10 Ways To Empower Your Communication 04/26/2010
"A Piece of Blarney Stone" 10 ways to empower your communication The Blarney Stone is a historical stone, or actually part of the Blarney Castle in Ireland where it was believed that kissing the stone can grant you the gift of gab. Yeah, it seems strange in this day and age, but who are we to question tradition? It's not like I'm saying that Santa Claus doesn't exist (OOPS!). There is so much to know about conversation that anyone, even I, could ever realize. You can go though watching talk shows; radio programs; clubs dedicated to public speaking; ordinary conversations; certain rules still apply when it comes to interaction through words. It may sound tedious, I know, but even though it's your mouth that's doing the work, your brain works twice as hard to churn out a lot of things you know. So what better way to start learning to be an effective communication is to know the very person closest to you: yourself. 1. What you know. Education is all about learning the basics, but to be an effective speaker is to practice what you've learned. My stint as guest at every Toastmasters' meeting I go to taught me that we all have our limitations, but that doesn't mean we can't learn to keep up and share what we know. 2. Listening. It's just as important as asking questions. Sometimes listening to the sound of our own voice can teach us to be a little bit confident with ourselves and to say the things we believe in with conviction. 3. Humility We all make mistakes, and sometimes we tend to slur our words, stutter, and probably mispronounce certain words even though we know what it means, but rarely use it only to impress listeners. So in a group, don't be afraid to ask if you're saying the right word properly and if they're unsure about it then make a joke out of it. I promise you it'll make everyone laugh and you can get away with it as well. 4. Eye Contact There's a lot to say when it comes to directing your attention to your audience with an eye-catching gaze. It's important that you keep your focus when talking to a large group in a meeting or a gathering, even though he or she may be gorgeous. 5. Kidding around A little bit of humor can do wonders to lift the tension, or worse boredom when making your speech. That way, you'll get the attention of the majority of the crowd and they'll feel that you're just as approachable, and as human to those who listen. 6. Be like the rest of them Interaction is all about mingling with other people. You'll get a lot of ideas, as well as knowing what people make them as they are. 7. Me, Myself, and I Admit it, there are times you sing to yourself in the shower. I know I do! Listening to the sound of your own voice while you practice your speech in front of a mirror can help correct the stress areas of your pitch. And while you're at it you can spruce up as well. 8. With a smile A smile says it all much like eye contact. There's no point on grimacing or frowning in a meeting or a gathering, unless it's a wake. You can better express what you're saying when you smile. 9. A Role Model There must be at least one or two people in your life you have listened to when they're at a public gathering or maybe at church. Sure they read their lines, but taking a mental note of how they emphasize what they say can help you once you take center stage. 10. Preparation Make the best out of preparation rather than just scribbling notes and often in a hurried panic. Some people like to write things down on index cards, while other resort to being a little more silly as they look at their notes written on the palm of their hand (not for clammy hands, please). Just be comfortable with what you know since you enjoy your work. And that about wraps it up. These suggestions are rather amateurish in edgewise, but I've learned to empower myself when it comes to public or private speaking and it never hurts to be with people to listen how they make conversations and meetings far more enjoyable as well as educational. Add Comment "What Really Makes You Tick?" 10 questions you should ask to yourself: a preparation to self-improvement Be all you can be, but it's not always in the Army. I often see myself as somewhat contented with my life the way things are, but of course it's hard to think of anything else when where are real issues to be discussed. Still I aspire for something deeper and more meaningful. So we're all pelted with problems. Honestly it shouldn't even bother or even hinder us to becoming all we ought to be. Aspirations as kids should continue to live within us, even though it would be short-lived or as long as we could hold on to the dream. They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks… or can they? 1. What do I really want? The question of the ages. So many things you want to do with your life and so little time to even go about during the day. Write it down! Find something that you are good at can help realize that small step towards improvement. Diligence is the key to know that it is worth it. 2. Should I really change? Today's generation has taken another level of redefining 'self', or at least that's what the kids are saying. Having an army of children in my life has taught me that there are far worse things that they could have had than acne or maybe even promiscuity. So how does that fit into your lifestyle? If history has taught us one thing, it's the life that we have gone through. Try to see if partying Seventies style wouldn't appeal to the younger generation, but dancing is part of partying. Watch them applaud after showing them how to really dance than break their bones in break-dancing. That's why my wife ans I joined a swing dance group! we do look good! 3. What's the bright side in all of this? With so much is happening around us there seem to be no room for even considering that light at the end of the tunnel. We can still see it as something positive without undergoing so much scrutiny. And if it's a train at the end of the tunnel, take it for a ride and see what makes the world go round! If the train is coming at you----turn around! there is a word called repentance-which means -stop what you are doing wrong and take a 180 degree turn around. 4. Am I comfortable with what I'm doing? There's always the easy way and the right way when it comes to deciding what goes with which shoes, or purse, shirt and what not. It doesn't take a genius to see yourself as someone unique, or else we'll all be equally the same in everything we do. Variety brings in very interesting and exciting questions to be experimented. Turning really gray has really made me unique. My drivers license says I have brown hair! 5. Have I done enough for myself? Have you, or is there something more you want to do? Discontentment in every aspect can be dangerous in large doses, but in small amounts you'll be able to see and do stuff you could never imagine doing. If you are discontented with your weight change it! 6. Am I happy at where I am today? It's an unfair question so let it be an answer! You love being a good and loving mom or dad to your kids, then take it up a notch! Your kids will love you forever. The same goes with everyday life! If you're not happy ask this question:Why? 7. Am I appealing to the opposite sex? So maybe I don't have an answer to that, but that doesn't mean I can't try it, though. Whether you shape-up, change the way you wear your clothes or hair, or even your attitude towards people, you should always remember it will always be for your own benefit. We should strive to be appealing anyway to all folks! 8. How much could I have? I suppose in this case there is no such things on having things too much or too little, but it's more on how badly you really need it. I'd like to have lots of money, no denying that, but the question is that how much are you willing to work for it? You can never have enough grandchildren! They are the best! 9. What motivates me? What motivates you? It's an answer you have to find out for yourself. There are so many things that can make everyone happy, but to choose one of the may be the hardest part. It's not like you can't have one serving of your favorite food in a buffet and that's it. Just try it piece by piece. 10. What Really Makes You Tick? So? What really makes you tick? You can be just about anything you always wanted to be, but to realize that attaining something that may seem very difficult is already giving up before you even start that journey. Always remember, that self-improvement is not just about the physical or philosophical change you have to undergo, but it's something that you really want. Remember: if you don't want it, you won't get it! Friday Funnies 04/22/2010
Today i'm going to lighten up the week by just offering something funny. We need a light hearted day sometimes! So enjoy! The Pastor The pastor of a began his sermon with this story: "I was on a plane last week, from Chicago to California, when we ran into some very severe turbulence. As it got worse, the passengers became more and more alarmed, and even the flight attendants began to look concerned. Finally, one of them noticed that I had 'Rev.' in front of my name on the passenger list, came over to me, and said, 'Sir, this is really frightening. Do you suppose you could, I don't know...do something religious?'" "So I took up a collection." Speeding Ticket "What am I supposed to do with this?" grumbled a motorist as the policeman handed him a speeding ticket. "Keep it," the cop said, "when you collect four of them you get a bicycle." Hospital A man returns to the U.S. from Africa feeling very ill. He goes to see his doctor, and is immediately rushed to the hospital, to undergo a barrage of extensive tests.The man wakes up after the tests in a private room at the hospital, and the phone by his bed rings. "This is your doctor. We've had the results back from your tests and we've found you have an extremely nasty virus, which is extremely contagious!" "Oh my gosh," cries the man. He's in a panic now. "What are you going to do, doctor?" "Well we're going to put you on a diet of pizzas, pancakes, and pita bread." "Will that cure me?" asked the man hopefully. The doctor replied, "Well no, but ... it's the only food we can get under the door." A Young Man A young man was talking to a girl that he had just met, and asked her name. "I don't want to tell you," she said, "I'm named after both of my parents, and it's kind of embarrassing." "Well, what could be so bad about that?" the young man asked. "My mother's name is Eliza, and my father's name is Ferdinand."the girl answered. "Well, those are nice names" the guy replied. The girl replied, "It would be if they wouldn't have named me FerdEliza!" A Businessman A businessman had a tiring day on the road. He checked into a hotel and, because he was concerned that the dining room might close soon, left his luggage at the front desk and went immediately to eat. After a leisurely dinner, he reclaimed his luggage and realized that he had forgotten his room number. He went back to the desk and told the clerk on duty, "My name is Henry Davis, could you please tell me what room I am in?" "Certainly," said the clerk. "You're in the lobby." Washing Clothes One day my housework-challenged husband decided to wash his sweatshirt. Seconds after he stepped into the laundry room, he shouted to me, "What setting do I use on the washing machine?" "It depends," I replied. "What does it say on your shirt?" He yelled back, "Clemson University." Street Name "I'd like the number for Jennifer Smith in Richmond, Virginia," the young man said to the 411 operator. "There are multiple listings for Jennifer Smith in Richmond, Virginia," the operator said. "Do you have a street name?" The young man hesitated a moment, "Well, uh, most people call me Bubba." Enjoy! Concerts: A Great Religious Event to Host 04/19/2010
Are you a church leader or a member in your church group who is regularly involved in the planning of community events? If you are, has your church ever held a public concert, either as a free community event or as a fundraiser? If this is an approach that you have yet to take, you may want to consider doing so, as there are a number of benefits to reaching out to your community by way of music, storytelling, or comedy. Before examining a few of the many benefits of hosting a community concert, either as a free event or as a fundraiser, it is important to examine the options that you have. As you likely already know concerts and other events come in a number of different sizes, shapes, and styles. This is something that you may want to use to your advantage. When planning a concert for your community, either as a free event or as a fundraiser, it is advised that you place a focus on children or teens. It is always said that children are our future and that couldn’t be more true. If you want your church congregation to continue on, even after you have passed, you will want to place a focus on children. That is why it may be a good idea to host a concert that targets children and their parents. The songs sung, and stories told should have a kids theme to them. In addition to a kids concert, you may also want to turn the event into a fun filled day. This can easily be done with games, foods, and drinks. As important as it is to place a focus on the children in or around your community, you will also want to make sure that you place a focus on adults as well. That is why it is advised that you consider hosting concerts that may be ideal for adults and possibly even adults only. These types of concerts are ones that you may want to schedule a little bit later in the evening. You may end up finding that many of your attendees use your religious concert as a way to get out of the home or even as a date night. Especially if you hire a storyteller or comedian who is known for family friendly stuff! (Like Me!) As for the benefits of hosting a religious concert, either as a free event or as a fundraiser, you will find that there are an unlimited number of benefits to doing so. One of those benefits is the interest that may be generated in your church and the new members that may join. What you need to remember is that many individuals would like to attend church, but many are afraid to take the first step. A community concert, especially if you have church officials on hand, may be the perfect opportunity for hopeful church goers to express interest in your church group, as well as ask any questions that they may have. Another one of the many benefits to using concerts as a way to insert yourself into the community and make your presence known it that it is relatively easy to do so. Depending on the size of your church, as well as how it is operated, you may have a church choir or even a church music group. If that is the case, your own members can put on the concerts that you would like to host. With that in mind, you may also want to take steps to see if you can find any locally well-known music artists who would be willing to perform a concert with you as their sponsor. As for locations, many choose to use their own facilities, but you may also want to use local parks as locations for a concert, as well as other fundraisers or free events that you may be interested in planning. As outlined above, there are a number of benefits to using concerts as a way to reach out into your community. Those benefits include a possible increase in interest at church services, as well as the ability to raise money for a good cause, especially if you are interested in using your concert or concerts as fundraisers. Remember: not all concerts need to be musical. Storytellers, comedians, and poets can bring in a crowd! Give me a call and see what I can do for you! click here or contact me here or listen to my stuff! YOU MIGHT BE A STORYTELLER IF 04/18/2010
I have posted many of these over the year on various sites. so here is your chance to see them all in one spot! enjoy!
Parties Busking Churches Museums Fairs Festivals Trade shows Radio shows Master of ceremonies Clubs After dinner shows Supermarkets Schools Libraries Movie theaters Hotels Restaurants Kid shows Birthday parties Political rallies Advertising products Commercial voice overs Theaters Auditoriums Department stores Malls Good will tours Lawyers Doctors Association meetings Safety shows Cooking schools Lecture/keynote Cruise Resorts Holiday shows Television Fraternities Conventions Patriotic shows Newspapers Parks CD’s Books Writing articles Training programs FUND RAISERS Weddings Consulting Summer camps Circus Civil war reenactments Concerts Corporate and family picnics The True Story Of "Mary Had A Little Lamb" 04/10/2010
Mary had a little lamb whose fleece was white as snow, and everywhere tha Mary went the lamb was shore to go. Did you know that this rhyme is based on a true incident? Mary Elizabeth Sawyer was born and lived in a farmhouse about one mile from the center village of Sterling, Massachusetts. One spring morning about 1816, Mary and her father found newborn twin lambs in the sheep pen. One had been rejected by the mother and was nearly dead. Mary asked and received permission to try to save the lamb. She cared for the animal, and as it grew it became both her pet and constant companion. One day when Mary and her brother, Nathaniel, went across the fields to school they discovered the lamb following them. Nat, as always ready for a prank, suggested they take the lamb into the schoolhouse. Mary put the lamb under her desk and placed her shawl over her pet. All was fine until Mary was called to the front of the room to recite. Much to her embarrassment and the pupil's delight, the lamb trotted after her. The children and the teacher, Miss Rebecca Kimball, all had a good laugh. At the suggestion of the teacher, also known as "Polly" Kimball, Mary put the animal into an outside shed until noontime. The incident might have been forgotten had it not been for a visitor, John Roulstone. He was living with his uncle, Rev. Lemeul Capen, preparing for entrance to Harvard University, as was the custom at that time. The next day young John rode horseback across the fields and handed Mary a slip of paper on which the first three stanzas of the poem had been written. There has long been a controversy concerning the author.In 1830, the original poem with three more versus was published in a volume titled "Poems for Our Children" by Sarah Josepha Hale. The consensus of opinion now gives credit to John Roulstone for the first twelve lines, and Mrs. Hale for the additional stanzas. They are a different style and give a moral lesson. The rhyme later appeared as a lesson in the old MacGuffey Reader. Take Care of Your Voice! 04/08/2010
If my voice doesn't work right I can lose money! Just like other professional folks who speak for a living we need to warm up and get ready to perform! But how? Here are some tips that I use and they might be helpful to you. VOCAL/ PHYSICAL WARM-UPS FOR STORYTELLERS AND SPEAKERS BREATHING: Inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth. Do this 5 times. Inhale through the nose, filling lungs to 90% capacity, then quickly fill up. Exhale with a relaxed a-a-a-h. Do this 5 times. STRETCHING: Stretch your neck to one side (ear to shoulder), then the other. Do this twice. Stretch your chin to your chest, then back. Do this twice. Stretch all the way around (chin to chest, shoulder, back, and chest) 5 times each way. Shake all over, like a wet dog, starting from the top and working down. VOICE: Say "hah," "he," "hi," "ho," and "huh" from your diaphram. Say each of your vowels from head to toe, toe to head, as if the sound is coming out of those parts of your body. Say each of your vowels as if it is coming from you mouth only, then nose, then eyes, then top of the head. Say each of your vowels from your facial mask ( your whole face). Say "b-r-r-r-r" as if you are a race car. Do this several times. Say "guttah buttah buttah guttah, good blood bad blood, good blood, bad blood red leather, yellow leather, red leather, yellow leather" Say "The Swiss wrist watch sank swiftly" 5 times. Of course you might want to do these exercises somewhere by yourself! Amazing What People Say 04/07/2010
Most of us who work in the world of speaking and training sometimes read and hear some of the strangest things! Here are a list of ads that were placed in various papers. As you will see, some folks don't realize the power of heir words! Free Yorkshire Terrier. 8 years old. Hateful little dog. ------------------------- FREE PUPPIES: 1/2 Cocker Spaniel 1/2 Sneaky neighbor's dog ------------------------- Free Puppies... Part German Shepherd Part stupid dog ------------------------- German Shepherd 85 lbs. Neutered. Speaks German. Free. ------------------------- Found: dirty white dog. Looks like a rat... Been out awhile. Better be reward. ------------------------- 1 man, 7 woman hot tub -- $850/offer ------------------------- Snow blower for sale... Only used on snowy days. ------------------------- Tickle Me Elmo, still in box, comes with its own 1988 Mustang, 5l, auto, excellent condition $6800 ------------------------- Cows, calves never bred... Also 1 gay bull for sale. ------------------------- Nordic track $300 hardly used, call Chubby ------------------------- Bill's Septic Cleaning "We haul American made products" ------------------------- Hummels - largest selection ever "If it's in stock, we have it!" ------------------------- Harrisburg Postal Employees Gun Club ------------------------- Georgia peaches California grown - 89 cents lb. ------------------------- Tired of working for only $9.75 per hour? We offer profit sharing and flexible hours. Starting pay: $7 - $9 per hour. ------------------------- Exercise equipment: Queen size mattress & box springs - $175. ------------------------- Our sofa seats the whole mob! And it's made of 100% Italian leather. ------------------------- Joining nudist colony! Must sell washer & dryer $300. Ten Dog Rules 04/06/2010
1. The dog is not allowed in the house. 2. Okay, the dog is allowed in the house, but only in certain rooms. 3. Ok, fine, the dog is allowed in all rooms, but has to stay off the furniture. 4. The dog can get on the old furniture only. 5. Fine, the dog is allowed on all the furniture, but is not allowed to sleep with the humans on the bed. 6. Okay, the dog is allowed on the bed, but only by invitation. 7. The dog can sleep on the bed whenever he wants, but not under the covers. 8. The dog can sleep under the covers by invitation only! 9. The dog can sleep under the covers every night. 10. Humans must ask permission to sleep under the covers with the dog. |   Mike MillerMike is a Full contact Free Range Speaker, Trainer & Storyteller based out of Charleston, SC ArchivesMay 2010 CategoriesAll  |
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