Many people routinely give speeches in the course of their work or at various functions. Others do so occasionally and might not be very comfortable. They may even experience a great amount of anxiety. There are many books, classes and courses on the subject, but I've discovered some basic elements that will enhance one's speaking performance, regardless of the amount of education or training the person has received. Here are 7 helpful tips:
Tip for Public Speaking #1: Know Your Stuff
Make certain that you have a great amount of personal knowledge of your subject matter or firmly believe in your cause. This is actually a prerequisite. It will come across in your presentation, your confidence will project and you'll be perceived as an expert. If you really love what you're presenting, it will show.
Tip for Public Speaking #2: Be Organized
Have your material ready with the proper order of delivery. Using a general outline or slide presentation is fine, but this will be different than rehearsing what you're going to say word for word, which I'll explain below.
Tip for Public Speaking #3: Be Lighthearted, Have a Sense of Humor, Don't Be Afraid
I know that it's easier said than done and this is going to take some practice. Don't fear your own shortcomings and weaknesses. Use them to your advantage in any situation. Honesty can be very powerful and your ability to communicate with levity and sincerity will take you far.
Tip for Public Speaking #4: Care About Helping People
Focus upon helping the individuals in your audience. While it's usually easier and more comfortable to look off into the distance, get used to making eye contact with your audience members and convey your earnestness and warmth. This will also help you to perceive if you're coming across effectively and if they understand you. The more you're able to do this, the more you'll overcome your own anxiety and the more powerful speaker you'll become. This is truly the essence of a great speaker.
Tip for Public Speaking #5: Dress Well
Wearing suitable, tasteful attire will increase your confidence and give you added credibility. You don't need to overdress. Wear what's businesslike and comfortable, according to the circumstances or occasion.
Tip for Public Speaking #6: Consider Joining a Group
A club, such as Toastmasters could be a way of gaining speaking experience and might be valuable for a lot of people. I feel that it makes sense for those who need to develop their confidence and public speaking ability.
Tip for Public Speaking #7: Don't Write Word for Word or Rehearse!
This is closely related to tip #4 and it's called "speaking from the heart." Speaking naturally and spontaneously to the greatest extent possible goes against the grain of most conventional teaching. In our daily lives, our best presentations come not from planning what we're going to say when we get up the morning, but rather expressing what is true, honest and suitable for the moment. The best speakers are those who are genuine, but they are rare in this day and age. While it's fine to prepare the topics that are needed to be covered, it's best to speak naturally, instead of reading everything. To the extent one can do this, the better speaker he or she will become. I urge everyone to try this and to get used to doing it. Once you start to practice this method, it becomes more and more natural.
I wish you the best of success!
Showing posts with label Learning English. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Learning English. Show all posts
Friday, May 23, 2008
7 Tips for Effective Public Speaking
Thursday, May 22, 2008
New Year's Resolutions
What New Year's resolutions did you make?
Are you having a hard time keeping them?
If so, here are some tips on how to get back on track....and stay there! Most people have made New Year's resolutions at some stage in their life, even if as an arbitrary, last-minute decision before the clock strikes 12 midnight, to pay lip-service to tradition. Sound familiar? The truth is, while many people like the idea of turning over a new leaf and improving their life, it's not that easy to put into practice. Studies show that four out of five people who make New Year's resolutions break them after a couple of months!
The most common New Year's resolutions include spending more time with family and friends, getting into shape, losing weight, quitting smoking, enjoying life more, quitting drinking, getting out of debt, learning something new, helping others, and getting organized. Why are so many of these resolutions broken?
Experts give the reasons why. One explanation is that too many of us make far-reaching resolutions which are then hard to achieve. Resolutions such as "I am never going to eat chocolate again" or "I am going to work out two hours a day for the next six months" are too unrealistic. "Small and tangible goals work best," says Lisa Young, an American nutritionist.
Secondly, a resolution can only be successful when we are committed to making a change and feel confident we can carry it through. A half-hearted resolution to get more sleep is bound to fail.
Thirdly, our resolutions are too often based on stopping a negative behavior rather than moving towards a positive goal. When we commit to stopping a behavior that we enjoy, but know is bad for us, we can feel locked in. Rhonda F. Walters, a Change Management expert, says she hears many of her clients say, "If I do not make my goal, I will be a failure." This fear of failure to keep our commitments right away causes us to give up trying. Walters stipulates that we should avoid selecting undesirable resolutions in favor of positive ones that we really want to do, and should break them down into short-term goals over a period of time.
Alan Marlatt, an addiction specialist, warns against blaming ourselves when we fail to stick to our resolutions. Instead, we need to look at the obstacles that were in the way and try to do better next time. Studies indicate that successful resolutions are usually a process with periodic setbacks, rather than a one-time effort to create new habits. "We were not born with the innate ability to make accurate estimations," says Walters. "It takes practice and perseverance." According to studies, only 40 percent of people who successfully achieved their top resolution did it on the first attempt. The rest made multiple tries, with 17 percent finally succeeding after at least six attempts.
All experts agree that our resolutions should be written down, as well as how and when we plan to implement them. In doing so, we should make them positive, such as "I will live a healthy lifestyle" rather than "I will lose weight." And reminders about our resolutions are a useful way to keep us on track. This can be done by placing notes on the refrigerator, a notice board, or above our bed.
Finally, Marlatt emphasizes the importance of giving ourselves credit when we do make progress in sticking to our resolutions. This can be as simple as doing something we enjoy, buying ourselves something new, or absolving ourselves from a chore we hate to do. This helps motivate us to keep at it!
Are you having a hard time keeping them?
If so, here are some tips on how to get back on track....and stay there! Most people have made New Year's resolutions at some stage in their life, even if as an arbitrary, last-minute decision before the clock strikes 12 midnight, to pay lip-service to tradition. Sound familiar? The truth is, while many people like the idea of turning over a new leaf and improving their life, it's not that easy to put into practice. Studies show that four out of five people who make New Year's resolutions break them after a couple of months!
The most common New Year's resolutions include spending more time with family and friends, getting into shape, losing weight, quitting smoking, enjoying life more, quitting drinking, getting out of debt, learning something new, helping others, and getting organized. Why are so many of these resolutions broken?
Experts give the reasons why. One explanation is that too many of us make far-reaching resolutions which are then hard to achieve. Resolutions such as "I am never going to eat chocolate again" or "I am going to work out two hours a day for the next six months" are too unrealistic. "Small and tangible goals work best," says Lisa Young, an American nutritionist.
Secondly, a resolution can only be successful when we are committed to making a change and feel confident we can carry it through. A half-hearted resolution to get more sleep is bound to fail.
Thirdly, our resolutions are too often based on stopping a negative behavior rather than moving towards a positive goal. When we commit to stopping a behavior that we enjoy, but know is bad for us, we can feel locked in. Rhonda F. Walters, a Change Management expert, says she hears many of her clients say, "If I do not make my goal, I will be a failure." This fear of failure to keep our commitments right away causes us to give up trying. Walters stipulates that we should avoid selecting undesirable resolutions in favor of positive ones that we really want to do, and should break them down into short-term goals over a period of time.
Alan Marlatt, an addiction specialist, warns against blaming ourselves when we fail to stick to our resolutions. Instead, we need to look at the obstacles that were in the way and try to do better next time. Studies indicate that successful resolutions are usually a process with periodic setbacks, rather than a one-time effort to create new habits. "We were not born with the innate ability to make accurate estimations," says Walters. "It takes practice and perseverance." According to studies, only 40 percent of people who successfully achieved their top resolution did it on the first attempt. The rest made multiple tries, with 17 percent finally succeeding after at least six attempts.
All experts agree that our resolutions should be written down, as well as how and when we plan to implement them. In doing so, we should make them positive, such as "I will live a healthy lifestyle" rather than "I will lose weight." And reminders about our resolutions are a useful way to keep us on track. This can be done by placing notes on the refrigerator, a notice board, or above our bed.
Finally, Marlatt emphasizes the importance of giving ourselves credit when we do make progress in sticking to our resolutions. This can be as simple as doing something we enjoy, buying ourselves something new, or absolving ourselves from a chore we hate to do. This helps motivate us to keep at it!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Romance
Romance
Bobby: Dr. Chadwick, all my life I've planned to marry Emily. I was waiting for the right moment. But when Skipper Wallace came into her life, I panicked.
She really seemed to be in love with him. I had to do something to make her realize it's me she loves; that we were meant for each other.
Doctor: I understand why you did it, but do you really think it's fair to Emily?
Bobby: No. I suppose seen from the outside, it's not. What am I going to do?
Doctor: Talk to her, Bobby. She deserves to know the truth.
Bobby: Dr. Chadwick, all my life I've planned to marry Emily. I was waiting for the right moment. But when Skipper Wallace came into her life, I panicked.
She really seemed to be in love with him. I had to do something to make her realize it's me she loves; that we were meant for each other.
Doctor: I understand why you did it, but do you really think it's fair to Emily?
Bobby: No. I suppose seen from the outside, it's not. What am I going to do?
Doctor: Talk to her, Bobby. She deserves to know the truth.
Personal
Dear Daniel,
Hi! I know I haven't written in a very long time, and
I apologize. I could lie and say that it's because I've been busy doing lots of exciting things, but I'm determined to tell you the truth, although I feel a bit ashamed.
The truth is that I've spent the last few months feeling upset and depressed. In general, I've been down in the dumps. You see, my girlfriend, Samantha, left me in January. Although I'm a very emotional person, this time I don't think I'm overreacting. I just can't seem to cope. I cry all the time and am reminded of Samantha wherever I go. I haven't been sleeping well and as a result, I've been feeling extremely run down and I can't do a good job at work.
I loved Sam very much, and despite our differences of opinion and occasional fights, we always managed to work things out. She really broke my heart. I think she knew that I wanted to discuss getting married, and the whole idea of marriage frightened her terribly.
At last I've decided that I've been feeling sorry for myself for too long, and that I have to stop feeling like a victim. It's time to do something to improve my situation.
In spite of my anxiety about telling a complete stranger my problems, I want to see a therapist. I need someone who is sympathetic and kind. Do you know anyone in my area? Please let me know. You went for counseling a few years ago, didn't you? Did you find it helpful?
Enough about me and my problems. How are you, Daniel? Is your boss still driving you crazy? At first it seemed that you liked your new job, but now it sounds like it puts you under a lot of stress. Maybe you should look for a new job; something where there is less tension. How are Kathy and the baby?
I hope you'll all be able to drop by for a visit during your summer vacation.
Please write soon,
Michael
P.S. Believe it or not, writing this letter has cheered me up! Thanks!
Michael
Hi! I know I haven't written in a very long time, and
I apologize. I could lie and say that it's because I've been busy doing lots of exciting things, but I'm determined to tell you the truth, although I feel a bit ashamed.
The truth is that I've spent the last few months feeling upset and depressed. In general, I've been down in the dumps. You see, my girlfriend, Samantha, left me in January. Although I'm a very emotional person, this time I don't think I'm overreacting. I just can't seem to cope. I cry all the time and am reminded of Samantha wherever I go. I haven't been sleeping well and as a result, I've been feeling extremely run down and I can't do a good job at work.
I loved Sam very much, and despite our differences of opinion and occasional fights, we always managed to work things out. She really broke my heart. I think she knew that I wanted to discuss getting married, and the whole idea of marriage frightened her terribly.
At last I've decided that I've been feeling sorry for myself for too long, and that I have to stop feeling like a victim. It's time to do something to improve my situation.
In spite of my anxiety about telling a complete stranger my problems, I want to see a therapist. I need someone who is sympathetic and kind. Do you know anyone in my area? Please let me know. You went for counseling a few years ago, didn't you? Did you find it helpful?
Enough about me and my problems. How are you, Daniel? Is your boss still driving you crazy? At first it seemed that you liked your new job, but now it sounds like it puts you under a lot of stress. Maybe you should look for a new job; something where there is less tension. How are Kathy and the baby?
I hope you'll all be able to drop by for a visit during your summer vacation.
Please write soon,
Michael
P.S. Believe it or not, writing this letter has cheered me up! Thanks!
Michael
Friday, March 28, 2008
Economic difficulties may last for one year: Deputy PM
VietNamNet Bridge – “We are facing a rather bad situation,” Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Sinh Hung said during the opening of a government press conference on March 27.
He said Vietnam can’t surmount economic difficulties within several months and a 7.5% GDP growth rate is perhaps high for this year. In this situation, it is very difficult for Vietnam to accomplish the growth targets set by the National Assembly for 2008, under which the GDP growth rate is 8.5-9% and inflation lower than GDP growth.
“The global economy is declining but we have to keep calm. In the first three months of the year, foreign investment in Vietnam was US$5.4 billion, up 31% year on year. It shows that Vietnam is still a favourable destination,” Hung said.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the government’s top priority is controlling inflation. High inflation (over 9% in the first three months of 2008) greatly affects imports, exports and the people’s trust. From now to July 1 the government will not increase petrol, electronic and coal prices. If the world’s oil prices stay at the current levels, the government will have to spend VND12 trillion (US$750 million) to compensate for petrol losses this year. The government will ask ministries and state agencies to cut around 10% of their regular spending.
“The government will meet with economic corporations and big groups. It will be a problem if every corporation asks to increase prices. Economic difficulties will last for around one year and we have to suffer high inflation, but we will try to reduce inflation month by month,” Hung said.
He said the government will report to the National Assembly the adjustment of economic and inflation goals for 2008. In the first three months of the year, GDP growth reached 7.4% compared to 7.7% of the same period last year.
At the press conference, a representative of the Finance Ministry confirmed university and college fees will not increase in the next academic year. The Ministry also asked Hanoi to delay raising clean water charges. Previously, Hanoi planned to increase the water charge by 10-30%.
On March 25, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung decided to loan VND30 trillion ($1.875 billion) to poor students in the next five years. The government will subsidise petrol for fishermen and help them buy new fishing boats.
(Source: VNE, VietNamNet)
He said Vietnam can’t surmount economic difficulties within several months and a 7.5% GDP growth rate is perhaps high for this year. In this situation, it is very difficult for Vietnam to accomplish the growth targets set by the National Assembly for 2008, under which the GDP growth rate is 8.5-9% and inflation lower than GDP growth.
“The global economy is declining but we have to keep calm. In the first three months of the year, foreign investment in Vietnam was US$5.4 billion, up 31% year on year. It shows that Vietnam is still a favourable destination,” Hung said.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the government’s top priority is controlling inflation. High inflation (over 9% in the first three months of 2008) greatly affects imports, exports and the people’s trust. From now to July 1 the government will not increase petrol, electronic and coal prices. If the world’s oil prices stay at the current levels, the government will have to spend VND12 trillion (US$750 million) to compensate for petrol losses this year. The government will ask ministries and state agencies to cut around 10% of their regular spending.
“The government will meet with economic corporations and big groups. It will be a problem if every corporation asks to increase prices. Economic difficulties will last for around one year and we have to suffer high inflation, but we will try to reduce inflation month by month,” Hung said.
He said the government will report to the National Assembly the adjustment of economic and inflation goals for 2008. In the first three months of the year, GDP growth reached 7.4% compared to 7.7% of the same period last year.
At the press conference, a representative of the Finance Ministry confirmed university and college fees will not increase in the next academic year. The Ministry also asked Hanoi to delay raising clean water charges. Previously, Hanoi planned to increase the water charge by 10-30%.
On March 25, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung decided to loan VND30 trillion ($1.875 billion) to poor students in the next five years. The government will subsidise petrol for fishermen and help them buy new fishing boats.
(Source: VNE, VietNamNet)
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Ten Tips - Studying
Ten Tips - Studying
Make studying a part of your everyday school routine and don't be limited to 'cramming' for exams and tests.
1.Establish a routine
Set aside a particular time each day for study and revision and stick to it.
2. Create a study environment
This should be away from interruptions and household noise, such as the television. Ensure there is adequate lighting and ventilation, a comfortable chair and appropriate desk.
3. Set a timetable
With a timetable you can plan to cover all your subjects in an organised way, allotting the appropriate time for each without becoming overwhelmed.
4. Look after yourself
Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, and eat healthy foods. Keep sugary foods to a minimum. Make sure you get enough sleep each night. Regular physical exercise makes you feel great, boosts your energy and helps you relax. So try to keep up regular sporting activities or at least fit in some regular exercise as often as you can.
5. Reward yourself for studying
Watch your favourite television program, spend time with your friends, walk to the park and play sport throughout the week.
6. Have variety in your study program
Study different subjects each day and do different types of work and revision in each study session.
7. Avoid interrupting your concentration
Have all the appropriate materials with you before you start a session of study to minimise distractions.
8. Test yourself on what you have studied
Ask your parents or family members to quiz you on what you have learnt, use draft questions from books, past assessments or major exam papers.
9. Don't panic at exam time
If you have followed a study routine and have been revising your class work, there should be no need to worry. Try to keep yourself calm, positive and confident.
10. Ask your teachers for guidance
Especially if you're having trouble - whether it's grasping a new concept or understanding something you learnt earlier in the year. They will be happy to help.
Source: http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au
Make studying a part of your everyday school routine and don't be limited to 'cramming' for exams and tests.
1.Establish a routine
Set aside a particular time each day for study and revision and stick to it.
2. Create a study environment
This should be away from interruptions and household noise, such as the television. Ensure there is adequate lighting and ventilation, a comfortable chair and appropriate desk.
3. Set a timetable
With a timetable you can plan to cover all your subjects in an organised way, allotting the appropriate time for each without becoming overwhelmed.
4. Look after yourself
Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, and eat healthy foods. Keep sugary foods to a minimum. Make sure you get enough sleep each night. Regular physical exercise makes you feel great, boosts your energy and helps you relax. So try to keep up regular sporting activities or at least fit in some regular exercise as often as you can.
5. Reward yourself for studying
Watch your favourite television program, spend time with your friends, walk to the park and play sport throughout the week.
6. Have variety in your study program
Study different subjects each day and do different types of work and revision in each study session.
7. Avoid interrupting your concentration
Have all the appropriate materials with you before you start a session of study to minimise distractions.
8. Test yourself on what you have studied
Ask your parents or family members to quiz you on what you have learnt, use draft questions from books, past assessments or major exam papers.
9. Don't panic at exam time
If you have followed a study routine and have been revising your class work, there should be no need to worry. Try to keep yourself calm, positive and confident.
10. Ask your teachers for guidance
Especially if you're having trouble - whether it's grasping a new concept or understanding something you learnt earlier in the year. They will be happy to help.
Source: http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au
