Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Become an Effective Communicator

Effective communication skills are a valued commodity in today’s world; more so in these recessionary times. How can one hone these communication/speaking/ presentation skills?

Thorough preparation of your topic/subject is of utmost importance. You must be very clear as to what you wish to convey and why? Once you know the purpose of your message, you can easily focus upon organizing your thoughts. Ask yourself, “What is the message I wish to convey?”
Being completely relaxed while speaking/presenting your ideas adds value to your views.
Rehearsing before presenting is helpful, whether you rehearse physically or mentally. More prepared you are more relaxed you’ll feel.
Visualization techniques or mental imagery helps you determine the kind of results you want to achieve. You can visualize an event either with closed eyes or with open eyes. Bring in positive and joyful feelings into your visualizations.
Your appearance adds substance to your words, so your clothes must be chosen with care. When you know that you look good, you feel confident. However, you should look smart but not flashy. It is best to wear something that you feel comfortable in.
Any materials or visual aids you plan to use must be prepared well in time.
Don’t rush to the venue at the last minute. It helps your composure to be there well ahead of time.
There are times when you have to speak impromptu; in that case quickly organize your thoughts and get clear about the purpose of your speaking. Tell yourself, what you have to say matters.
Choose to speak about topics that you believe in. Convey messages that you resonate with. When you speak about something with passion and conviction, people listen to you.
Act confident. Think of a time in the past when you were very confident. Just thinking about it will bring that energy back to you and you will feel empowered. Remember, confidence is contagious.
Do not be self-conscious. It is best not to pay attention to yourself while speaking. Remove your focus from yourself and put it on your message.
Cut out all negative self-talk. If you think that others are sizing you up and checking you out; immediately put a stop to such thoughts.
Allow the natural you to express yourself and shine through. Do not ‘try’ to gain approval by putting up a show.
Breathe in a natural and relaxed manner. Before speaking, pay attention to your breathing. If you are tense your breathing will be shallow.
Speak in a conversational manner. Look at the audience eye to eye. Talk to individuals in a group and not to the group as a whole.
Tell yourself that it is alright to commit mistakes. Mistakes are only a part of the learning process. Everyone makes a mistake once in a while.
The idea is to do your best and give your all but be willing to accept yourself exactly the way you are. You don’t have to be perfect.
Express yourself completely with your entire being. Let your enthusiasm show. Don’t hold back. Stay in the flow. This will ensure your peak performance.
Stay in the present moment; the here and now. Don’t think of past or future. Don’t think of the outcome.

All these tips will help you perform at your peak level. Go ahead, and speak with confidence.


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Monday, August 10, 2009

Planning your study hours in a hostel

“Do not squander time for that is the stuff life is made of”. Benjamin Franklin said this and he was right; but say this to any hosteller (especially a new hosteller), and they would wrinkle their pretty nose at you. Hostel life can be great fun once we get adjusted to it; and from there on having ‘fun’ becomes a priority in life. No, no one is asking you not to have fun, but please for heaven’s sake do not forget your primary reason for being in that hostel. Yes, if I may remind you, it is to ‘study’. In fact most parents prefer putting their wards in hostels because it reduces travelling time and increases ‘study’ time. These well meaning parents forget that most hostels are not the most conducive places for study. There are many distractions and unless one is disciplined and self-regulated, managing time may be a tad difficult for most youngsters.
However, not all youngsters are alike. If you are conscious of your life goals and mature enough to take responsibility of your life; then certainly you will remain focused, otherwise you need some support from outside (parents, friends, counselors etc). Here are some pointers from my book of life:-
· Determine how you spend a typical week by keeping a record of all your activities. This will include time spent in classes, studying, sleeping, exercising, grooming, eating, relaxing, and socializing. Analyze this chart and review it.
· Work out your priorities. Each aspect of your daily routine is important but some aspects are more important than others.
· The quality of your study time is more important than the quantity. So create your study plan. Decide what to study, when to study, and how to study.
· Write down your objective for studying.
· Set your targets. Be protective of your study time from unwarranted intrusion. Manage your time effectively.
· Decide upon the subjects and topics you will cover during each study session. Include variety to stay interested in your studies.
· Analyze your strengths and your weaknesses with honesty. Pay more attention to the areas that you are strong in. This advice may defy common wisdom, but I believe in working on your strengths to strengthen yourself. This will improve your effectiveness.
· Review your previous study session at the start of a new session. This will keep you connected with your work and build up from there.
· As you progress with your course, evaluate how you are achieving your personal goals. Perhaps it is time to re-structure your study hours. A good time to do this evaluation is during mid-semester.
Remember that studying at regular intervals through the year offers the best chance at success. Your study area, your capacities, and your ambition will finally determine your personal study plan. If you can proudly say, ‘I plan my work and then I work my plan’, you have found the perfect formula for success!!

HT Horizons


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