Friday, December 30, 2005
Develop the confidence to speak up at meetings by Sean McPheat
Are you generally quiet at meetings?
Do you tend to observe what’s going on, but hesitate to get involved?
I bet you’ve gone through the following scenario a hundred times:
There you are in the meeting, listening attentively trying so desperately to contribute to the conversations that are taking place.
Sometimes you’re not even listening at all because you are too busy thinking of what you could possibly say!
The person with the biggest mouth is having his or her say, the same old people are talking.
Then “POW! ZAP!” you have a great idea or have a really valuable thing to say but you don’t say it!
You’re too scared. You are frightened that the idea is going to be rubbish or that it is too obvious.
You decide to say nothing!
Then, all of a sudden, as if someone has read your mind, another person comes out with exactly what you were thinking and takes all kinds of credit for it!
“That could and should have been me!” you think and then your confidence takes a massive blow.
I heard a great quote that went:
“It’s better to say nothing and let people think you are stupid rather than open your mouth and remove any doubt”
The first thing you should think to yourself is that you are at the meeting for a reason.
That reason is to take in information as well as to share information yourself.
Exercise
I’d like you to write down a list of all of the times when you have thought of something to say in a meeting but didn’t.
I bet it will be a long list!
Now, just think of all of the plaudits and credit you COULD have got if only you had opened your mouth.
Next to each item write down how it would have made you feel if you would have said it.
What credit would you have got for it?
How does it make you feel now that you have written all of this down?
Confidence starts with making small changes and than making them a habit.
Next time…
* read more at http://www.confidenceworld.com/meetings.htm
CONFIDENCEWORLD was the brainchild of Leading Celebrity and Performance Guru Sean McPheat. http://www.confidenceworld.com/
Do you tend to observe what’s going on, but hesitate to get involved?
I bet you’ve gone through the following scenario a hundred times:
There you are in the meeting, listening attentively trying so desperately to contribute to the conversations that are taking place.
Sometimes you’re not even listening at all because you are too busy thinking of what you could possibly say!
The person with the biggest mouth is having his or her say, the same old people are talking.
Then “POW! ZAP!” you have a great idea or have a really valuable thing to say but you don’t say it!
You’re too scared. You are frightened that the idea is going to be rubbish or that it is too obvious.
You decide to say nothing!
Then, all of a sudden, as if someone has read your mind, another person comes out with exactly what you were thinking and takes all kinds of credit for it!
“That could and should have been me!” you think and then your confidence takes a massive blow.
I heard a great quote that went:
“It’s better to say nothing and let people think you are stupid rather than open your mouth and remove any doubt”
The first thing you should think to yourself is that you are at the meeting for a reason.
That reason is to take in information as well as to share information yourself.
Exercise
I’d like you to write down a list of all of the times when you have thought of something to say in a meeting but didn’t.
I bet it will be a long list!
Now, just think of all of the plaudits and credit you COULD have got if only you had opened your mouth.
Next to each item write down how it would have made you feel if you would have said it.
What credit would you have got for it?
How does it make you feel now that you have written all of this down?
Confidence starts with making small changes and than making them a habit.
Next time…
* read more at http://www.confidenceworld.com/meetings.htm
CONFIDENCEWORLD was the brainchild of Leading Celebrity and Performance Guru Sean McPheat. http://www.confidenceworld.com/
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Sarbatori Fericite!
Dragi prieteni!
Dupa anul 2003, anul infiintarii noastre, anul 2004 a fost anul in care am dovedit ca avem 'staying power‘, am continuat activitatile incepute, am trecut printr-o schimbare de 'personal' in executiv, am gasit, gratie lui George, o formula excelenta - la Kelk - pentru desfasurarea activitatilor noastre, si am inceput sa stabilim conexiuni in afara Toronto-ului (triunghiul de aur, Alberta, etc).
In 2005 evenimentele din portofoliul nostru –
seminar PEO,
intilniri cu VIP,
intilniri cu agentii de plasare
– au atras un numar si mai mare de participanti,
iar prima noastra Dinner/Gala organizata cu profesorii universitari (ACRUPO) originari din Romania, a marcat un nou standard in viata asociatiei noastre!
De asemenea, in 2006, o sa exploram intensiv oportunitatea conectarii cu alte grupuri interesate in formula noastra (deja am fost contactati de un grup de ingineri din triunghiul de aur – Cambridge-Kitchener-Guelph interesat sa stabileasca acolo un satelit al AREC-ului)... challenge-ul nostru o sa fie sa gasim formula optima de conlucrare.
2005 a fost un an excelent ... o sa ne straduim ca 2006 sa fie un an si mai interesant.
Si cu aceasta ocazie, vrem sa va uram Sarbatori Fericite si un An Nou cu multa sanatate, fericire si prosperitate voua si celor dragi voua.
Desi departe de tara, inimile romanilor din Toronto bat laolalta cu cele ale romanilor de acasa. Au demonstrat acest lucru si de curand, cand s-a sarbatorit Ziua Nationala a Romaniei, 1 Decembrie.
http://www.arcweb.ca/ro/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=386&mode=&order=0&thold=0
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Critical Career-building Principles
Learn more about "How to Get Any Job You Want."
This is a new age, and getting the job you want takes a new strategy. Sending out resumes, seeking interviews, and filling out applications won't do the trick anymore. Many times, you become part of a potential employer's problem this way, rather than the solution to one.
Today's environment requires extra effort. Take time out from the panic of not having a job to examine what company you really want to work for and what you can bring to that company that fills their needs. Make the company your customer.
Stephen R. Covey home page
© 2005 FranklinCovey
This is a new age, and getting the job you want takes a new strategy. Sending out resumes, seeking interviews, and filling out applications won't do the trick anymore. Many times, you become part of a potential employer's problem this way, rather than the solution to one.
Today's environment requires extra effort. Take time out from the panic of not having a job to examine what company you really want to work for and what you can bring to that company that fills their needs. Make the company your customer.
Stephen R. Covey home page
© 2005 FranklinCovey
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
This I Believe! - Tom's 60 TIBs
Tom Peters is back with more Big Ideas for your job, your company, and your life. The marketing and strategy guru holds forth on why audacity matters, why women are the future of leadership, and why diversity is crucial to business success. Those who have never read Tom will find an excellent primer here; those well-versed in Peters' ideas can get up to speed on his latest thoughts.
ChangeThis is creating a new kind of media. A form of media that uses existing tools (like PDFs, blogs and the web) to challenge the way ideas are created and spread.
http://www.changethis.com/
ChangeThis is creating a new kind of media. A form of media that uses existing tools (like PDFs, blogs and the web) to challenge the way ideas are created and spread.
http://www.changethis.com/
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
4 Crucial Elements of Great Conversation by Peter Murphy
Ever wonder how to use effective communication skills to
create a conversation that leads to more than small talk?
Everybody has had a conversation that seems more like an
interrogation then a friendly exchange. Drilling questions
at each other is not a good way to talk. You really are
not learning anything, but rather just saying anything to
keep the conversation going.
Worse than just asking constant conversations is answering
a question and then asking it back of the other person.
That shows zero creativity and can come off as insincere.
A good conversation is where all parties involved really
care what the others have to say. Having effective
communication skills can lead to an interesting conversation.
In order to move on from small talk and into a real
conversation you need to understand how. You may start out
with simple questions like, "What have you been up to?" or
"How is your family doing?". The idea is to take what you
learn during this small talk and turn it into a conversation.
The following four points outline how to do this.
1. Listen.
Really listen to what people say and how they answer your
questions. If they seem hesitant in answering a question
then that topic may be something they feel uncomfortable
talking about.
If they seem to brighten up and really get excited about
answering a question then this is where you can find
something to talk more in depth about.
The key is to be ready to adapt. You need to be flexible in
your approach depending on how the other person responds.
Keep looking for topics that appeal and encourage
conversations on those topics because those ones are the
most likely winners.
2. Body Language.
Watch the reactions you get from a person. If they have
their arms crossed or are displaying a nervous habit then
perhaps right now is not a good time to talk. You can ask
or simply say you are sorry for taking their time.
You may actually find that conversations just make them
nervous or that they have something on their mind. In that
case you can really open up a conversation if they want to
talk.
Remember only 7% of communication is verbal. It is time
well spent paying close attention to "how" people
communicate not just what they say.
3. Deal with questions.
If it seems questions are the main part of your
conversation then it is up to you to turn this around.
Answer a question and share more of yourself so it can lead
into a good conversation. Perhaps someone asks about work,
you can answer about work, but then lead into how you'd
prefer to have more time for your hobby.
Have courage and get used to disclosing a little more of
your personality - talk about your interests, opinions,
likes and dislikes. The more you do, the easier it is for
others to get to know you.
4. End it.
If you really are not getting anywhere just end the
conversation politely. If you have something else to do or
sense the other person has something to do then it is good
to end the conversation.
There is no point in tying up time that can be better
spent. You have actually laid the groundwork for your next
conversation. The next time you speak with this person you
can talk about what you had to rush off to do or ask how
the rest of their day went.
Most small talk conversations can seem overly polite and
boring, so if you want better conversations use these tips
to develop the small talk into a good conversation.
Don't hesitate or give a halfhearted effort in finding a
way to increase your people skills. You can change your
life and now is the time to start.
Communicating with confidence can be learned...
Find a proven formula and follow it. You will be amazed at
how quickly you will progress. Although some people fear
otherwise, exceptional people skills can be learned by
anyone of at least average intelligence.
The difficulties you had in the past will not stop you
making rapid progress now. What matters is learning a
proven approach you can use for the rest of your life.
I did it.
It took me many years to figure out a fool proof
formula anyone can use. Are there any short cuts to
learning exceptional people skills?
There certainly are.
Get out your copy of my proven system and start applying
the lessons, one at a time. Take a little each day and you
will be stunned by your progress.
Take it for a 365 day test drive at:
http://www.howtotalkwithconfidence.com/
Remember, this is a course that requires you to put the
strategies into action in your daily life. Do that and your
success is assured.
Reserve your place here:
http://www.howtotalkwithconfidence.com/
Your Friend,
Peter Murphy
Peter Murphy is a peak performance expert. He recently
revealed the secret strategies all high achievers use to
communicate with charm and impact. The same techniques you
can use to overcome shyness, develop great conversation
skills and build self-confidence.
Click here now to test this simple step-by-step system:
http://www.howtotalkwithconfidence.com/
Start your 365 day trial today.
P.S. the key to greater success and happiness in life is
simple - make new friends, develop new contacts, help
others and let others help you. Without better people
skills we all get stuck where we are.
create a conversation that leads to more than small talk?
Everybody has had a conversation that seems more like an
interrogation then a friendly exchange. Drilling questions
at each other is not a good way to talk. You really are
not learning anything, but rather just saying anything to
keep the conversation going.
Worse than just asking constant conversations is answering
a question and then asking it back of the other person.
That shows zero creativity and can come off as insincere.
A good conversation is where all parties involved really
care what the others have to say. Having effective
communication skills can lead to an interesting conversation.
In order to move on from small talk and into a real
conversation you need to understand how. You may start out
with simple questions like, "What have you been up to?" or
"How is your family doing?". The idea is to take what you
learn during this small talk and turn it into a conversation.
The following four points outline how to do this.
1. Listen.
Really listen to what people say and how they answer your
questions. If they seem hesitant in answering a question
then that topic may be something they feel uncomfortable
talking about.
If they seem to brighten up and really get excited about
answering a question then this is where you can find
something to talk more in depth about.
The key is to be ready to adapt. You need to be flexible in
your approach depending on how the other person responds.
Keep looking for topics that appeal and encourage
conversations on those topics because those ones are the
most likely winners.
2. Body Language.
Watch the reactions you get from a person. If they have
their arms crossed or are displaying a nervous habit then
perhaps right now is not a good time to talk. You can ask
or simply say you are sorry for taking their time.
You may actually find that conversations just make them
nervous or that they have something on their mind. In that
case you can really open up a conversation if they want to
talk.
Remember only 7% of communication is verbal. It is time
well spent paying close attention to "how" people
communicate not just what they say.
3. Deal with questions.
If it seems questions are the main part of your
conversation then it is up to you to turn this around.
Answer a question and share more of yourself so it can lead
into a good conversation. Perhaps someone asks about work,
you can answer about work, but then lead into how you'd
prefer to have more time for your hobby.
Have courage and get used to disclosing a little more of
your personality - talk about your interests, opinions,
likes and dislikes. The more you do, the easier it is for
others to get to know you.
4. End it.
If you really are not getting anywhere just end the
conversation politely. If you have something else to do or
sense the other person has something to do then it is good
to end the conversation.
There is no point in tying up time that can be better
spent. You have actually laid the groundwork for your next
conversation. The next time you speak with this person you
can talk about what you had to rush off to do or ask how
the rest of their day went.
Most small talk conversations can seem overly polite and
boring, so if you want better conversations use these tips
to develop the small talk into a good conversation.
Don't hesitate or give a halfhearted effort in finding a
way to increase your people skills. You can change your
life and now is the time to start.
Communicating with confidence can be learned...
Find a proven formula and follow it. You will be amazed at
how quickly you will progress. Although some people fear
otherwise, exceptional people skills can be learned by
anyone of at least average intelligence.
The difficulties you had in the past will not stop you
making rapid progress now. What matters is learning a
proven approach you can use for the rest of your life.
I did it.
It took me many years to figure out a fool proof
formula anyone can use. Are there any short cuts to
learning exceptional people skills?
There certainly are.
Get out your copy of my proven system and start applying
the lessons, one at a time. Take a little each day and you
will be stunned by your progress.
Take it for a 365 day test drive at:
http://www.howtotalkwithconfidence.com/
Remember, this is a course that requires you to put the
strategies into action in your daily life. Do that and your
success is assured.
Reserve your place here:
http://www.howtotalkwithconfidence.com/
Your Friend,
Peter Murphy
Peter Murphy is a peak performance expert. He recently
revealed the secret strategies all high achievers use to
communicate with charm and impact. The same techniques you
can use to overcome shyness, develop great conversation
skills and build self-confidence.
Click here now to test this simple step-by-step system:
http://www.howtotalkwithconfidence.com/
Start your 365 day trial today.
P.S. the key to greater success and happiness in life is
simple - make new friends, develop new contacts, help
others and let others help you. Without better people
skills we all get stuck where we are.
