A fellow blogger's encouraging newsletter:
Demetria Foster Gray has a great newsletter called Sexy Savvy Growth that she sends out electronically once a month. I have to say I loved her excerpt on how to be your true self. You can check it out by clicking on: RecognizingYour True Self from Your Everyday Self.
It was a great way to start a long weekend.
How are the resolution plans are going?
Okay, the New Year didn't start with the dramatic dash toward reaching my goals as I thought it would, but I have begun a schedule. Just today.
At first, I started a writing, blogging, and marketing schedule on MicroSoft Word, but never completed it. Then someone on LinkedIn asked whether there were good time management apps for the phone. That would be the best. I saw a couple, but the free versions were limited or too complex for me.
Finally it occurred to me (and this idea is so simple it's amazing) to use my phone's alarm clock! On the phone, you can set multiple alarms and have them titled and set at varying days of the week. So I've made one called "Writing," one called "Marketing," and the last one for "Blogging." Today was the first day I utilized it. It's cool because you can set as many reminders as you need before the actual alarms go off.
When the "Writing" alarm went off today, I got myself ready to write, was interrupted and didn't spend as much time as I planned, but I did do some writing. This is great, and I've got to keep it up. The next alarm has got to be "Exercise!" especially since I'm doing a Biggest Loser competition at work and haven't exercised in about three months.
Learning new skills
This week I had a one-and-a-half-day training class through San Mateo County on public speaking taught by a private coach. I never thought I was so awful at it. I knew I get more nervous the more I speak, but I didn't know I was clueless about how to maintain eye contact, when to pause, and how to move my body when speaking. It was a great class that pointed out your weaknesses and strengths to know how to improve more on your own.
This was a voluntary class, and I took it with the hopes of soon beginning to do book discussions or signings. I don't know when or how it will happen, but I am so glad I took this class to know how I could improve. For my final presentation, I did a short talk as if I were doing a book discussion, and I have to say my classmates seemed enthralled. Until, as time went on, I began to get more nervous. I began to shake and even my mouth muscles twitched. I know never to drink coffee before a presentation again!
I urge everyone to take a public speaking class like at a junior college. It's a wonderful experience. I wish I could afford the coach's $150 an hour fee for personal coaching. I guess I just have to be happy for the 12 hour free class I had and work to boost my skills.
My wish for you until next time:
To keep exploring the web for amazing blogs and to explore the world for amazing experiences while continuing to be your amazing true selves.
Demetria Foster Gray has a great newsletter called Sexy Savvy Growth that she sends out electronically once a month. I have to say I loved her excerpt on how to be your true self. You can check it out by clicking on: RecognizingYour True Self from Your Everyday Self.
It was a great way to start a long weekend.
How are the resolution plans are going?
Okay, the New Year didn't start with the dramatic dash toward reaching my goals as I thought it would, but I have begun a schedule. Just today.
At first, I started a writing, blogging, and marketing schedule on MicroSoft Word, but never completed it. Then someone on LinkedIn asked whether there were good time management apps for the phone. That would be the best. I saw a couple, but the free versions were limited or too complex for me.
Finally it occurred to me (and this idea is so simple it's amazing) to use my phone's alarm clock! On the phone, you can set multiple alarms and have them titled and set at varying days of the week. So I've made one called "Writing," one called "Marketing," and the last one for "Blogging." Today was the first day I utilized it. It's cool because you can set as many reminders as you need before the actual alarms go off.
When the "Writing" alarm went off today, I got myself ready to write, was interrupted and didn't spend as much time as I planned, but I did do some writing. This is great, and I've got to keep it up. The next alarm has got to be "Exercise!" especially since I'm doing a Biggest Loser competition at work and haven't exercised in about three months.
Learning new skills
This week I had a one-and-a-half-day training class through San Mateo County on public speaking taught by a private coach. I never thought I was so awful at it. I knew I get more nervous the more I speak, but I didn't know I was clueless about how to maintain eye contact, when to pause, and how to move my body when speaking. It was a great class that pointed out your weaknesses and strengths to know how to improve more on your own.
This was a voluntary class, and I took it with the hopes of soon beginning to do book discussions or signings. I don't know when or how it will happen, but I am so glad I took this class to know how I could improve. For my final presentation, I did a short talk as if I were doing a book discussion, and I have to say my classmates seemed enthralled. Until, as time went on, I began to get more nervous. I began to shake and even my mouth muscles twitched. I know never to drink coffee before a presentation again!
I urge everyone to take a public speaking class like at a junior college. It's a wonderful experience. I wish I could afford the coach's $150 an hour fee for personal coaching. I guess I just have to be happy for the 12 hour free class I had and work to boost my skills.
My wish for you until next time:
To keep exploring the web for amazing blogs and to explore the world for amazing experiences while continuing to be your amazing true selves.
Hey,
ReplyDeleteWow, lots of great info here, thanks :)
I agree, a course on public speaking can only be good for most writers - and the phone alarm tip was brilliant.
PS. I *loved* the wish - thanks and right back at you :)
Yes, Mark, there's so much to do and learn in life. If only there was the time and ability! Thanks for the wish-back!
DeleteHi Nancy-- I enjoyed Demetria's letter too. She's so good at sending positive and affirming vibes, isn't she.
ReplyDeleteI hate public speaking. I spent over 20 years having to speak and teach in front of groups and classes and I still lead training seminars using the MBTI, but I can honestly say it is outside my comfort zone each and every time! But you're spot-on, it's a great skill to have.
I wonder why it's so difficult and remains so after so long. It must be worse for people who are innately shy.
DeleteI'm an old friend with public speaking as I have compered several events and fashion shows. The main problem I find people have is that they have never spoken their words OUT LOUD prior to their presentation. I mean in a room roughly the same size and at the same volume needed for the do itself. This is so useful in stoping that word constipation and and growing nerves.
ReplyDeleteWell done on the course though, and fab post!
Lx
Thanks Laura for the compliment.
DeleteI can see how not practicing can be a damper. My problem isn't volume. Nerves may be worse if I'm not prepared enough, though. The biggest problem is that initially I psych myself out and start off good. As time goes on, reality and nerves kick in. The curse of the shy girl: the facade of being outgoing begins to crack!
I think it's great that you took a public speaking course and I believe more people should. I get so nervous when I have to do any kind of public speaking but I've found the one thing that settles the nerves a bit, is to be prepared and know exactly what I'm going to say by having practiced it a hundred times.
ReplyDeleteAnd I have a good friend of mine that does the same thing as you, she programs different alarms on her phone and she loves it, keeps her on track and she also uses it as a reminder for important upcoming events. Great post!
Yes, you're definitely right, Elise. I believe it would take me multiple rehearsals and complete memorization for me to feel comfortable with my delivery. I'm sure I'd still be nervous, but at least I'd be able to pay more attention to eye contact, pausing, pacing than trying to do all of that and remember what I'm talking about.
DeleteGood call on the phone alarm. I don't own a cell phone (I know, I'm a weird luddite) but I do this at work for everything using my email calendar. I would die w/out those reminders.
ReplyDeleteAs for the exercising, walking is the best exercise, IMO. Especially if you can build it into a reason to go somewhere, like work or the store. I know it's not feasible in all areas, but walking seems to be sustainable if you walk to a place, rather than aimlessly wandering.
Public speaking is crucial for writers. Sign up for readings or open mics if you have them in your area, they can be great practice. I used to be a teacher, so I got a lot of public speaking training at school for that and certainly used it with the kids as well as parents. It's good for any job, too. Good for you for going for that training.
I would be totally clueless without my calendars - work and personal. If it's not on my calendar, it never exists in my head! My personal calendar is on my phone, which is why it's so crazy I didn't think to use the alarm for scheduling this thing. I did think to use the calendar, but my calendar's already full.
DeleteThe open mike is a great idea. I hate the thought of it though! :)
I love tennis, just have been lazy these last few months. Unless I'm walking in nature or on vacation, I'm not crazy about walking. Too bad that's the easiest thing to work in.
Wow, Nancy, I'm so surprised to see the Sexy Savvy Growth acknowledgment. Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed the newsletter. It's designed to reach the reader's heart so I'm glad it reached yours.
ReplyDeleteI used to be a local chapter member of Toastmaster International which is a public speakers club. As a member it helps you hone the craft of public speaking. I found it very beneficial and plan to rejoin again once my overloaded schedule lightens up. Speaking in front of crowds doesn't necessarily make me nervous, it's going blank in front of crowds that worry me. I hate when I forget or lose track of what I want to say and then end up looking like an idiot. Public speaking is an excellent skill to have in your back pocket regardless of the type of job you have.
Anyhoo, I wish you well on your exercise and scheduling goals.
It is a very warm and welcoming newsletter.
DeleteThanks so much for bringing up Toastmaster. I've heard of it, but never considered looking into it. I think it's a great idea, and it looks like they have a meeting during my lunch time near my work. Can't wait to check it out.
I think when a speaker makes a rare mistake or forgets a word or idea on occasion is charming and makes them real. Most people can relate to that fopaux.
That's a great idea. I did the Toastmasters thing a few years ago. And thanks for the Re-Introduce Yourself and the Writers4Writers badges on your side bar!
ReplyDeleteYou're quite welcome. I'm excited to be getting involved so much. Thank you for joining the blog. I am looking forward to going to the Toastmasters meeting as she what it's about.
DeleteThat's a good idea to use phone alarms. Maybe I'll try that.
ReplyDeleteI've been good too. The only time I didn't follow it was yesterday...a lazy day off, and I didn't even turn on my computer at all. Guilty pleasures. :)
Delete