Have you ever wondered what exactly is up with Communication? This informative report can give you an insight into everything you've ever wanted to know about Communication.
"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.
If your Communication facts are out-of-date, how will that affect your actions and decisions? Make certain you don't let important Communication information slip by you.
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.
If you've picked some pointers about Communication that you can put into action, then by all means, do so. You won't really be able to gain any benefits from your new knowledge if you don't use it.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Easy Ways To Lose 10 Pounds
People want to lose weight for many different reasons, be it to look better, feel healthier, or for more confidence. A good weight loss goal to set in the beginning is to lose 10 pounds. Losing 10 pounds is achievable for anyone who sets their mind to it, and the ideal way of losing weight is to make some small changes in diet and increase in exercise.
Some people follow a strict weight loss approach in the hopes of losing 10 pounds quickly. However, because these rule are so restrictive, they are probably going to be hard to stick to, and if you stray from the diet, those 10 pounds are probably going to come right back.
A better way to lose 10 pounds is to change your eating habits. Though this may take longer to lose weight, at least the weight loss is likely to be more permanent. When you take a closer look at your eating habits, you'll realize how often you snack out of habit and not out of hunger, for example when watching TV.
People also eat way too much. The body is slow in registering the "full" signal from the stomach, so the body only "feels" full 20 minutes after you actually are full. So try to listen to your body more closely, and stop eating when you start to feel slightly full. It also helps if you chew your food more slowly, as this will allow your body more time to receive the "full" signal from the stomach. It also helps to eat less fattening food and unhealthy food such as cream cheese or salted chips or chicken skin.
Another approach to weight loss is to make lifestyle changes that incorporate more activities into your day-to-day routine. This is an easier way to lose pounds and to keep them off. Take a look at your daily habits and see where you can make small changes to help you lose weight. One way to get started is to bike, instead of driving, to work. Biking to work will help burn a lot of calories in your body, plus you will be able to save money on gasoline and be environmentally friendly. Other changes you can make include going for a quick walk during your lunch break instead of sitting idle at your desk, and taking the stairs instead of the lift.
If you are the more active type, you could go hiking or swimming, something recreational and fun, yet geared towards helping you lose weight. It is so much easier to lose weight when you are doing something you enjoy.
Many find the diet changes or exercise regimens for quick weight loss unrealistic. By making small changes in your dietary and lifestyle habits you will find weight loss a breeze, plus you will easily keep the weight off.
Some people follow a strict weight loss approach in the hopes of losing 10 pounds quickly. However, because these rule are so restrictive, they are probably going to be hard to stick to, and if you stray from the diet, those 10 pounds are probably going to come right back.
A better way to lose 10 pounds is to change your eating habits. Though this may take longer to lose weight, at least the weight loss is likely to be more permanent. When you take a closer look at your eating habits, you'll realize how often you snack out of habit and not out of hunger, for example when watching TV.
People also eat way too much. The body is slow in registering the "full" signal from the stomach, so the body only "feels" full 20 minutes after you actually are full. So try to listen to your body more closely, and stop eating when you start to feel slightly full. It also helps if you chew your food more slowly, as this will allow your body more time to receive the "full" signal from the stomach. It also helps to eat less fattening food and unhealthy food such as cream cheese or salted chips or chicken skin.
Another approach to weight loss is to make lifestyle changes that incorporate more activities into your day-to-day routine. This is an easier way to lose pounds and to keep them off. Take a look at your daily habits and see where you can make small changes to help you lose weight. One way to get started is to bike, instead of driving, to work. Biking to work will help burn a lot of calories in your body, plus you will be able to save money on gasoline and be environmentally friendly. Other changes you can make include going for a quick walk during your lunch break instead of sitting idle at your desk, and taking the stairs instead of the lift.
If you are the more active type, you could go hiking or swimming, something recreational and fun, yet geared towards helping you lose weight. It is so much easier to lose weight when you are doing something you enjoy.
Many find the diet changes or exercise regimens for quick weight loss unrealistic. By making small changes in your dietary and lifestyle habits you will find weight loss a breeze, plus you will easily keep the weight off.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
10 Ways To Keep Legal Fees Affordable
Hiring a lawyer is step one when you need legal advice or help. Step two is the most crucial as you need to have a clear idea what the lawyer is going to cost. Most lawyers charge by the hour and rates may vary from USD 60-USD 300 per hour. It depends on the lawyer, the extent of your case, and where the case is to be fought.
In cases of personal injury or worker’s compensation often lawyers agree to a contingent fee agreement. In this case they do not charge by the hour but take one-third of the compensation awarded. However you will still need to bear costs like court filing fees and costs of deposing witnesses and so on.
While most lawyers do not negotiate on fees you could think about:
1. Discussing your case and personal finances openly with the lawyer. Ask whether he will consider a consolidated fee instead of an hourly rate.
2. Explain how your case will benefit him and his firm. Sometimes even big firms and lawyers take on cases for less than their standard rates if it will benefit them in some way.
3. Think about using a lawyer attached to a smaller firm than a large one. New firms and smaller firms may quote a rate lower than an established lawyer.
4. Ask whether they offer better terms if you undertake to do a considerable amount of foot work for the case.
5. If you need legal representation for your business or family on a sustained basis many firms do offer a better rate based on the volume of work you will bring them.
6. Indicate that you will not waste too many hours of the lawyer by ensuring that you jot down facts of the case clearly, bring witnesses to meet the lawyer, and keep handy all documents necessary for the case.
7. Save money by not wasting the lawyer’s time on phone calls. Remember he will bill you even if you are just having a friendly chat or are weeping on his shoulder. Prepare to be short and precise when you speak to him. As far as possible put things down on paper and send it to his office. E-mails work better than phone calls.
8. You know your case better than anyone else so make detailed notes and prepare a file for the lawyer with details such as names, addresses, what happen when and so on. This way you will not waster time meeting with the lawyer unless unavoidable.
9. Request for regular billing and keep track of the time, costs and so on. If you study the bills carefully and recognize
Always put things down in writing, especially the fee agreement. The agreement should include the rate, services covered, and what expenses are not covered by the agreed on fees and are to be paid at actual. In fact by law any legal fees over USD 1000 must be agreed upon in writing.
By: Aaron Brooks
In cases of personal injury or worker’s compensation often lawyers agree to a contingent fee agreement. In this case they do not charge by the hour but take one-third of the compensation awarded. However you will still need to bear costs like court filing fees and costs of deposing witnesses and so on.
While most lawyers do not negotiate on fees you could think about:
1. Discussing your case and personal finances openly with the lawyer. Ask whether he will consider a consolidated fee instead of an hourly rate.
2. Explain how your case will benefit him and his firm. Sometimes even big firms and lawyers take on cases for less than their standard rates if it will benefit them in some way.
3. Think about using a lawyer attached to a smaller firm than a large one. New firms and smaller firms may quote a rate lower than an established lawyer.
4. Ask whether they offer better terms if you undertake to do a considerable amount of foot work for the case.
5. If you need legal representation for your business or family on a sustained basis many firms do offer a better rate based on the volume of work you will bring them.
6. Indicate that you will not waste too many hours of the lawyer by ensuring that you jot down facts of the case clearly, bring witnesses to meet the lawyer, and keep handy all documents necessary for the case.
7. Save money by not wasting the lawyer’s time on phone calls. Remember he will bill you even if you are just having a friendly chat or are weeping on his shoulder. Prepare to be short and precise when you speak to him. As far as possible put things down on paper and send it to his office. E-mails work better than phone calls.
8. You know your case better than anyone else so make detailed notes and prepare a file for the lawyer with details such as names, addresses, what happen when and so on. This way you will not waster time meeting with the lawyer unless unavoidable.
9. Request for regular billing and keep track of the time, costs and so on. If you study the bills carefully and recognize
Always put things down in writing, especially the fee agreement. The agreement should include the rate, services covered, and what expenses are not covered by the agreed on fees and are to be paid at actual. In fact by law any legal fees over USD 1000 must be agreed upon in writing.
By: Aaron Brooks
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
10 Ways To Minimize Calories & Maximize Enjoyment
Those of us who have been to college recall the dreaded "Freshman 15."
Equally feared are the "holiday heavies"-the 5 to 10 pounds many people gain between Thanksgiving and New Year's when healthy eating and exercise behaviors are put aside as easily as last year's fruitcake.
It doesn't have to happen again this year. Not according to Lisa Talamini, RD-chief nutritionist and program director for Jenny Craig, Inc.
"The key is moderation, not deprivation," says Talamini. "There's no need to pass up your grandmother's apple pie, or dressing with your turkey. Just take small servings, and balance out higher-fat choices with nonfat dairy products and fresh fruits and vegetables."
Here are Talamini's top 10 strategies for staying on track this holiday season:
1. Make your home "safe" by keeping fattening goodies out of sight and donating unwanted food items to charity.
2. Lighten up your eggnog by mixing equal portions of half and half with nonfat milk, and flavoring it with rum extract.
3. Use smaller plates. It'll seem like you're enjoying a lot more food.
4. Fill half of your plate with vegetables and salad; a quarter with mashed potatoes or yams; and a quarter with meat.
5. Use visual cues for portion control: 6 ounces of turkey (the size of two decks of cards), one-half cup of stuffing (small fist), and 2 tablespoons of gravy or cranberry relish (nail polish bottle).
6. Dip your fork into a small cup of fat-free salad dressing, and "drizzle and drip" onto your salad.
7. Roast your turkey without the stuffing, breast side down, to keep it moist and allow the fat to run off. For a browned top, turn your turkey right side up for the last half hour.
8. Bake dressing alongside your turkey-instead of inside, where it will absorb additional fat. Cook the dressing slowly in the oven, and replace most of the butter or oil with chicken stock and wine.
9. Instead of drippings, giblets and whole milk in your gravy-try fat-free broth, mushrooms and skim milk.
10. When preparing desserts, substitute two egg whites for every whole egg; applesauce for the shortening or butter in boxed mixes; nonfat yogurt for sour cream; minichocolate chips for regular ones (and reduce the amount by half); and graham cracker, chocolate wafer or gingersnap pie crusts for shortening-based crusts.
By: Stacey Moore
Equally feared are the "holiday heavies"-the 5 to 10 pounds many people gain between Thanksgiving and New Year's when healthy eating and exercise behaviors are put aside as easily as last year's fruitcake.
It doesn't have to happen again this year. Not according to Lisa Talamini, RD-chief nutritionist and program director for Jenny Craig, Inc.
"The key is moderation, not deprivation," says Talamini. "There's no need to pass up your grandmother's apple pie, or dressing with your turkey. Just take small servings, and balance out higher-fat choices with nonfat dairy products and fresh fruits and vegetables."
Here are Talamini's top 10 strategies for staying on track this holiday season:
1. Make your home "safe" by keeping fattening goodies out of sight and donating unwanted food items to charity.
2. Lighten up your eggnog by mixing equal portions of half and half with nonfat milk, and flavoring it with rum extract.
3. Use smaller plates. It'll seem like you're enjoying a lot more food.
4. Fill half of your plate with vegetables and salad; a quarter with mashed potatoes or yams; and a quarter with meat.
5. Use visual cues for portion control: 6 ounces of turkey (the size of two decks of cards), one-half cup of stuffing (small fist), and 2 tablespoons of gravy or cranberry relish (nail polish bottle).
6. Dip your fork into a small cup of fat-free salad dressing, and "drizzle and drip" onto your salad.
7. Roast your turkey without the stuffing, breast side down, to keep it moist and allow the fat to run off. For a browned top, turn your turkey right side up for the last half hour.
8. Bake dressing alongside your turkey-instead of inside, where it will absorb additional fat. Cook the dressing slowly in the oven, and replace most of the butter or oil with chicken stock and wine.
9. Instead of drippings, giblets and whole milk in your gravy-try fat-free broth, mushrooms and skim milk.
10. When preparing desserts, substitute two egg whites for every whole egg; applesauce for the shortening or butter in boxed mixes; nonfat yogurt for sour cream; minichocolate chips for regular ones (and reduce the amount by half); and graham cracker, chocolate wafer or gingersnap pie crusts for shortening-based crusts.
By: Stacey Moore
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