Summary: If you've ever experienced agita, or serious jitters, over a conversation or presentation, you can tune in to my radio program tomorrow to learn tips for calming your nerves. In the meantime, read the post below to discover the short history of the word agita.
Nod your head if this has ever happened to you: You're about to have a momentous conversation—something that impacts your career or your livelihood in a very important way—and you've rehearsed exactly what you want to say ... but every time you think about the impending moment, your knees get weak, your stomach turns somersaults and your throat closes up like a boa constrictor has your neck. Sound familiar?
That's agita, also known as agitation to most of us, and it isn't pretty. Want to know how to cure it? Tune in tomorrow morning to WVLP-LP FM 98.3 (or listen online anytime, including to the live broadcast) and hear some simple exercises you can do to dispel your nervousness and gain confidence.
Tomorrow's broadcast kicks off a brand new program called "Transformational Radio." Hosted by Randi Light, the show will share ways to better yourself in such important areas of personal growth as finances, health and wellness, personal and professional organization, and of course, communication. In this first episode, healing coach and hypnotherapist Randi and her guests (financial adviser Carey Yukich and communications coach Kealah Parkinson—hey, that's me!) will discuss "Overcoming Fears." I'll share what I know about overcoming your fears of public speaking or speaking with confidence in intimidating conversations, such as with a boss, potential clients, troublesome co-workers or even personal loved ones who just don't seem to know how to listen.
Comment here to have your questions answered on-air—or visit our Facebook events page and leave us a message anytime about this or future episodes.
Think you understand agita? Here's a little more info for the road:
AGITA (A - jih - TUH) – (n.) A feeling of extreme nervousness, agitation or anxiety. It sounds like an old, archaic word, but its first known use in the English language was actually 1982, making it a bit of a baby. As such a new word, not all dictionaries contain it. However, it does have old origins: It comes from the Italian acido, which is literally translated as heartburn or acid. Agita's grandparent is the Latin word for the same, acidus.
Merriam-Webster.com gives a fitting sample usage of the word: "She took a deep breath to dispel her agita as she stepped onstage." Tune in tomorrow to find out what's wrong with that tactic.
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2011
Showing posts with label Facebook. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Facebook. Show all posts
Nov 7, 2011
Apr 28, 2010
What Is Bravery?
Summary: We've just finished a series of blog posts on fear and how to overcome it. This week's news about the Bystander Effect has compelled me to ask you for your personal experiences with bravery ...
I was appalled to read the news headlines this week about the many cases of people in dire need of help who publicly went ignored, such as Kitty Genovese in 1964 and the most recent case of Hugo Alfredo Tale-Yax.
In both of these cases, large numbers of people stood by as someone was assaulted and eventually murdered, watching various portions of the assault in plain view. Because of the publicity received in the 1964 case, this sadly common occurrence has come to be known as the Genovese Bystander Effect.
How does it work? Part of our brains' survivalist instinct knows that each of us is safer in a group. (If a Tyrannosaurus is busy gobbling up your friend, chances are greater that you can run to the safety of a cave in the meantime.) Growing up, I had a friend whose mother used to tell her to stick with the pack--and to turn tail and run to hide if someone shady approached, because of the "safety in numbers."
It's this safety-in-numbers mentality that often causes people in a group to not act when someone outside of the group needs help. People assume someone else is "doing something about it" (although just what is unclear). The converse is true for groups when just one person takes a step toward action. Acts of kindness--and bravery--spur on other such acts that become contagious to the group, studies show. Gail's story (shared on my Facebook fan page) shows this:
"A few years ago I decided to buy some makeup on my lunch hour. I was at the counter paying for my purchases, when from behind me I heard something like, 'This is a stick up. Put all your money in the bag.' When I turned around, a masked man was pointing a gun at me. He was actually talking to the cashier who was in front of me. After she took the money out of the cash register and put it in his brown paper bag, he directed everyone in the store (abut 15-20 customers) to go to the back room and get in a very, very small closet. He sent in a paper bag and told everyone to put all their cash in the bag and pass it back out to him, then 'shut the door and don't come out.' There was no light in the closet--pitch dark--and we were crammed in like sardines! He proceeded to steal items from the store and leave.
"We didn't know when it was safe to make a noise or come out. Finally, (someone) cracked the door and I hollered out, 'Hello. Are you there.' That was my little bit of bravery, wondering if he was going to come back and ask who said that! He was caught a couple of weeks later, robbing another business."
As a group, bravery became contagious at the end of the burglary. One person's cracking the door allowed Gail to contribute her voice to their attempted 'escape' from the closet. Can you imagine how much longer their terror could have lasted if no one had been willing to defy the thief's directive?
How have you bravely contributed (or stood by hoping another will put things right) to a situation that caused you fear? Share your stories--and I'll share mine later this week.
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
I was appalled to read the news headlines this week about the many cases of people in dire need of help who publicly went ignored, such as Kitty Genovese in 1964 and the most recent case of Hugo Alfredo Tale-Yax.
In both of these cases, large numbers of people stood by as someone was assaulted and eventually murdered, watching various portions of the assault in plain view. Because of the publicity received in the 1964 case, this sadly common occurrence has come to be known as the Genovese Bystander Effect.
How does it work? Part of our brains' survivalist instinct knows that each of us is safer in a group. (If a Tyrannosaurus is busy gobbling up your friend, chances are greater that you can run to the safety of a cave in the meantime.) Growing up, I had a friend whose mother used to tell her to stick with the pack--and to turn tail and run to hide if someone shady approached, because of the "safety in numbers."
It's this safety-in-numbers mentality that often causes people in a group to not act when someone outside of the group needs help. People assume someone else is "doing something about it" (although just what is unclear). The converse is true for groups when just one person takes a step toward action. Acts of kindness--and bravery--spur on other such acts that become contagious to the group, studies show. Gail's story (shared on my Facebook fan page) shows this:
"A few years ago I decided to buy some makeup on my lunch hour. I was at the counter paying for my purchases, when from behind me I heard something like, 'This is a stick up. Put all your money in the bag.' When I turned around, a masked man was pointing a gun at me. He was actually talking to the cashier who was in front of me. After she took the money out of the cash register and put it in his brown paper bag, he directed everyone in the store (abut 15-20 customers) to go to the back room and get in a very, very small closet. He sent in a paper bag and told everyone to put all their cash in the bag and pass it back out to him, then 'shut the door and don't come out.' There was no light in the closet--pitch dark--and we were crammed in like sardines! He proceeded to steal items from the store and leave.
"We didn't know when it was safe to make a noise or come out. Finally, (someone) cracked the door and I hollered out, 'Hello. Are you there.' That was my little bit of bravery, wondering if he was going to come back and ask who said that! He was caught a couple of weeks later, robbing another business."
As a group, bravery became contagious at the end of the burglary. One person's cracking the door allowed Gail to contribute her voice to their attempted 'escape' from the closet. Can you imagine how much longer their terror could have lasted if no one had been willing to defy the thief's directive?
How have you bravely contributed (or stood by hoping another will put things right) to a situation that caused you fear? Share your stories--and I'll share mine later this week.
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
Apr 23, 2010
Kealah's Personal Update
You may have noticed that Beyond Talk looks a little different ... again. Here's a run-down of some of the changes that have been made to the blog recently:
- Speak your truth! Participate in the poll. You checked out the last poll--"What stops your from speaking your truth?"--and the tallied votes showed that fear is the number one emotion that holds you back. So, now I'm asking you, "How do you overcome your fear?" Don't be afraid to speak up and share! You can find the old poll--and all closed polls to come in the future--located at the very bottom of the blog site's left-hand column.
- Book me on GigSalad.com! Looking for a speaker or entertainer for your next meeting or event? The button added to the very top of this blog page takes you directly to my profile on that great clearinghouse for professional speakers, emcees, bands and other entertainers for your party, event, corporate meeting or--in my case--workshop. I'm available for panel discussions, lectures and various workshops, such as lunch-and-learn occasions. (Of course, you can always contact me directly via my website, but GigSalad.com gives you a great selection to choose from. Choose wisely!)
- Groooooow: I'm also on SelfGrowth.com, a fantastic resource for all things personal-growth-related. Click the banner link on the left-hand side of the page, just under my Twitter and Facebook links (and right above my blogroll list of all the awesome blogs I recommend for YOU)! Let's grow together.
Have a great weekend.
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
- Speak your truth! Participate in the poll. You checked out the last poll--"What stops your from speaking your truth?"--and the tallied votes showed that fear is the number one emotion that holds you back. So, now I'm asking you, "How do you overcome your fear?" Don't be afraid to speak up and share! You can find the old poll--and all closed polls to come in the future--located at the very bottom of the blog site's left-hand column.
- Book me on GigSalad.com! Looking for a speaker or entertainer for your next meeting or event? The button added to the very top of this blog page takes you directly to my profile on that great clearinghouse for professional speakers, emcees, bands and other entertainers for your party, event, corporate meeting or--in my case--workshop. I'm available for panel discussions, lectures and various workshops, such as lunch-and-learn occasions. (Of course, you can always contact me directly via my website, but GigSalad.com gives you a great selection to choose from. Choose wisely!)
- Groooooow: I'm also on SelfGrowth.com, a fantastic resource for all things personal-growth-related. Click the banner link on the left-hand side of the page, just under my Twitter and Facebook links (and right above my blogroll list of all the awesome blogs I recommend for YOU)! Let's grow together.
Have a great weekend.
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
Apr 21, 2010
New Poll: How Do You Overcome Fear?
Summary: In my new blog poll (located in the left-hand column of the web page), I ask you to share just how you overcome fear. If you can't answer that question, what's holding you back?
The new burning question on the Beyond Talk blog is "How do you overcome fear?"
We've been learning about ways to do this for weeks now (years really, if you search the blog archive in the left-hand column). But I'm not interested in hearing what we've learned together. I'm interested in hearing what works for you. How do you, personally, overcome your own fears? Even if the answer is something that we have covered here, I want to know: What do you do when fear trips you up and threatens your ability to communicate clearly, either to yourself or to others?
You can take the poll (also located in the left-hand side of the page near the top). And you can also respond in the comments section to this blog post. If you're a Facebook fan and you're reading this in my Facebook Notes, you can comment there. And if we're connected on LinkedIn, feel free to drop me a message with your answers!
Share your strength with the world today. ... C'mon, don't be chicken!
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
The new burning question on the Beyond Talk blog is "How do you overcome fear?"
We've been learning about ways to do this for weeks now (years really, if you search the blog archive in the left-hand column). But I'm not interested in hearing what we've learned together. I'm interested in hearing what works for you. How do you, personally, overcome your own fears? Even if the answer is something that we have covered here, I want to know: What do you do when fear trips you up and threatens your ability to communicate clearly, either to yourself or to others?
You can take the poll (also located in the left-hand side of the page near the top). And you can also respond in the comments section to this blog post. If you're a Facebook fan and you're reading this in my Facebook Notes, you can comment there. And if we're connected on LinkedIn, feel free to drop me a message with your answers!
Share your strength with the world today. ... C'mon, don't be chicken!
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
Mar 24, 2010
How Do You Overcome Writer's Block?
Summary: There are many ways to overcome writer's block. Some of my friends share their expert advice in this blog post. How does it work for you?
Whether it's the briefest of thank-you cards or the longest of essays—or any written piece in between—you can be stricken and stuck by the most dreaded of all terrors: WRITER'S BLOCK. And when you are ... what do you do about it?
Here are your options: (1) Stare determinedly at that blank page, note card or computer screen until you're totally frustrated and ready to give up entirely; (2) give up immediately.
But wait! You say you aren't a quitter? You're ready, even, to try whatever it takes? Well, it's a good thing you stumbled upon this blog, because I have a whole list of suggestions that I compiled from my Facebook friends. These are tried and true methods that really work for these people. What works for you?
Christine gets out into nature—either going for a walk or doing some yard work—and keeps a pencil and note cards in her pocket, she says, "to jot down brilliant bursts of insight."
Tracey takes a study break by watching something entertaining that also makes her think.
Roger engages in some physical activity. He says, "Lifting weights gives me a good balance."
Wes takes a creative approach to staying in the moment. He's found that just the simple act of writing down whatever occurs to him—even if it's a list of words with no sentence structure—helps him re-set his brain and get the writing juices flowing.
Me? I brainstorm. Drawing on a technique I was taught in sixth grade, I often write the word "brainstorm" at the top of a page (and even go so far as to draw little thunder bolts and storm clouds around it when I'm feeling really stuck). Then, similarly to what Wes does, I write a list of words on the page. Each word is a topic pertaining to what I might write about; occasionally, I may write a list of starter sentences for the topics, too, just to test how well the subject matter gets my juices flowing. When I've found the right one, I know it, because I begin writing right then.
Are you the type of person who needs to step away from the notepad to get a fresh perspective or do you need to give yourself that extra push in the right direction, right in the moment, to overcome writer's block? How do you know ...?
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
Whether it's the briefest of thank-you cards or the longest of essays—or any written piece in between—you can be stricken and stuck by the most dreaded of all terrors: WRITER'S BLOCK. And when you are ... what do you do about it?
Here are your options: (1) Stare determinedly at that blank page, note card or computer screen until you're totally frustrated and ready to give up entirely; (2) give up immediately.
But wait! You say you aren't a quitter? You're ready, even, to try whatever it takes? Well, it's a good thing you stumbled upon this blog, because I have a whole list of suggestions that I compiled from my Facebook friends. These are tried and true methods that really work for these people. What works for you?
Christine gets out into nature—either going for a walk or doing some yard work—and keeps a pencil and note cards in her pocket, she says, "to jot down brilliant bursts of insight."
Tracey takes a study break by watching something entertaining that also makes her think.
Roger engages in some physical activity. He says, "Lifting weights gives me a good balance."
Wes takes a creative approach to staying in the moment. He's found that just the simple act of writing down whatever occurs to him—even if it's a list of words with no sentence structure—helps him re-set his brain and get the writing juices flowing.
Me? I brainstorm. Drawing on a technique I was taught in sixth grade, I often write the word "brainstorm" at the top of a page (and even go so far as to draw little thunder bolts and storm clouds around it when I'm feeling really stuck). Then, similarly to what Wes does, I write a list of words on the page. Each word is a topic pertaining to what I might write about; occasionally, I may write a list of starter sentences for the topics, too, just to test how well the subject matter gets my juices flowing. When I've found the right one, I know it, because I begin writing right then.
Are you the type of person who needs to step away from the notepad to get a fresh perspective or do you need to give yourself that extra push in the right direction, right in the moment, to overcome writer's block? How do you know ...?
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
Mar 19, 2010
WEEKLY UPDATE: Beyond Talk Grows Again
Summary: Some changes are in the works for Beyond Talk. Take this opportunity to share what would help you most in the posts to come ....
It's time for changes again at the Beyond Talk blog. Some will be subtle; all will be helpful (I hope). Your feedback is the best gauge to determine just how helpful—or unhelpful—any changes are. So, speak up! Practice sharing by pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone if necessary.
(Speaking of comfort zones, that reminds me: Next week we'll begin a series of posts about writer's block and how to overcome it. So, if you have any tips to share that work for you, don't hold back about those, either!)
The biggest change to note is that these "Weekly Updates" will be disappearing ... at least officially. You'll still get updates from me on a regular basis about new additions to the look and feel and body of the blog, but I can't promise that they'll always come on Fridays. What I can promise is that you will stay informed—and that every post will have pertinent info. on communication, whether it's the way this blog speaks to you or the way you can communicate with the world around you. Some older blog posts might be disappearing from the archives, also. But all this will be replaced with a new section (either in post format or in a call-out box) that introduces the purpose of this blog and lists some resources.
I'm also looking into adding an area where YOU can include resources. In the meantime, feel free to include them with your comments underneath any post. I'll compile them all in an easy-to-find format in the future.
Let me take this time to remind you, too, that the poll on the left-hand column of the blog is open for a couple more weeks to come—13 days, precisely. A few of you have voted. And, so far, the results are unanimous: ALL emotions trip you up when you want to concentrate! If there's one that gets you more than the others (one you'd like a little more direction with), be sure to cast your vote today. Speak your truth and be heard!
Finally, I want to thank M. Gail Upchurch, one of my Facebook fans, for the great suggestion on what to write about next. Writer's block it is!
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
It's time for changes again at the Beyond Talk blog. Some will be subtle; all will be helpful (I hope). Your feedback is the best gauge to determine just how helpful—or unhelpful—any changes are. So, speak up! Practice sharing by pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone if necessary.
(Speaking of comfort zones, that reminds me: Next week we'll begin a series of posts about writer's block and how to overcome it. So, if you have any tips to share that work for you, don't hold back about those, either!)
The biggest change to note is that these "Weekly Updates" will be disappearing ... at least officially. You'll still get updates from me on a regular basis about new additions to the look and feel and body of the blog, but I can't promise that they'll always come on Fridays. What I can promise is that you will stay informed—and that every post will have pertinent info. on communication, whether it's the way this blog speaks to you or the way you can communicate with the world around you. Some older blog posts might be disappearing from the archives, also. But all this will be replaced with a new section (either in post format or in a call-out box) that introduces the purpose of this blog and lists some resources.
I'm also looking into adding an area where YOU can include resources. In the meantime, feel free to include them with your comments underneath any post. I'll compile them all in an easy-to-find format in the future.
Let me take this time to remind you, too, that the poll on the left-hand column of the blog is open for a couple more weeks to come—13 days, precisely. A few of you have voted. And, so far, the results are unanimous: ALL emotions trip you up when you want to concentrate! If there's one that gets you more than the others (one you'd like a little more direction with), be sure to cast your vote today. Speak your truth and be heard!
Finally, I want to thank M. Gail Upchurch, one of my Facebook fans, for the great suggestion on what to write about next. Writer's block it is!
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
Feb 3, 2010
TRULY SPEAKING: Speak Your Truth Workbook Available Today
Summary: Do emotions get in the way of what you want to say—and how you want to say it? Download the Speak Your Truth communications course workbook to learn how to change your brain and get what you want out of life today.
Do emotions stop you from speaking your truth?
Whether you struggle with expressing your anger (or holding it back) or just can't seem to stay professional during emotional moments, you can change your brain. The Speak Your Truth course workbook can show you how.
With a dozen different exercises, and 30-plus pages of tools and information on how the brain works during emotional overload—and how you can change your brain's automatic reactions over time in order to communicate more clearly even when you're extremely emotional—this informative and important workbook can help you to recognize and identify your emotions the moment they begin. You can change your brain. And you can change your life!
I've spent years researching and practicing the techniques I outline for you in my Speak Your Truth workbook. With my special focus on "the challenged brain" as a communications coach, I've seen these tools in action. And I know they'll work for you. It's my pleasure to watch you grow and expand with our world. Thank you for speaking your truth today.
P.S. - Are we friends on Facebook? I'm giving all of my Facebook fans a special opportunity to join the Beyond Talk Study Group at no charge this week only. Click the link to my fan page on the right side of this blog, then follow the directions in my recent note to get your spot and go beyond!
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
Do emotions stop you from speaking your truth?
Whether you struggle with expressing your anger (or holding it back) or just can't seem to stay professional during emotional moments, you can change your brain. The Speak Your Truth course workbook can show you how.
With a dozen different exercises, and 30-plus pages of tools and information on how the brain works during emotional overload—and how you can change your brain's automatic reactions over time in order to communicate more clearly even when you're extremely emotional—this informative and important workbook can help you to recognize and identify your emotions the moment they begin. You can change your brain. And you can change your life!
I've spent years researching and practicing the techniques I outline for you in my Speak Your Truth workbook. With my special focus on "the challenged brain" as a communications coach, I've seen these tools in action. And I know they'll work for you. It's my pleasure to watch you grow and expand with our world. Thank you for speaking your truth today.
P.S. - Are we friends on Facebook? I'm giving all of my Facebook fans a special opportunity to join the Beyond Talk Study Group at no charge this week only. Click the link to my fan page on the right side of this blog, then follow the directions in my recent note to get your spot and go beyond!
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
Nov 16, 2009
WORD OF THE WEEK: Ineluctable Vocabulary Aid
Summary: You can count on Beyond Talk to introduce a new word to build your vocabulary every Monday. But what else is ineluctable in your life?
One of the benefits of regularly reading this blog is the boost it gives your vocabulary. Each week, I feature a new word—complete with pronunciation help—that you may or may not know. The fact is, even if the weekly word isn't new to you, it's always a boon to have a little reinforcement to what you do know.
You might say it's ineluctably helpful.
But perhaps you might not. After all, you don't have to read this blog! But if you subscribe to it, follow it, are a fan of my Facebook page (see the new link box below), tweet me on Twitter, connect with me on LinkedIn or regularly check out my website, you haven't got much escape from the weekly vocab words. ... And maybe you're stalking me? Or likely you're really interested in and dedicated to improving your communication skills. (My lawyer and I sure hope so.)
What's most ineluctable in today's society, it seems, is social networking. In case you haven't already gleaned it from the word's usage, here is the definition of today's featured word:
Ineluctable (IN - ee - LUCK - ta - bil) - (adj.) unavoidable; not to be resisted or changed; inevitable. From the Latin ineluctabilis, meaning a combination of "to struggle clear of" and "to wrestle from" and "to dislocate," it entered the English language around 1623.
Some say that in American society, the only ineluctabilities are death and taxes. But many of us find so many other ineluctable instances in our lives. I know that blogging three times a week is pretty much a given for me. So, what's ineluctable about your day-to-day life? ... And if you could change it, would you?
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2009
One of the benefits of regularly reading this blog is the boost it gives your vocabulary. Each week, I feature a new word—complete with pronunciation help—that you may or may not know. The fact is, even if the weekly word isn't new to you, it's always a boon to have a little reinforcement to what you do know.
You might say it's ineluctably helpful.
But perhaps you might not. After all, you don't have to read this blog! But if you subscribe to it, follow it, are a fan of my Facebook page (see the new link box below), tweet me on Twitter, connect with me on LinkedIn or regularly check out my website, you haven't got much escape from the weekly vocab words. ... And maybe you're stalking me? Or likely you're really interested in and dedicated to improving your communication skills. (My lawyer and I sure hope so.)
What's most ineluctable in today's society, it seems, is social networking. In case you haven't already gleaned it from the word's usage, here is the definition of today's featured word:
Ineluctable (IN - ee - LUCK - ta - bil) - (adj.) unavoidable; not to be resisted or changed; inevitable. From the Latin ineluctabilis, meaning a combination of "to struggle clear of" and "to wrestle from" and "to dislocate," it entered the English language around 1623.
Some say that in American society, the only ineluctabilities are death and taxes. But many of us find so many other ineluctable instances in our lives. I know that blogging three times a week is pretty much a given for me. So, what's ineluctable about your day-to-day life? ... And if you could change it, would you?
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2009
Aug 5, 2009
TRULY SPEAKING: How to Improve Your Vocabulary
Vocabulary is a vital part of communication. That's not shocking news. But how exactly does one build one's vocabulary? Is it simply by subscribing to some of the word-of-the-day sites that can be found online? Well, that's one step. But it isn't necessarily a method in and of itself.
Subscribing to word-of-the-day lists or sites is a way of compiling new words, not actually learning them. Learning takes action on your part; once that subscription has been made, you can sit back and let the new words roll in—without taking any further action whatsoever. ... In other words, you can stop working.
But there's no gain without effort in anything in life. Stockpile new words as frequently as you like. (It's one of my favorite personal collections—and it's totally free, yet oh-so valuable!) Then take action.
How do you learn new words? The same way you learn anything new: practice. And just as someone who's been playing the cello for years continues to practice in order to improve, so must a communicator—at any level—continue practicing new words in context in order to improve his or her vocabulary. That's why the best word-of-the-day guides use their daily words in a sentence, so that you can learn context. Join my Facebook fan site today to practice each week's word from this blog. Share your experiences with these words to the rest of us: We could all use the practice!
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2009
Subscribing to word-of-the-day lists or sites is a way of compiling new words, not actually learning them. Learning takes action on your part; once that subscription has been made, you can sit back and let the new words roll in—without taking any further action whatsoever. ... In other words, you can stop working.
But there's no gain without effort in anything in life. Stockpile new words as frequently as you like. (It's one of my favorite personal collections—and it's totally free, yet oh-so valuable!) Then take action.
How do you learn new words? The same way you learn anything new: practice. And just as someone who's been playing the cello for years continues to practice in order to improve, so must a communicator—at any level—continue practicing new words in context in order to improve his or her vocabulary. That's why the best word-of-the-day guides use their daily words in a sentence, so that you can learn context. Join my Facebook fan site today to practice each week's word from this blog. Share your experiences with these words to the rest of us: We could all use the practice!
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2009
Jul 17, 2009
WEEKLY UPDATE: What's New for July
Those of you paying attention may have noticed that there was no post on Wednesday of this week. That’s because the Beyond Talk blog is on a pseudo-sabbatical for the remainder of July.
Here’s what’s in the works:
• “Speak Your Truth” e-course—How to Get What You Want by Saying What You Mean (downloadable 5-week course includes a students-only Facebook Group where you can practice everything you learn in practical application)
• Expert articles and how-to videos that teach even more tips and tricks to speaking successfully
• Real-world teleconferences and lectures featuring Communications Coach Kealah Parkinson. (Hey, that’s me!)
Words of the Week will continue to posted each Monday during this hiatus-of-sorts. And your comments are always welcome! Let me know if there’s anything else I can do for you as I strive to make our world a friendlier place that’s easier to understand.
Truly speaking beyond talk,
(c) KiKi Productions, Inc. 2009
Here’s what’s in the works:
• “Speak Your Truth” e-course—How to Get What You Want by Saying What You Mean (downloadable 5-week course includes a students-only Facebook Group where you can practice everything you learn in practical application)
• Expert articles and how-to videos that teach even more tips and tricks to speaking successfully
• Real-world teleconferences and lectures featuring Communications Coach Kealah Parkinson. (Hey, that’s me!)
Words of the Week will continue to posted each Monday during this hiatus-of-sorts. And your comments are always welcome! Let me know if there’s anything else I can do for you as I strive to make our world a friendlier place that’s easier to understand.
Truly speaking beyond talk,
(c) KiKi Productions, Inc. 2009
Jul 10, 2009
WEEKLY UPDATE: Fast-Talking Resources
I took a casual poll on my Facebook page, asking, "Who is the fastest speaker you know?" The answers were varied, but there was a definite 'winner': ME!
A number of my family members and friends from high school were quick to respond (appropriately), telling me that I was indeed one of the fastest talkers they knew. Although I have a high school friend who continues to speak more quickly than I do, I had to acquiesce that I am, in fact, a very fast talker.
If you, too, suffer from PDQ (Pretty Darn Quick) speech, there are a variety of resources out there for you and I to help better ourselves. Here's a summary of some of the experts' pointers:
(1) Prolong the vowel sounds as you speak (i.e., "Iii'm haaapy tooo heeelp")
(2) Visualize yourself in a rocking chair, speaking lazily and casually
(3) Practice out loud as frequently as possible, and record yourself, so that you get the opportunity to hear yourself as others hear you
(4) If speaking too quickly is still a problem for you and you must deliver a public presentation, enlist others to discreetly indicate from the audience when you need to slow down
This last point works best when done from the front row or the very back of the room, which is what I have often done when coaching corporate clients. I also provide a printed copy of the speech—in large font—with breaks or pauses indicated after important points, between paragraphs, or even after every sentence for speakers with exceedingly rapid speech.
Go to the following sites to learn more about slooooowiiing dooooown yooouuur speeeeeeeeeech:
Katie Schwartz's eZine Article
Write-Out-Loud.com
Diane DiResta's e-Article
And for all sorts of quick tips for speakers: The Public Speaking Library
(c) KiKi Productions, Inc. 2009
A number of my family members and friends from high school were quick to respond (appropriately), telling me that I was indeed one of the fastest talkers they knew. Although I have a high school friend who continues to speak more quickly than I do, I had to acquiesce that I am, in fact, a very fast talker.
If you, too, suffer from PDQ (Pretty Darn Quick) speech, there are a variety of resources out there for you and I to help better ourselves. Here's a summary of some of the experts' pointers:
(1) Prolong the vowel sounds as you speak (i.e., "Iii'm haaapy tooo heeelp")
(2) Visualize yourself in a rocking chair, speaking lazily and casually
(3) Practice out loud as frequently as possible, and record yourself, so that you get the opportunity to hear yourself as others hear you
(4) If speaking too quickly is still a problem for you and you must deliver a public presentation, enlist others to discreetly indicate from the audience when you need to slow down
This last point works best when done from the front row or the very back of the room, which is what I have often done when coaching corporate clients. I also provide a printed copy of the speech—in large font—with breaks or pauses indicated after important points, between paragraphs, or even after every sentence for speakers with exceedingly rapid speech.
Go to the following sites to learn more about slooooowiiing dooooown yooouuur speeeeeeeeeech:
Katie Schwartz's eZine Article
Write-Out-Loud.com
Diane DiResta's e-Article
And for all sorts of quick tips for speakers: The Public Speaking Library
(c) KiKi Productions, Inc. 2009
Jun 3, 2009
TRULY SPEAKING: Dictionary 2.0
Have you heard the word? Rumor has it that the Information Age is dumbing down society: Text messages, Twitter tweets, and Facebook statuses are corrupting the pristine language we've known, loved, and used for so long. But is it true?
Last month, esteemed writers Patricia T. O'Conner and Stewart Kellerman released their new book, Origins of the Specious. It's about the "myths and misconceptions of the English language"—including the idea that grammatical rules cannot be broken. There's even an argument for ending a sentence with a preposition. ("What!?" screams the editor in me. "What else will they think of??" Oops.)
BTW, welcome to your bonus word for this week: specious, meaning "superficially plausible, but actually wrong; misleading in appearance or misleadingly attractive." And if you think my use of "BTW" as an abbreviation for "by the way" is a fine example of devolution, (bonus word #2: the opposite of Darwin's evolve), remember that ASAP was once the more time-consuming "as soon as possible."
Kellerman and O'Conner say that, like anything else on Planet Earth, language changes and grows. What gains popularity in usage defines the rules of definition. Talk about open sourcing!
(c) KiKi Productions, Inc. 2009
Last month, esteemed writers Patricia T. O'Conner and Stewart Kellerman released their new book, Origins of the Specious. It's about the "myths and misconceptions of the English language"—including the idea that grammatical rules cannot be broken. There's even an argument for ending a sentence with a preposition. ("What!?" screams the editor in me. "What else will they think of??" Oops.)
BTW, welcome to your bonus word for this week: specious, meaning "superficially plausible, but actually wrong; misleading in appearance or misleadingly attractive." And if you think my use of "BTW" as an abbreviation for "by the way" is a fine example of devolution, (bonus word #2: the opposite of Darwin's evolve), remember that ASAP was once the more time-consuming "as soon as possible."
Kellerman and O'Conner say that, like anything else on Planet Earth, language changes and grows. What gains popularity in usage defines the rules of definition. Talk about open sourcing!
(c) KiKi Productions, Inc. 2009
May 15, 2009
WEEKLY UPDATE: Tweet me, friends! (or 3 Tips to Better Communication via Social Networking)
My friend Roger wants a place where he can write freely—a place where he can voice his thoughts uncensored, just like on his Facebook page (where only a select handful of us have made the “friend” cut to share in the dialogue). If blogging or blog commenting doesn’t hold enough of a two-way appeal for you, consider the more informal options of social networking sites.
Tweeting on Twitter and leaving messages on your Facebook friends’ walls is just one way to effectively practice and improve the way you write and speak. Here’s how:
1. Re-Read Your Posts. Pay attention to the updates & replies that you post. Do friends & followers often respond with corrections to your grammar or punctuation? Do you notice mistakes in these areas? Make a personal list of the areas you need to improve. (Hint: If you write conversationally, you’ll have the same mistakes in print as you do speaking in person!)
2. Play with Your Replies. Change your status updates & your replies—especially on friendly Facebook—by rewording what you’ve already written. Re-Tweet as needed: People will comment on your multi-posts, providing you with valuable feedback that informs the way you write & speak.
3. Find Me! Follow me on Twitter (as KealahParkinson—I just joined today!) & become my fan on Facebook (as Kealah Parkinson-KiKi Productions). I’ll continue to offer tweet tips & friendly info. that’s customized to your needs if you share in the dialogue now.
(c) KiKi Productions, Inc. 2009
Tweeting on Twitter and leaving messages on your Facebook friends’ walls is just one way to effectively practice and improve the way you write and speak. Here’s how:
1. Re-Read Your Posts. Pay attention to the updates & replies that you post. Do friends & followers often respond with corrections to your grammar or punctuation? Do you notice mistakes in these areas? Make a personal list of the areas you need to improve. (Hint: If you write conversationally, you’ll have the same mistakes in print as you do speaking in person!)
2. Play with Your Replies. Change your status updates & your replies—especially on friendly Facebook—by rewording what you’ve already written. Re-Tweet as needed: People will comment on your multi-posts, providing you with valuable feedback that informs the way you write & speak.
3. Find Me! Follow me on Twitter (as KealahParkinson—I just joined today!) & become my fan on Facebook (as Kealah Parkinson-KiKi Productions). I’ll continue to offer tweet tips & friendly info. that’s customized to your needs if you share in the dialogue now.
(c) KiKi Productions, Inc. 2009
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