An article in the April issue of Psychology Today focuses on an issue familiar with those of us in Toastmasters, but to some extent with a somewhat different, even favourable, position.
One goal in Toastmasters continuously is to reduce, ideally weed out, filler words and sounds; the point of view expressed in Psychology Today is that the person or circumstances dictate some flexibility in applying such a strategy. (more…)
I’ve written quite a wide number of blogs.
I’ve also recently finished the last draft of my first book. (I did craft a full length screenplay years ago. Perhaps deservedly, it’s sitting in a file drawer; a worthy effort, but some re-work from exhibiting film-worthy credentials.)
While it is probably obvious that there are meaningful differences in the approach and execution of the short, to-the-point, blog versus the wide, hopefully well-structured arc, of the full-length story, these are not all necessarily obvious. (more…)
I have finally finished the last draft chronicling my career in the financial services industry. I have committed to this being the final revision: sooner or later you have to pronounce it so. (Unless it were to become a screenplay, which would mean no end to potential changes.) In addition to the months needed to sort through my files and records, it only took me almost five years to complete this project. (more…)
Anyone able to reflect on this, based on years of personal experience or through research, knows that one of the biggest evolutions since the latter half of the twentieth century has been the speed of communications. Technology has become an indelible, intrusive catalyst of delivery; combined with more recent omnipresence of the internet and social media, has meant being part of a revolution in daily life around the world. (more…)
Stories have a better chance to come to life when we construct and deliver descriptions which the listener’s mind’s eye can see.
Stories may be the essence of the message being presented. Stories might also be part of the construction, such as in support of the theme of a speech. The latter example is part of the formula discussed in an article in the October issue of Toastmaster magazine. (more…)
An article in the late summer edition of The Insurance & Investment Journal discusses a side of travel which tends not to be at the top of mind in planning priorities, but which, if not set-up, could have serious financial consequences. The issue: travel insurance.
A recent survey of Canadians found that 89% felt they had at least a reasonable understanding of what they were getting in their policies. However, it appears the greatest concern is the time it takes to process claims. (more…)
This week I heard a radio commentator refer to the time-honoured, greatest dread of people (supposedly): the fear of public speaking. The host noted how importantly the skill of being able to deliver presentations could impact one’s professional opportunities.
He then alluded to a just released story of a teenager who has confronted his own trepidation, by sending out an entreaty to educational authorities that he be spared from having to make presentations to other students in class. There has been reaction to this quickly in social media. No doubt, ‘experts’ on both sides of such a debate are aplenty. (more…)
I imagine anyone who has experienced for the first time the temporary lifestyle of a cruise on the high seas (actually in this case, the Mediterranean), has numerous reflections. Like with almost any vacation, ideally, the high points resonate stronger than the inevitable issues one encounters. (more…)
the watch of time 
Couching Coaching
A column in the current edition of the Insurance Journal brings up the issue of coaching, albeit within the parameters of insurance versus investment advising.
The author is a long-time coach, author, and keynote speaker, outgrowth of a highly successful career as an insurance advisor and executive manager. His view is that coaching advice for insurance agents and insurance-based financial advisors needs to differ from that offered to investment advisors. In practice, many of the former group are exposed to coaching designed for the latter. (more…)
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Art of Communication, Behaviour & Relationships, Business Commentary, Financial commentary, Lifestyle & Travel, Opinion, Personal Development
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