Summary: Waiting for the WOW Word of the Week? Try "Aspie," a derivative of Asperger for Hans Asperger, who first discovered the mild form of autism known now as Asperger Syndrome. And read on for the book of the week ...
Do you speak Aspie? Have you even heard of this interesting 'language' of sorts? Often made up of sound effects and repeated phrases, it can frequently lack emotional terminology and understanding, in no matter what primary language one speaks it.
Aspie is a self-applied term by some members of the autism community who have Asperger Syndrome or High-Functioning Autism or other forms of otherwise "high-functioning" (read: more socially adaptable) autistic disorders. For decades, experts in the U.S. believed that anyone on the wide-ranging autism spectrum—including those on the more socially functional end—do not marry or partner in long-term relationships. And while relationships do hold a unique set of challenges for people with ASDs, or autistic spectrum disorders, they are not impossible.
So, here's another question: What interest does a Communications Coach have in Asperger Syndrome?
Well, this coach has a vested interest—especially now that I've co-authored a book on the subject. The Partner's Guide to Asperger Syndrome contains information gained in interviews with over 100 women married to men on the spectrum, plus some of their spouses, as well. As one woman has said, "If men are from Mars and women are from Venus, these couples feel like they come from different galaxies!"
Here's one story directly from the book:
Processing of emotional communication
As we have seen, the ASD person likely finds it difficult or impossible to process large streams of verbal information that is shared by the NS person during a typical conversation or even a brief verbal exchange. This becomes even more complicated if the message is on an emotional level. This may be processed by her ASD husband as merely sounds with little meaning.
This becomes even more complicated if the message is an emotional one. Even if he is able to hear all the words being spoken, the ASD person may not know what the NS speaker sees as important, so that he can understand the intended message.
Many spouses have shared with us that positive emotions can become overwhelming for their ASD husbands, too.
NS Kaye, for example, says that her husband Pete, who is on the autism spectrum, sometimes shouts at her in anger when she excitedly points out a rainbow in the sky. Kaye explains: "He can't tell the difference between when I shout for joy versus when I shout from anger."
Each chapter—including chapter 2 on Communication Differences, as quoted above—ends with a list of "Lessons Learned." In this case, these include directives to "Be concise in your communications and point out what you think is the most important part of what you are saying. Leave out unnecessary information" and to "Ask (if you are uncertain) how your spouse has interpreted a communication" among other suggestions. These lessons came directly from the couples interviewed who shared what's worked for them.
The Partner's Guide to Asperger Syndrome is available at Jessica Kingsley Press or Amazon.com.
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2011
Showing posts with label communications coach. Show all posts
Showing posts with label communications coach. Show all posts
Dec 5, 2011
Mar 21, 2011
WORD OF THE WEEK: E.G. vs. I.E.
Summary: Two Latin abbreviations (i.e. and e.g.) are the subject of today's word study post. Do you know the right time to use which one?
This morning, in a meeting with my wonderful assistant Kim Hall (who just happens to have her own online mall), she mentioned she recently learned the proper usage between the abbreviations i.e. and e.g. My first thought was, "You mean, there's a difference?" So much for the professional editor in me.
Well, at least I knew right where to turn: Grammar Girl. The first thing this online editing guru and fellow blogger shares in her post on the subject is the actual Latin terms these abbreviations stand for—and that's where I realized I'd gone wrong. Somewhere along the way, a well-meaning English teacher had taught me that i.e. stood for "in example." But that just isn't true. Here's what is true:
I.e. = id est, or that is (as in, "that is to say" or "what I mean to say is")
E.g. = exempli gratia, or "for example"
And all this time, I thought they were interchangeable!
Here are some examples of proper usage:
1. Our brains are hard-wired, i.e., connected by dendrites and synapses, to retain information in very specific ways.
2. Because of our individuality, however, certain brain challenges can change the way we learn and store info—e.g., attention deficit disorders, autism, dyslexia, and mood disorders.
3. As a Communications Coach, I teach my clients to identify the challenges they face (e.g., nervousness or anxiety, shyness or intimidation, even innate excitement) in thinking and speaking clearly.
4. Correcting these challenges is easy: We simply start by identifying what happens in the body—i.e., answering the question, "What does your body feel like when you have a shy moment?"—and then correlate that to emotions and thoughts.
5. Ultimately, changing the thoughts you have in those moments (i.e., turning negative, secret thoughts into intentional, positive ones) can help you short-circuit the vicious cycle your body and brain have experienced in the past; with practice, I can help you achieve what my other clients have achieved: peace of mind and body, and the ability to think and speak clearly.
One of Grammar Girl's many commenters to her post stated, "I have been able to remember i.e. and e.g. by: i.e. - in essence and e.g. - example given." This is a great trick! ... Maybe my English teacher actually shared these mock abbreviations, and my mind somehow melded the two?
P.S. - If you or someone you know would like to experience the Communication Coaching process first-hand, contact me directly for rates and other info at kealah@kikiproductionsinc.com.
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
This morning, in a meeting with my wonderful assistant Kim Hall (who just happens to have her own online mall), she mentioned she recently learned the proper usage between the abbreviations i.e. and e.g. My first thought was, "You mean, there's a difference?" So much for the professional editor in me.
Well, at least I knew right where to turn: Grammar Girl. The first thing this online editing guru and fellow blogger shares in her post on the subject is the actual Latin terms these abbreviations stand for—and that's where I realized I'd gone wrong. Somewhere along the way, a well-meaning English teacher had taught me that i.e. stood for "in example." But that just isn't true. Here's what is true:
I.e. = id est, or that is (as in, "that is to say" or "what I mean to say is")
E.g. = exempli gratia, or "for example"
And all this time, I thought they were interchangeable!
Here are some examples of proper usage:
1. Our brains are hard-wired, i.e., connected by dendrites and synapses, to retain information in very specific ways.
2. Because of our individuality, however, certain brain challenges can change the way we learn and store info—e.g., attention deficit disorders, autism, dyslexia, and mood disorders.
3. As a Communications Coach, I teach my clients to identify the challenges they face (e.g., nervousness or anxiety, shyness or intimidation, even innate excitement) in thinking and speaking clearly.
4. Correcting these challenges is easy: We simply start by identifying what happens in the body—i.e., answering the question, "What does your body feel like when you have a shy moment?"—and then correlate that to emotions and thoughts.
5. Ultimately, changing the thoughts you have in those moments (i.e., turning negative, secret thoughts into intentional, positive ones) can help you short-circuit the vicious cycle your body and brain have experienced in the past; with practice, I can help you achieve what my other clients have achieved: peace of mind and body, and the ability to think and speak clearly.
One of Grammar Girl's many commenters to her post stated, "I have been able to remember i.e. and e.g. by: i.e. - in essence and e.g. - example given." This is a great trick! ... Maybe my English teacher actually shared these mock abbreviations, and my mind somehow melded the two?
P.S. - If you or someone you know would like to experience the Communication Coaching process first-hand, contact me directly for rates and other info at kealah@kikiproductionsinc.com.
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
Nov 19, 2010
Coaching My Dad
Summary: My favorite client is the one I'm working with right NOW—whenever now may be. Despite that, here's one story that will live in my heart forever (and that I simply have to share with you). This is how I coached my dad ....
I'm a lucky woman: I've got a wonderful father who's always been a very involved part of my life from childhood through my present adult years. He has been a role model not only to me, my sisters and other members of our family, but he's also someone that people in our small community (the town in Indiana where I grew up) have looked up to all my life. As a grown-up now, I can see why.
Dad is consistent in
his beliefs and in his actions. He's very friendly and tries his best to welcome others. And he just plain likes to have fun. Diplomatic, protective, open-minded and open-hearted: These are a few other words that come to mind to describe him.
Imagine how honored I was to be able to give something back to someone like this. It's an experience I had relatively recently, and one I know I'll always remember and cherish.
At age 60, Dad is a new student. He's gone back to school—again—this time, studying for his Masters in Divinity. He was very excited about it at the outset. (We all were!) But when I went home to visit a few weeks ago, his enthusiasm had decidedly waned.
"How are you?" I greeted him in his office.
He made a noise that was part groan and part growl. "Not good," he answered honestly. "I've got a paper due in Theology, and I have no idea what I'm doing."
Little did he know, Mom had already prepped me, saying, "Your dad's really struggling with his classes this semester. It's the reading that's doing him in. You love to read. Do you think you could give him some pointers when you're home?" I wasn't sure if I'd be of any use in this area. If not for Mom's nudging, I may well have simply sympathized with my dad, then left him alone in his office to tackle his studies on his own (flailing) terms. But instead, I offered to listen.
I listened as he detailed how lost he'd felt in his classes, wondering what academia had to do with spirituality. I listened as he described how his ADD seemed to be more distressing than ever when he sat down to read. And I heard the sadness and saw the despair in his voice, words and body language.
That's when the coach in me kicked in. Over the next two days, we spent the bulk of our time in the office: Mom popped in from time to time to give one or both of us a hug or offer us some hot tea; Dad and I surrounded ourselves with his textbooks, a dictionary of theological terms and his past essay papers. We huddled together over the computer, sometimes with a cat on one of our laps, or leaned back in our chairs to make sweeping gestures as we shared expansive thoughts. When it was all said and done, Dad had a number of action items on his calendar (meet with his study group or study solo at the library on class days, for example), several tools in his study arsenal (like a dictionary on his smart phone and a running list of new vocabulary words), and a mantra—or customized affirmation—that gave him complete peace of mind over his process ("I do have the time, and I do know the words").
Most gratifying to me was this: Not only did my dad say he understood the material now more than he had in six weeks, he had his head held up high, his shoulders squarely back, and a smile on his face again. Dad had rediscovered his self-confidence in his place in seminary.
What do you think lack of time and lack of knowledge are holding back in your life? Do you really have the time? Do you really know the words? Dad does now. He's even been using his new-found knowledge where he'll need it most: the pulpit.
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
I'm a lucky woman: I've got a wonderful father who's always been a very involved part of my life from childhood through my present adult years. He has been a role model not only to me, my sisters and other members of our family, but he's also someone that people in our small community (the town in Indiana where I grew up) have looked up to all my life. As a grown-up now, I can see why.
Dad is consistent in
his beliefs and in his actions. He's very friendly and tries his best to welcome others. And he just plain likes to have fun. Diplomatic, protective, open-minded and open-hearted: These are a few other words that come to mind to describe him.Imagine how honored I was to be able to give something back to someone like this. It's an experience I had relatively recently, and one I know I'll always remember and cherish.
At age 60, Dad is a new student. He's gone back to school—again—this time, studying for his Masters in Divinity. He was very excited about it at the outset. (We all were!) But when I went home to visit a few weeks ago, his enthusiasm had decidedly waned.
"How are you?" I greeted him in his office.
He made a noise that was part groan and part growl. "Not good," he answered honestly. "I've got a paper due in Theology, and I have no idea what I'm doing."
Little did he know, Mom had already prepped me, saying, "Your dad's really struggling with his classes this semester. It's the reading that's doing him in. You love to read. Do you think you could give him some pointers when you're home?" I wasn't sure if I'd be of any use in this area. If not for Mom's nudging, I may well have simply sympathized with my dad, then left him alone in his office to tackle his studies on his own (flailing) terms. But instead, I offered to listen.
I listened as he detailed how lost he'd felt in his classes, wondering what academia had to do with spirituality. I listened as he described how his ADD seemed to be more distressing than ever when he sat down to read. And I heard the sadness and saw the despair in his voice, words and body language.
That's when the coach in me kicked in. Over the next two days, we spent the bulk of our time in the office: Mom popped in from time to time to give one or both of us a hug or offer us some hot tea; Dad and I surrounded ourselves with his textbooks, a dictionary of theological terms and his past essay papers. We huddled together over the computer, sometimes with a cat on one of our laps, or leaned back in our chairs to make sweeping gestures as we shared expansive thoughts. When it was all said and done, Dad had a number of action items on his calendar (meet with his study group or study solo at the library on class days, for example), several tools in his study arsenal (like a dictionary on his smart phone and a running list of new vocabulary words), and a mantra—or customized affirmation—that gave him complete peace of mind over his process ("I do have the time, and I do know the words").
Most gratifying to me was this: Not only did my dad say he understood the material now more than he had in six weeks, he had his head held up high, his shoulders squarely back, and a smile on his face again. Dad had rediscovered his self-confidence in his place in seminary.
What do you think lack of time and lack of knowledge are holding back in your life? Do you really have the time? Do you really know the words? Dad does now. He's even been using his new-found knowledge where he'll need it most: the pulpit.
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
Jul 26, 2010
WORD OF THE WEEK: Elocution
Summary: This week's WOW word is elocution. Want help with your own? After you learn what it is--by reading below--contact me at kealah@kikiproductionsinc.com for customized help.
Elocution (EL - o - KYOO - shun) - (n.) The art of effective public speaking; a style of speaking that is public.
The most obvious and effective part of communication is speaking. How well do you rate your public speaking skills? I've worked with individuals at top, executive corporate levels on their elocution, or public diction. Together, we've slowed their rate of speech, added pauses, enhanced eye contact and turned nervousness into excitement--and so much more as needed to give value to their public address messages. My favorite part about working with communications clients is seeing the thrill in their eyes after they know they've just delivered a successful speech.
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
Elocution (EL - o - KYOO - shun) - (n.) The art of effective public speaking; a style of speaking that is public.
The most obvious and effective part of communication is speaking. How well do you rate your public speaking skills? I've worked with individuals at top, executive corporate levels on their elocution, or public diction. Together, we've slowed their rate of speech, added pauses, enhanced eye contact and turned nervousness into excitement--and so much more as needed to give value to their public address messages. My favorite part about working with communications clients is seeing the thrill in their eyes after they know they've just delivered a successful speech.
The word elocution comes from the Latin eloqui, meaning to speak out. It entered the English language around the 1400s. Click this link to read about some of the world's top elocutionists to date.
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
May 26, 2010
Expert Pages: Way Beyond Talk
Summary: Today's post serves as an update on some other websites where you can find relevant communications info. written by me, coach Kealah Parkinson.
You may have noticed a couple of 'missing' posts over the last two weeks. If so, give yourself credit for observation! (And dock me two points while you're at it.)
My attention, admittedly, has been pulled in different directions as I transition into more article generation online: first as at expert at SelfGrowth.com and secondly as a special education expert in the Chicago area for Examiner.com. I also recently partnered with a site called Chiczophrenic, where I'll soon begin sharing communications information that's based on gender speak.
Some of the articles on the other two sites may be very similar in nature--right down to sharing the same headlines. But as time goes by, you can look for more Chicago- and Indianapolis-centric posts at Examiner.com, and for more lengthy, detailed articles on SelfGrowth.
One thing you'll continue to get here at the Beyond Talk blog that can't be replicated anywhere else is a direct line to your communications questions and concerns: You ask; I answer here. It's that simple. Oh, and you can always find vocabulary words here every Monday, something else you won't get from me at any of my expert pages. I hope you enjoy growing together as much as I do.
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
You may have noticed a couple of 'missing' posts over the last two weeks. If so, give yourself credit for observation! (And dock me two points while you're at it.)
My attention, admittedly, has been pulled in different directions as I transition into more article generation online: first as at expert at SelfGrowth.com and secondly as a special education expert in the Chicago area for Examiner.com. I also recently partnered with a site called Chiczophrenic, where I'll soon begin sharing communications information that's based on gender speak.
Some of the articles on the other two sites may be very similar in nature--right down to sharing the same headlines. But as time goes by, you can look for more Chicago- and Indianapolis-centric posts at Examiner.com, and for more lengthy, detailed articles on SelfGrowth.
One thing you'll continue to get here at the Beyond Talk blog that can't be replicated anywhere else is a direct line to your communications questions and concerns: You ask; I answer here. It's that simple. Oh, and you can always find vocabulary words here every Monday, something else you won't get from me at any of my expert pages. I hope you enjoy growing together as much as I do.
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
Feb 26, 2010
WEEKLY UPDATE: Interview Coaching for Every Brain Type
Summary: As a Communications Coach, one of the things I most love to do is to provide my resumé clients with interviewing tips, based on their personal needs. If you have a "challenged brain," you can benefit from some of my most commonly given advice below.
This week, I got one of those e-mail messages that really makes you glow: A satisfied resumé client wrote to tell me how helpful all of the "extras" I provided him were—extras like interview coaching, which is my favorite part of creating resumés for people. This work is best done one-on-one, but can also be successful when conducted over the telephone. In my client's case, we were able to meet in person and expedite the process.
Resumés are an integral part of the work world—even for blue collar positions nowadays.
This fact has surprised a number of my clients in recent months. I've helped people who have never created resumés (in one case, a retiree who had over 30 years of experience as a steel millwright in Gary, Indiana) pare down lifetimes of experience into concise, accurate, one-page sales pitches of their work history.
This can be a daunting process! Most clients come to me because they are completely overwhelmed by figuring out how to do this properly—and because so much depends on their getting the right employment right now.
Because of my expertise as a Communications Coach, it's far easier for me to do this on their behalf, simply by asking them a few questions and working off of a template that I've designed to cover all the bases. And because so many of my clients have what I call "challenged brains," I'm able to coach all personality types through unique and specific challenges. Examples include clients with ADD who have difficulty focusing (my biggest piece of advice is to practice deep breathing before, after, and especially during the interview); those with autism who may be particularly challenged by eye contact (making direct eye contact during a handshake and at the start of the interview is important, however a trick that can help for the remainder of any interview session is to look at the speaker's eyebrows or eyelashes); and clients who've struggled with depression, addiction or other illnesses that interrupted their work lives (there are a number of ways to address resumé holes or gaps in employment, and it's best to discuss these to determine what's right for each individual).
I love to see people grow and succeed. And I also love getting e-mails from those people that read, "I feel more confident thanks to you. ... I know who to come to with any questions in the future"!
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
This week, I got one of those e-mail messages that really makes you glow: A satisfied resumé client wrote to tell me how helpful all of the "extras" I provided him were—extras like interview coaching, which is my favorite part of creating resumés for people. This work is best done one-on-one, but can also be successful when conducted over the telephone. In my client's case, we were able to meet in person and expedite the process.
Resumés are an integral part of the work world—even for blue collar positions nowadays.
This fact has surprised a number of my clients in recent months. I've helped people who have never created resumés (in one case, a retiree who had over 30 years of experience as a steel millwright in Gary, Indiana) pare down lifetimes of experience into concise, accurate, one-page sales pitches of their work history.
This can be a daunting process! Most clients come to me because they are completely overwhelmed by figuring out how to do this properly—and because so much depends on their getting the right employment right now.
Because of my expertise as a Communications Coach, it's far easier for me to do this on their behalf, simply by asking them a few questions and working off of a template that I've designed to cover all the bases. And because so many of my clients have what I call "challenged brains," I'm able to coach all personality types through unique and specific challenges. Examples include clients with ADD who have difficulty focusing (my biggest piece of advice is to practice deep breathing before, after, and especially during the interview); those with autism who may be particularly challenged by eye contact (making direct eye contact during a handshake and at the start of the interview is important, however a trick that can help for the remainder of any interview session is to look at the speaker's eyebrows or eyelashes); and clients who've struggled with depression, addiction or other illnesses that interrupted their work lives (there are a number of ways to address resumé holes or gaps in employment, and it's best to discuss these to determine what's right for each individual).
I love to see people grow and succeed. And I also love getting e-mails from those people that read, "I feel more confident thanks to you. ... I know who to come to with any questions in the future"!
© 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
Oct 9, 2009
WEEKLY UPDATE: Sweet Treats for Job-Hunters
Summary: I'm posting late today after a yummy afternoon of tasting chocolate in downtown Chicago. It was a sweet ending to a wonderful week where I also received a call from a client whose résumé I created—a first for this blue collar retiree. Do you need help with a résumé or with interview skills? KiKi Productions, Inc. (my communications company) can help!
I'm posting late today, because I spent the afternoon belatedly treating my husband to a birthday surprise: A private tour for two, courtesy of Chicago Chocolate Tours. Mmmmm! Our tour guide, Kelly, did a wonderful job of communicating the history of chocolate in general, some specifics about the chocolatiers we visited, and even some chocolate-related tie-ins to famous historic architecture and artwork around the city as we tromped through the wet weather to sample treats at five different establishments. It was well worth it!
Another topic that came up regularly in the casual conversation throughout the day was career choices. And that makes me want to share with you another experience I had this week:
I received a phone call from a client whose résumé I recently created. Newly retired, he's been looking for a blue collar-level job in his previous field—a field that used to accept applications for new hires, but like most industries in this millennium, is now insisting on résumés from every job applicant. After 30-plus years at the same job, a brand new résumé and some fresh interviewing skills were just what my client needed. It was my pleasure to help out, and I was thrilled when he called me this week to say that he'd just had a successful interview—and that some of the feedback he'd gotten was that his résumé was "one of the best they'd ever seen."
So many Americans are in this same job-hunting pattern today. If you or someone you know is looking for a little assistance in this area, consider using a professional to give you that extra edge. KiKi Productions, Inc. (my own communications company) is just one of the many communications professionals available nationwide. I work with clients both in-person, where possible, and over the phone to address chronic communication issues.
Whether you're looking to improve your résumé, build your curriculum vitae, or craft your very first résumé after a career of working without one, I'm here—and happy—to help!
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2009
Sep 25, 2009
WEEKLY UPDATE: Summarizing the Latest News
Summary: This post announces a new change to the Beyond Talk blog in the form of a summary paragraph like this one at the start of each post. I share my own ever-evolving experience with matching my message to my market audience, as the Communications Coach who truly practices what she preaches.
Some of my earliest blog entries read more like newspaper articles than blog posts. In fact, that's exactly what I intended for them. You see, my education and my beginning career work were both in journalism; it's been a dream of mine since the age of 12 to run my own (socially impacting, likely women-centered) magazine. But after about a month, I realized that almost no one—not even my own friends and family—was visiting the blog.
Perfect! Learning to tweak my own communication style was a step in the right direction: Not only would I (hopefully) meet my goal of drawing more traffic to the blog and helping more people around the globe improve the way they interact, I would learn first-hand even more about assessing one's message and adjusting it to the right audience.
What's the best way to match your message to your market? Ask questions (like, "What's the best way to match your message to your market?"). That's what I did with wonderful results. The experience was very rewarding.
I asked the right people—other successful bloggers—who could mentor me in what I was doing wrong, as well as in what was working for me. Among other things, they told me that, although I was well-written and easy to understand, the journalism-based style of my writings was not befitting to a blurb-sized blog. Their feedback continues to enlighten and improve Beyond Talk.
The next latest and greatest improvement begins today, and will be a helpful aspect of future entries: Each blog post will now contain a summary paragraph at the beginning, so that readers like yourself can skim the article and decide if further reading will be helpful or a bit of a time-waster today. (And the summary will also help you bookmark the article for future reference when you may want or even need to invest the time required to read at length and really apply the points presented.) Finally, this new addition will also help you to share any pertinent posts to people you know who may value the information included.
Your time and your attention are valuable—not just to you, but also to me. If you have further feedback on ways Beyond Talk can address your needs, SPEAK UP! I'm here to help.
Truly,
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2009
Some of my earliest blog entries read more like newspaper articles than blog posts. In fact, that's exactly what I intended for them. You see, my education and my beginning career work were both in journalism; it's been a dream of mine since the age of 12 to run my own (socially impacting, likely women-centered) magazine. But after about a month, I realized that almost no one—not even my own friends and family—was visiting the blog.
Perfect! Learning to tweak my own communication style was a step in the right direction: Not only would I (hopefully) meet my goal of drawing more traffic to the blog and helping more people around the globe improve the way they interact, I would learn first-hand even more about assessing one's message and adjusting it to the right audience.
What's the best way to match your message to your market? Ask questions (like, "What's the best way to match your message to your market?"). That's what I did with wonderful results. The experience was very rewarding.
I asked the right people—other successful bloggers—who could mentor me in what I was doing wrong, as well as in what was working for me. Among other things, they told me that, although I was well-written and easy to understand, the journalism-based style of my writings was not befitting to a blurb-sized blog. Their feedback continues to enlighten and improve Beyond Talk.
The next latest and greatest improvement begins today, and will be a helpful aspect of future entries: Each blog post will now contain a summary paragraph at the beginning, so that readers like yourself can skim the article and decide if further reading will be helpful or a bit of a time-waster today. (And the summary will also help you bookmark the article for future reference when you may want or even need to invest the time required to read at length and really apply the points presented.) Finally, this new addition will also help you to share any pertinent posts to people you know who may value the information included.
Your time and your attention are valuable—not just to you, but also to me. If you have further feedback on ways Beyond Talk can address your needs, SPEAK UP! I'm here to help.
Truly,
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2009
Aug 12, 2009
TRULY SPEAKING: Here's to Your Growth!
Raise a glass and celebrate: It's time to toast!
Birthdays, weddings, and christenings are just a few of the formal functions where speeches may be expected of you. And if you mess up the toast, not everyone is forgiving! But the repercussions to the rest of your life are often limited—unlike work-related public blunders.
To see some hilarious toasts captured on video and posted on YouTube, click the link and search "hilarious toasts." You'll find both good and bad examples of public speechmaking.
If you've ever been even half as embarrassed as some of these folks who flubbed (or if you recognize yourself in a video!), you might want to consider getting some professional assistance before you tackle a toast again. And if you can't afford one-on-one coaching or can't make a regular commitment to a communications coach, you may best benefit from a less demanding group format.
Maybe you should try Toastmasters.
Toastmasters is where I started when I first realized I wanted to make a career change from behind-the-scenes corporate production work. Founded in 1924, Toastmasters is a non-profit international organization "helping people become more competent and comfortable in front of an audience" (according to its website). The group also purports that "most Toastmasters meetings are comprised of approximately 20 people who meet weekly for an hour or two. Participants practice and learn skills by filling a meeting role, ranging from giving a prepared speech or an impromptu one to serving as a timer, (speech) evaluator or grammarian." The grammarian's job is to note interesting words and phrases, as well as to count "ums," "ahs," and other filler words used by the speakers.
Having your speech evaluated—by fellow speaking students in a safe and friendly environment—can be an incredible boost not just to your self-esteem, but to the way you communicate in both personal and professional situations.
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2009
Birthdays, weddings, and christenings are just a few of the formal functions where speeches may be expected of you. And if you mess up the toast, not everyone is forgiving! But the repercussions to the rest of your life are often limited—unlike work-related public blunders.
To see some hilarious toasts captured on video and posted on YouTube, click the link and search "hilarious toasts." You'll find both good and bad examples of public speechmaking.
If you've ever been even half as embarrassed as some of these folks who flubbed (or if you recognize yourself in a video!), you might want to consider getting some professional assistance before you tackle a toast again. And if you can't afford one-on-one coaching or can't make a regular commitment to a communications coach, you may best benefit from a less demanding group format.
Maybe you should try Toastmasters.
Toastmasters is where I started when I first realized I wanted to make a career change from behind-the-scenes corporate production work. Founded in 1924, Toastmasters is a non-profit international organization "helping people become more competent and comfortable in front of an audience" (according to its website). The group also purports that "most Toastmasters meetings are comprised of approximately 20 people who meet weekly for an hour or two. Participants practice and learn skills by filling a meeting role, ranging from giving a prepared speech or an impromptu one to serving as a timer, (speech) evaluator or grammarian." The grammarian's job is to note interesting words and phrases, as well as to count "ums," "ahs," and other filler words used by the speakers.
Having your speech evaluated—by fellow speaking students in a safe and friendly environment—can be an incredible boost not just to your self-esteem, but to the way you communicate in both personal and professional situations.
© 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
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