hit. Those words lingered in my mind for the remainder of our 3-week mission. I would practice this adage most every time I was on the streets. My Mission Our team of 10 would be delivering 2-day workshops to parents and their young children stricken with various degrees of cerebral palsy or CP – a motor nerve disability caused by dead brain areas due to oxygen starvation either before or during birth. Up to 40 mothers at a time would be attending with their CP stricken children and our team would be doing 1-on-1 exercises, teaching the parents how to care for and help their children. By comparison, my task was to capture a video showing how our team worked in rotating 1-on-1 sessions with the parents & children. Intro at Rehab As we began each 2-day workshop in a new rehab hospital, we always gave each parent, a microphone so they could introduce themselves and tell us their story and journey, of their child’s cerebral palsy, when they were first diagnosed - delivered the shattering news that their child has this affliction called cerebral palsy. With a translator, each 5-minute story became 10. Several stories brought those parents to tears. Our volunteer translator turned to me and said, “many of these mothers have never been given this opportunity to tell their story – no one has ever asked them . . . no one has ever cared !” Truly a moment to capture on video. Watching Everyone While everyone was watching the person speaking at the front, facing forward, I was always sitting to the side, near the front but always looking back into the audience. I was looking for every facial expression that I could capture in my video. A mother in tears over her dilemma of having a child with cerebral palsy. I looked for the smiling face of a 3-year old stricken with CP, to be able to show everyone watching the video months later at home, that YES, even children with CP have a life like you and me, and can smile, can enjoy the simple things in their daily living. My Days Long As a volunteer videographer, my days were long. I would be standing the entire day, with camera in hand, always looking for the ideal vantage point. Sketchers should have been my main sponsor! Our team’s day at the rehab hospital would start with their arrival at 8 am and end at 4 pm. Then we had a 1-hour bus ride back to our hotel. Time to refresh and we agreed to meet around 6 in the hotel lobby,
Signs - Learn to Interpret and Apply Your Signs - Your Guiding Light A year after my second volunteer charity mission as videographer to Vietnam, I had the opportunity to attend a Lance Miller speech and presentation workshop. But the best part was that I was chosen to present my speech in front of a live audience of 100+ and then have Lance Miller, Toastmaster's World Champion of Public Speaking WCPS 2005, evaluate me on stage. It was a live lab where I could get feedback, and try out some new techniques. I couldn't resist in presenting my inaugural "Signs" where I reflect on several of the signs that helped me confirm I was doing the right thing by going to Vietnam.
I spoke of how my father-in-law's face was reflected in the 16 year old boy we did a home visit to. I mentioned how the timing of our wheelchair donation coincided with the 2 month passing of that same father-in-law. And if you are a positive person, like me, you will take these occurrences as positive signs that what you are doing is the right thing. Signs like these appear around us and are a way to reassure us that we have taken the correct path, made the right decision or chose the correct fork in the road.
You make decisions every day and like most of us, perhaps all, you wondered if you are making the right decision; if you are going the right way or perhaps the wrong way. Some call it intuition, some describe it as "go by your gut feel", do what makes you feel good. Some even resort to reading their horoscope. But in my speech, I give several examples of what my signs were during both of my 3 week missions to Vietnam. I conclude by encouraging everyone to start learning how to recognize, interpret and most importantly apply what you believe your signs are telling you to do. It would be nice and easy for us if we always had a mentor we trusted to tell us exactly what to do. But like me, you probably don't and have to rely on your signs appearing around you to help you decide.
Learn to recognize the signs appearing around you. These signs usually happen for a reason. Your signs are there to help you decide or put you at ease, even take the pressure off you. Your signs can relax you if you are hard on yourself about something and enduring alot of undue pressure. Don't fight your signs. Learn to listen to them. These signs are your life signs.
Networking Tips - Free and Easy Practises To Get You Off The Ground Networking 101 Do you need to get your business off the ground or just improve and perfect your networking practises? Below I share several simple, easy and free things you can do. I have been preparing for my next launch over the past year, picking up tips, connecting my dots, from others and many from my observations of others, along with my own mistakes I have made. So don't leave any stones unturned. 1. Know What You Do Develop a succinct, 1-liner, even phrase of what you do. The shorter it is the better. It will be what you reply when people ask you a simple question, "So what do you do Terry?". This could be your website tagline, as it is referred to in digital marketing. This is best kept short and in an inviting lingo. Your answer should intrigue and pique your recipient's attention by getting them to ask more. A conversation ensues, where you can then elaborate with longer answers. You want to develop this conversation and exchange into something longer, so give your recipient easy ways to ask for more info. So many times, in my networking events, I overhear people "boiling the ocean" on the first answer. That is what immediately turns off the recipient, making their eyes roll or makes them think that you are desperate. In the early days, that may have been me also. But if you begin your first answer with the long reply, you may lose their attention as they shut you out. 2. Know Your Why Understand fully WHY you are doing what you are doing, whether selling a product, delivering a service or sharing your message. Know what you and your business stand for. Your WHY is your anchor point and everything you do with your business or service should revolve and connect to your WHY. If it doesn't then it may indicate you are going astray and need to get back on track. 3. Have a Business Card I can't tell you how many times I have seen, and continue to see today, 2 people who just met, at some event, and stumble around with excuses of not having any biz cards on them - probably because they don't have any business cards. And if looking for paper to write on wasn't bad enough, they also engage the national guard to find a pen to write with. So much precious networking time is lost doing this. And what a big distraction this is to the flow of ideas in connecting. With a business card, it takes but 5 seconds to exchange and the discussion on more important things, like your WHY, can continue. 4. Have a Website A website is the virtual YOU, when you just cannot be with someone "in-person", like at 3 am (we're talking global connections here). Your website is available 24/7/365. Thanks to social media, having a website is more mandatory than ever. Your social media is like a dragnet, a funnel, a magnet, and should draw everyone to your website, the virtual YOU. Websites are almost free, easy to maintain, flexible and you can access them from anywhere, to keep it updated and current. Today, with wifi and cell phone data plans, websites carry all your advertising material, to the world. 5. Have an Email Make it easy for people to contact you. Email is one of those easy ways. Everyone should have an email. If you have a domain name already, for your website, then use the email tied to your domain name as it advertises you, your business name, cause or mission via your domain name. It makes it easy for people to remember you. You make a full and lasting impression in the minds of your visitors and contacts, both existing and new. You want to radiate outwards that perception in people's memory and what they will remember you by. When someone asks them if they know someone who can . . . you will more easily float to the top in their memory. 6. Have a Social Media Footprint This reason is much the same as the email and website above. With so many choices in social media, everyone has their favourites. Some may be on all social media.
I explain what dots are and give you some simple examples from my background. I then encourage you to keep creating dots and regularly start connecting your dots, past and present to carry you forward in your career, your relationships and your personal life.
I am a Fixer. Since I was in my single digits age, I loved learning how things work. My self study each morning during breakfast into the hardware catalogs on our kitchen table was fun. I remember constantly going over products that had simple sketches and pictures showing the product installed and in use around the yard or house. I didn't realize at the time but in that daily practise, I was already developing my own process of discovering, absorbing, questioning and reaffirming the catalog curriculum. This was my first self discovery into design, process and relationships.
Fast forward to when I graduate from technical college and get my first job in an industrial radio manufacturing plant. I was on a test bench testing and making initial settings to electronic modules for receivers and transmitters. First was tuning them to specs set by the designer of it. Because we were smaller, when we met our quota we had a chance to fix the units that did not work. That was a thrill and real confidence builder as I got to put my learned theory to the test. When I did fix units, it was a real confidence booster.
Fast forward again to the longest part of my career of 20 years when I was designing complex multi-layer printed circuit boards. It was like 3-D chess. Given a circuit board with set boundaries, the design begins by me staring at a mess of hundreds of components and thousands of connections between related components. My challenge over the next several months was to manually place all the components such that their interconnecting relationships were clean, efficient and complete. After many years, I realized the gyst of this skill was in recognizing patterns and assessing based on what I see.
Parallel to this part of my midlife, and I get involved with Toastmasters and learning how to deliver a speech I designed, with purpose, confidence and influence. A large part of the Toastmasters educational program is another member giving me a 2 to 3 minute oral evaluation and feedback on my speech. Strengths were identified but more importantly, I received feedback on how to make my speech more effective using all possible skills and techniques. This is ideal; a person like a personal coach, that tells you specifically what to change on the input side, so that you arrive at the results you want in the end. However, life is not that simple and easy. Over time and attending so many meetings I also began to observe and realize how people themselves are relationships amongst each other, like the physical entities I mentioned above and that some members exhibit specific responses, either favorable or undesirable. I call it "people dynamics" and discovered this part of our human interraction which goes with no feedback. I was on my own. I began to sense, feel and sometimes see specific responses to what I did or said. My previous career skill of recognizing patterns in physical components transgressed into people relationships. I was moving forward.
If something happens once, it is an occurrence. If it happens 2 or 3 times, it is a pattern. And if it continues to occur, it is a wake up call. Fate is telling you that you must change something on the input side if you want to change the outputs or results. Ideally, it would be easy if someone gave us feedback on what we need to change to improve our end result with respect to people and how we relate to them. But in that absence one must learn how to observe the patterns, assess what best to change in their process, perform with that new change, observe the new result and make your assessment. This becomes an interitive process, more commonly known as CPI - Continuous Process Improvement.
If you start to sense and feel that the results are always the same and you don't like those results, then you must change your initial process, an input at the beginning of your process, sometimes in huge and radical steps, to change the resulting outcome to which you desire.
Competitions Bring Out The Better You Speech Contests Speech timing is crucial to fitting your speaking spot with your presentation. Speaking contests are a great way for you to learn and hone a variety of speaking and presentation skills. There are many reasons why you should compete in speech contests. First and foremost, surround yourself with those you would like to become. There is no better and practical method of becoming better than by actually practising and doing. Like any competition, you learn more and perform better when you are surrounded by experts in your chosen field. That environment raises the bar for you to strive for. It is no different with speech contests. For the purpose of this article, I will share in the context of Toastmasters speech contests, since we are in the midst of the spring international speech contest season for Toastmasters the world over. Speech Timing Is Everything Toastmasters competitive speeches must be longer than 4 minutes and 30 seconds but less than 7 minutes and 30 seconds. Too short or too long, and you are disqualified, in secret of course, by the judges. Most speeches I have timed, come in around 7 minutes. That gives you 30 seconds of headroom to ensure you do not disqualify yourself. At one contest I came in at 6 minutes. My coach and I conferred later. I stated that I said all I had to say and didn't want to droan on. I wanted to keep it short and sweet. She replied that I could have picked up extra points using that minute by making body jestures, facial expressions or injecting some vocal variety, with a target finish of 7 minutes.
Be Careful Of Not Going Over The 7:30 Mark Speech Timing And The Laugh Window Your speech length will need to adjust on its journey from club, area, division, district. Your audience will grow in size from 20 at club to well over 1oo at district. As the audience gets bigger, so does the laugh window. The laugh window is the time from when the first person laughs to when the last person finishes laughing. A big audience has a laugh wave characteristic, much like "the wave" phenomenon at a sporting event. Rule is, "Never talk over your audience when they are laughing". You won't be heard and want to capture that energy from your audience. Audience laughter is dialogue back to you. Laughter becomes a (good) vicious circle feeding off itself. When Toastmasters compete at the World Championship of Public Speaking WCPS, the audience will be 2000+ . Use their laughter to your advantage. Laughter is a great way to connect. Savor their laughter. Laughter as Dialogue So what do you do while you are waiting for your audience to finish laughing? Throw in some non-verbals like facial expressions or body language. Give them something to watch while they are laughing. You feed off them and get a chance to score some easy points from the judges by adding body language, jestures or facial expressions. Use that laugh window to score some easy points from the judges. It also adds entertainment value to your speech. It makes you as a speaker interesting to watch. As the audience gets larger, a longer laugh window will have to be accommodated. The safest is to adjust and target your finishing time at 7 minutes, adjusting your delivery as your audience gets bigger. Keep Yourself in the Race You wrote a fantastic speech. You love sharing your message. Whatever you do, do not disqualify yourself by going over 7:30 on your speech timing. Try to adjust your speech so you finish around the 7 minute mark; maximum of 7:15. That also allows for some timing irregularities that may occur, like when the timing starts and stops on jestures, which the timer may not be clear on. The timers numbers are always final. Keep yourself in the contest. Take Away For You So you are not a Toastmaster or into competing with speeches. What is your takeaway from this? When talking to people, understand that their laughter is dialogue back to you.
Everyone Has Great Ideas to Contribute and Make Something Better Everyone Has Great Ideas Ownership is key in making things happen.
How many times have you heard a great idea being discussed in a group. It happens many times over lunch, during coffee, at work or your volunteer organization. Everyone throws in their interpretation of the problem, the possible solutions and how much better things can be. The framework is coming together fast. Everyone is glowing and ideas are building up to this fantastic frenzy outcome. All the banter and brainstorming that develops puts everyone so close to a feasible solution. Later in the day, a few emails may go back and forth; even some text messages. Then, everything goes quiet. A day or two goes by. Nothing happens. The silence is deafening. The idea exchange mill has gone quiet for a week. Then several weeks pass. Nothing. You as observer realize what has happened. Is the project dead, long before it even started? So what really happened? The Problem Sometimes people contribute their ideas in this exchange because they have seen this same problem. Everyone wants a solution put in place. It's finding commonality with others. They enjoy sharing their opinions. Some contribute just to make noise and not be left out. They want to be part of the solution. They don't know what will work or how they can contribute. But they want to be included and seen as a team player; a contributor. Then you, having experience, recognize this pattern as you have seen it several times before. So why does the momentum stop? Simply, because no one takes ownership. Not 1 person steps up to take ownership of the idea. So if no one owns it, then no one has an obligation to make it work. Everyone is safe and off the hook. No liability; no obligation; no need to expend effort on anyone's part. Think of a boxing ring where your participants are seated (or standing) on all 4 sides outside of the ring contributing to a healthy discussion of the problem and possible solutions. But in truth, no one ever steps into the ring to take charge - call it "Taking Ownership". It is as simple as formally announcing and saying, "Ok, I will lead this project, if I can have each of you contribute and support me". Make it formal, clear and official. Say specifically that you will spearhead it, so everyone knows. You take ownership. Once this is done, everyone breathes a sigh of relief and relaxes a bit, knowing they are off the hook and safe, by not taking this lead role.
When No One Takes Ownership Ideas Remain as Ideas Why Does This Happen Each person has their own reason for contributing to the silence and not taking ownership. One person may already have a full schedule and not want to take on any more projects. Another person may feel they lack the experience and the skill level to take ownership. One person is the type that just needs a push, an invitation or a personal request to take the lead and jump in. Others may feel they already did enough in past and its time for someone else to step in and lead this project. Some may not step in because they feel it will not contribute anything to their personal development and take them in the direction they want to go. Some are afraid of getting over their heads. Some may not be confident enough. Some may lack knowledge. Still others may feel more comfortable assisting someone, but not taking the lead role of ownership; of being the main driver that motivates everyone else to contribute based on their skillset and experience. Perhaps some feel uncomfortable with leading. The reasons can be many. Taking Ownership The truth is, the key to making things happen, is "Taking Ownership". Until someone takes ownership, nothing may ever happen or proceed. The critical point to making things happen is "stepping in". Someone has to take the lead; take charge; take on the leadership role - taking ownership. Taking ownership to begin formalizing and organizing is key to making thi...
Workplace Culture - when I hear the word I envision a petri dish in a biology lab.
Recently I bumped into a former work colleague at a social function. I asked him how his new job was going. He said, "Great - the culture is totally different from where I worked prior". The leadership style is also different. Our paths crossed at the same company. He moved on and I was still there. Culture. I became curious. Does leadership have something to do with it ?
Workplace Culture - So what exactly is it? When you first hear culture, you think of a far away people, an ancient society, a distant land different from your current and from a different time. You think of the food they ate, how they cooked it, their traditional clothes, how they were made, how they were worn, the music they created and the folklore they shared in their evening entertainment. Then someone asks you, "Where do you work?" You tell them. Then they ask, "What is the culture like there?" You stop dead in your tracks. Culture? What do you mean? Atleast, that's what I said.
Over the years I had the opportunity to work at many different companies. Little did I know at the time, what I experienced at each was some facet of their workplace culture.
There was my earliest of jobs at a small tech startup of 23 staff. I joined them and 3 months later, I was out of work. They went bankrupt. Yes, I left a stable company, reasonable pay, good benefits and a great group of like-minded techies like myself. Then there was another tech startup that I interviewed with 3 times. That's right - THREE times. Several days before Christmas and I was made an offer by the president and his VP in their office. When I asked for several days to decide, the president stared at me for 5 seconds, then decisively pulled the letter back from me saying, "Terry, I think I am going to retract my offer". I didn't even get a chance to turn the letter over to read it. Years later there was the large multinational defense contractor. After being there only 3 years, I eventually realized they were infamous for hiring when the contracts were inked and letting people go once contracts dried up. Finally there is the large service provider with many departments, process driven, however very informal in those processes. Each group accomplished very similar tasks in each their own way with little consistency of process between them.
Visible and Invisible Cultural Traits in the Workplace
All 4 of the above companies were acting out some facet of their workplace culture. The first company was gun slinging hiring, despite their debt woes from several years prior. The second company was expecting all employees to drop everything and do exactly what the president expected them to do wether Monday, Saturday, midnight or holiday. The third just rode their contractual wave, without wasting a day carrying employees through any dryspell of work. Finally the fourth had an atmosphere that allowed employees to do whatever they felt, whenver they thought, any way they pleased, without adhering to some common standard practise or process.
From the above, it is obvious that culture is not from a far away land or a distant past. It is right in front of you - today - now. You may not think about it much or think it only comes out at festivals and international events. The best example is your workplace due to the huge amount of daily repetitive hours you spend there. Even the excessively high amount of hours you spend, itself becomes a defining trait of culture. You may hear, "Company ABC, yes, that's where employees work 70 hour weeks". Certainly most any organization or time investment, even a volunteer effort we do, has a culture. But because we may spend much less time at a volunteer role, recognizing their cultural traits, may not be so obvious. It may even go completely unnoticed, due mainly to the irregularity of the time spent in that environment. But most every workplace has a culture.
Overcome Your Fear With These Skills Softskills Central to Us Softskills are central to who we are and how we carry ourselves. We spend exorbitant amounts of time learning and furthering our hard skills portfolio. But we overlook and take for granted our soft skills. These skills define each of us and determine how we function and carry ourselves amongst others. Soft Skills are what our hard skills rely upon. Once practiced and learned, we should spend regular amounts of time maintaining our soft skills. Skills not practiced and maintained can slowly fade and take us back to where we started.
As I was completing my 2nd DTM, I reflected on why I felt the Toastmasters program is successful. Why Is Toastmasters Successful?
not expensive - on average of $100 year meets weekly - based on regular and constant repetition leadership and speaking skills are intertwined during meetings and mutually inclusive members set their own pace of speech completion members meet in a common neutral environment of their home club many levels to achieve and strive for educational levels are pyramidal and build on the previous level attained members evaluate, mentor, and support each other members meet on neutral ground - no threat to each other as in the workplace great for developing your networking skills a relaxed environment to learn team building & group dynamics meetings are structured with an agenda, focused, and start-finish on time members learn skills by positive reinforcement in a safe environment where they cannot fail meetings are fun and have the flexibility to tailor their club culture based on member initiative 7 executive positions oversee the club changing each year with members volunteering meetings are on most any day, and members can pick clubs close to their work or home clubs are international in 142 countries, numbering 16,000 clubs and 345,000 members
Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking & Succeed
Who can benefit from Toastmasters? Most anyone from academics, tradespeople, professionals, and the average ordinary person. It is ideal for people who work from home as it allows interaction with real people to grow and maintain their speaking and leadership skills. Toastmasters is a great confidence-building organization and a fantastic place to learn how to network and develop your speaking, presenting, and leadership soft skills. Much happens at a meeting. So I always invite guests to join me, observe and ask questions during or after the meeting. How Are YOUR Softskills? Start by searching for a club near you at toastmasters.org/find-a-club. Drop-in for free 15 minutes before the meeting starts. Identify yourself as looking for more info and even take part in a minor role during the meeting.
Don't let your public speaking fears hold you back preventing you from being the person you want to be. Softskills learned and honed will make you a confident leader and a motivating inspiring speaker. Be sure to watch the video post at the top of this article for tips on what the Toastmasters program can do for you.
Introductions Key to Effecient and Productive Networking Introductions Are Key to Productive Conversation Introductions when properly orchestrated are key to productive and efficient networking. A good host with an accommodating and welcoming lead can instantly place all attendees at ease while making them feel welcome and connected. The effectiveness of formal introductions in a social setting, cannot be emphasized enough. I share with you first hand an experience I had on a recent business trip I took to Jamaica and what can result when there are no formal introductions in a small gathering over a social dinner meeting.
We were staying at a resort and each day we only had to attend a short 2 hour session. But in the evening, we broke into small groups of 5 couples, each hosted by a different sales lead. The evening of our dinner meet, I didn't pay attention to the formal dress code at our select dining location - NO SHORTS - so I had to walk back to our room, change & walk back. This removed me from my group by 20 minutes, as this was a large resort. Of course, whenever we leave a party for even 5 minutes, we feel we missed the world, moved to the back of the line and remain out of sync for the remainder of the event. I returned and my group graciously delayed ordering until I rejoined them. Regrouping, I still felt I missed the intros, the short bios of each person and other details which would have made me feel included in our inner circle. For the remainder of the 3 hour evening I felt a bit off, like I missed key information about the others around our table. Despite trying to connect and get a conversation going, for me it stayed light, superficial and just didn't go anywhere. Food was great and so were the people. The evening end and I felt it was my initial absence that placed me outside. Oh, well. No big deal I thought.
Introducing & Bridging People To Each Other is Key in Efficient Networking
Next morning my wife and I we were having breakfast on the beach. Another couple who we quickly befriended at the start of this trip joined us. We quickly shared our menu choices from evening prior and ensuing conversations. When I mentioned I felt outside, obviously because of my 20 minute departure, and having missed everyone's introduction. Susan quickly interjected and stated, "No, no, you didn't miss anything. There were no introductions done by our host !". Instantly I was relieved and retreated from blaming myself. Things quickly explained themselves as I felt many times during the evening how difficult it was for the other couples, including myself, to connect with conversation over some commonality we all should have shared.
Lessons I learned, if I am ever a host;
Start by introducing myself and give a short 1 minute bio of some detail the others can use to bridge and connect with me. Go to the next couple or person and invite the same from them. As people are sharing some details of themselves, its natural others will jump in with some humor or sharing connection. Continue till everyone has had their chance to introduce themselves and share something about themselves. Before you are done going around the table, some may start conversing with their neighbors about some common interest they just shared. As the evening progresses, if I as host see a person or couple fading from conversation, I can quickly pipe in and give them a boost by asking them to further elaborate on some detail about themselves they mentioned in their intro. If there is no designated host, then I take the lead and like a catalyst, start the formal introductions within the group. Others are sure to join in.
Proper introductions and a polished host can go a long way to set people at ease, allow them to connect with others and help them share their commonality of knowledge, skill or interest. This is a key skill in furthering our efficient and networking productivity. For me,
Softskills enhancer while at CES2017
Softskills are heavily relied upon at an international trade show such as #CES2017, the Consumer Electronics Show. Venues such as CES are a great way to practise your softskills, meet new people and enhance your knowledge base. Last week I attended #CES, the 4 day Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Immediately I realized how softskills come into play when networking at this massively attended event. Communication skills are also important. (Click on the pictures to watch #CES2017 as I walk the floor using my softskills) Here are the order of softskills in typical execution as we make contact with another individual to engage in conversation.
1. Eye Contact Eye contact is the most basic of softskills which has been with us since day one. It is the very first facet we use to connect with another person. It may last only a second but is the ice breaker. Much information is gathered in this quick glance and breaks the ice into conversation. We don't even think about it. It either gives us a warm or cold feeling. It is said people who can't make eye contact, can't be trusted. Either that or they are very shy.
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Smile Eye contact quickly leads into a smile and we don' t even think about it. It further supports the openness of eye contact. A smile puts the other party at ease letting them know you come as a friend and are willing to engage in conversation. This is especially important where you do not share the same language. Much exchange can happen with both eye contact and a smile.
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Handshake The handshake can be used both at the beginning of a meeting or dialogue or at the very end. It further puts the 2 parties at ease as the most fundamental greeting there is among us humans. At the start it says you are happy to meet them. At the end it is a gesture of thank-you that thanks the other party for their time in speaking with you.
Softskills Refresher While at CES2017 in Las Vegas
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20 Second Elevator Speech This takes longer to hone and tweak. But eventually artistry with your vernacular can be used to engage a passer by with curiosity and further continue the dialogue by asking questions about the product or service the vendor is showcasing. Trade shows are a very good place to practise several different versions of your 20 second elevator speech. You can then assess which one gets the best response from people and keep in your arsenal for your next trade show when meeting with potential customers.
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Proactive Engagement When there was room on the floor, I did have several vendors take a step out towards me which told me they wanted to engage in conversation with me. It's an inviting gesture that made me want to talk to the vendor. Of course, I naturally met them half way by taking a step or 2 towards them. It is just plain courtesy to meet them half way, without thinking.
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Business Cards Always carry an ample supply in a pocket which you can easily access with 1 hand as you may be holding pamphlets or a video camera like I was, in the other hand. You don't have much time as the vendor wants to talk to as many visitors as possible.
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Fun Component Some vendors had simple activities like shooting down their drones with a nerf gun or taking a picture of you with your courtesy coffee & giving you a color copy of your visit to CES2017. It's an easy way for a vendor to distribute marketing material such as a t-shirt with their logo and getting their name around the show floor.
Softskillls Refresher While at CES2017 in Las Vegas
Trade shows are a great place to practise your softskills and networking panache. Don't underestimate your softskills ability in making you a better networker. The basic tools such as eye contact and a smile go a long way, especially at an international trade show where english may be little spoken.
Don't confuse your audience with more than one speech ending A Speech is a Journey If you are a speaker you need to learn and master speech transition techniques. When you deliver a speech, who decides when your speech is ending? I bet many of you think it is you, the speaker. Actually, it is your audience. But the audience decides based on what they see and hear from you, the speech presenter. This is very important in speech contests. So be sure not to send the wrong message to your audience. When I spoke I gave my audience too many transitions - 3 actually. And when you slip like I did, you cannot retract your speech either. Let me share my true story. My Real Life Lesson with Transitions Earlier this year I delivered an 8-minute inspirational speech about my volunteer mission to Vietnam. It was a live speech evaluation workshop event in front of a 200+ audience. Our special guest, none other than Lance Miller, 2005 World Champion of Public Speaking (WCPS) had several of us deliver, in turn, our speeches. After each of us finished, Lance would then jump on stage and give the audience a full evaluation of what was good, bad, and how our speeches could be improved.
My speech was about signs and if you can read your signs; signs that we each see in our day to day living, that may be telling us what to do. So my speech was made up of 2 short stories. When I got to the end of my first story, I heard some clapping. I didn't think much of it because there were only a few and thought it was a sign of approval and support for what I just said. However, when I finished my second story, I heard quite a bit more. Then I realized what was going on.
Don't confuse your audience with your speech ending
The audience thought my speech was finished. I delivered a confusing message to my audience called the false ending. Of course, I went onto the third and final example to finish with the real ending. Despite all the preparation, I completely missed how my transitions can and were misread.
Thankfully, I had my speech video recorded. After several days of a breather from the speech, I reviewed my video and instantly saw what I had done. Master Speech Transition Techniques My lesson learned and recommendation to you the speaker, is to ensure you only have 1 ending. Don't stumble around with too many wind downs. Your audience can get easily confused by not knowing when is the actual ending. So remember: 1 speech means only 1 ending. You can see more of my videos and video blogs at www.video-connects.com - "Video That Connects"
Powerpoint during a speech contest can be a challenge
To PowerPoint or not? I am often asked if using PowerPoint in a Toastmasters competition speech is acceptable. But if you read further you will see my definite NO and why. Confidence in your equipment becomes paramount.
When you are delivering a 5 to 7 minute speech, time is of the essence. You need to be in total control of ALL the facets you are using in your speech. Contributing to your delivery, your pace, your pauses, your tonal & vocal variety, eye contact and your choreography about the stage. Yes, dynamics offers opportunities, but potential pitfalls also.
Enter PowerPoint. I count no less than 5 serial facets you inherit that link and depend on each other. You have the laptop, the projector, the screen, your hand held slide advancer and last but not least, the PowerPoint software itself. Each are active, potentially with a mind of their own.
The computer might freeze or decide to run an update or virus scan, your projector bulb may blow, your screen may not come down or jam, the battery in your hand held clicker hand held clicker may go dead and even your PowerPoint program may freeze. These facets you have little control over.
When you are on stage, you use facets which you have 100% total and repeatable control over. Even a small blip in your PowerPoint delivery may frazzle you, leaving you scrambling to backfill. This would take away your concentration and focus from you delivery. It is NOT what anyone wants or needs.
PowerPoint is fine for an educational or keynote. A hiccup with those presentations may add some comic relief which many would appreciate because, let’s face it, we have all been there. You can easily recover. But in a contest, all eyes are on you and a smooth delivery.
How do I know?
Powerpoint should not be used during speech contests
Recently I was at a speech contest where a contestant was using PowerPoint, and that is exactly what happened. Sure enough, 1 minute into the speech, the slide would not power up. Five seconds of a frustrated expression clearly signaled to the judges (and audience) that some content will not be seen. If the facial expression wasn’t enough, the disapproving shrug of the contestants shoulders confirmed this. The judges, unfortunately, would be highly likely to mark lower, because of the missing content and, no doubt, the interruption to a smooth delivery.
Short answer – Don’t use PowerPoint in a competitive level speech or where the stakes are high, like a pivotal moment with senior executives.
During our District 42 Fall Conference, Nov 2015, our special guest speakers, Sheryl Roush, Accredited Speaker, Keynote Presenter, Trainer, Coach and Freddi Dogterom, Keynote Speaker, Workshop Facilitator and Corporate Trainer, sit down with hosts Terry of TDKtalks and Marta Munoz. Sheryl talks about what it takes to become an Accredited Speaker awarded by Toastmasters International
Freddi shares her speaking journey and steps she planned and achieved to be qualified as a professional speaker. She is striving to become an accredited speaker like Sheryl.
All 4 of us share bits about our speaking journeys and experiences. We also delve into the background of perfection - when is good enough, enough ?
What about your speaking aspirations and goals ?
Watch this video to hear what Sheryl and Freddi have to say.
Storytelling has become a lost art. Since the dawn of civilization, mankind has used and relied on storytelling for a variety of reasons. Not only was storytelling a means to carry forward knowledge to the next generation, but it also formed their entertainment, as there was no Netflix, TV, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, etc.
The writing, editing, and video work of this 30 minute documentary, Untold Story, Return to Tra Vinh, was the most challenging project I have ever undertaken. It began solely as a volunteer project. The video editing in my home studio took 2 months. There were times I didn't think I would finish. Not only were my tools becoming a barrier, but the emotional impact was draining at times. But I knew I had to finish if only for 1 reason - to bring a most life changing experience to fruition by telling my story.
Closing commentary for my video documentary - "Untold Story - Return to Tra Vinh" - Aug 2015 - the coconut chopping in the background may have drowned out my commentary in spots, but this is the risk with live on-location video shoots - behind me is the family kitchen & food prep area just behind their straw walled & dirt floor house - but very clean & tidy all around - it's all the shelter they need - but a corrugated steel roof to keep the heavy rains out of their house - #tdktalks #vietnam #nojfoundation #cerebralpalsy Watch other videos on my YouTube channel by clicking on this link When I took a break of a day or 2, I couldn't just resume where I left off. Many days it would take me atleast an hour of reviewing clips just to get into the right frame of mind. Sometimes all I did was watch my extensive library of clips from that 2 year period and relive the moment. It was very much like John Steinbeck, beginning his writing day by sharpening a handful of pencils, then test writing on the left side page of his notebook, (gifted to him as an aid by his editor), while the right side page was reserved for his actual writing, becoming his many classics we know today.
This 30 minute documentary began with a very simple question. It spawned 2 volunteer missions, as videographer, 18 months apart, in Vietnam with a childrens charity, a number of speech presentations and articles.
. . . the opening monologue . . .
"I knew a long time ago that, I would like to do volunteer work . . . to help others . . . the disadvantaged perhaps . . . something . . . involving . . . children. I couldn't see more than that . . . . .
Try describing what being Authentic means. How about Genuine? Not easy, is it. I struggled for months.
Then recently I experienced my 3rd real life experience which rounds out my triage of experiences with this months episode of TDKtalks.
I give you 3 examples I witnessed and experienced. Sometimes you can't describe something. You have to experience or feel it. The following are true stories that I experienced and helped me immensely to define Authentic, Genuine, Identifiable, Honest, True, Certifiable. It takes confidence development also.
1 - The Realtor - About 2 years ago, my wife & I were checking out some investment property. We wanted to connect with the realtor in our area who sends us admail regularly. It has his picture on it, so we knew who we would be dealing with - or did we? We called him and setup an appointment for 4 pm of a summer day.
He arrives but as he is walking towards us from his car, my first impression was, "Oh, he must have got tied up with another appointment and has sent his son. Wait a minute . . . It is him ! " Behold, the picture he uses on his brochures is from a much earlier time. Now, I know image is everything, especially for realtors and we are ALL getting older. But I really do want to know who I am going to deal with . . . and what they look like . . . TODAY.
2 - The Professional Speaker - A few months ago I signed up for an evening 3 hour workshop on social media and how to promote your business. I heard of this lady a long time and seen her work advertised on her social media. It was finally time to meet her and take in something I needed for my website. Again, her picture is all over her social media, books and promotional material. I arrive early, hoping I can connect and yak with her.
I enter the room at the back and instantly see several people at the front visiting. I quickly scan once, twice then 3 times to find her. Wait. Is that her ? Wow, it took my visual recognition serveral "fly bys" to make the match. That MUST be her ? Again, quite a pictoral mismatch. I was taken aback. I know, I know. Image is everything (again ). But I simply want to know who I am going to be listening and talking to, beit younger or older.
3 - We Aspiring Speakers - Several weeks ago a good friend of mine asked my wife and I if we would mind listening to her presentation she was delivering soon and provide critique and feedback. I have spoken and presented a bit, but my wife is a complete virgin at it, so she is a good candidate to ensure nothing was "over the top".
Several run throughs and yes, my wife fed back, saying, that it may not quite deliver as genuine and perhaps with too much body language for the average neophyte non-speaker attendee. She even said the same about me when I have been practising for my speech contests. "You are starting to sound rehearsed and not really yourself. Just be yourself. People want to hear and see YOU . . . . not some play acting."
Enough said. With the above 3 examples I reflect on how people in various professions can misrepresent themselves, some intentionally and some without knowing it. Perhaps they are just so busy they never get around to updating their profile pics.
Now when I cycle past a billboard or bus bench with a picture of a realtor, I chuckle, thinking, "I wonder if that is their high school picture?"
When people in professions do so, they can come across as anything but genuine or authentic. I call it outright, "misrepresentation" - perhaps even unethical, especially in their line of work where "image is everything".
I certainly have nothing against associating or collaborating with an older person (or younger) person - I simply want to know, who I am dealing with, and what they look like . . . TODAY ;) Be genuine - Be authentic - Just be yourself
The term branding came into my vocabulary within the past decade, exacerbated by the hype around advertising using social media today. Today we are surrounded by numerous social networking tools. But I never fully understood the term, implication and practise until I started writing on my facebook timeline.
There was much I didn't know about facebook. But, by "LIKE"ing a few people that I knew, I began building a repertoire of scrolling real time news posts. After a year of reading my timeline I discovered a pattern in how certain people were casting themselves, or branding. Some, may I say, were NOT in a good way. It was such that I began to UN-follow some of them. For the full article, please read the extended version on my Ezinearticles - Branding - How do YOU Appear on Facebook? Here are 3 questions you should ask yourself before you click POST;
Question #1 - What is the purpose of my post?
Is it to inspire, inform, motivate or instigate your audience. Are you sharing your experience with a picture hoping to get some feedback from others? Or are you just blowing off some steam.
Question #2 - Am I comfortable having my post repeated and attached to my name ?
This is the typical "gossip session" or water cooler talk, when others may talk about you behind your back. We can't control gossip about us, so make sure it is gossip you are comfortable having proliferate about you.
Question #3 - If this was my final post, would it be how I would want to be remembered ?
Think legacy. No, you are not dying yet. But think in what light you would like others to think, see or talk about you? I said 3 questions, but here is the bonus question; Question #4 - Will my post be of any value to anyone ?
Remember that today, more than ever, people are in the "What's In It For Me" syndrome. Their time and patience may be limited. They want instant return on what they will find on your facebook page. Perhaps cheap tickets, tips on vacation spots, or who is hiring. Post so there is some value in your post, even if it's an everyday funny.
When you are posting on facebook, you are talking to the world, not just your friends list. Your posts will never be retracted or deleted. Your posts may even proliferate and haunt you if someone reposts yours onto other social media. Even if it does get deleted, enough people may have already read it to have cast you in a certain light, good or bad. Don't place yourself in the "court of public opinion".
Remember that some potential employers actually hire social media consultants to compile a social media profile of you. Seeing pictures of you volunteering in a developing country with a worthy charity is a good thing. But pictures of you getting sloshed on the week-ends at social events, well, not so much.
Facebook is a powerful social media tool. It levels the playing field between a lowly individual and a multi million dollar company. Done right, you can project as well as the Fortune 500 companies. Use it to showcase your strengths, ambitions and accomplishments.
As a test, you can connect with me on my facebook and practise what I shared above. Watch other videos on my YouTube channel by clicking on this link
One Hour Goes By So Fast on a Live Radio Talk Show Volunteerism is a Calling Recently I had the pleasure of talking about volunteerism on the radio show YourLifeUnlimited with host, Stephanie Staples.
I spoke on the virtues of volunteerism and how it contributes to your leadership development, not to mention other INNERpreneurial skills.
You can read more about INNERpreneurship in my previous post - TDK043 - 101 Questions About INNERpreneurs
INNERpreneurship has been coined in the 2007 book "Karma Queens, Geek Gods and INNERpreneurs". Unlike entrepreneurs, INNERpreneurs are also called "agents of change". INNERpreneurship defined - " INNERpreneurs use their facets to find personal fulfillment and growth, creatively, spiritually, emotionally... and create social change". That is probably the most fundamental definition of a charity, good will or NGO organization.
For the full article go to my ezine page - Volunteerism; Your Calling Into Leadership
Using my recent trip as videographer with NOJF to Vietnam in March of 2014, I reflect on how a simple question got the documentary produced with Shaw TV. Shortly after, the second question was asked of me, “Do you want to be our videographer?”. These are examples of how asking a simple question, can yield the greatest results and your opportunity to personal growth; your leadership growth.
That is 1 of several reasons why I decided to team with No Ordinary Journey Foundation, as this children’s charity is an excellent example of an INNERpreneurship, while also drawing upon the volunteerism efforts of many talented health care professionals who are contributing their free time and skillset.
You can listen to the entire 1 hour archive at YourLifeUnlimited Talk Show with Host Stephanie Staples – INNERpreneurship
This emphasizes how important for us as leaders to ask simple questions of people around us, wether team members or not. If it wasn’t for these simple questions, the documentary would not have transpired, nor other important segways such as my personal leadership development.
Pleasure having a discussion on voluntarim with host Stephanie Staples on CJOB Corus Entertainment
The more leadership opportunities we challenge ourselves with, the more leadership skills we will accumulate. Some stop, but others continue to persue their leadership growth continuously throughout their working lives.
My closing inspirational words were to encourage others to volunteer their time to a charity dear to their hearts exemplifying the true virtues of INNERpreneurship - your personal growth which creates social change.
Is Leadership For You ?
2014 is the year! Toastmasters International turns 90 on Oct 22. District 42 turns 60 on July 1. Both celebrations were earmarked by our special guest, Toastmasters International President Mohammed Murad. The theme was leadership.
The venue was the District 42 Fall Conference November 7, 8 and 9 in Calgary, CANADA - Pictures are courtesy of Richard Mowry
You can learn more about Mohammed Murad by reading the web edition September 2014 issue of the Toastmaster Magazine - page 22.
During this 3-day event, President Murad presented several inspiring keynotes on leadership and communications. Of leadership development, President Murad reflected on several leadership virtues based on his journey of leadership growth in Toastmasters, some comprising of simple and fundamental facets.
He began with the penultimate question everyone asks, “Is Leadership For Me ?”
He shared how his path in Toastmasters was launched by being asked a simple question; by a single person. “Have you ever attended a Toastmasters meeting?”. He encouraged us to be that single person and ask that simple question of others we meet. This is our mentorship growth in its infancy.
He talked of the many opportunities within the Toastmasters organization for everyone and how they form the springboard for advanced leadership development both inside and outside of Toastmasters.
He told us to become cognizant of opportunities when they appear as “forks in the road”, and how important split second decisions are for us in accepting challenges, taking us to new plateaus of leadership.
He spoke of how we reflect on our own past failures and ask ourselves, “Why is this happening?” Perhaps some aspects were beyond our control, but can we do something different next time to alleviate or minimize the downside ? Reflection helps us hone our leadership skills in future leadership opportunities.
Yes - Leadership is For You
He spoke of maintaining integrity, when acting on leadership decisions. He identified risk and failure being prominent, but also to not take failure as terminal, but a mere opportunity to leverage us forward.
President Murad challenged each of us to find and define our own originality of leadership; understanding our leadership and then conveying it. Typically the discussions ask if leaders or born or made. But President Murad further widened the opportunity by saying that each of us can and should develop our own genuine style of leadership.
His gracious and sharing keynote culminated with the answer “Yes, Leadership is for You !” Watch other videos on my YouTube channel by clicking on this link
3R Evaluation Technique
How do you do evaluations of speakers ?When you listen to a speaker, what do YOU listen for? Words ? Flow? Thoughts? Message? Why am I here ? Evaluations of speeches can take many processes. Evaluations should be rich in feedback to the speaker. That is how speakers get better; through evaluations.
Perhaps the first question we should ask is "Why?" Why is the speaker telling me this. If we are ever asked to give someone feedback, we owe it to the speaker to be honest, sincere and committed to helping them become better.
You can also watch this video on My YouTube channel
One method that works well is known as the 3-R's - Review - Reward - Respond
Do well enough and you may even Win in an Evaluation Contest
Review - Sit down with the speaker prior to their engagement and ask what their goal is. If you have a manual to guide you, ensure you are aware of what the manual
Reward - Start with the positive. Tell the speaker what they did well and what their strengths are. This is their starting point. They can always tweak and perfect their strengths. Otherwise they may forget and underestimate these qualities and slowly they begin to downgrade.
Respond - This is the real meat of your evaluation. You have to tell them, how you felt. What did you see? What did you hear. Rather than criticizing which is non-creative and unsupportive, you must deliver your comments in a positive and constructive manner. Rather than spending energy on the negative, use your commentary and feedback to encourage them how they can become better.
Also, there are 2 methods to deliver your evaluation. You can deliver in the 1st person or 3rd person.
1st person is you talking directly to your speaker one to one with full eye contact. And if you are evaluating at a club with other members in attendance, it ignores them and leaves them out. This works well if only the 2 of you are sitting with a coffee but in a room setting it leaves out everyone else who is there to also learn from your feedback.
Then there is the 3rd person, which I prefer, where you analyze your speaker but present it to everyone in the room. This is the favored because it takes the pressure off the speaker and includes everyone in the room, as they are learning also from your evaluation. Sometimes a mix works well also. Deliver the good feedback in the 1st person at the beginning of your evaluation. Then you deliver the suggestions for improvement in the 3rd person while making eye contact with everyone in attendance. This lessons the risk of the speaker taking your feedback harshly and personally.
Details to Observe When Evaluating a Speaker
Review - Reward - Respond
The 3R method is one I have used many times. Use it to help perfect the speaker you are evaluating. It will make you an invaluable evaluator !
Terry as Videographer for No Ordinary Journey Mission - March 2014 Volunteerism Using Videography Recently through volunteerism, I completed an 18-day videography mission with No Ordinary Journey Foundation. I was asked to join their international team of health care professionals as a videographer. Using videography I was able to capture their story. I learned a lot about videography tips. It also turned into huge lessons in leadership for me.
I put together various clips to produce "Hue in a Day - part 1" & "Hue in a Day - part 2" video on youtube. It was a tribute to our international team members from not only Calgary, Canada, where NOJF is based but also from the United States, Hungary, and Australia. The No Ordinary Journey is another video tribute by 1 of our fantastic Vietnamese volunteers who traveled with us.
You can also watch this video on my youtube channel - Vietnam is No Ordinary Journey
While there, our mission was also chronicled by VTV4's Linku Xavier, producer & host, with NOJ's Mission on EXPAT LIVING
You can also read an extended version of this article at My EzineArticles Page
I would be capturing them in action for a 30 minute documentary about this registered charity on this specific mission of March 2014. Of course, I jumped at this opportunity. NOJF works with children with #cerebralpalsy by revolutionizing the care, treatment, understanding, and acceptance of cerebral palsy mainly in Vietnam.
It was a working holiday with long hot days on a full schedule. But I was in my natural element. Not only do I experience the culture, people, and scenery of Vietnam but I work with an amazing team of health care professionals with teamwork seldom found in the workplace.
As a videographer, I knew I would have to have my camera with me all the time as many epiphanies appear instantly and last only moments. A challenge is trying to capture those moments under natural conditions which means my team had to be used to seeing me with a camera so they may not know when it was running. My goal was to capture the true essence of this experience, that being the parents who attended our workshops with their children. We all know that most people completely clam up once a camera appears.
I did fear that as fatigue among our team set in, they may not want my camera pointing at them. That was a risk I had to take. Selfishness is acceptable if the video I want to create shows our team members at their best, volunteering for a good cause of helping children in a developing country.
Capturing Stories on Video is a Creative Process
I also began to realize there is a risk I wouldn't succeed - that I wouldn't capture and present the story. Many who have heard about this mission along our 18-day journey were so impressed and inspired, raising the expectations of my documentary.
Well, there is always a risk. That's the reality. Only my best will do to ensure the right story is told, as I saw it unfold before me. Watch other videos on my YouTube channel by clicking on this link
We Are All Born With Many Fears Fear is Around Us in Nature I recently competed in a speech contest. That in itself was enough to raise my fear. I realized I could use fear to take me out of my comfort zone. And I wasn't always in my comfort zone when speaking.
I learned a lot about other people's fear of public speaking while being a judge at speech contests.
My topic was "FEAR" and titled "Wolverine". I picked the wolverine because this animal has 2 unique characteristics.
(1) It has no natural enemies and (2) it knows no fear. Imagine that - knows NO fear! Not the biggest nor the strongest of mammals, it assembles several facets to become rather unique.
Fear is somewhat related to comfort zone as the article clearly states - Cracking Your Comfort Zone: How to Face a Fear
Wish YOU had no fear? I will give you a few tips below pertaining to Public Speaking. Fear And Your Comfort Zone While Public Speaking If you fear public speaking, this blog reinforces the "Embrace The Fear" concept.
Use Fear to Motivate Yourself
Read a lengthier version of this article on my author page of EzineArticles.
Look back at your childhood. Remember the petty simple things you were afraid of? Now, remember the 1 or 2 you were DEFTLY afraid of? These you thought you would NEVER outgrow. But you did. Some fears melt away without us even knowing it. Others last longer but too, find their parting ways.
As we grow older we do learn to manage fear better. But some of us actually become very good at scaring ourselves. How? We dwell on a specific fear over and over. Imagination takes over. A snowflake becomes a snowball and becomes even a huge drift.
Typical fears as we grow older are fear of losing, fear of relationships, fear of aging, and fear of dying. Many of these we should embrace as we cannot do much about them.
When you do sense fear, ask yourself what specific aspect are you afraid of? Write it down and look at it. Say it out loud so you can hear yourself saying it. Sometimes these exercises show us how trivial our fear really is.
If it is a legitimate fear, then use it to drive you. Use it to prepare yourself better. Research your topic. Talk to experts. These are just several things you can do. Overcoming fear builds confidence also. It also lessens your fear factor in the future. It's positive.
And if worse comes to worst, just ask yourself, "What's the worst that can happen, if my fear comes true?" Answer - Probably very little. If a lot, then you should readjust your risk/reward ratio, to accommodate a smaller loss or setback. That's It!
There are things that we cannot control. Accept that. Focus on what you CAN control. Focus on the downside of your fear materializing. And remember - things aren't really as bad as they initially seem.
Bring It On Wolverines! Embrace Fear - Use it to YOUR advantage - Let it Drive You! Watch other videos on my YouTube channel by clicking on this link
Fear Can Be Controlled or Eliminated
Andrew Brash as a Sought After Speaker Andrew Brash and Mount Everest Combined Andrew Brash has the most amazing climbing resumes around, not to mention Mount Everest. He has been chasing his climbing dreams for over 20 years in the most impressive mountain environments including Tibet, China, Pakistan, to name a few. Today we focus on Andrew's heroic climb on Mount Everest to save another fellow climber; Lincoln Hall. What Andrew did require genuine leadership, which everyone will be called upon to use.
Read about the rescue that made worldwide acclaim saving fellow climber Lincoln Hall from Australia in 2006
Andrew talked about that climb at TEDx Calgary - Maybe We're Dark
Here is an article was written by the CBC on Andrew's successful summit in May 2008
If he wasn't well enough known before, then his successful and life-endangering rescue of Australian climber Lincoln Hall only 200 meters from the summit of Mount Everest certainly did.
You can find out more about Everest from Laurie Skreslet on a CBC interview with Peter Mansbridge.
I and all of our District 42 Fall Conference Toastmasters were fortunate to hear his Saturday luncheon presentation, along with his breathtaking pictures from Everest. Andrew was the recipient of our Fall 2010 District 42 Communication and Leadership Award.
Lincoln Hall, part of a Russian climbing team, became plagued with altitude sickness after reaching the summit. His team left him for dead on a precarious knife-edge where he lay, for 12 hours, well within the notorious "death zone" of Everest. That evening Lincoln's wife and kids were notified via satellite telephone that he had perished.
Andrew's team, also climbing not far behind, came upon Lincoln, hearing a comedic welcome, "I guess you didn't expect to find me here". Andrew and his team sacrificed their summit of Everest, only 200 meters from the top. Instead, they opted to save Lincoln and bring him down. This was no small feat as they were already short of oxygen bottles.
I get a chance to sit down with Andrew at his favorite coffee shop, which coincidentally is named, "Higher Ground" and talk about the intrigue of climbing, solitude, leadership, and what values Andrew is asked to speak about when invited to present at company events.
This podcast post is dedicated in remembrance of Lincoln Hall who passed away at a young 56 from a non-related illness on March 20, 2012, in Sydney, Australia.
Adventure Climbers with the Same Passion
If you like this article you might also like
INNERpreneur Spotlight - No Ordinary Journey - An Interview
or INNERpreneur Spotlight - Africa Bike Project - An Interview -
Best Speeches Ever Written Speeches Never Heard Never Written The recent death of our family pet cat "Peaches" created a trilogy based on the theme of dying, dying alone, letting go, losing a loved one or a family pet. Speeches never heard is sad because no one benefits; neither you nor your audience who your speech may help. That is what prompted me, with less than 24 hours, to do a spontaneous speech, on what it felt like losing Peaches.
A speech you share is how you brand yourself.
I delayed taking her to the vet as my wife was out of town. We were waiting till she got back. As a family we would spend her last day together; then have her put down. The morning of phoning vets frantically trying to find a last minute opening finally secured a time - but still hours away.
This was the making for the best speeches !
Finally our 2:50 pm appointment time arrived.
We both arrived. By 3:00 Peaches was gone. I came home, somewhat relieved but already missing her. I realized this was the third of a triad for me along the theme of mortality, dying, letting go and losing a person or pet who has been very close to you. 1) My father passed away in 1999, at 8:50 am Sunday morning at the care home where he was resident. He died alone and not in his own house. 2) In 2007, our first cat of nearly 17 years also had to be put down. He died at a vets office, not in his own house.
3) Now Peaches, our second cat - also not dying in the house she lived in. I realized and asked myself, " Can I write and talk about these events in public without breaking down emotionally ? "
" Can the Best Speeches Ever be Written - Ever be Heard? " Do You Have a Speech The Public Should Hear? How many good speeches reside with people that for one reason or another, may never be told - ever be heard ?
Are you one of those, holding out, on a speech you should tell ?
You can also watch this video on my YouTube Channel - The Best Speeches Never Written - Ever Heard
In this speech, I reflect on the value of bringing yourself to talk and share your experience. Not only may it be good theraputically for you, but it may also reach out to others who have gone through or may still be going through, a painful experience. Even if you connect to 1 person in the audience, then it is worth presenting.
My initial purpose in delivering this speech was to see if I can describe my emotions through this triad of events.
But my main purpose is to help encourage others to draw on their courage and share their experience - to write " The Best Speech "
Perhaps you will write and present " The Best Speech - That was Ever Written - Ever Heard "
Best Speeches Ever Heard You might also like INNERpreneur Spotlight - No Ordinary Journey - An Interview
or INNERpreneur Spotlight - Africa Bike Project - An Interview
Africa Bike Project In INNERpreneur Spotlight - Africa Bike Project I introduced you to Melissa and Kelly, cofounders of the Africa Bike Project.
Being an INNERpreneur sometimes means conceiving, driving and managing a project, from the ground up. Leadership Skills and Communication Skills are required. I discovered them and their charity from a relaxing evening read of a monthly newspaper.
They met, for the first time in 2009, while on a flight to Kipgrengwe Primary School, Kericho, Kenya, with the central Alberta-based international development organization, A-Better-World Canada.
For more about their May 2013 Kenya trip, you can listen to our interview above.
While there for 4 weeks doing humanitarian work on projects, such as painting an orphanage and playing with children, they had an "ah-ha" moment. Hearing stories of many children walking up to 20 kilometers to school, even back home for lunch, they thought if each had a mountain bike, it would save them time for school and prevent some from dropping out, which does happen.
Having access to their very own bike would improve their quality of life, as their family could use it also. When they arrived back in Alberta, they got to work.
This interview highlights their return trip in May 2013 to personally deliver the first 205 bikes, complete with assembly, training and eventually handing over to the students.
Melissa and Kelly are running their charity to raise $50,000 for the purchase of approximately 585 specially designed and built, AfriKid bicycles. These bicycles are specially designed by Kona Mountain Bicycle Company.
Kona is donating 1 bike for every 2 purchased from donations. Kona will also pay for 1/2 the shipping costs when all will need to be shipped to Kenya in late 2012.
Consider donating ( I did ) by visiting their website - Africa Bike Project
And if you are interested in road bikes in general, what will save you time is Bikemunk - What Are The Top Cycling Brands
For more detail on INNERpreneurship, you can read my article on Ezinearticles - INNERpreneurship - The Rise of Self Destiny
You might also like INNERpreneur Spotlight - No Ordinary Journey - An Interview
or INNERpreneur Spotlight - Africa Bike Project - An Interview
Softskills Are Key Softskills are what keeps us, humans, marketable, employed, and alive.
Several days ago I received an invite to review Lisa B Marshall's latest book - Smart Talk - The Public Speaker's Guide to Success in Every Situation
I read some of the excerpts from the books website - SmartTalkSuccess.com
So I wrote a review on Amazon - Read my and Other Reviews on Amazon
Public speakers of every age can benefit by practising the exercises Lisa gives on her website.
Here is a good article on The Importance of Communication Skills [Top 10 Studies]
Lisa's book is based on her real feedback of teaching better communication skills over nearly 10 years with clients from individuals to fortune 500 executives. It is invaluable as Lisa emphasizes the problem areas she identified lacking, in either communication, public speaking, or leadership.
To become an effective leader, along with leadership skills you also need communication skills and leadership abilities. Also, Lisa speaks of extras from her website, which is a self-paced workshop of exercises, such as introducing yourself, both orally, in e-mails, and in social media.
I quickly download the excerpt and, very much interested in what I read, followed up with a last-minute request to interview Lisa about her 2nd book. I was ecstatic when Lisa said,
"OK, but I am only available at 7 am EST (which is 5 am MST where I reside - ... YIKES ..... )
I originally met and interviewed Lisa about her main website location - "Lisa B Marshall - Passionate About Communication", back in Passionate About Communication - An Interview with Lisa B Marshall
Since then, I have constantly followed her great tips, both from her website and her syndicated location on iTunes.
Her first book is Ace Your Interview which you can also buy directly from her website or any online bookstore. You may also like Dawn of the INNERpreneur - The Video
Introverts Defined Does an introvert have the ability to influence?
Here is a great interview by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation - CBC, on their program The Current all about an introvert, extroverts and public speaking. How does each fare in leadership roles? Toastmasters are well mentioned and specifically, Liberty Village Toastmasters of Toronto, CANADA are featured with several member testimonials. I can't guess how many times I replayed this as there are so many valuable attributes discussed.
The Current - The Power of Introverts - Feb 17, 2012
Being interviewed is Susan Cain (a toastmaster) about her book - Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking
Several significant points are raised during this interview;
1 out of 2 (or 3) is an introvert (good odds I would say) most everyone gravitates naturally to extroverts many people who achieved great things are introverts extroverts have been believed to make better leaders - this is NOT true we mortals quickly mimic opinions of the group - unconsciously - without realizing it the value of solitude in forming our ideas and beliefs - solitude matters
Many of us grew up around typical extroverts. They were the ones who were popular in school with most everyone and were stars on the sports teams. We also know atleast several introverts, in fact, you may have begun as an introvert and some may still remain there today. Introverts were and still may be, looked down and frowned upon. They are depicted as least desirable. However many succeed to achieve great things by developing their gifted skills and passions, speaking and leadership skills being one of them.
Warren Buffet, Dale Carnegie and Malcom Gladwell, famous people in their own right are introverts.
The interviewer was CBC's Jim Brown on "The Current" originally aired Feb 17, 2012. If you enjoyed this interview, you will also like INNERpreneur Spotlight – No Ordinary Journey – An Interview
or this dicussion on INNERpreneurship 101 Questions About INNERpreneurs
Order Your Copy From Amazon by Clicking Here Now Achieve Your Greatness I recently had a book interview with Vince Aliberti.
Achieve Your Greatness! - Isn't that a monumental goal of leadership and achievement for many of us in our life's' journey? We all should strive to achieve and become achievers. Several weeks ago while attending our Calgary Advanced Toastmasters (CATS) meeting, we had a guest which I quickly connected with. What caught my attention was the book that Vince brought and displayed during his introduction, because it is the most recent book he has published on personal development.
We humans don't come with a user's manual, but if we did, it would be similar to Vince's book. As I began to read it, I quickly connected, as if I was reading about my own life's experiences when growing up (along with some of the lessons it taught me). Well, it didn't take me long to finish it, as I wanted to see how many other similarities to my past I could read about. A book like this is good to review every 6 months, to keep your goals on track.
Focus on the simple and easy points first. If you do you will be 80% there. It's that magic ratio that applies here also. 80% of the target goal only takes 20% of your time and effort. The first 80% is easy and doesn't take as much time. That is what Vince's book focuses on. For most of us, that is all we need.
Order Your Copy From Amazon by Clicking Here Now You might also like Passionate About Communications - Interview with Lisa B Marshall
or this interview about the Africa Bike Project INNERpreneur Spotlight - Africa Bike Project - An Interview
One Project . One Goal . Help Africa . One Bike at a Time INNERpreneurship Defined INNERpreneurship and being an INNERpreneur sometimes means conceiving, driving, and managing a project, from the ground up. Leadership Skills and Communication Skills are required. From a relaxing evening read of a monthly newspaper, I read about 2 young ladies, local to me, who are the co-creators, of the Africa Bike Project. They met, for the first time in 2009, while on a flight to Kipgrengwe Primary School, Kericho, Kenya, with the central Alberta-based international development organization, A-Better-World Canada.
While there for 4 weeks doing humanitarian work on projects, such as painting an orphanage and playing with children, they had an "ah-ha" moment. Hearing stories of many children walking up to 20 kilometers to school, even back home for lunch, they thought if each had a mountain bike, it would save them time for school and prevent some from dropping out, which does happen. Having access to their very own bike would improve their quality of life, as their family could use it also. When they arrived back in Alberta, they got to work.
Melissa and Kelly are running their charity to raise $50,000 for the purchase of approximately 585 specially designed and built, AfriKid bicycles. These bicycles are specially designed by the Kona Mountain Bicycle Company. Kona is donating 1 bike for every 2 purchased from donations. Kona will also pay for 1/2 the shipping costs when all will need to be shipped to Kenya in late 2012.
For more detail on INNERpreneurship, you can read my article on Ezinearticles - INNERpreneurship - The Rise of Self Destiny
For more about their story, you can listen to our interview below. Consider donating ( I did ) by visiting their website - The Africa Bike Project
AfriKid Bike by Kona Mountain Bikes
INNERpreneurship And What It Is It's not often that I meet a Toastmaster Who is Doing Amazing Things with their speaking and leadership abilities. Last year, as Area Governor D42-J46, I visited Literally Speaking, one of my Area 46, Division J, District 42 clubs and heard this lady present one of her manual speeches. Within moments, I realized, "This lady is not just pushing through another manual speech here". I sensed motivation and inspiration. I was captivated. Laverne's 2 websites are www.bissky.com & No Ordinary Journey Laverne Bissky's participation at her Toastmasters Club, is but a small part of her repertoire. She is also a Rotarian, humanitarian, inspirational speaker, coach and facilitates retreats to Cambodia, Vietnam, Africa and South East Asia. She has organized and managed several projects aimed at those countries. Capturing the true essence of being an INNERpreneur, I couldn't resist speaking with Laverne and asking about her adventures.
I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Laverne about her INNERpreneurship and humanitarian work in this podcast. You can listen to it by clicking the player below. Is it a Calling ?
Need to be a Part of Something ?
A Sense of Belonging ?
Taking Leadership in Filling a Void ?
Wanting to do Something Else that you Conceive, Plan, Organize, Populate and Support Going Onwards ? No doubt, participants from both east and west gain much For more detail on INNERpreneurship, you can read my article on Ezinearticles - INNERpreneurship - The Rise of Self Destiny
Rise of INNERpreneurship I couldn't have picked a better challenge than preparing for this educational on innerpreneurship. I was selected to present at our Toastmasters District 42 Spring Convention on April 29 to May 1 in Regina, Saskatchewan, CANADA. I learnt so much more about INNERpreneuship along with reinforcing my belief that it's time has come and it's here to stay.
For more detail on INNERpreneurship, you can read my article on Ezinearticles - INNERpreneurship - The Rise of Self Destiny
For one, our society needs a transformation from that long-standing practises of taking, take take. Also, it further grows us as Toastmasters and gives us 1 more path to continue on after mastering our skills as Toastmasters. Some remain within Toastmasters using those skills but others have the opportunity of "spreading their wings" and taking themselves out into the real world.
Well, my 30 minute educational went quite well. Yes, from the get-go you will notice that the videotape is taken from a side profile. I was focusing so much on my presentation, that I overlooked that final instruction to my assistant who held the camera steadily for 37 minutes. You can download my FREE e-Book - INNERpreneurship - The Rise of Self Destiny This being the debut of "Dawn of the INNERpreneur", I hope to present several more times in the near future.
This was a crowning presentation for me as 2 hours prior, I was awarded my long-sought Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) award and plaque.
Here are several websites to get you warmed up to the topic;
www.elasticmind.ca - Rise of the Innerpreneur www.StevePavlina.com - Resource for Developing Innerpreneurs
The book that says it all well;
Karma Queens, Geek Gods & Innerpreneurs - Ron Rentel with Joe Zellnik
Here are several local District 42 Toastmaster's I personally network with who demonstrate INNERpreneurship quite well;
www.personalpassion.wordpress.com - Ms Karen Matthews - a well known Calgary Toastmaster www.coolfamilysolutions.com - Ms Mona Cooley - Past District 42 Governor
You may know other notable Toastmasters who also practise Innerpreneurship.
Many thanks to Christina, my Toastmaster who introduced & closed off, my videographer Zahir and my Sergeant-at-Arms, Craig; all fellow Toastmasters who make the journey towards DTM so rewarding. All 3 did a great job of helping me facilitate my event.
Passionate About Communications is Lisa B Marshall Communication And Passion Are you PASSIONATE about Communication? Everyone has a passion. One of mine is Speaking and Presenting Skills. My other one is helping others to speak, present, and lead better. I also like interviewing and writing. The result is this, my podcast series - TDKtalks.com
Originally it was solely my High-Performance Leadership Project or HPL. But then it became a labor of love, such that, I decided to keep it going. It falls in line with many of my other projects and activities within Toastmasters. A large part of growing your speaking confidence is becoming a better communicator.
In addition, if yours, like mine, is COMMUNICATION, then stay tuned. I have the pleasure of interviewing Lisa B. Marshall of www.lisabmarshall.com - Passionate About Communication. Developing communications skills is a large part of leadership development. You can't have one without the other. They are cohesive elements that rely on each other.
You can also find her audio podcast - "The Public Speaker - Quick & Dirty Tips for Improving Your Communications Skills" on iTunes.
She has also written and published an e-book which I highly recommend, "Public Speaker's Guide to Ace Your Interview"
I get a chance to ask Lisa a number of questions, these being;
What is the most common question about Public speaking you get from your listeners? What are your top tips to overcoming your fear of public speaking? You don't only speak about public speaking. What are the other topics you cover? Lisa is also a published author. What was the inspiration behind your first book, "Ace Your Interview"? Lisa's 2nd e-book will be available soon. Can you give us a sneak peek at what it will be about?
Lisa is also available for group presentations and one-on-one coaching sessions. She has a loyal following on both FaceBook and LinkedIn.
Smart Talk by Lisa B Marshall Softskills Manual For All Of
Life Coaching Have you heard of a Life Coach? Well today I interview Ms. Nicky Kriel of www.nickykriel.com. She is a life coach based in the UK and provides personal coaching using NLP. She also writes interesting content in her blog.
She has formally been offering her services on her website for 2 years but has been growing business steadily. With an academic background in university psychology and linguistics study, she has gained further experience by working in marketing and sales. Growing up in South Africa then relocating to the UK 20 years ago, she is quite familiar with how change can affect people. Tying this background together, she has also completed the NLP Practitioner Course, which further confirmed she was on the right path.
An avid Toastmaster as well, she is the current President of Guildford Speakers in Surrey UK, having her AC-B and AL-B. She says attaining that level has helped her immensely in consulting and connecting to her many clients.
In conversation, Nicky said she has had many requests to teach people on aspects of implementing social media such as twitter, facebook and linkedin. There is a correct way to use these social networks so they work for you. Her blog posts also show her talent for writing home-grown original material centered around aspects of being human. I certainly got caught up reading several the morning prior to our interview, some of which I could relate to.
I realized that making that connection with people is how a relationship is formed, in our virtual social networking age. When people can relate to your material, wether written or spoken, a bond, trust and appreciation is made. A relationship is made. Dialogue continues. And for certain a reciprocative exchange of mutual benefit occurs when both sides gain in information they can use.
"Of Worthy Mention" this episode discusses the article - "Crisis Leadership: A Leader's Highest Duty" on page 24 of the December issue of TOASTMASTER magazine. Thanks to Craig Harrison, DTM for this article.
All About Judging In this show, I interview Marvin Henry, DTM, Chief Judge for Division C of District 42.
Henry has been a Toastmaster since 1995. He is past-president of the Igniters Club, VP Education of Calgary Advanced Club (CATS). Marvin has held several leadership positions in Toastmasters.
October is the month for our Fall club, area, division & district Humorous & Table Topics Speech Contests. It is only fitting that I bring lite onto judging speeches & being a judge.
In this interview, Marvin tells us how he became a Chief Judge and what is involved in Judging.
Marvin maintains a list of members who like to be called upon to judge at a local club, area, or division. So when contest time rolls around, club & district execs only need to contact Marvin when they are short of judges. These members also have access to judges training to become proficient. So check in your specific Division or District for the same.
There is no denying that being a speech contest judge several times will help in improving your performance and ranking for the judges. You know what the judges are looking for, so now you can give it to them. It will help round you out as both a speaker and a judge.
I also talk about being an Area Governor and that the Fall Speech Contest (or Spring Contest) is the main venue for us AG's.
I conclude the show with my traditional "Tip of the Show".
Be sure to send me your comments or just write on my blog above.
INNERpreneur Explained Are you an innerpreneur? Do you use or need Strategic Marketing? Can you make use of Creative Communications?
In this show I interview Ms. Tara Joyce, an innerpreneur, strategic marketer, and creative communications consultant. Find her at elasticmind.ca
Tara provides independent value-driven business owners with strategic marketing and creative communications support and inspiration.
Not only is Tara a coach & strategic marketing guru, but she also writes innovative excerpts on her blog Rise of the Innerpreneur. Her blog format is inviting, inspiring, easy to read & thought provoking.
I came across her website after 2 months of exhaustive reviews of websites. I was planning my branding and design of my website. My goal was to create a collaborative, 2-way, socially interactive website. Did I succeed? I'll let you be the judge.
Regardless of how good your ideas are, marketing is key! You have to be able to deliver those ideas. The new techniques always make your ideas stand out.
In this interview, Tara tells us what she does and how, in her consulting business, after only 2 years of its launch. She is also available to do presentations.
After finding her blog - Rise of the Innerpreneur and subscribing, I began regular readings and was inspired enough to interview her. I found it applicable to us Toastmasters, as we grow in speaking & leadership skills.
For more detail on INNERpreneurship, you can read my article on Ezinearticles - INNERpreneurship - The Rise of Self Destiny
Softskills Celebration Softskills development is paramount in celebration during our Spring Convention of Toastmasters.
I am joined by my special guest co-host and Competent Leadership mentor, Christina. We open the show by discussing our activities and features we took in at our District 42 Spring Convention.
So what goes on at a Spring Convention? Well, quite a bit. Every Toastmaster on the globe knows it as the faceoff battle for the coveted World Championship of Public Speaking or WCPS. The winner proceeds to the world stage. That is at the annual Toastmasters International Convention.
There is also the more mundane, but still very important administrative tasks. One such is the business meeting. Want to know why we practice parliamentary procedures in our regular meetings? Watch a well-run biz meeting and it will become self-evident. Every club should ensure to have 1 or 2 biz meetings each month.
And the educationals are also a big attraction. Sometimes they are people from outside the Toastmasters realm.
Most certainly, there is something there for every aspect of a well-rounded toastmaster. Every district has its own. They are addictive, however, but a GOOD addictive.
For everyone, the spring conventions are a great way to network. You meet new toastmasters and re-affirm past connections. Feature Interview After I take in some educationals there, I go to my feature interview with Ms. Sarah Imran. Sarah presented an educational which I took in entitled Conversations Powered by Technology Just for You.
In her 45 minute presentation, Sarah spoke about how the 5 most popular social network tools today, being Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and WordPress are used. These make up a collaborative power of online communities, which cannot be ignored.
Speech as Storytelling A speech is usually just storytelling. Writing a speech can be a daunting task. For our clubs or contests, it only has to be 5 to 7 minutes. But so much has to be said in those few minutes. When you listen to a good speech, all-time escapes you. In the end, you can't tell if it was only 5 minutes or 50 in duration. To me, that is a sure sign of a GOOD speech. These helpful speech resources can give you a structured approach.
First, you have to know what your purpose is. Is it a call to action? Is it to educate your audience? Is it to make people aware of some situation? Or is it simply to entertain them using wit relating to everyday news? The purpose and means are almost endless, especially when you consider the addition of body language, facial expression, and tonal variety to accent your delivery. For that reason, a speech to me becomes an art form; a work of art.
Once written, you can tweak here, tweak there. You can fine-tune it by adding a pause here and speeding up the last half of this sentence. Then, the numerous practice sessions give you a chance to polish the delivery. Because in the end, the speech has to achieve its purpose; whatever you decided on above.
In this show, I follow the elusive and mystical realm of a speech; beginning its complex path from conception, editing, practicing, and finally, delivery of the message or call to action, to your audience.
Can it succeed? Will it succeed? Will your message or "call to action" make it into most of your audiences' action list? When presenting a speech to a Toastmasters or public audience - in a contest or just at your club - there are many challenges and obstacles in the way.
What's Your Story? What's Your Message?
Social Media Alive and Well Social Networking Tools have inundated the internet. They have also taken us along in their abyss. Social Networks can easily become (and have) to many of us, a HUGE time sinkhole. FaceBook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Google+ are the most common. As much as the internet is invaluable, it's also taken us into forays of networking wasted time and productivity, that is, if not managed properly.
No doubt social networks are another leap into mankinds quest to be connected, social and be good at networking. I am talking about mankinds foray into the social media realm. What is it? You've heard about it. Personal websites and blogs are other examples. Like anything "computer", social networks are another test of how well we can manage our time. Because if you look at the offerings, and dare to get involved, social media could easily consume every breathing moment of your day.
I found some social networks are more social than others. And social networks are an irony in itself. Because it is virtual ... really. In 99% of these social networks, you really do NOT get together. For example, how many times have we seen friends or family, at a restaurant or coffee shop, sitting inches away from each other with heads bowed, looking down and typing on their smart phones. They rarely say a word to each other.
True irony isn't it? Only 1 that I know about and used - MeetUp.com - has the sole purpose of bringing people together, face-to-face and in person. It could be weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. Some MeetUP groups I joined, never ever had a meeting or got off the ground. So what's the point, right?
In this show I talk about several of the more productive social networking tools toastmasters can use to go about their speaking business. Hope you enjoy listening !
Speech Competitions Speech Competitions at District 42 Spring Convention 2009 from Saskatoon, CANADA
For this show I go live to the District 42 Spring Convention 2009 held in Saskatoon, SA, CANADA May 1, 2, 3. I interview an Educational Session presenter, most of the International Speech & Evaluation Contestants and special feature, I interview Toastmasters International President Ms. Jana Barnhill.
But my real treat was listening to the speech contestants insights into their speech performance. Delivering speeches, even at speech competitions can still lead one to personal growth and fruition. There is more than 1 way to win.
If you can connect with the audience and leave several of them leaving motivated or moved, you have won. That is what it is really about. Winning that trophy is only icing on the cake ! I really enjoyed interviewing the speech contest contestants.