Invitation to Video Training Seminar from Bill Lampton, Ph.D. on Vimeo.

As my brief video above mentions, you may not even be aware of the video production ability available in your iPad’s camera. Mike Stewart, “The Internet Video Guy,” and I will show you how to use your iPad camera to produce videos quicker, easier, and more economically. . . just as your competitors are doing now, or will be soon.

We’re grateful that the Jackson County Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring us. Here’s the announcement the Chamber posted, with details about the date/time/location, and instructions for registering.

http://ow.ly/k97b2

REGISTER TODAY!

Register today, using the link in the Chamber’s announcement.

IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND
NOTE: If your schedule conflicts with the event and it is impossible for you to attend, keep in mind that Mike and I are available for training with individuals and/or their associates at our customary professional rate.

GET DAILY COMMUNICATION TIPS AND STRATEGIES FROM MY FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
Here’s the link to my Facebook business page:
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA
You’ll find beneficial guidelines for business communication and for speaking with “poise, power, and persuasion.” Click “Like” to stay connected for updates.

A few days ago my Facebook friend Wendy Tranter sent me an article she had written, “Of Math & Mutiny.” I read it without delay. The opening paragraphs grabbed me. Why? Because I am fortunate to be the father of two lovely adult daughters who “left the nest” years ago–yet remain central to the lives of their parents, every day.

In my judgment, Wendy’s article is a “must-read” message for every parent.

Based in Orlando, FL, Wendy serves as a Staff Writer/Columnist for City Magazine of Altamonte Springs. With a Masters Degree in Chaplaincy, she is on her way to becoming a hospital chaplain. She considers May 25 a milestone day–she will preach her first sermon then.

Wendy is the loving mother of four adult children.

Now, I encourage you to read her heartwarming thoughts. You might want to keep a handkerchief or two handy.

http://www.citymagazine.us/of-math-mutiny

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
Wendy and I will welcome your comments. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

GET DAILY COMMUNICATION TIPS AND STRATEGIES FROM MY FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
Here’s the link to my Facebook business page:
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA
You’ll find beneficial guidelines for business communication and for speaking with “poise, power, and persuasion.” Click “Like” to stay connected for updates.

A TREMENDOUS ATHLETE’S CHECKLIST FOR SPEAKING
Contributed by guest blogger, William Day, DPh, RPh
President/CEO of PCSA, Baton Rouge, LA

When William Day (pictured above wearing #2) read my advice about using a checklist to get ready to speak to an audience—just as a pilot uses a checklist before takeoff to assure success—he shared with me a checklist he used when he started speaking to college audiences.

Before you read his checklist, stated in athletic lingo, you will benefit from knowing his background. William was an all-state quarterback for Jackson Preparatory School, Jackson, MS, leading his team to win the state high school football championship. He excelled in track and baseball, too. William became a stellar defensive back for the Ole Miss Rebels football team.

Not only did I know William during his high school days and see him play, I was a high school classmate of his father, Eagle Day, a famed Ole Miss quarterback who played in the NFL and the Canadian Football League and entered several Halls of Fame.

For decades, William has been a leader in the pharmaceutical industry throughout Louisiana and the Nation. He stays connected with collegiate football as a rabid, tailgating LSU Tiger/Ole Miss fan—quite a switch from his Ole Miss days when LSU was a big rival.

Now, here’s the checklist that has helped William succeed in numerous speeches:

Athletic Approach to Speaking

1. Know your ability – do not try and speak on subjects that you do not have the expertise or knowledge base to present. Overestimating your talent always gets you beaten.

2. Know your strengths and weakness – evaluate yourself constantly in order to know your strengths and weakness and build your presentation around them. Your weaknesses tend to show up when the pressure is on, so know them and work to turn them into strengths.

3. Set your own pace; do not let adrenaline control you. Breathe! – control the pace. Know the speed that is within your comfort zone. If you find yourself losing your breath, chill, relax, and ask the audience a question to slow your pace.

4. Know your opponent (audience) – knowing your opponent (audience) is part of preparing for success. Study components surrounding their field and be familiar with their terms and use analogies or anecdotes within their scope of business.

5. Prepare physically and mentally – Body and mind preparation is the key. Remove all distractions prior to the presentation. Get a good night’s sleep. Eating right nourishes the body and the brain.

6. Do your Film Study (homework) – go over the details and repeat them until you are comfortable.

7. Prepare for the unexpected but do not dwell on it – prepare for slide failure, communications failure, but never spend too much time rehearsing. A simple run through on how to adjust is all that is needed. Prepare for what you can control and adapt to the things you cannot.

8. Pregame routine and walk through – try and have the same routine on the day of a presentation. Pregame meal, stadium walk around and uniform idiosyncrasies. I always have a light meal and a Sprite with lemon prior to my speaking along with my power ties and handkerchiefs. Then I arrive to the venue early, walk around and absorb the aura of the building. Make it your home

9. Focus on the present – all the preparation in the world will be fruitless if you consistently worry about what could happen, or if something does go wrong continue to think about it. Use the mind-set of a great cornerback: that play has come and gone, let’s get on with the next.

10. Play the game – let it go, be passionate about the opportunity, the subject and convey this passion to your audiences. It is like sports, it’s not always the most gifted athlete the fans come to love; no it is usually the most passionate players who leave it all out there on the field.

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
William and I will welcome your comments. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

GET DAILY COMMUNICATION TIPS AND STRATEGIES FROM MY FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
Here’s the link to my Facebook business page:
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA
You’ll find beneficial guidelines for business communication and for speaking with “poise, power, and persuasion.” Click “Like” to stay connected for updates.

Last week I met Mark Radke at an Atlanta book review session hosted by NetWeaving expert Bob Littell. Mark and I had been connected on LinkedIn, yet this was our first opportunity to get acquainted in person.

Mark started our conversation by thanking me for sending him my blog post featuring Dr. Dawson Conerly. Dr. Conerly is a Hattiesburg, MS physician who gained loyalty and admiration from his patients because of his listening skills during his 55 year medical practice. Here’s the link to that recent post:
http://tinyurl.com/d4x68nh

Mark has first hand contact with many physicians. He is a health care consultant with Edge Healthcare Consulting.

In our conversation, Mark underscored the value of listening. We agreed that listening is one of our most powerful communication skills, but one of the most neglected.

Ironically, when I sat with Mark during the meeting, he caught my eye because of his intense concentration on everything the speaker was saying. That’s why I asked his permission to share his photo above.

STEPHEN COVEY’S ADVICE
In every communication seminar I teach, you can be sure I include a segment on listening. Every time, I quote Stephen Covey’s advice:

Covey wrote: “If I were to summarize in one sentence the single most important principle I have learned in the field of interpersonal relations, it would be this: Seek first to understand, and then to be understood. This principle is the key to effective interpersonal communication.”

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
Mark and I will welcome your comments. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

GET DAILY COMMUNICATION TIPS AND STRATEGIES FROM MY FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
Here’s the link to my Facebook business page:
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA

You’ll find beneficial guidelines for business communication and for speaking with “poise, power, and persuasion.” Click “Like” to stay connected for updates.

Doctor Who Values Listening from Bill Lampton, Ph.D. on Vimeo.

Dr. Dawson Conerly became a highly esteemed physician during his 55 years of medical practice in Hattiesburg, MS–45 years as a surgeon, then 10 as director of a Hospice program.

In this interview, he talks about:

–How working with Hospice patients shaped his philosophy of life
–The central role of listening in making an accurate diagnosis
–Other benefits from encouraging the patient to talk candidly with his or her physician
–How love from health care professionals enables patients to overcome both physical and emotional pain

Listen to this six minute interview, and you’ll wish that every doctor would use Dr. Conerly’s level of empathetic listening.

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
Dr. Conerly and I will welcome your comments. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

GET DAILY COMMUNICATION TIPS AND STRATEGIES FROM MY FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
Here’s the link to my Facebook business page:
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA

You’ll find beneficial guidelines for business communication and for speaking with “poise, power, and persuasion.” Click “Like” to stay connected for updates.

Rich Gallagher is the dynamic “Y” executive standing beside me in the exercise room I frequent several times a week–when I’m in Gainesville, Georgia, instead of serving my clients on the road. Although Rich has demonstrated impressive communication skills as an executive, he enlisted my Speech Coaching services. Why? He wanted to strengthen his presentations.

RICH’S APPRAISAL OF BENEFITS
Here’s Rich’s appraisal of how he benefited from my coaching:

“I thought I was an effective speaker until Bill started coaching me. Little did I know how fundamentally his advice would change my approach to speaking – my motivation, my message, my willingness to step out with confidence. He has given me ‘tools’ in my toolbox that I did not have before.”
Richard Gallagher – CEO & President – Georgia Mountains YMCA – Gainesville , Ga.

DESCRIPTION OF SPEECH COACHING SERVICE
I invite you to visit the Speech Coaching page on my Web site:

http://tinyurl.com/otlcgz

DO YOU WANT TO SPEAK WITH “POISE, POWER, AND PERSUASION?”
When you learn to speak with poise, power, and persuasion, you will generate attention, agreement, and the action you want.
To discuss how you can elevate your speaking talent, contact me:

mailto:drbill@championshipcommunication.com

678-316-4300

You’ll find that my coaching matches my motto:
“Helping You Finish in First Place”

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
I’ll welcome your comments. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

GET DAILY COMMUNICATION TIPS AND STRATEGIES FROM MY FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
Here’s the link to my Facebook business page:
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA

You’ll find beneficial guidelines for business communication and for speaking with “poise, power, and persuasion.” Click “Like” to stay connected for updates.

5 Speech Lessons From the Oscars from Bill Lampton, Ph.D. on Vimeo.

How do you spell boredom? That’s easy.

O-S-C-A-R-S

Or more officially, the annual televised spectacle more formally known as the Academy Awards.

Why is this broadcast the most ballyhooed, hyped, long-awaited program of the year, second only to the Super Bowl in anticipation and in wagers about would-be winners? And why, annually, do people wear out their mute buttons, turn the program off halfway through, and if they record it fast forward through three-fourths of it the next evening?

Here’s why the answer to those key questions relates to you professionally. As part of your professional responsibilities, you speak to audiences–within your organization and beyond your work place. Certainly you don’t want your listeners yawning, moaning, complaining to their seat mates, or leaving early. To make sure you–in show biz terms–give an award-winning speech, watch this brief video. Learn my 5 lessons the Oscars gave us about speeches. And then put this advice into action for your presentations.

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
Edie will welcome your comments. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

GET DAILY COMMUNICATION TIPS AND STRATEGIES FROM MY FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
Here’s the link to my Facebook business page:
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA

You’ll find beneficial guidelines for business communication and for speaking with “poise, power, and persuasion.” Click “Like” to stay connected for updates.

When I learned that Alex Gregory would speak at the Terry Third Thursday breakfast–sponsored monthly by the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia–I knew I would attend. Alex and I became acquainted when I was vice president of Georgia College. Alex was an alumnus of the college, and a fast-rising corporate leader with YKK in nearby Macon, Georgia.

EXCELLENT ROLE MODEL FOR SPEAKERS
On several occasions a couple of decades ago, I heard Alex make presentations, both at his headquarters and on campus. Even then, he demonstrated powerful communication skills.

While he spoke at breakfast this morning, he held the audience spellbound. After the program, I told him he would make a grand role model for my Speech Coaching clients.

Not surprisingly, he has reached the top level in business, serving now as President/CEO and Chairman of the Board of YKK Corporation of America.

HIS THEME
Alex’s theme for today’s program: “Adapting through innovation.” Among his most striking statements:

“Profitability has never been our first and only goal.”

And quoting YKK’s founder, Tadao Yoshida: “No one prospers unless he renders benefits to others.”

Addressing the impression that YKK manufactures only zippers, Gregory described a vast variety of other products, including vinyl windows, curtain rods, bumpers for automobiles, and inflatable collars for pilots.

HEAR ALEX GREGORY’S SPEECH
You can hear Alex Gregory’s Terry College of Business speech, either through Webcast or Podcast, by clicking this link:
http://bit.ly/13ibCl9

GREAT WITH ONE-ON-ONE CONTACT, TOO
Besides mastering the art of speaking to a group, Alex Gregory interacted with the audience masterfully during informal conversations before and after his program. I was delighted to be among those he gave full attention to individually.

STUDENT RESPONSE
Several of the university’s outstanding business students attended. My prediction: Alex Gregory energized them to pursue courses and coaching to elevate their speaking skill, having seen the gripping communication competence of a top executive. Yes, Alex was indeed that impressive.

WE WELCOME YOUR COMMENTS
Alex and I will welcome your comments. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

GET DAILY COMMUNICATION TIPS AND STRATEGIES FROM MY FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
Here’s the link to my Facebook business page:
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA

You’ll find beneficial guidelines for business communication and for speaking with “poise, power, and persuasion.” Click “Like” to stay connected for updates.

I want you to succeed in your career. That’s why I am sharing these vital networking resources with you. Not only will dynamic networking accelerate your career progress, you will meet many fantastic people–who will become advisers, friends, colleagues, mentors, coaches, and role models.

And yes. . . you will attract clients and customers, too.

Now, let’s look at networking information that has worked for me and for many hundreds of other professionals.

YOU TUBE VIDEOS
Here are networking-related videos I have posted on You Tube. Search for them by title.

“Top Communication Keys from Business Expert Mike Banks”
“Remember More Names This Easy Way”
“Gina Carr Describes the Benefit of Tribes”
“Support Yourself with Upbeat Self Talk”

AUDIO CD
You will benefit from learning, “How to Make a Sizzling First Impression!” That’s the title of my audio CD, formatted also for immediate download in mp3 format. Available for purchase on my Web site’s shopping cart:
http://commlampton.com/store/index.htm

INTERVIEWS WITH RICKY STEELE

Twitter
http://thecompletecommunicator.com/?p=2436

LinkedIn
http://thecompletecommunicator.com/?p=2512

Faceboook
http://thecompletecommunicator.com/?p=2471

INFORMAL NETWORKING
http://thecompletecommunicator.com/?p=2481

BOOKS
Ricky Steele, The Heart of Networking, 2nd edition
Robert S. Littell, The Heart and Art of NetWeaving
Dan Sherman, Maximum Success with LinkedIn

I invite you to watch my video reviews of these 3 books on Amazon.

Also, be sure to get Terry Brock’s book, Relationship Marketing

ONLINE NEWSLETTER
“Winning Words and Ways” is my monthly online newsletter. To subscribe, on my Web site put your name and e-mail address in the slots provided:
http://www.championshipcommunication.com

FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
http://www.facebook.com/Dr.BillLamptonCommunicationConsultant

“Like” the page, so you will see regular updates.

BLOG
You’re reading my blog now. To see postings regularly, click on the RSS button in the upper right corner.

NETWORKING COACHING
I have benefited from several coaches who taught me the strategies I am sharing with you now. Consider how I can strengthen your outreach through my Networking Coaching.

When clients live close by, the Coaching takes place on site. When clients are not located nearby, distance learning works well, through Skype, video, phone sessions, and other methods. Currently I am working productively with a client based in Detroit.

NOW TAKE ACTION!. . . .

As I said at the outset, I’m happy to recommend these networking resources. Now it’s up to you. Study these materials time and again, put them into action–and enjoy the accelerated pace you’ll experience in your career.

CONTACT ME
Contact me, so we can design a customized networking plan for you.

mailto:drbill@championshipcommunication.com

678-316-4300

Network for Prominence and Profit from Bill Lampton, Ph.D. on Vimeo.

How are your networking skills? Are you ready to become a champion networker. . .even a “netweaver”?

Please take 3 minutes to watch the above video, so you will hear my special invitation to you–to join me for an hour at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business in Athens, GA.

How will you benefit from this program in the “Foundations First” series? You will learn networking strategies that really work. Possibly you’ve noticed that the “tried and true” methods have lost their punch. So you will experience a valuable update on current tactics that will boost your career.

That’s why I encourage you to join me and members of the College of Business’s Management Society on Wednesday, February 13, 5:00 p.m. Location: Brooks Hall, Room 327.

This event is open to the public with no admission charge.

Again: By participating actively, you will learn how to network “for prominence and profit.” That’s what top business leaders did to achieve their pinnacle positions. . .and what they keep on doing to enlarge their circle of influence.

To register, contact Elizabeth Willimon, 706-542-5490.

Her e-mail: mailto:elizwill@uga.edu

Hope to see you there!

ADDITIONAL CAREER-BUILDING COMMUNICATION GUIDELINES

–Explore my Website, and while you’re there sign up for my online monthly newsletter, “Winning Words and Ways,” by entering your name and e-mail address in the slots provided.
http://www.championshipcommunication.com

–Visit my Facebook Business page. “Like” the page so you will have access to regular postings that relate to management, sales, customer service, motivation, speaking, and video production.

http://www.facebook.com/Dr.BillLamptonCommunicationConsultant

–Subscribe to my blog (which you are reading now) by pushing the RSS button in the upper right corner and following the instructions.

Mike and Bill Ready to Help You

Yes, you know that you need to produce videos to compete successfully with others in your niche. However, you are reluctant to try, because. . .

–You think you’ll have to purchase a costly high definition camera
–You’ve been told you’ll need an expensive external microphone
–You can’t understand the lingo, such as “S3 Media,” “flv file,” “Vegas Movie Studio,” and “splitting”
–You hear colleagues say that video production requires 15-20 complicated steps

They were right–previously. Now video production has become simpler, faster, more portable, and amazingly cost-effective. . .if you are an iPad user. That’s correct–your iPad camera is on standby, waiting for you to learn how to maximize your potential.

That’s where Mike Stewart and I come in. We are just a call away from showing you how to produce videos that will:
–Increase your credibility
–Demonstrate your product/service
–Personalize your message, by being there visually instead of just in print
–Strengthen your Web site’s appeal
–Allow you to describe the speech you are going to present to an audience
–Preserve treasured family times

and so much more.

To illustrate the quality of videos generated by an iPad camera, here’s a video I used to encourage viewers to attend my presentation at the University of Georgia:

mailto:drbill@championshipcommunication.com

Call me: 678-316-4300

Not only can we design a training program that fits your needs, you’ll have the option to purchase Mike’s visually rich online training modules, which you can watch at your convenience.

Thanks for allowing us to assist you in turning your iPad into a video production studio.

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
Mike and I will welcome your comments and questions. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

Coaching a Leader

Among the resources I offer for learning to speak powerfully:

–MONTHLY NEWSLETTER, “Winning Words and Ways.” To subscribe, on my Web site, put your name and e-mail address in the slots provided:
http://www.championshipcommunication.com

–AUDIO CDs available on my Web site’s shopping cart:

“How to Speak with Poise, Power, and Persuasion”
“Always Push the Up Button: How to Stay Highly Motivated—Every Day!”
(Clearly, you have to stay highly motivated in order to motivate an audience.)

BOOK on my shopping cart:
The Complete Communicator: Change Your Communication, Change Your Life!

Link to the shopping cart:
http://commlampton.com/store/index.htm

–FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
http://www.facebook.com/Dr.BillLamptonCommunicationConsultant

–BLOG
http://thecompletecommunicator.com

–YOU TUBE VIDEOS

“Six Ways to Control Your Stage Fright”
“3 More Ways to Control Your Stage Fright”
“You Don’t Need to Imitate”
“How to Speak for Video Production”
“7 Ways to Lighten Up Your Speech”
“Don’t Start Your Speech by Telling a Joke”

Find each of these by entering titles in the You Tube search slot:
http://www.youtube.com

ARTICLES

“5 Ways to Captivate Your Audience in the First 5 Minutes”
http://bit.ly/yyHmYt

“5 Things You Want Them Saying After Your Speech”
http://bit.ly/w6UTsn

“Don’t Speak to Strangers”
http://bit.ly/rGAeK8

“Captivate Your Audience with Provocative Questions”
http://bit.ly/texTlX

“Speaking Tips for Your Video Production”
http://bit.ly/UjWSvD

–SPEECH COACHING

When clients live close by, the Speech Coaching takes place on site.

When clients are not located nearby, distance learning works well, through Skype, video, phone sessions, and other methods. Currently I am working productively with a client based in Detroit.

Check my Speech Coaching page, to read more about my coaching and to see what clients are saying about how my services have benefited them:

http://commlampton.com/coaching.htm

VIDEO TRAINING
As you become more skilled as a speaker, you will want to produce videos–quickly, simply, and cost effectively. Many iPad owners don’t realize that their iPad camera has marvelous potential for video production. Here’s a description of how I can train you, with the assistance of veteran technology expert Mike Stewart, “The Internet Video Guy.”

http://bit.ly/10He5W6

CONTACT ME
Contact me to describe your Speech Coaching needs, so we can design a customized plan for you.

mailto:drbill@championshipcommunication.com

678-316-4300

Please consider this brief video my special invitation to you–to attend this January 15 event at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. You will learn to speak with “poise, power, and persuasion,” and jet propel your career!

NOTE: After the production of the video message, the location has been changed to 314 Sanford Hall

This event is open to the public with no admission charge–yet will give you communication strategies that will enrich your business and your life.

To register, contact Elizabeth Willimon, 706-542-5490
Her e-mail is mailto:elizwill@uga.edu

Hope to see you there!

Edie Galley, Transformer

Edie Galley is a highly acclaimed transformer of people’s lives and careers.

HER PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION
Before she started transforming other lives, she reshaped her own–dramatically. In her words, she went from “overweight, unhappy, and sick” to “healthy, vibrant, and happy.” The before-and-after photos on her site substantiate her weight loss of more than 50 pounds. Her sedentary habit disappeared, and now she runs the beaches near her Longwood, Florida office. Remarkably, she has become “Galloping Galley,” a name I tagged her with admiringly.

Family life ranks high with her. In a phone conversation, Edie refers proudly to her daughter in college and her son still at home. “I know these years with them being dependent on me alone will fly by. Believe me, I will make the most of every minute.”

Additionally, she is a frequently honored member of professional and community organizations.

HER PROFESSIONAL TRANSFORMATION
That was the personal revolution. Professionally, she couldn’t remain content with standard success–which so many thousands of others in the work force would. As a book from a few years ago stated, she vowed to move “from good to great.” After a stint with GTE and then establishing a company she sold after eight years, she launched a new venture.

TRANSFORMING OTHERS
Edie Galley committed herself to helping others experience life enhancement.

“I specialize,” she explains, “in courage for increased business and professional success.” Again: “I empower others to live their bigger life.”

As a Speech Coach, I love to watch her vibrant videos and listen to her radio program, “Courageous Voices.” While listening, I’m not surprised that she has attracted listeners from the U.S. and 43 other countries.

As a Communication Consultant, I applaud her consultations for top-tier companies, including Verizon and Accenture.

THE FORMULA
Her transformation formula for clients:

–Make the decision that you can change
–Summon the courage to change
–Get support from qualified coaches and mentors

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Online, Edie gives us access to radio interviews, some with her as host and others where she is the featured guest. Her blog posts are brief, clearly written, and packed with practical advice. Whether she is speaking or writing, she exudes the “power, passion, and purpose” she fosters in her clients.

Her Web site: http://ediegalley.com

Her “About Me” page: http://ediegalley.com/meet-edie-galley

You’ll find her contact information. Will you become the next beneficiary of Edie, the Transformer?

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
Edie will welcome your comments. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

GET DAILY COMMUNICATION TIPS AND STRATEGIES FROM MY FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
Here’s the link to my Facebook business page:
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA

You’ll find beneficial guidelines for business communication and for speaking with “poise, power, and persuasion.” Click “Like” to stay connected for updates.

Storyteller Karen Chace

Every Christmas season I turn to a masterful professional storyteller, Karen Chace of East Freetown, MA, asking her to share a story that will warm the hearts of children and adults–and will personify the meaning of the season. Once again, Karen has come up with a gem.

Read the story, and then note how you can respond with your comments.

Also, after the story you’ll find Karen’s contact information–and the link to a 60 minute radio interview with her.

THE SILVER CONES
Adapted from a story by Johanna Spyri
Found in Educating by Storytelling Published in 1918

In the mountain land of Bohemia there lived in the long ago a miner with his wife and little daughter. They were happy in their hut in the forest, but after a time the father and mother died, and the child was left alone in the world. She had no money, and no aunts or cousins to take her in, and it seemed as if she would have to go hungry. But always there are kindly hearts among the poor, and one of the miners opened his house that she might have a home. He had six children of his own and little bread and meat to spare, but his good wife said, “We will divide what we have,” So little Hilda became one of the family, and they grew to love her very much.

It was midwinter, and Christmas day not far away. The children thought of nothing but the coming of St. Nicholas, who they hoped would not forget them on the Holy Night, when every boy and girl in Bohemia expects a visit from the gift bringer. But when they spoke to the miner about it he shook his head and said, “Do not set your hearts upon his coming. Our hut is very small and stands so far in the forest that he may not be able to find it.”

Gretchen, his little daughter, had a very different idea. She declared St. Nicholas could find a house in the dark if it were no bigger than an ant hill, and went to bed to dream of the toys and sweetmeats he would bring.

Day after day passed, and nearer, nearer came the season of Christ’s birth. The children talked of him as they sat by the fire at night, as they picked up dead branches in the forest, and as they bedded the goats and shut them in, for Bohemian mountain folk are a toiling people, and even boys and girls must work.

At last the day before Christmas came, and in the afternoon little Hilda started out with her basket to get some cones. She wanted the fire to be brighter and more cheerful than ever that night, and perhaps if she met a servant from the castle, he might take some to feed the prince’s fire, and give her a silver piece.

“And if he does,” she thought as she trudged on her way, “I can buy something for the miner and his dear children.”

Now, in that land of Bohemia, on the summit of a lofty mountain, a creature named Riibezahl made his home. He possessed all magic powers, and was so mighty that his sway extended to the very center of the earth. There he had chambers of gold and silver, and diamonds and jewels without number, and often gave of his treasures to those who were good enough to deserve them. He could change himself at will into any form. Now he was a bat flying in the night, now a country swain selling his wares at the fair, and now a woodman cutting down trees in the forest, because thus he was able to find out who was worthy and who unworthy, and to reward or punish them as they deserved.

Hilda had often heard of the strange ways of Riibezahl, and wondered if he would ever cross her path.

“I suppose not,” she murmured, “because I am just a little girl.”

As she came near the fir trees, a tiny white-haired man walked out of the shadow. He had a long white beard and a jolly red face, and looted as if he were the friend of children.

“What are you doing?” he called to her.

“I’ve come to gather cones,” she replied; “some for our fire and some to sell, if the servant from the castle will only buy.”

Then she told him of the miner’s family, of how eager she was to get some money that she might buy a gift for his children and of her hope that St. Nicholas would not forget them on the Holy Night.

The little old man seemed much interested, and when she finished her story he said, “The largest cones are on that tree. If you hope to sell, gather the best ones.”

He pointed to a great, dark fir just beyond them, and then went back into the shadows of the forest.

Little Hilda thanked him and ran to the spot. She could see the cones like beehives on the branches, and just as she came under them there was such a downfall of beautiful brown things it frightened her and she began to run. But thinking of what she could do with such big ones, she went back, filled her basket, and started homeward.

It was very heavy, and the farther she went the heavier it grew.

“I’ll have to ask little Gretchen to help me take it up the hill path to the castle,” she thought. But by the time she reached the hut it had become such a load she could not move it, and the miner had to carry it in himself.

“They are lovely big ones and of a beautiful brown color,” she said as the children crowded around to see.

But when they looked at the basket again, they saw no brown at all. Instead there was a gleam brighter than that of the moonbeams through the fir trees, for a wonderful thing had happened. In the twinkling of an eye every one of those cones had turned into shining silver, which sparkled and glistened so that they dazzled the eyes.

Then the little girl remembered the old man in the forest and told the miner about him.

He nodded his head in a knowing way and said, “Surely it was Riibezahl, and he has rewarded you for being sweet and gentle.”

All of which seemed like a dream to little Hilda, but when she looked into the basket she knew it was true. And so knew all the other mountain folk, when the stars of the Holy Night shone out and the children went from door to door distributing silver cones. The good folk who gave her a home received so many that never again were they poor. They built a fine house with a porch and twenty windows, and were as rich as anyone in Bohemia.

To make things lovelier still, St. Nicholas found the hut, just as Gretchen had said he would, and left some sweets and toys for the children. He laughed loud and long when he saw the shining cones, for he had heard all about it from Riibezahl himself.

Pronunciation – Riibezahl (re’be tsal)

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
Karen and I will welcome your comments.

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ABOUT KAREN CHACE
Visit Karen’s Web site, where you will find valuable resources about stories. Read her blog, and enter your e-mail address in the slot to sign up for her newsletter. Use her contact information to talk with her about a professional presentation to your conference/convention. Not only has she attained high awards from her professional organizations, Karen has become a popular presenter to a variety of audiences. Her site link:
http://www.storybug.net

HEAR MY RADIO INTERVIEW WITH KAREN CHACE
As the host of “The Communication Corner” on WBCX-FM, I was privileged to interview Karen about storytelling. This link gives you access to the full 60-minute interview:

http://thecompletecommunicator.com/?p=2021

Yes, we have a natural tendency to imitate experts, because we want to do what they can do. But as this brief video explains, to imitate is to stagnate.

Other people accomplish what they do by using their unique abilities and skills–and that’s the way we will succeed, too.

So, as this less than three minute video advises, never imitate–always originate!

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
I’ll welcome your comments and questions.

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GET DAILY COMMUNICATION TIPS AND STRATEGIES FROM MY FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
Here’s the link to my Facebook business page:
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA

You’ll find beneficial guidelines for business communication and for speaking with “poise, power, and persuasion.” Click “Like” to stay connected for updates.

“Say, did you hear about Sally and her husband splitting? No wonder she’s been so grumpy at work.”

“Seems to me the boss has gone too far with these latest guidelines. What do you think?”

“Ted never pulls his share of the load. I don’t know how he pleases his supervisor.”

Sound familiar? Sure, because we’ve heard many comments like that in the workplace. We call them gossip. Participating in gossip, we have been warned, can destroy our reputation, the trust others have in us, and our chance for promotions. But how do you refuse to gossip tactfully?

This brief video explains. I learned these strategies during my 23 years in management, and I’m pleased to share them with you.

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
I’ll welcome your comments. What strategies have you used to avoid gossip?

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GET DAILY COMMUNICATION TIPS AND STRATEGIES FROM MY FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
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More than once, you said something you considered harmless and inoffensive–yet your listener misunderstood your meaning, or–worse still–became angry.

This brief video explains why that happens. The big communication lesson: As you give greater attention to a listener’s vantage point, you’ll be able to use words that attract instead of repel.

ORDER THE CD I DESCRIBE
I invite you to visit my Web site’s shopping cart, and place your order for the audio CD I describe:

“How to Speak with Poise, Power, and Persuasion.”

Here’s that link again:

http://tinyurl.com/ljr54y

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
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GET DAILY COMMUNICATION TIPS AND STRATEGIES FROM MY FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
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You’ll find beneficial guidelines for business communication and for speaking with “poise, power, and persuasion.” Click “Like” to stay connected for updates.

This week I reached a milestone–posting my 100th book review for Amazon. Initially, my reviews were text only. But after I learned video production, I started providing video reviews. It’s more enjoyable to talk about a book I like than to write about it. Also, Amazon visitors welcome the break from written reviews.

Above, you’ll see the cover of The Original MBA, the book I chose for the 100th review. The cover features a little girl in her mother’s shoes–reflecting the book’s central theme, how a girl learned valuable lessons from her mother.

Here’s the link to my Amazon review of Sandy Weaver Carman’s book:
http://amzn.to/SZTxnP

You’ll note that I gave a 5-star rating, and recommended that you get your own copy and copies for your work colleagues.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sandy Weaver Carman has achieved leadership roles in two highly competitive professions, radio broadcasting and audio production. Here’s her Website, describing her experiences and services, and giving her contact information:

http://www.voiceworkondemand.com

MY OTHER 99 REVIEWS
I invite you to check the other 99 reviews I’ve done for Amazon. You’ll see a wide range of topics–communication, business, sales, customer service, motivation, sports, biography, and more:
http://amzn.to/LHxI7m

You might wonder why I give high ratings to practically all of these books. The answer is simple. I wouldn’t spend my time reading a book, much less reviewing it, if I didn’t consider the book worthwhile. In most cases I don’t know the authors personally. Yet when I do, that doesn’t influence my evaluation. In fact–to maintain my professional ethics standards–I have politely declined to submit reviews of books that didn’t appeal to me.

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
Sandy and I will welcome your response. Did you learn valuable lessons from your mother, that led to permanent improvements in your life and business? What were they?

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GET DAILY COMMUNICATION TIPS AND STRATEGIES FROM MY FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
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You’ll find beneficial guidelines for business communication and for speaking with “poise, power, and persuasion.” Click “Like” to stay connected for updates.

Doug Bower, Ph. D.

For several years I have had the privilege of contributing articles regularly to Business Know-How, a must-have online resource for people who want to succeed professionally. I encourage you to subscribe to this complimentary publication:
http://www.businessknowhow.com

Last week, BKH published my article, “Top 10 Things Customers Don’t Want to Hear.” Here’s the link:

http://bit.ly/W0IMk8

Soon afterward, a reader responded by sharing his own experience of having his reasonable requests ignored. Read Dr. Doug Bower’s account of what happened and what he felt as a result:

Bill,

I just read your article: “Top 10 Things Customers Don’t Want to Hear” published by Business Know How. I had a cathartic flash back experience which brought tears to my eyes.

I had been working on a certificate in sports medicine online. I wasn’t seeking to qualify for licensure or state certification. I have a degree in nursing and have been helping a local high school football program with sports medicine consults for years. It gave me a chance to expand my knowledge and views of sports medicine without the formality of a degree.

However as I got deeper into the program I found a couple of courses that I really couldn’t use. I approached the training program about swapping courses so that I could meet my needs as a practitioner. The program used virtually every one of those 10 points [Note: Doug is referring to the 10 points in my article] to stonewall my request. I was pretty persistent but the persistence only intensified the stonewalling.

I did not complete the course of study and found another program, even sharing the news I found another provider did not deter the program administrators from resisting changing their view on swapping courses. Come hell or high water, they weren’t going to allow me swap courses. If the courses would have qualified me for licensure and were required by a professional organization that would have been one thing, but these were C.E.Us in which on completing the package the program would have issued essentially a certification of completion of the package. That certification would not gain me any legal status to claim to be a practitioner of sports medicine. It simply would be an acknowledgement that I took certain courses to sharpen my knowledge.

On speaking with an athletic trainer later of my experience and the stonewalling from officials administering the program his response was, “they let you walk away?”

They lost my business by refusing to meet my needs. Yes, they got other customers and are still doing online business, but surely they have lost other customers because they weren’t/aren’t willing to adjust their programs to meet the customers needs feeling that doing so is too overwhelming for the provider.

ABOUT DOUG BOWER
Based in Arnoldsville, Georgia, Doug Bower has excelled in several arenas. He earned his Ph.D. in counseling from the counseling psychology department at the University of Georgia, became an ordained United Methodist Minister and Registered nurse, and he provides sports motivational programs for local high schools.

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
Doug and I will welcome your response. How highly do you value listening to customers? What can businesses do to improve their listening behavior?

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GET DAILY COMMUNICATION TIPS AND STRATEGIES FROM MY FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
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You’ll find beneficial guidelines for business communication and for speaking with “poise, power, and persuasion.” Click “Like” to stay connected for updates.

With Scott After a Lesson

Years ago I lived in Columbia, SC while I was on the administrative staff of Columbia College. During those years, I spent many hours practicing golf at the Weed Hill Driving Range, and taking lessons from pro Jimmy Koosa.

Now I return to Columbia every few months to visit my daughter and her family. This year Jimmy Koosa was too busy coaching Little League, so he introduced me to his Assistant Pro, Scott Parker. After Scott and I met for an initial lesson, his story amazed me.

Why? Because he only started playing golf five years ago–and he has been a teaching professional the last three years. How could he excel in this tough sport so quickly?

Scott explained: “I was a music major at the University of South Carolina. So when I started playing golf, what I had learned about rhythm, tempo, and timing helped me develop a smooth golf swing–not built on mechanics, but on feel.”

When Scott demonstrates how to hit a shot, I feel like I am watching a symphony performance. Every motion flows. Every motion moves to the next one with a seamless transition.

Our first time on the lesson tee, he advised: “When you swing, think of one of your favorite songs. Imagine that you are swinging to that tune. You’ll be really happy with the distance and accuracy you get.”

He was right. That swing thought helped me improve, and enjoy the game more.

A LIFE LESSON
There’s a valuable life lesson here. You might think your college major or even your first two or three jobs were irrelevant for later life. However, the talents you develop in one situation can become quickly transferable to another, as Scott’s case illustrates. If you were president of your sorority or fraternity, those leadership skills will help you manage departments, divisions, and even an entire company. To share my own background, I edited our college yearbook. So developing my Web site, blog, and Social Media sites came quite naturally. Decades ago, I learned how to do layout for pages that would attract and hold attention.

THE CHALLENGE
Analyze your current professional responsibilities. List the proficiencies required for top-level performance. Then assess how you can succeed now by using what you learned much earlier in different settings. Just as Scott Parker applied his music major to golf, you can apply talents that, while you were learning them, seemed useless outside a limited scope. Most of your previous experiences taught you something you can use today.

CONTACT SCOTT PARKER
When you’re going to be in the Columbia, SC area and want help with your golf game, call Scott for a lesson: 803-920-3112, or e-mail him:
mailto:SparkerGolf@gmail.com

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
Scott and I will welcome your response. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

GET VALUABLE COMMUNICATION TIPS AND STRATEGIES FROM MY FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
Here’s the link to my Facebook business page:
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA

You’ll find beneficial guidelines for business communication and for speaking with “poise, power, and persuasion.” Click “Like” to stay connected for updates.

Frances Brown, Filled with Joy

See this lady’s smile? Lights up the room, doesn’t it? Certainly that’s the first thing I noticed when I entered the Georgia Department of Labor building in Athens, GA a couple of weeks ago. From the minute I spotted Frances Brown from 100 feet away, her smile captivated me. We got acquainted, chatted briefly, and she showed me the room where I would be speaking to the Athens Employers Committee.

When the attendees started arriving, Frances joined the audience, much to my delight. My presentation topic: “Always Push the Up Button: How to Stay Highly Motivated–Every Day.” For thirty minutes I described my personal strategies for maintaining motivation, even during very challenging times. Then I asked the participants to share their keys to remaining upbeat.

Frances was one who responded to my invitation. She told us there is a distinct difference between happiness and joy. From her experience, she knew that happiness could be temporary, depending on our circumstances. When life is going smoothly, we’ll be happy, but when hard times hit us, happiness disappears.

On the other hand, joy is permanent. Joy rises above and beyond our circumstances–and stays there.

Let’s turn to Frances’ exact words, which reveal her faith-based conviction:

“The POWER of JOY versus HAPPINESS.”

“HAPPINESS is determined by whatever situation is going on in your life at the time but JOY comes from within and being connected to the LORD. JOY is the inner PEACE with GOD no matter what the situation. JOY lets you know who you are and whose you are in times of trouble no matter if the situation is good or bad.”

Wow! No wonder Frances displays a radiant smile throughout the day. As you can imagine, her words lifted everyone in the room, including me.

I’m grateful to Frances Brown for granting permission to publish her dynamic definition. I’m sure you are grateful as well.

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
Frances and I will welcome your response. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

ORDER MY MOTIVATIONAL AUDIO CD OR MP3
To hear me introduce you to other remarkable people who both challenge and motivate me, order my popular audio CD or MP3, “Always Push the Up Button: How to Stay Highly Motivated–Every Day!”

You’ll find the CD and MP3 when you scroll down my Web site’s shopping cart page:
http://tinyurl.com/ljr54y

If you browse through the more than 200 entries I have posted in this blog, you will see that not only do I share my own ideas and strategies with you, I also spotlight people who have impressed me greatly. I enjoy helping you get acquainted with them. They have given me fresh insights and inspiration, and I want you to benefit from their articles, books, videos, blogs, and Web sites, as I have.

Are these people I feature just friends I’m doing a favor for? Not at all. I haven’t met most of the guest bloggers. Yes, I know them through the Internet and maybe a phone call or two, but haven’t shared “coffee and conversation” or a meal. As you can imagine, I gain their permission before I publish their words here.

Just last week, Jane Garee from West Palm Beach, FL, wrote a Facebook posting that captivated me. After reading it, I commented that many famous religious leaders and philosophers would envy her ability to state great truths so clearly and compellingly.

JANE GAREE’S STIRRING WORDS
Shared some meaningful moments with friends over the weekend and today. Then I get on FB this morning and see a lot of unnecessary drama and mean spirited ill will. Disgusted. Over it. Logged off. Decided not to get on FB the rest of the day. Then a very touching conversation with a friend who lost a loved one changed my mind so I’m back on FB and here’s my message:

Life is short. Love hard. Stop posting hateful things. Give other people the benefit of the doubt. When people don’t believe as you do, there’s no need to demonize them. You can’t rant and rave about people who rant and rave and sound even halfway logical. Stop posting on the days you feel sick and start posting on the days you feel GREAT!

Hug your pets. Kiss your kids. Thank your parents. Call your siblings. Love on your significant other. Make lunch dates with your friends. Say something kind or don’t say anything at all. Lift up instead of tear down. Don’t fuel the fire, put it out. Decide you don’t care if people think you’re right so you no longer feel the need to prove them wrong.

Stop painting people in broad strokes with labels and categories and look at the individual. Look at YOURSELF. Do your part to make today a beautiful, harmonious day for everyone who crosses your path. We all have less tomorrows than we think.

CONTACT JANE
Visit her Web site, where you’ll find her contact information:

http://www.janegaree.com

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
Jane Garee and I will welcome your response. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

ORDER MY MOTIVATIONAL AUDIO CD OR MP3
To hear me introduce you to other remarkable people who both challenge and motivate me, order my popular audio CD or MP3, “Always Push the Up Button: How to Stay Highly Motivated–Every Day!”

You’ll find the CD and MP3 when you scroll down my Web site’s shopping cart page:
http://tinyurl.com/ljr54y

Please watch this video–less than two minutes long–inviting you to the Athens Employer Committee Meeting on September 19, and describing the program I’ll present:

“Always Push the Up Button: How to Stay Highly Motivated–Every Day!”

Mark Murphy, Physician and Author

While visiting my daughter in Savannah, GA a few days ago, I read a well-reasoned, provocative article in the sports section of the Savannah Morning News. I contacted the author, Dr. Mark Murphy, who graciously granted permission for me to publish his column in my blog.

With the start of football kickoff season just days away, his proposals merit our consideration. Whether you agree or disagree, we’d like to hear your reactions. Just follow the instructions below the column about how to comment.

“FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME,” by Mark Murphy, M.D.

It is etched in my memory forever, one of those things you know you will never forget—hot sun boiling overhead in a cloudless blue September sky, the punt arching high above the field, its parabolic descent taking it into the waiting arms of Georgia’s number 19. He cut right; the first tackler missed. Another defender was plastered by a blocker; still another spun off into the hedges. The ball carrier broke another tackle and sprinted for the sideline, arms pumping, hurtling towards the end zone as seemingly every white-clad Clemson Tiger on the field somehow either missed or fell or overran the play.

And then, the roar—deafening, a throaty chorus that was louder than any sound I had ever heard in my life, seventy thousand human voices screaming at the tops of their lungs, as Scott Woerner crossed the goal line and knelt there, head cocked to one side, spinning the football on the turf like a top.

It was 1980. I was a freshman at the University of Georgia, on campus a mere five days, watching was my first college football game.

And I was hooked.

Georgia went on to beat Clemson 20-16. The rest of the season was magical. A freshman running back named Herschel Walker, a future Heisman trophy winner who would end up being considered the greatest college football player of the modern era, led the Bulldog football team to an unbeaten season. The Dawgs won the 1980 NCAA title by beating Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl.

I’ve been an avid college football fan ever since.

When I first saw Woerner score that TD three decades ago, college football was simply an enjoyable way to pass a Saturday afternoon. But the game has changed in a fundamental way.

College football has become big business. And that big business is ruining college football.

In 2010, the 68 teams in the six major football conferences pocketed an aggregate $1.1 billion in football-related profits (an average of over $16 million per school) in the middle of an economic downturn. The University of Georgia’s football program made a $52 million profit that year. Nick Saban, head coach of defending National Champion Alabama, will earn a whopping $5.9 million in salary this year—more than twice as much as the highest-paid university president in America.

So what have these new economic realities wrought?

In 1980, Herschel Walker was the most highly-recruited high school athlete in the country. He did not decide where he was going to attend college until April of his senior year of high school—two months after most athletes had signed their letters of intent. There was no Internet to speak of. The term “recruiting guru” simply did not exist. When Herschel arrived at the University of Georgia athletic dormitory, the first thing the superstar recruit did was help the upperclassmen with their bags.

Contrast that with today. College football recruiting has become a multi-million-dollar industry in its own right; virtually every college has at least one recruiting website. High school players are lionized; grown men cry when top prospects defect to rival schools. Reuben Foster, a seventeen-year-old high school junior rated the top linebacking prospect in America, called a press conference this summer attended by over 30 journalists—including members of the national news media—to announce that he was switching his commitment from the University of Alabama to Auburn University.He was accompanied at the announcement by his three-year-old daughter, dressed as an Auburn cheerleader. And commitments are happening earlier and earlier. Last month, after a football camp in Baton Rouge, LSU Coach Les Miles made a scholarship offer to fourteen-year-old Dylan Moses.

Moses starts the eighth grade this week.

Meanwhile, bad behavior among college athletes seems to be on the upswing. Isaiah Crowell, the gifted running back who led Georgia in rushing last season, was booted by Georgia Coach Mark Richtthis summer for being arrested with an unregistered handgun with an altered serial number—a felony. Michael Dyer, the former MVP of the BCS National Championship Game while at Auburn, was suspended at Auburn for violating unspecified team rules, transferred to Arkansas State, and then was kicked off that team after being pulled over for a speeding ticket and being found to have both marijuana and, yes, another unregistered handgun. Two months after winning the 2010 BCS National Title, a group of four Auburn players from that team participated in a home invasion and armed robbery after a night of drinking and smoking synthetic marijuana. One of those four has been sentenced to fifteen years in prison. The list goes on and on, with elite athletes like Tyrann Mathieu, Zach Mettenberger, Stephen Garcia, Cam Newton and Tyler Bray all either having been arrested or kicked out of school for misdeeds ranging from disorderly conduct and cheating on exams to theft and repetitive drug use.

But should this sort of behavior really be a surprise?

If a child is told at an early age that the rules don’t really apply to him, he’ll wind up believing it. And college coaches, under pressure to justify their multi-million-dollar salaries, routinely do exactly that in their recruitment of elite athletes. The result is that today’s top college football recruits, with rare exception, are a self-absorbed lot, more concerned with the prospect of making it to the NFL and becoming an instant millionaire than they are about leaving it all out there on the gridiron for their collegiate alma mater. Fans of the college game are now reaping what they have sown.

In short, to quote the cartoon character Pogo, “We have met the enemy and he is us.”

Frankly, although I remain a fan of college football, I’ve had just about enough.

I’ve had it with the over-the-top press conferences by self-absorbed teenage boys, the incessant tweets and Facebook posts, and the lack of comprehension of the meaning of the word “team.” And I challenge the NCAA, which has been arbitrary and inconsistent in its enforcement of the rules of recruitment, to change the culture of college football so that we can have more Herschel Walkers and fewer Michael Dyers.

Here’s what I’d propose, as a start:

1. College football coaches’ salaries should be capped. I think $1.5 million total compensation is plenty of money.

2. Recruitment of high school football players before the summer prior to their senior year of high school should be prohibited. Any college that breaks this ban should be placed on immediate NCAA probation.

3. Any program (or affiliated booster) that offers a player an illegal inducement (gifts, jobs for family member, trips, cash, cars, etc.) should have an immediate loss of five scholarships per violation. And if a recruit accepts such a donation, either personally or through a family member, that recruit shall be permanently ineligible to play college football anywhere.

4. Any recruit that holds a press conference shall lose a year of eligibility to play college football.

5. Any college whose football players’ graduation rates fall below those of the general student body should be penalized $200,000 per annum for every percentage point that their graduation rates fall below that general student body graduation rate.

6. Random drug tests should be conducted by the NCAA for all teams. Any player found to have a banned substance in his blood or urine will miss a mandatory two games with the first offense and will have to undergo outpatient drug rehab. A second offense will mandate inpatient drug rehab, paid for by the school, and a year’s suspension from football.

If the sordid Jerry Sandusky situationat Penn State can teach us anything, it’s this: college football should not be about money, prestige or power. Those things have corrupted the sport. Instead, the institution of collegiate football should focus upon molding young men so that they will become productive members of society. It should emphasize the very things that make it valuable–school pride, character, hard work, and the value of sublimating individual goals for the sake of the team.

Let’s stop the madness. Let’s take back college football, for the love of the game.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
On the Amazon page for his book The Shadow Man, you’ll find this description of my guest columnist:

Mark Murphy is a Savannah native. He’s had a lot of jobs in his life: fast food worker, student marine biologist, orderly, and–most recently–gastroenterologist. He’s met a lot of interesting folks in those occupations, from aging sitcom stars, disgraced tele-evangelists and political kingmakers to serial killers. He once even saw a man eat his mattress in a locked psychiatric ward. And when he’s not working at his “day job” doing endoscopy, he’s reading (a lot) and writing (not enough–but it’s never enough). He pens a regular column for the Savannah Morning News, has published a few short stories, and has been a contributor to Savannah magazine. “The Shadow Man” is his first novel. And it’s quite a ride…

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
Dr. Mark Murphy and I will welcome your response. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

GET VALUABLE COMMUNICATION TIPS AND STRATEGIES FROM MY NEW FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
Here’s the link to my new Facebook business page:
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA

You’ll find beneficial guidelines for business communication and for speaking with “poise, power, and persuasion.” Click “Like” to stay connected for updates.

Adam Scott in action

You don’t have to be a rabid sports fan to know that yesterday professional golfer Adam Scott lost the British Open title. “So what,” you might wonder, “there’s only winner, which means that plenty of other players lost, too.”

True, but the difference is that Scott enjoyed a lead that appeared unmatchable, much less unbeatable. He was four strokes ahead with four holes to play. Par those, he wins by four. Par half of them, and he wins by two. Yet startling all onlookers, he bogied 15, 16, 17, and 18. Meanwhile, Ernie Els birdied the 18th, and soon became the surprise winner.

As sad and disappointing as Scott’s collapse was, he’s likely to learn how to handle that intense pressure more effectively next time he is in contention. Fortunately, we can benefit too by applying these 3 prominent lessons.

ONE: There’s no such thing as a “sure thing.”

Regardless of how rosy our situation looks, we can’t start coasting at any time. Professionally, that’s dangerous and often deadly. Remember that sale you considered so “in the bag” that you started spending your commission too early? Or the job interview that went so well you told your family, “Start packing”? Just as Scott thought the engraver was already putting ADAM SCOTT on the trophy, defeat can be grabbed from the jaws of victory in everyday life, as an old sports cliche notes.

TWO: Your competition is not likely to stop trying when you’re in front.

Ernie Els didn’t think, “The famed Claret Jug is going to Scott. I’ll protect my runner-up status.” Despite a week that underscored Els’ putting woes, he gave every shot his best effort. He kept playing like a winner. And why not–he had won the British Open ten years ago, and had won two U.S. Opens. Justifiably, only a short time ago he entered golf’s coveted Hall of Fame.

Likewise, in our business and professional life, let’s expect that our performance will impress our competitors. However, we won’t intimidate others who want what we’re after.

THIRD: Focus on your assets, not your liabilities

Next time Adam Scott enters a tournament, he will want to remind himself, “I won the Australian Open when I was just nineteen. I won The Player’s Championship, which some golf writers label the ‘fifth major,’ quite early in my career.” In fact, he was taking that affirmative approach just minutes after the tournament, telling reporters: “Look, I played so beautifully for most of the week. I shouldn’t let this bring me down.”

That’s the most constructive approach for us after we lost a prize we thought we had. So, you gave a speech you weren’t satisfied with, presented to an audience that seemed a perfect fit for your topic. Move past that event. Remember the times when your audience members said afterwards that your message not only inspired them, but gave them action steps they needed. Or possibly your marriage dissolved. Plenty of them do. Look ahead, and you’re likely to find unprecedented happiness with a new spouse.

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
I will welcome your response. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

ORDER MY MOTIVATIONAL AUDIO CD OR MP3
For additional motivational strategies, order my popular audio CD or MP3, “Always Push the Up Button: How to Stay Highly Motivated–Every Day!”

You’ll find the CD and MP3 when you scroll down my Web site’s shopping cart page:
http://tinyurl.com/ljr54y

Janet enjoying the outdoors

Janet Couch McQuarrie became a University of Georgia majorette in the early 1980s. That’s when I met her, because my daughter Shelley was on that twirling squad that won the national championship–at the same time the football team won its national title.

Ever since, I have seen Janet annually when the majorettes return to campus and perform during pregame activities for the Homecoming Game.

Janet has encountered–and conquered–many personal challenges. Three months before she reached her 50th birthday, she voluntarily accepted a daunting new challenge–to reshape her body and revitalize her health.

READ JANET’S BLOG STORY AND WATCH HER VIDEO
Here’s the link to Janet’s blog, which describes her “Body for Life” program, a demanding 12-week quest. Be sure to watch the You Tube video near the bottom of the article. Her before-and-after pictures illustrate that her discipline and denial brought astounding results. Use this link:

http://bit.ly/PpzXxE

IDENTIFY YOUR BIG CHALLENGE–AND DESIGN A PLAN TO SUCCEED
Janet could have said complacently, “Oh well, not much I can do about the shape I’m in. . .typical for a 50 year old. I’ll just accept the physical changes that keep me from looking like that university majorette I was decades ago.” Instead, she set a goal, took charge, and–like her hero Rocky Balboa–kept fighting until she won.

Have you, like Janet, turned your life around by accomplishing something that seemed impossible? If so, please tell us about your victory, using the comments section. Or feel free to give your feedback about Janet’s ability to turn back her physical clock.

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
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GET VALUABLE COMMUNICATION TIPS AND STRATEGIES FROM MY NEW FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
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Greg Lee, my golf instruction pro at Chicopee Woods Golf Course in Gainesville, Georgia has given many lessons, to me and other golfers. Yet I’m sure he gave his best lesson ever when he played in the PGA Professional National Championship in California a few days ago. The lesson:

Don’t quit, no matter how poorly you started.

Greg’s first nine holes in the tournament were dismal, by professional standards. He scored 42, six over par. Some other pros would have thought “Might as well quit now. I won’t have any chance to make the 36 hole cut.” Some might have claimed they had an injury or illness, and requested permission to withdraw.

But not Greg. For his second nine holes, he shot 34, two under par. His 18 hole total of 76 was far from what he had expected. However, his comeback had started on the tenth hole.

Second round: 70, two under par. After his awful opening nine, he had played the next 27 holes in four under par.

Miraculously, Greg made the 36 hole cut. At the end of the four round tournament, he tied for 40th place. As he walked off the 72nd hole, which he birdied, he was summoned to a TV interview, which many of his friends saw. Who would have expected that prominent recognition after round one?

Yes, I consider Greg’s comeback a grand lesson for every one of us, whatever we do professionally. A bad start doesn’t have to determine the outcome. We can recover, and perform at the skill level we’re accustomed to. You can bet I’ll include Greg’s courageous story in my motivational speeches.

Have you overcome a bad start in an important venture? Want to tell us about it? Greg and I invite you to share your story in the Comments section.

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GREG LEE’S CONTACT INFORMATION
To contact Greg:
mailto:gregleemeister@yahoo.com
Phone: 770-534-7322

As a regular student of Greg’s, I assure you that his golf instruction is friendly and encouraging–and that you are very likely to experience improvement in your game.

GET VALUABLE COMMUNICATION TIPS AND STRATEGIES FROM MY NEW FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
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Byron Nelson hitting practice shots

Why do I hold Nelson in highest esteem? Because I had three encounters with him personally, and watched him illustrate what I call “championship communication.” He was very kind to me, a stranger.

The first time I watched Nelson was when he gave an exhibition in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, near my home town of Columbia. Not only did he amaze us with his shots, he was friendly with his playing partners, the gallery, and teenagers, including me. Nelson had won two Masters, two PGAs, the U.S. Open, and the British Open–yet he still seemed like “one of us.”

The second time was more exciting. Following Arnold Palmer in a practice round at the Masters, I spotted Byron Nelson standing by the twelfth tee. Knowing I might never get the chance again, I introduced myself, then said: “I watched you play an exhibition in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and soon afterward I got my first set of irons–a Byron Nelson set.” That prompted him to talk about golf clubs, and then he began to reminisce about his Masters career.

“Right here at ‘Amen Corner’ was where I really won the tournament,” he explained, recalling every shot from decades ago.We talked for more than ten minutes. Nelson was patient, friendly,and a good listener.

The third time we made contact was through the mail. I had written an article about Byron Nelson for a golf magazine, so I sent him a copy. The article mentioned how impressed I had been with “Lord Byron” on the two occasions described above. I didn’t expect a reply. After all, Byron Nelson still heard from people around the world, and stayed busy promoting his annual tournament and his favorite charitable causes.

Yet a couple of weeks later, my mailbox contained a handwritten message from Roanoke, Texas, where the 92 year old Byron Nelson lived many years as a rancher. He said: “How nice of you to be so kind in your writing.” He mentioned his faith and his determination to lead a good life. Next: “I am going to the PGA at Rochester tomorrow. Be nice to see some old and new friends.” He signed,”Thank you, Byron.”

I’ll keep that message forever.

To me, Byron Nelson was the ideal “championship communicator.” He reached the top of the sports world–winning 11 tournaments in a row and 18 total in 1945–but he never considered himself greater than anyone else. He communicated with everyone humbly and receptively.

When Nelson died in 2006 , golf writer Grant Boone noted: “Wherever the debate over which golfer is the best of all time ends, Byron Nelson was the game’s finest man, hands down.”

Rudyard Kipling would have wanted to meet Byron, because Nelson embodied a line from Kipling’s timeless poem “If”–the one that talked about walking with kings but not losing the common touch.

So however high you get professionally, follow “Iron Byron’s” example. Keep the common touch.

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“Summer school,” you want to blurt out, “of course not!” You may have done that once or twice (as I did to finish college early), yet you never planned to sit through weeks of class again during June, July, or August.

Even so, why not consider summer as more than a time for vacation? What if you used this mid-year period to sharpen your skills dramatically?

Go to the beach, yes. . .and go to a coach, too. I am eager to coach you this summer, no matter where you’re located.

HOW YOU WILL BENEFIT
As a result of my coaching, you will:
–Speak with poise, power, and persuasion
–Generate the attention, agreement, and action you desire
–Learn from the DISC system how to deal with “difficult people”
–Boost your sales
–Stay highly motivated. . .every day
–Network with fresh, effective approaches
–Reduce communication barriers in your company
–Produce brief videos to market your services

LET’S DESIGN A COACHING PLAN FOR YOU
Let’s discuss what you want me to help you accomplish this summer. . .starting today!

My experience? I’ve worked with Gillette, Ritz-Carlton Cancun, Duracell, British Columbia Legal Management Association, the Missouri Bar, University of Georgia Athletic Association, and many other top-tier clients, both individual and corporate.

What do my clients say about my services? Check my Coaching page:
http://tinyurl.com/otlcgz

CONTACT ME
Bill Lampton, Ph.D.
“Helping You Finish in First Place!”
mailto:drbill@championshipcommunication.com
678-316-4300

GET DAILY COMMUNICATION TIPS AND STRATEGIES FROM MY FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
Here’s the link to my Facebook business page:
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You’ll find beneficial guidelines for business communication and for speaking with “poise, power, and persuasion.” Click “Like” to stay connected for updates.

As the Masters Golf Tournament is being played this week, I’m reminded of a great amateur golfer from Mississippi, Spec Wilson, pictured above. Below him is a photo of his son, Chris Wilson, who comments below about his colorful, talented father. Chris and I became friends after my first posting about Spec.

Read the scores for amateur tournaments today, and you’ll notice that high school and college golfers dominate the leader board. That’s not surprising, considering their opportunities for year-round play and practice. Could a business professional, employed year-round, expect to perform as well as the NCAA’s stars? Usually not.

However, when I was growing up in south Mississippi, I idolized Spec Wilson, a true old-style amateur–a man who played golf as a hobby, yet spent most of his time running a feed and seed store. Spec was just as colorful as his nickname.

Spec operated his store in Laurel, Mississippi, a town known for its masonite plant, and for the Laurel Country Club’s golf course—built in 1917, and still ranked among the top ten courses in the state.

Local folklore said that Spec put his clubs up every winter, and once shot 67 on his first round when spring arrived. A star football player in high school, he stalked the fairways with an athletic swagger. And when he swung a golf club, power and precision blended perfectly.

Spec’s putter belonged in a golf museum, for two reasons. It was rusty enough to fit in among ancient artifacts. And he used that unsightly blade with incredible touch.

The first time I watched Spec play, he and his partner won an exhibition against a thirty-eight year old Sam Snead. Hypnotized by Spec’s talent and showmanship, I joined his gallery numerous times.

Did he beat the college stars of his day? Yes, regularly. He defeated Johnny Pott, future Ryder Cup player and five-time PGA TOUR winner. In 1951, he downed Eddie Merrins, who gained fame later as UCLA’s longtime golf coach, on the first playoff hole for the Mississippi Amateur title. Ironically, Spec had played for LSU, as did Pott and Merrins.

When Spec Wilson entered the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 1967, the year of his death, his trophies included three Mississippi Opens, four Mississippi Amateurs, and six prestigious invitational tournaments. He won the Laurel Country Club championship an astounding twenty times. Spec played exhibitions with Snead, Demaret, Nelson, and other stars of that era.

I’ll always remember Spec as a player and a person. He chatted with galleries, displayed unwavering sportsmanship, and was friendly with teenagers like me who followed him with wide-eyed admiration.

Now I’m enjoying my friendship with Chris, who keeps me posted with vivid memories of his legendary father. And if I ever get to play Chris at Laurel Country Club, as we have discussed, he’ll have to spot me a few strokes. I’m quite familiar with the genes he inherited.

COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE
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Captivating Speaker Adam Solender

INTRODUCTION:
Last weekend I attended the baccalaureate service for the 2012 graduating class of St. Andrew’s School in Savannah, Georgia–because my grandson, Jay Jenkins, was the class valedictorian. I couldn’t have guessed that the speaker would give the most stimulating and relevant baccalaureate speech I’ve ever heard. Fortunately, when I met him afterward he gave me permission to publish his speech in my blog, so you can benefit from his wise counsel. In fact, I recommend that you have your high school age students read his remarks.

THE SPEECH
Now here is the speech, presented by Adam M. Solender, Executive Director, Jewish Educational Alliance and the Savannah Jewish Federation.

Good Afternoon St Andrews class of 2012. It is a great honor to be able to share some thoughts with you as part of your Baccalaureate ceremony. You may be asking yourself, “Why is Aaron’s father speaking to us?” “Is he really smart?” The fact is, many or all of you are smarter than me. But even so, “I know more than you!” I’m going to try and share some of that knowledge today.

In the St Andrews community I’ve repeatedly been told that I look like the brother from “Raymond.” Others tell me that I look like a character from the Sopranos. A few of you know me as the big guy trolling the sidelines during football games taking photographs, while others may know me as a proud member of the “Cow Bell crew.” Most importantly I am the father of David who graduated as a member of the Class of 2009 and Aaron, who is graduating this weekend.

In my professional world I am the Executive Director of the Jewish Educational Alliance, Savannah’s Jewish community center and the Executive Director of the Savannah Jewish Federation, the fundraising organization that provides for Social services in our Jewish community, educational opportunities for children, and raising funds for Jews in need throughout the world and in Israel.

Today, I am especially honored to be a parent who has the opportunity to be one of the first people to formerly congratulate the Saint Andrews class of 2012.

I want to take a moment to recognize the faculty who sits beside you… Not in front of you, but beside you. It is more than just symbolism. As you move forward in life, this is the way it should continue. I’ve not had much opportunity over the past five years, but it’s never too late…”On behalf of all the parents, Thank you to each of the faculty members for educating our children. Thank you for your time, your passion, and your talents which you have so generously shared.”

I also honor and congratulate the parents, spouses, family members, and friends whose support and faith brought us here to celebrate this weekend. During a very challenging economy, all of your parents made some type of sacrifice to provide you a wonderful quality St. Andrews School experience. If you didn’t know it, your parents lost a lot of sleep over the past 18 or so years. We remember your first steps, first lost tooth, the day you jumped out of the car – turned around – waved – and disappeared into the building without ever looking back, your first soccer goal, first date, first time you drove away by yourself, and the first missed curfew. We worried and reveled in each of these events and thousands of more along the way.

Speaking to you today marks a significant milestone in my life. Thirty-eight years ago when I was the one sitting in the graduation audience, I couldn’t imagine fifty-five—it sounded so very old. All of us parents see ourselves as young….and then you come around the corner and we remember what young really is. I barely remember my graduation weekend and couldn’t even tell you who spoke at my graduation. I can only tell you that the speeches went on forever.

You can rest assured, that in a week of IB tests, final exams, Proms, Luncheons, suit and dress fittings, sports and academic award ceremonies, that I won’t speak one moment over forty minutes—-just kidding.

Today I get the opportunity to say some of the things your parents have said, might say, will say, or are just thinking of saying. It just so happens that after writing this, I counted up the ideas and they numbered eighteen. Eighteen is a very significant number in Judaism. Eighteen translates to Chai which means “life.” Maybe you’ve heard the phrase, L’Chaim when making a toast. It means: “To Life.” Here are 18 Chai ideas I want to share with you. May these ideas take you throughout your wonderful lives:

• I know this won’t be popular with the parents, but take advantage of their support as long as possible. While in college—travel as much as you can, take semesters abroad, experience programs and internships before you join the real world of loan repayments, mortgages, cars, insurance, and dare I say, children of your own.

• Master technology—but take your hand, and heads out of it. Despite what you think, meaningful conversations do not take place by Skype, texting, email, Twitter, or Facetime. Relationships and trust are established when you take the time to look someone in the eye, read their expression, and assess their reaction to you. A direct conversation is the most effective and essential building block in developing a relationship, whether it be in your personal life or in the work place. I know I am showing my age… I constantly tell my much younger coworkers: A text is not as good as an email…An email is not as good as a letter…a letter is no replacement for a phone call, and a none of the previous are as good as a firm handshake, a gentle kiss on the cheek, or a warm embrace.

• Learn to be open to other’s ideas. You may not agree or share the same views, but something can almost always be gained. Many of the things I’ve learned in life came by being quiet and listening. Whether it be at home, at work, or in our friendships, if we take the time to listen to and learn from each other, we can build powerful relationships and institutions.

• Follow your passion and be a risk taker–but at the same time — analyze the risk and make smart choices. Look at the big picture and see where you can plug in your passion. There is a place for all of us. Don’t be afraid to try to stretch a little. The worst that will happen is you’ll learn something doesn’t work…but maybe it will.

• Learn History-your personal/family history as well as that of the world. Learn the stories of your family-they are a part of you. History gives you reference points for the future. How can you be expected to appreciate what you have if you don’t know where it comes from?

• Understand that there is no free lunch in life. Everything in life bears a cost—Everything has a price. To get one thing that we like, we usually have to give up another thing we like. The question you must ask yourself: Is the cost worth the price?

• It’s not too late to take up a hobby. Watching TV while using Facebook and texting on your phone may be a skill that you all have, but it is not a hobby. A hobby is something that gives you personal joy from the experience–learn to play an instrument, grow plants, build models, work out in the gym…all things that build your mind or body–and give you respite from some of the routine and stresses of the day.

• Take up a fun sport that can follow you throughout your life. I’m not telling you to give up football, basketball, or soccer, but when you hit sixty a tennis court or golf course is much gentler on the knees–just ask your parents and grandparents.

• Don’t settle for your second choice when you haven’t even tried your first. Harvard President, Drew Faust calls this the “Parking Theory of Life:” Don’t park ten blocks away from your destination because you think you’ll never find a closer space. Go to where you want to be. You can always circle back to where you have to be.

• Continue to develop worthy traits. As Polonius said in Hamlet, “To thine own self be true.” It is liberating to learn your strengths and weaknesses because it gives you the opportunity to improve.

• Everywhere, the world is in need of repair. Don’t complain, don’t bemoan it, Fix it. Dr Martin Luther King stated, “Everyone can be great, because everybody can serve.” In Judaism this concept is called “Tikkun Olam”- healing or repairing the world. During your years at Saint Andrews you have had the opportunity and requirement to perform community service. I know that at times this was a drag, but in so many cases, you made a difference in someone’s life.….don’t stop. You are all so fortunate to be who you are and have what you have. Pay attention to how good it feels to do good. As my grandmother used to say, “To whom much is given, much is expected.”

• Don’t stop saying “Yes, Sir” and “Yes, Ma’am.” They are appropriate statements of respect (and I’m here to tell you that Northerners really like it).

• When you make a mistake or are wrong–admit it. Learn to say “I’m sorry,” and be sincere. You’ll be amazed how meaningful it is to others.

• While there are some eternal absolute do’s and don’ts, the world is not black and white. We live in a world of many shades of gray. When we are children, we see things as “stop or go, yes or no, all absolute black and whites– but you are no longer children. Our ability to think in shades comes with maturity and life experiences. You now have that ability to think independently.

• Challenge the known and embrace the unknown – do it with an open mind and proper respect–your coworkers, teachers, and bosses will respect your interest and insight-as long as it is done sincerely.

• Learn a foreign language-not just “Como ustas usted” or “Bonjour, Madamn.”
A foreign language challenges your mind, opens you up to other cultures, and provides you with another marketable skill. Once you leave language classes, practice speaking any time you can. You never know how it will benefit you along the way-professionally or socially.

• Continue to learn. Learning is a process — not an event or a class. Be open to all learning outside of the classroom–it is at least as important as your classroom experiences. I know that the backbone of the IB program is to become a lifelong learner. You’ll see that it actually gets easier to learn as you get older–we see the relevance of what we are learning. Learn something new every day. Do something that challenges you. Flex the most important muscle in your body—your brain.

• Enjoy your family and friends before they are gone. Every parent here will tell you this. It’s usually after someone is gone that we realize what we had and think about the words we could have said. No amount of money can bring someone back…no power gives you another opportunity.

And now a parable – There is a well known Jewish legend of a tricky fellow who was intent on embarrassing King Solomon. He came before the King and his court with both hands behind his back. He announces that in his hands is a small bird, and he asks the King: “Is the bird is alive or is it dead?” If the king says “dead,” he will show him the living bird, but if the king says “alive,” he will break the bird’s neck, then showing everyone the dead bird. “So, what will it be, he says to the king….dead or alive?” The ever-wise king simply responded: “It’s all in your hands.”

And so it is, St Andrews Class of 2012 – The future is all in your hands.

Personally, Sarah and my greatest joys in life are our two boys–both graduates of St Andrews. We’ve come to appreciate and will miss the little St. Andrews things: the hurried dinners before football games, Beth standing at the curb with her megaphone calling students for pick up, taking pictures before prom, even the totally unfair demerits that were liberally given out to my boys for eating in the hallways, untucked shirts, and unshaven cheeks. I’ve even grown to accept how slow the drop off lane is in the morning…although I won’t miss it.

I know I promised you eighteen ideas, but here is one extra. I know you won’t believe me now, but it is the truth.

By and large, the older you get the more you are going to realize that your parents were almost always right. It happens incrementally over a period of years and decades…and poof, one day you are just like your parents with your own children talking to you as you did to your parents.

Finally, I want to share a blessing from Judaism. One interpretation connects the verses to three attributes of God: Mercy, Courage, and Glory. I share it with you, the St. Andrews class of 2012
Yevarechecha adonai veyishmerecha.
May God bless you and protect you.
Ya’er adonai panav elecha veyichunecha.
May God’s face give light to you and show you favor.
Yisa adonai panav elecha veyasem lecha shalom.
May God’s face be lifted toward you and give you a lifetime of peace.

WE WELCOME YOUR COMMENTS
Adam and I will welcome your response. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

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I help companies identify their communication problems, and then find solutions to them. Also, I help leaders develop their speaking skills, so they will speak with “poise, power, and persuasion.”

On my Facebook page, you’ll find beneficial articles, podcasts, and videos–all designed to “Help You Finish in First Place.” When you visit the page,click “Like” to stay connected for updates.

Here’s that link again:
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA

Please watch my brief video invitation to the June 6 Jackson County Area Chamber of Commerce Breakfast, where I’ll speak on a vital, timely topic:

“Always Push the Up Button: How to Stay Highly Motivated–Every Day!”

As the video mentions you can register on the Chamber’s Web site:
http://www.jacksoncountyga.com

Or register by calling 770-387-0300

Hope to see you there. . .as we both Push the Up Button!

VISIT MY WEB SITE
On my Web site, note that you can enter your name and e-mail address in the slots provided, to subscribe to my online complimentary monthly newsletter:
http://www.championshipcommunication.com

In this lively video interview, veteran Atlanta business leader Ricky Steele explains why he considers LinkedIn the number one business tool. You’ll want to jot down the 3 major advantages he mentions, along with other significant details he provides.

CONTACT RICKY STEELE
Click on the link under the video to access his Web site. Or you can reach his site with this link:
http://www.rickysteele.net

Here’s his company Web site: http://www.htrjobs.com

E-mail him: ricky@rickysteele.net

WE WELCOME YOUR COMMENTS
Ricky and I will welcome your response. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

WATCH RICKY’S EARLIER INTERVIEWS ABOUT FACEBOOK AND TWITTER
Before talking with Ricky about LinkedIn, I interviewed him about Facebook and Twitter. Here are those videos:

Facebook: http://bit.ly/HpqOBR

Twitter: http://tinyurl.com/7cmfvg3

BOOST YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS–VISIT AND “LIKE” MY FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA

I help companies identify their communication problems, and then find solutions to them. Also, I help leaders develop their speaking skills, so they will speak with “poise, power, and persuasion.”

On my Facebook page, you’ll find beneficial articles, podcasts, and videos–all designed to “Help You Finish in First Place.” When you visit the page,click “Like” to stay connected for updates.

Here’s that link again:
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA

Linda and Dan, Together in Life/Business

Ever-zestful Canadian Linda Sztanko describes her life this way: “Life is grand, and I am grateful every day.”

If you assume that her life has been easy and exciting all along, your guess would be way off base.

How exciting was her life during the 27 years she worked on an assembly line in an automobile plant?

How easy was her life when she endured cervical cancer twice? During twelve years of her illness, she spent eighty percent of her time in bed. Additionally, Linda still confronts the challenge of Epstein Barr, an immune deficiency syndrome.

Yet Linda took control of her life when she retired from her assembly line job. She enrolled in Continuing Medical Education courses for credit. Her reason: “It was because of the improved quality of life I experienced from Glyconutrients that I went back to school…not to find out about my medical condition, but rather to learn why these products worked where traditional medicine failed.” Eventually, she built a client list for two health care products she found beneficial.

Linda recognized that to succeed in managing her own business, she would have to learn plenty from marketing experts. She reads books and attends seminars. She listens to educational and motivational CDs as she drives, engaging in what she calls “car university.” In her words, “I am building my self esteem and confidence.”

Three years ago she became a passionate representative for SendOutCards, an innovative greeting card service that operates online. She helps her clients walk through the simple process of customizing cards that get mailed without the sender having to make a trip to the post office or a greeting card store.

She says, “How can I not love my job? I make people smile every day.”

Linda speaks highly of Kody Bateman, the man who founded SendOutCards. She comments that he is “true to his word that he truly wants to change the world through kindness.”

When Linda sent me a copy of Bateman’s autobiographical motivational book Promptings, I produced this brief video review for Amazon:
http://bit.ly/HYdmGy

Linda and her husband Dan work together as a team professionally. Personally, they have “two great kids,” 16 and 19. “We are at the stage,” she notes, “where the kids need constant chauffeurs.” Add to her family credentials that she is a very versatile cook.

As I became acquainted with Linda through Facebook and a referral from our mutual friend Gina Carr, not only did I admire her for moving beyond a monotonous job and serious health issues, I found her sense of humor delightful. Late one evening she wrote, “I am falling asleep. The snoring of the two puppies beside me is addictive.” On another occasion, “The kettle is boiled and my tea is calling my name.”

Let’s go back again to what makes Linda Sztanko feel that her life is grand, and that she is grateful every day. In her words: “Making someone else feel special is always a good thing.”

She recognizes that her amazing resilience and her strong values are not entirely self-generated. Quietly yet steadily, she points to her religious belief as central to her success in business and in life.

Linda inspires me. I look forward to the day when our professional travels put us in the same city, and we can share lively conversation in person.

READ MORE ABOUT LINDA AND CONTACT HER
You’ll find more information about her, including her contact information, on Facebook:
http://facebook.com/sztanko

Also, check her wonderful SendOutCards business on this site:
http://www.sendoutcards.com/sztanko

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
Linda and I will welcome your response. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

BOOST YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS–VISIT AND “LIKE” MY FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA

I help companies identify their communication problems, and then find solutions to them. Also, I help leaders develop their speaking skills, so they will speak with “poise, power, and persuasion.”

On my Facebook page, you’ll find beneficial articles, podcasts, and videos–all designed to “Help You Finish in First Place.” When you visit the page,click “Like” to stay connected for updates.

Here’s that link again:
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA

When you hear the word “networking,” several organized activities might come to mind:
-talking with lunch partners at your civic club’s weekly meeting
-circulating among the crowd at a Chamber’s “Business After Hours” reception
-introducing yourself to headhunters at a job fair
-chairing a fund raising drive for a prestigious charity

These interactions will generate visibility and respect for you, so they deserve your regular participation. Yet while you are giving your time and talents to highly public events, make room in your schedule for smaller, less formal networking opportunities.

DOUG TAKES TO THE LINKS

Consider how Doug Magnus (appearing with me in the bottom photo above) used informal networking to launch and then keep expanding his heating and air conditioning company. After ten years of working for the best known provider in his locale, Doug established his own company–Conditioned Air Systems in Gainesville, Georgia–starting with a true skeleton crew. He followed the standard procedures for getting known in the community. He served on committees and boards, and as his profits grew he became a leading contributor to charitable causes.

Soon Doug recognized that many of the community’s business leaders were avid golfers. He noticed that relationships that started as informal buddy time on the links often blossomed into business affiliations. So he went to the Chattahoochee Golf Club and told the pro, Rodger Hogan, “I want to play golf.”

“Oh, you want a tee time now?” Rodger responded.

“No,” Doug answered, “I’m not ready for that. I want to schedule some lessons with you, so that when I do play out here I won’t slow down the good golfers or embarrass myself with bad play.”

“So,” Roger asked, “you want five or six lessons?”

Doug responded, “Let’s don’t set a number. I want to take as many lessons as I need to be able to play at an advanced skill level.”

The lessons lasted a year. When Doug started playing, he moved comfortably into the circle of more established golfers. Not only that, he expanded his friendship circle by playing with strangers. “I’d just go to the practice area, start talking to some people I didn’t know, and when they had a vacant slot they’d ask me to join their group.”

Eventually, Doug started playing amateur golf tournaments—and he had no hesitancy teeing up with two former PGA Tour professionals from his hometown. With his low key, non threatening friendly manner, it was natural for golf pals to ask, “What’s your line of work, Doug?” When he described his company, the conversation led quite often to residential or commercial contracts.

Doug’s company is celebrating its thirtieth year, all of them profitable. Without question, his willingness to learn a highly sociable sport played a significant role in connecting him with people who would hire him and refer him later.

His corporate Web site: http://conditionedairsystems.com/

I have the privilege of serving as a business communication consultant for Doug’s company this year, as we implement the “Coaching for Champions” program.

BEAU MAKES A COFFEE SHOP HIS HEADQUARTERS

Now consider Beau Henderson (pictured with me in the top photo above), a financial adviser, who launched his company–RichLife Advisors–also based in Gainesville, Georgia. Recognizing that his professional title might create the image of an austere, impersonal numbers-cruncher, Beau established a new perception by meeting with prospects and clients in a rather ordinary looking coffee shop. In fact, he became such a regular customer that the manager let him “run a tab,” which he would pay monthly.

Yes, he did establish a conventional office just around the corner for those occasions when his conversational partner would welcome more privacy. Yet his slogan remains, “Let’s talk about that over a cup of coffee.”

What has Beau’s informal networking strategy accomplished? Just ask his 3,000 clients.

Beau enlisted my services as his Speech Coach at the start of his career, and now he hosts a popular radio show every Saturday on WGAU.

His Web site: http://www.richlifeadvisors.com

FOLLOW THEIR EXAMPLE OF CREATIVITY

As you consider how Doug and Beau built their businesses in more casual but still highly respectable ways, start thinking about how you can do the same. When you implement your refreshingly different approach, not only will you boost your profits, you will put some much-needed fun into your work day.

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
Doug and Beau will welcome your response. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

BOOST YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS ANOTHER WAY–VISIT AND “LIKE” MY FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA

I help companies identify their communication problems, and then find solutions to them. Also, I help leaders develop their speaking skills, so they will speak with “poise, power, and persuasion.”

On my Facebook page, you’ll find beneficial articles, podcasts, and videos–all designed to “Help You Finish in First Place.” When you visit the page,click “Like” to stay connected for updates.

Here’s that link again:
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA

Ricky Steele serves as the Chief Development Officer for Hunter Technical Resources in Atlanta, Georgia. Throughout his professional career, he has established valuable relationships through his highly developed networking skills. His book–The Heart of Networking, Second Edition–belongs on the bookshelf of every professional who wants to build his or her business.

In this brief video interview, Ricky discusses the value of Facebook. You will want to take careful notes as you watch my interview with him, so you can implement his recommendations.

VISIT RICKY’S WEB SITE
You can access his site by clicking on the blue link under the video, or by clicking here:
http://www.rickysteele.net

In addition to learning more about his services, you will find his contact information there.

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
Ricky will welcome your response. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

BOOST YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS ANOTHER WAY–VISIT AND “LIKE” MY FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA

I help companies identify their communication problems, and then find solutions to them. Also, I help leaders develop their speaking skills, so they will speak with “poise, power, and persuasion.”

On my Facebook page, you’ll find beneficial articles, podcasts, and videos–all designed to “Help You Finish in First Place.” When you visit the page,click “Like” to stay connected for updates.

Here’s that link again:
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA

Want to start your own business?

If you answer “Yes,” then you will want to read practical, field-tested advice from Tag Goulet. She is:
*Syndicated columnist for the Calgary Sun in Alberta, Canada
*Co-founder of the immensely popular FabJob.com
*Internationally known for her expertise on careers and entrepreneurship
*Author of books, e-books, and hundreds of articles
*Quoted often by major networks and Web sites, including AOL, CNN, and CareerBuilder
* Frequent university lecturer in mass communications
*Trainer for leading corporations

Clearly, she has mastered the job and career arena. As a new or aspiring entrepreneur,
you will benefit greatly from her article, “Business Tips for Newbies.” The link:
http://bit.ly/HPPVcl

TAG GOULET’S WEB SITE
You will find much more information about the immensely resourceful Tag Goulet on her Web site:

http://www.FabJob.com/tag.html

Her contact information appears there also.

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
Tag and I will welcome your response. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

BOOST YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS ANOTHER WAY–VISIT AND “LIKE” MY FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA

I help companies identify their communication problems, and then find solutions to them. Also, I help leaders develop their speaking skills, so they will speak with “poise, power, and persuasion.”

On my Facebook page, you’ll find beneficial articles, podcasts, and videos–all designed to “Help You Finish in First Place.” When you visit the page,click “Like” to stay connected for updates.

Lifelong Friend Dr. Jim Woods Hosted Me

Recently I spoke to the Rotary Club in Clemson, SC, at the invitation of a lifelong friend from my hometown of Columbia, Mississippi, Dr. Jim Woods.

As a retired orthodontist, Jim enjoys using his newly created free time to serve as a volunteer for worthwhile organizations in his community. He told me that he learned something valuable about communication during my Rotary speech, which he applied with highly satisfactory results a few days later at another group’s planning session.

My Rotary speech focused on three essential steps for becoming a highly effective communicator: using clear language, making the most of that unique instrument known as your voice, and listening intently and non-judgmentally.

Later in the week, Jim participated in a second group session, geared to explain a fund raising campaign to Board members of a charity seeking $20 million in gifts. To expose the members to various viewpoints small groups circulated around the room until they heard presentations from six discussion leaders. Jim was one of those leaders.

To keep the group moving, the Board chairperson announced, “These will be twelve-minute breakouts. Each time, I will announce the ten-minute mark, so you can start winding up your interaction.”

When the first group came to Jim’s table, he launched into his outline of the capital campaign’s plan, detailing where the gifts would come from and how the Board would allocate them. During his fast-paced delivery, the Board chair announced: “Ten minutes gone, wrap it up in two minutes.” Jim decided he’d better talk even faster to cover all he wanted to say.

Yet before he resumed speaking, an attorney friend sitting beside him tapped him on the arm and asked: “Jim, I’ve got a question: Don’t you want our input? We’ve got some questions and probably some good ideas we want to share with you.”

Instantly, Jim realized that his monologue had dominated the allotted time. A bit red-faced, he answered: “Why of course, you’re right. I’ll be quiet for the next two minutes. Please pardon my misstep as a leader, and tell us your thoughts.”

When the seven people starting contributing their ideas, a fresh stream of energy began to flow around the table. Jim felt the change, and so did the others.

At the twelve-minute mark, Jim’s first group left and the second arrived. This time, Jim announced at the outset why he was altering his initial format: “I’ll begin by telling you what happened at my Rotary club meeting on Monday. Sometimes I don’t remember what our weekly guest speaker said, but this time his message stuck with me, especially when he talked about listening as one of our most powerful communication skills, yet also one of our most neglected skills. Using several brief stories, he illustrated that keen listeners learn far more—and even contribute far more—than great speakers. He challenged us to reduce our talking time and increase our listening time, both in conversations and in meetings.”

Jim admitted further, “With my first group today, I forgot that advice. I talked the entire ten minutes before we got the ten-minute signal. Then one of my friends asked me, quite politely, if I would welcome comments and questions. That jarred me. I acknowledged that I had prevented input by everyone else because I had failed to listen. So in this session and the following ones, I am going to revise my approach. I will give my overview of the campaign quickly in the first two minutes. Then the next ten minutes are yours. This will give us a chance to hear questions, objections, suggestions, and campaign endorsements that we’d miss if I did all the talking. So get set to jump in two minutes from now with what you’re thinking about this multimillion dollar campaign.”

That session, and the ones following, fostered lively, frank, and creative analysis of the campaign. Jim sensed what the change from monologue to dialogue had accomplished in the group’s mood, too. He reported, “I could feel that they felt valued and appreciated.”

A couple of days later, Jim called me tell me how my tips about listening had revolutionized his style as a moderator—and how rewarding the results were. Jim said, “Maybe you wonder if audience members ever follow the advice you give when you speak. Well, I can assure you that at least one person—me—tried what you recommended on Monday. And I guarantee, the change in the group’s response was so magical that I have overcome my tendency to do all the talking when I give a presentation. I’m going to remember, and act on, that advice you gave from Stephen Covey: ‘Seek first to understand, and then to be understood.’”

Clearly, the lesson Jim learned about listening brought a permanent improvement in his communication. So put the power of listening to the test, as he did. The results will amaze you, and all those you lead.

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
Dr. Jim Woods and I will welcome your response. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

MY BOOK AND AUDIO CDs WILL BOOST YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS
I invite you to visit this page, to check my book and audio CDs that will boost your communication skills. You’ll note that you can order some of the CDs as downloadable MP3s, so you can access them instantly. Major credit cards accepted for your convenience.
http://tinyurl.com/ljr54y

Ricky Steele, Chief Development Officer for Hunter Technical Resources in Atlanta, Georgia, has established a stellar, widespread reputation for his ability to create and maintain professional relationships. “Networking” could serve as his middle name, quite easily.

Included in his area of expertise: Social Media. So I invited Ricky to share some of his ideas and recommendations about twitter in this first of three video interviews about Social Media. Watch this video to learn how you can get maximum advantage from twitter, and even discover shortcuts that will save valuable time.

CONTACT INFORMATION
You’ll find Ricky’s contact information on his Web site:
http://www.rickysteele.net

ORDER HIS BOOK
When you visit his site, order his book, The Heart of Networking, which I have given a 5-star review on Amazon. You’ll note that I endorse the book in this video as well.
Or you can order from Amazon: http://bit.ly/GK0op4

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
Ricky Steele and I will welcome your response. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

DEVELOP YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS IN THE SAME WAY RICKY STEELE DID
How did Ricky Steele become such a magnetic leader? Why is he widely known as a powerful networker and sales professional? What turned him into an author and an in-demand speaker?

The answer is simple. He disciplined himself to learn year after year from other professionals. Did you hear him say this during our interview? “I follow some really influential people, certainly Tom Peters, Guy Kawasaki, and Seth Godin.”

Sure, Ricky has natural talent, as we all do. Yet raw talent alone will not shape you into a top-tier communicator. You get there by reading books, articles, blogs, and newsletters. You improve by watching training videos. You sign up for seminars and conferences. You listen to podcasts. You hire mentors and coaches.

So I offer you two opportunities to boost your communication skills–starting today. First, subscribe to my complimentary newsletter, “Winning Words and Ways.” Just enter your name and e-mail address in the slots provided on my Web site: http://www.championshipcommunication.com

Second, I invite you to visit this page, to check my book and audio CDs that will boost your communication skills. You’ll note that you can order some of the CDs as downloadable MP3s, so you can access them instantly. Major credit cards accepted for your convenience.
http://tinyurl.com/ljr54y

Follow Ricky Steele’s example. Become a lifelong student of communication. Eventually, someone could very well interview you about your area of expertise, and produce a video that benefits others.

This brief video above invites you to my April 10 Small Business Success Seminar for the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce.

Click the link under the video to go to the Chamber’s site and register, or call Jean McCullough, 770-532-6206

See you on April 10!

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
To respond, go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

November 7, 1967 set Lee Ellis, an Air Force fighter pilot, on a new adventure he hadn’t planned and didn’t desire. In a bombing raid over North Vietnam, here’s what happened: “Suddenly, an explosion rocked our aircraft. A terrifying sound, like marbles in a blender, alerted me that the metal of our expensive flying machine was ripping apart. The cockpit was still intact, but it was rapidly filling with smoke. The control stick was frozen. . .and we were tumbling end over end through the sky.”

Fortunately, Ellis ejected. Unfortunately, North Vietnamese combatants captured him. He stayed at the now infamous “Hanoi Hilton,” the sarcastic name applied to the prison camp that also housed the POW we would come to know as Senator John McCain.

After his release from the service, Lee Ellis started sharing the leadership lessons he learned for survival. He has become a popular speaker and consultant for leading corporations. Now his book–Leading With Honor: Leadership Lessons from the Hanoi Hilton–makes his valuable concepts about communication, morale, team building, and motivation available to a larger public.

I invite you to watch my brief video review of this stirring book, steeped in patriotism and in outstanding management advice.

PRE-ORDER FROM AMAZON
Though the book will not hit the market until May, you can pre-order from Amazon, using this link:
http://bit.ly/x0R86Q

CONTACT LEE ELLIS
His Web site provides his contact information:
http://www.leadershipfreedom.com

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
Lee Ellis and I will welcome your response. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

BOOST YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS–VISIT AND “LIKE” MY FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA

Want to speak with “poise, power, and persuasion”? You’ll find beneficial articles, podcasts, and videos–designed to help you generate “attention, agreement, and action.” Click “Like” to stay connected for updates.

They said he was too short to play quarterback in the NFL. They said he’d never overcome a horrendous shoulder injury. They said the New Orleans Saints had always been losers, and would continue to be cellar dwellers. Yet Drew Brees proved that the naysayers and critics were wrong on every one of those points. Winning the 2009 Super Bowl silenced his doubters.

In the brief video above, you’ll see why I recommend that you read, underline, and re-read Coming Back Stronger: Unleashing the Hidden Power of Adversity. You’ll embrace Brees’ astounding ability to even refer to adversityas a friend. I explain that in the video.

You can be sure that I will be sharing the Drew Brees story and quoting portions of this book, as I did in the video, in my keynote motivational speeches at conferences and conventions.

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
I will welcome your response. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

ORDER MY MOTIVATIONAL AUDIO CD
For additional motivational strategies, order my popular audio CD, “Always Push the Up Button: How to Stay Highly Motivated–Every Day!”

You’ll find the CD when you scroll down my Web site’s shopping cart page:
http://tinyurl.com/ljr54y

NOTE: You have a choice–order the CD or the downloadable mp3, whichever you prefer.

BOOST YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS–VISIT AND “LIKE” MY FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA

You’ll find beneficial articles, podcasts, and videos–designed to help you generate “attention, agreement, and action.” Click “Like” to stay connected for updates.

McLuhan at Work

When I was earning my Ph.D. at Ohio University, communication guru Marshall McLuhan spoke to a campus auditorium jammed with students. McLuhan had garnered a reputation as a true communication guru. So I was delighted to see one of my fellow communication colleagues–Pat Rocchi–feature McLuhan in his blog. With Pat’s permission, I am sharing his tribute to McLuhan with you.

December 31, 2011 marks 30 years since media guru Marshall McLuhan died, a victim of a final stroke after suffering from a series of them. How kind thei ntervening years have been to him. At the time of his death, he was viewed in his native Canada as somewhat of an embarrassment, but today he is an oracle, having essentially foreseen Facebook Amazon, Twitter, the iPhone and other modern media. In the words of a New York Times article published this past summer to mark McLuhan’s centenary, “Instead of being viewed as an academic fraud, McLuhan is now widely celebrated as the man who prophesied both the Internet and its impact on society.” Indeed, Professor B. W. Powe of Toronto’s York University, and one of the organizers of a week-long series of memorial events in that city, said this: “We read the 21st-century media through his eyes.”

Quite a turnaround for one man, though not unusual. As with most social visionaries, McLuhan challenged tightly held beliefs, and most people are afraid to let go of such ideas. His vocabulary was also new and alien. He introduced us to his definitions of “hot” and “cold” media: Hot media, such as print and the cinema, are sharp in definition, filled with data, exclusively visual and verbal. He also asserted that these media were psychologically damaging and low in audience participation. Other hot media, according to McLuhan, were photography, competitive spectator sports and radio. Moreover, he said that hot media make people think logically and independently rather than naturally and communally. McLuhan preferred “cool” media, noting that while they are low in information, they also challenge their users by forcing them to fill in the “missing” information. He saw the telephone, modern painting and, most significantly, television as cool media because they are oral-auditory, tactile and visceral. McLuhan believed that these media would be a unifying force, putting modern “back into the tribal or oral pattern with its seamless web of kinship and interdependence.” These behaviors would, in turn, create his “global village,” a term that he coined

As with many prophets, McLuhan’s revolutionary ideas were not regarded kindly in his own time. A Time magazine review of his book Understanding Media — regarded today as the seminal work on the effect of media in the modern world and which contained many of the concepts described above — called the book “pseudo science.” Yet years later, when Time published their obituary of McLuhan, the magazine stated that “his writing was clumsy, his thoughts badly organized, and even he complained that he had trouble understanding his ideas. But…when he died last week in Toronto at the age of 69, Marshall McLuhan was recognized as one of the most influential thinkers of the ’60s. Some of his insights into the nature of television and the electronic age became conventional wisdom.”

One of McLuhan’s prime principles was that “we shape our tools, and thereafter our tools shape us.” Can we doubt that statement today, given how we interact through Web 2.0? We make “friends” through Facebook, we reveal our innermost thoughts through our blogs, we make spectacles of ourselves through YouTube, and we have learned to communicate succinctly in just 140 characters through our Twitter accounts.

Once again, we are currently reminded of the power of the media in our politics. And I do not mean our primary Presidential politics. No, the “global village” that McLuhan foresaw also has global politics. Time scoffed yet again when McLuhan stated in Understanding Media that “Had TV occurred on a large scale during Hitler’s reign, he would have vanished quickly.” No, the Old Professor was on target, as we have seen Twitter and Facebook cut through censorship and propaganda to produce an Arab Spring or rally for the rights of the disenfranchised. And here in this country, presidential front runners fall back almost immediately as they wilt under the glare of the media spotlight. That durability under scrutiny seems to determine winners more than any other obstacle. Some partisans may complain that Barrack Obama did not face any real scrutiny during his primary campaign, but come on; I was viewing fresh footage of his pastor, the incendiary Rev. Jeremiah Wright, every morning, whether through the network news or the Internet. And will Mitt Romney, seemingly made of asbestos and impervious to the heat of battle, win his party’s nomination because no medium will be able to lay a finger on him long enough to count him out as they have so many others? We’ll see.

When McLuhan made his pronouncements more than 40 years ago, some listened while many others dismissed them as nonsense. He stated that media are “not neutral; instead they have an effect on people.” Today, as we study the effects of television on what we buy, who we elect and how we learn, and as we study how video games and the Internet are affecting the linearity of our thinking, his theories are easily echoed. Yet because they are so commonsense and commonplace, we forget their origins. However, we learned similar lessons from Einstein, whose ideas were so advanced that they were also ineffable because no suitable language existed to express them. (How does one explain E=MC squared?)

The global village did not exist when Marshall McLuhan coined the phrase. But somehow he emerged from his intellectual rabbit hole to glimpse it, and then he wrote many books and essays to prepare us for it. Let’s stay aware of the power we possess through our media, which have indeed become our extensions and have united us (and conformed us) in ways that only he seemed to imagine.

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
Pat Rocchi and I will welcome your response. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

CONTACT PAT ROCCHI
Pat Rocchi is an acclaimed speaker, business consultant, speech writer, and author. Check his Web site, and contact him for information about his services:
http://www.patrocchi.com

BOOST YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS–VISIT AND “LIKE” MY FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA

You’ll find beneficial articles, podcasts, and videos–designed to help you generate “attention, agreement, and action.” Click “Like” to stay connected for updates.

We all make mistakes while speaking. I do, for sure.

What’s the biggest communication blunder you ever made before a large audience?

I still wince and squirm today when I remember mine. I was a college official reading the citation honoring a prominent alumna–with 400 audience members listening. I was supposed to say that she wrote a play about the college in 1956. Accidentally, I said she wrote the play in 1856. By placing her in a previous century, I made her appear ten decades older than she was. Odd thing was, I wasn’t aware of my goof up until a fellow administrator kidded me about it afterward. “Oh,” I answered, “that explains why everybody was laughing when I said that.” As you can guess, I apologized to the honoree afterward, though I couldn’t retract the 100-year mistake.

Possibly that memory prompts me to select the top ten communication blunders made annually–the goofs, gaffes, and glitches that brought the most embarrassment. Here’s my list of the inglorious winners for 2011, along with the lessons their mistakes offer.

1. In Spartanburg, South Carolina, Michele Bachmann urged the crowd to join her in celebrating Elvis Presley’s birthday. Thinking that was a grand applause line, she was stunned by the tepid response. Turns out that August 16 wasn’t the Rock and Roll King’s birthday. Quite the reverse, as that was the date of his death thirty-four years ago.

LESSON: Check your facts or have somebody else do that before you speak.

2. Following a gaudy, much-ballyhooed wedding ceremony, Kim Kardashian announced the end of her marriage after 72 days, citing “irreconcilable differences.”

LESSON: Every married couple faces irreconcilable differences. Wise up, Kim. Your next boyfriend and you will have them, and you’ll encounter them with all of your future husbands. Those of us who stay married to each other recognize that the irreconcilable differences are going to stay there, aren’t as devastating as we first thought, and can be tolerated. Eventually, both the husband and wife can learn to laugh at their foibles and differences.

3. Mitt Romney bet Rick Perry $10,000 that Romney didn’t support a national health care program based on the one Romney had championed in Massachusetts.

LESSON: Never flaunt your affluence. When a tenth of the U.S. is out of work, and a large percentage of those employed are pinching pennies because they don’t know when they will be downsized, disengaged, or whatever else means they’ll no longer get a paycheck, announcing your ability to make a five figure wager doesn’t keep you in touch with the men and women who are deciding which candidate understands their plight.

4. Perry, though, had his own “Oops” moment when he insisted he would eliminate three government agencies soon after his inauguration: “Commerce, Education, and. . . .er.” For 47 agonizing seconds, he tried to think of the third agency he had targeted, but couldn’t. Shortly afterward, he spoofed himself on David Letterman’s show, hoping that self-deprecating humor could repair the damage.

LESSON: Don’t promise to do more than you can even remember yourself.

5. Alec Baldwin continued to play a “Words with Friends” game on his phone, after American Airlines flight attendants asked him to shut down the device as the crew prepared for takeoff. Baldwin went nuclear, and then deplaned involuntarily after confronting attendants with impolite language. Interviewed afterward, Baldwin lamented that he was “singled out by this woman in the most unpleasant of tones.” He equated commercial airline travel to riding a “Greyhound Bus,” monitored by attendants who resembled a 1950s gym teacher on duty.

LESSON: When you’ve broken the rules, and continued to do that after several warnings, admit your mistake. Assume the blame yourself, without chiding others who are just doing their job.

6. When New York Representative Anthony Weiner sent lewd pictures of a portion of his anatomy to a woman via Twitter, as the scandal broke he proclaimed repeatedly, “Somebody hacked my account.” Turns out the early reports were an underestimate, because Weiner ultimately confessed that he had used his anatomical photographic skill to woo at least six women.

LESSON: Blaming the Internet for something you caused yourself is like blaming your car for crashing after you left a bar at 4:00 a.m.

7. Discussing a golf match between President Obama and House Speaker John Boehner, Hank Williams Jr said the links pairing was comparable to having Adolf Hitler play 18 holes with Benjamin Netanyahu. Almost immediately, ESPN dropped Williams’ theme song from the Monday Night Football opening segment.

LESSON: Be careful about comparisons. Hitler was a bad guy,very evil. Murdered millions of people, devastated the face of Europe. Worst racist in history. Whatever your opinion of the President of the United States, you aren’t smart to mention the President in the same sentence that refers to Herr Hitler.

8. Of course, the President himself voiced a disconnect between his brain and his tongue more than once. Prime example: When meeting with a jobs council in Durham, NC, he responded to those who said that cumbersome government regulations were blocking work on America’s infrastructure–a program Obama had championed. The President answered, “Shovel-ready was not as. . uh. . .shovel-ready as we expected.”

LESSON: Humor at the wrong time will backfire horribly. Cute play on words, Mr. President. However, the council didn’t want a quip, they wanted your commitment to facilitate thousands of jobs for people eager to rejoin the employment arena.

9. Vice President Joe Biden took a 25-second nap during President Obama’s speech touting his deficit reduction plan. You Tube helped make Biden’s snoozing infamous to tens of thousands of viewers.

LESSON: You don’t even have to speak to make a major communication blunder. The experts are right–body language transmits unmistakably clear messages.

10. On the highly popular weekly TV football show College Game Day, Lee Corso became careless while talking about the game between the University of Houston and SMU. Defying the odds makers who assured a Houston win, Corso picked up an SMU microphone and shouted the “F” word (and he wasn’t referring to the cheerleader’s typical plea for the team to “Fight”).

LESSON: Be careful with your customary daily lingo. Ed McMahon, Johnny Carson’s sidekick on the Tonight Show for thirty years, claimed in his autobiography that he never used profanity off the air–because he was afraid that offensive words could become habitual, and he would use them during a broadcast. Rather wise advice, because our daily habits become quite transparent when the spotlight hits us and tension mounts.

Those are my Top 10 communication blunders for 2011, with the lessons they provide. Have some you want to add? Respond, please, through the comments section.

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Storyteller Karen Chace in Action

While she refers to herself whimsically as “Storybug,” Karen Chace–based in East Freetown, MA–is quite seriously dedicated to her storytelling profession. That’s why I turned to her when I wanted a Christmas story to share with my blog readers. You’ll find this story heartwarming, with a grand message.

THE BEST WISH–THE STORY OF THREE BROTHERS AND AN ANGEL
NOTE: This story is a public domain European folktale found in Czechoslovak Fairy Tales by Parker Fillmore.

There were once three brothers whose only possession was a pear tree. They took turns guarding it. That is to say while two of them went to work the third stayed at home to see that no harm came to the pear tree.

Now it happened that an Angel from heaven was sent down to test the hearts of the three brothers. The Angel took the form of a beggar and approaching the pear tree on a day when the oldest brother was guarding it, he held out his hand and said:

“In heaven’s name, brother, give me a ripe pear.”

The oldest brother at once handed him a pear, saying:

“This one I can give you because it is mine, but none of the others because they belong to my brothers.”

The Angel thanked him and departed.

The next day when the second brother was on guard he returned in the same guise and again begged the charity of a ripe pear.

“Take this one,” the second brother said. “It is mine and I can give it away. I can’t give away any of the others because they belong to my brothers.”

The Angel thanked the second brother and departed.

The third day he had exactly the same experience with the youngest brother.

On the following day the Angel, in the guise of a monk, came to the brothers’ house very early while they were still all at home.

“My sons,” he said, “come with me and perhaps I can find you something better to do than guard a single pear tree.”

The brothers agreed and they all started out together. After walking some time they came to the banks of a broad deep river.

“My son,” the Angel said, addressing the oldest brother, “if I were to grant you one wish, what you ask?”

“I’d be happy,” the oldest brother said, “if all this water was turned into wine and belonged to me.”

The Angel lifted his staff and made the sign of the cross and lo! the water became wine from great wine-presses. At once numbers of casks appeared and men filling them and rolling them about. A huge industry sprang up with sheds and storehouses and wagons and men running hither and thither and addressing the oldest brother respectfully as “Master!”

“You have your wish,” the Angel said. “See that you do not forget God’s poor now that you are rich. Farewell.”

So they left the oldest brother in the midst of his wine and went on farther until they came to a broad field where flocks of pigeons were feeding.

“If I were to grant you one wish,” the Angel said to the second brother, “what would you ask?”

“I’d be happy, father, if all the pigeons in this field were turned to sheep and belonged to me.”

The Angel lifted his staff, made the sign of the cross, and lo! the field was covered with sheep. Sheds appeared and houses and women, some of them milking the ewes and others skimming the milk and making cheeses. In one place men were busy preparing meat for the market and in another cleaning wool. And all of them as they came and went spoke respectfully to the second brother and called him, “Master!”

“You have your wish,” the Angel said. “Stay here and enjoy prosperity and see that you do not forget God’s poor!”

Then he and the youngest brother went on their way.

“Now, my son,” the Angel said, “you, too, may make one wish.”

“I want but one thing, father. I pray heaven to grant me a truly pious wife. That is my only wish.”

“A truly pious wife!” the Angel cried. “My boy, you have asked the hardest thing of all! Why, there are only three truly pious women in all the world! Two of them are already married and the third is a princess who is being sought in marriage at this very moment by two kings! However, your brothers have received their wishes and you must have yours, too. Let us go at once to the father of this virtuous princess and present your suit.”

So just as they were they trudged to the city where the princess lived and presented themselves at the palace looking shabby and travel-stained.

The king received them and when he heard their mission he looked at them in amazement.

“This makes three suitors for my daughter’s hand! Two kings and now this young man all on the same day! How am I going to decide among them?”

“Let heaven decide!” the Angel said. “Cut three branches of grape-vine and let the princess mark each branch with the name of a different suitor. Then let her plant the three branches to-night in the garden and to-morrow do you give her in marriage to the man whose branch has blossomed during the night and by morning is covered with ripe clusters of grapes.”

The king and the two other suitors agreed to this and the princess named and planted three branches of grape-vine. In the morning two of the branches were bare and dry, but the third, the one which was marked with the name of the youngest brother, was covered with green leaves and ripe clusters of grapes. The king accepted heaven’s ruling and at once led his daughter to church where he had her married to the stranger and sent her off with his blessing.

The Angel led the young couple to a forest and left them there.

A year went by and the Angel was sent back to earth to see how the three brothers were faring. Assuming the form of an old beggar, he went to the oldest brother who was busy among his wine-presses and begged the charity of a cup of wine.

“Be off with you, you old vagabond!” the oldest brother shouted angrily. “If I gave a cup of wine to every beggar that comes along I’d soon be a beggar myself!”

The Angel lifted his staff, made the sign of the cross, and lo! the wine and all the wine-presses disappeared and in their place flowed a broad deep river.

“In your prosperity you have forgotten God’s poor,” the Angel said. “Go back to your pear tree.”

Then the Angel went to the second brother who was busy in his dairy.

“Brother,” the Angel said, “in heaven’s name, I pray you, give me a morsel of cheese.”

“A morsel of cheese, you lazy good-for-nothing!” the second brother cried. “Be off with you or I’ll call the dogs!”

The Angel lifted his staff, made the sign of the cross, and lo! the sheep and the dairy and all the busy laborers disappeared and he and the second brother were standing there alone in a field where flocks of pigeons were feeding.

“In your prosperity you have forgotten God’s poor,” the Angel said. “Go back to your pear tree!”

Then the Angel made his way to the forest where he had left the youngest brother and his wife. He found them in great poverty living in a mean little hut.

“God be with you!” said the Angel still in the guise of an old beggar. “I pray you in heaven’s name give me shelter for the night and a bite of supper.”

“We are poor ourselves,” the youngest brother said.

“But come in, you are welcome to share what we have.”

They put the old beggar to rest at the most comfortable place beside the fire and the wife set three places for the evening meal. They were so poor that the loaf that was baking in the oven was not made of grain ground at the mill but of pounded bark gathered from the trees.

“Alas,” the wife murmured to herself, “it shames me that we have no real bread to put before our guest.”

Imagine then her surprise when she opened the oven and saw a browned loaf of wheaten bread.

“God be praised!” she cried.

She drew a pitcher of water at the spring but when she began pouring it into the cups she found to her joy that it was changed to wine.

“In your happiness,” the Angel said, “you have not forgotten God’s poor and God will reward you!”

He raised his staff, made the sign of the cross, and lo! the mean little hut disappeared and in its place arose a stately palace full of riches and beautiful things. Servants passed hither and thither and addressed the poor man respectfully as “My lord!” and his wife as “My lady!”

The old beggar arose and as he went he blessed them both, saying:

“God gives you these riches and they will be yours to enjoy so long as you share them with others.”

They must have remembered the Angel’s words for all their lives long they were happy and prosperous.

ABOUT KAREN CHACE
Visit Karen’s Web site, where you will find valuable resources about stories. Read her blog, and enter your e-mail address in the slot to sign up for her newsletter. Use her contact information to talk with her about a professional presentation to your conference/convention. Her site link: http://www.storybug.net

HEAR MY RADIO INTERVIEW WITH KAREN CHACE
As the host of “The Communication Corner” on WBCX-FM, I was privileged to interview Karen about storytelling, a profession she has mastered. This link gives you access to the full 60-minute interview:
http://thecompletecommunicator.com/?p=2021

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Charlyn Shelton's Great Advice

A few weeks ago I became acquainted with ever-zestful Charlyn Shelton, a well-known “Boomerpreneur” and adviser to those who become “Suddenly Single.” As I browsed her stimulating articles, one impressed me so much that I requested her permission to reprint it. Fortunately, she said yes. So I can share with you her great lesson about becoming more aware of the marvelous people, scenes, and experiences surrounding us every moment. Now. . .here is her article.

IT’S ALL IN YOUR PERCEPTION, VALUE

In Washington, DC, at a Metro Station, on a cold January morning in 2007, this man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, approximately 2,000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After about 3 minutes, a middle-aged man noticed that there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds, and then he hurried on to meet his schedule.

About 4 minutes later: The violinist received his first dollar. A woman threw money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.

At 6 minutes: A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

At 10 minutes: A 3-year old boy stopped, but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head the whole time. This action was repeated by several other children, but every parent – without exception – forced their children to move on quickly.

At 45 minutes: The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.

After 1 hour: He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed and no one applauded. There was no recognition at all.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before, Joshua Bell sold-out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100 each to sit and listen to him play the same music.

This is a true story. Joshua Bell, playing incognito in the D.C. Metro Station, was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people’s priorities.

This experiment raised several questions:
* In a common-place environment, at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?
* If so, do we stop to appreciate it?
* Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?

One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this:
If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made…how many other things are we missing as we rush through life?

Enjoy life NOW…it has an expiration date

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CHARLYN SHELTON
Guarantee that your organization’s next event will succeed–beyond expectations. How? Bring in Charlyn Shelton as your keynote speaker and seminar director. Read more about her here, and contact her:

Web site: http://www.charlynshelton.com

Facebook: http://facebook.com/charlyn.boomerpreneur

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Amy Sullivan Hammond Listening Intently

When a speaker claims, “I really wowed that audience,” he or she is taking far too much credit for the success of the presentation. Why? Because give the same speaker an audience who doesn’t offer interest and support, and the result will be dismal. Far more than we estimate, audiences play a central role in the results of a speech.

Here are ten audience behaviors that will boost every speaker’s performance:

ONE: GIVE POWERFUL VISUAL CUES
In the photo above, Amy Sullivan Hammond illustrates the expression that would energize any speaker. Her posture is alert, and her pleasant demeanor reflects that she is enjoying the speech. Too, she appears inquisitive. She is making direct eye contact. Contrast this with the audience member who is doodling (or texting, which constitutes the contemporary version of doodling), looking out the window, or–at worst–nodding off with closed eyes. Again, note Amy’s vibrant nonverbal participation. She serves as a role model for facial and physical messages.

TWO: BE PUNCTUAL
Arrive several minutes before the speech starts, and when the group breaks for refreshments or a meal be among the first to return to the meeting room. Invariably, latecomers prompt other audience members to turn around to see who opened the door, and they become more distracted when the tardy attendant has to crawl over several people to reach his seat. The speaker notices those movements, too, and loses a vital sense of audience command.

THREE: SILENCE YOUR ELECTRONICS
Imagine that you’re addressing an audience, when suddenly a cell phone goes off–and continues ringing, because the owner cannot remember which pocket holds his phone, or a lady starts digging through her purse to find hers. If you were the speaker, you would become uncomfortable, and probably annoyed. As a preventive precaution, silence your phones, pagers, and beepers before you walk into the auditorium. You and the speaker will be glad you did.

FOUR: PARTICIPATE, BUT DON’T DOMINATE
Most presenters recognize the value of audience participation. Discussion brings variety of format, and often introduces provocative ideas. Your speaker will be delighted when you offer a comment or question, and will even welcome a challenge to her stated position. Yet keep your comments brief, and don’t comment too often, so you’ll give others a chance. As elementary school teachers tell their classes, this is “share time,” and no one person deserves total attention.

FIVE: AVOID SIDE CONVERSATIONS
An amazing transition happens when we become adults and start speaking in our company meetings, in civic clubs, or at professional conferences. Suddenly, we become acutely aware of how noticeable side conversations are. During our high school days, we assumed the teacher didn’t see or hear us because we sat on the tenth row. Now we realize that those mumblings and murmurings remain conspicuous even when the chatterboxes sit as many as twenty or thirty rows from the podium. So hold your chit chat until an announced break.

SIX: BRING RELEVANT MATERIALS
Completing an evaluation form after an all-day seminar, a participant complained: “Why didn’t somebody tell me I needed something to write with?” Sound atypical? Unfortunately, it isn’t. As a session begins, the speaker might hear “I didn’t bring along the information you e-mailed us. Got a spare copy with you?” Avoid sounding unprepared. Demonstrate that you rate the session valuable enough to come equipped with all relevant materials. Your speaker will welcome that courtesy, along with the eagerness you reflect.

SEVEN: JOIN THE APPLAUSE
In show business, comics refer to non-responsive audiences as “sitting on their hands.” For the speaker, that’s discouraging. So when you agree with the speaker’s statement, show your appreciation by applauding. Don’t worry if you’re the first one to applaud, others are likely to join you quickly. Certainly you retain the privilege of not applauding when you don’t endorse the speaker’s words. Again though, when you’re in favor of what is said, express your approval through applause.

EIGHT: DON’T CHECK YOUR WATCH
Next time you’re part of an audience, note what happens when someone near you checks her watch. The person next to her checks his. People across the isle see their action, and look at theirs. Does the speaker notice these time-checkers? Yes, even from farther away than you might guess. Well, what if no one else saw you check the time, not even the speaker? You still are not giving the speaker your complete attention. So trust that the speech or meeting will end in a reasonable amount of time, and stay absorbed in the message.

NINE: INTERACT WHEN INSTRUCTED TO
Today’s speakers recognize that people learn more and remember more when they interact during a presentation, under the leader’s guidance. However, some audience members lack enthusiasm for these activities. Either they leave the room, or they remain and start reading their e-mails. To support your speaker, go along with the interaction she requests. Although the words and motions might seem pointless initially, most of the time the dialogue or brief team work will make a valid point that amplifies the theme. Your speaker will appreciate your cooperation, and you will gain perspective you’d miss otherwise.

TEN: COMPLETE THE EVALUATION SHEET
Frequently a presenter asks you to complete an evaluation sheet after the speech. Although we’re tempted to gather our belongings and head for the exit, we will assist the speaker greatly with our candid, constructive feedback. As long as you offer your recommendations tactfully, your speaker will use your suggestions to improve his speech for the next audience. When you write, “PowerPoint slides needed more graphics,” the speaker will insert photos and clip art to enliven the visual aids. Tell what you liked, too: “I’m glad your speech was so well organized, made it easy to follow.”

In short: As an audience member, potentially you are a valuable ally for the speaker. Follow these ten suggestions, and help speakers accomplish their mission, so you and others will get the full benefit of the expertise they offer.

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
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LEARN MORE ABOUT AMY SULLIVAN HAMMOND’S SERVICES
Amy Sullivan Hammond is a remarkable entrepreneur who operates a thriving business while caring for four children. Fortunately, she helps other “Mompreneurs” succeed in business and in life. Here’s her Facebook page:
http://facebook.com/amy.sullivan.hammond

ALSO. . .GET VALUABLE SPEAKING STRATEGIES FROM MY NEW FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
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Star Athlete Who Starred in Life

Eagle Day and I grew up less than a mile apart in the tiny town of Columbia, Mississippi. In high school, he became one of my early heroes, because of his remarkable athletic skills.

Consider these achievements:
–Earned 16 letters at Columbia High School: football, baseball, basketball, track
–All-SEC Quarterback at Ole Miss, leading the team to consecutive SEC crowns
–Most valuable back in Cotton Bowl, where he spearheaded a dramatic victory over TCU
–Cotton Bowl, Missisippi, and Ole Miss Halls of Fame
–Played fourteen years of professional football, most valuable player in 1962 in the Canadian Football League

Thrilling as it was to watch my boyhood friend and idol go that far, Eagle Day turned into a different kind of hero for me after his playing days. He became a solid family man, civic and church leader, and supporter of his alma mater. He spoke at youth camps and churches, and volunteered for numerous charities. He helped young athletes hone their skills.

Professionally, he established a successful insurance business, then became Executive Director of the Mississippi Motor Vehicle Commission.

On February 22,2008, this grand champion of athletics and life died from cancer. I lost a lifelong friend. Let me share with you, though, Eagle Day’s ten lessons from winning at life, as I understand them from our many discussions across several decades.

LESSON ONE: Keep an upbeat attitude. Across many years, whenever I would call Eagle and ask, “How are you doing?” he offered a one-word answer: “Fantastic.” Life to him was fantastic. He endured setbacks like everybody else, but he considered them nothing more than temporary challenges.

LESSON TWO: Have a goal. I asked Eagle once, “How did you have the discipline to keep going–practicing, eating right, training, and avoiding the bad habits most of us had as teenagers? What made you stick with athletics so faithfully?” He answered: “I wanted to catch the bus out of town.” He loved that little town,yet he knew that his talent and dedication could take him many more places.

LESSON THREE: Never envy anyone else. Eagle grew up in very moderate economic circumstances. He could have become bitter about his school mates who enjoyed many more privileges. But he never complained. In fact, he told me once, “The other man’s grass might look greener. . .but did you ever try to mow it?”

LESSON FOUR: Don’t let others intimidate you. “Bill,” he told me, “I never think of myself as better than anybody else. At the same time, I never think of anybody else as better than me. We’re all on equal footing.”

LESSON FIVE: Prepare thoroughly. “At Calgary, I was the first player on the practice field, and the last to leave,” he explained. At Ole Miss, he had 150 plays to remember, plus their various formations. “Before a big game, I might not sleep more than three hours, as I pictured every possibility, and how I would react.” In his words, “Win before you ever hit the field.”

LESSON SIX: Help your teammates. As head of the Motor Vehicle Division, he spent many hours preparing his board chairman for a leadership role in the meetings.

LESSON SEVEN: Always be available to those who need you. In 1975, my mother suffered a severe stroke, and was hospitalized in Jackson, MS. I called Eagle, and told him how much it would mean if he visited my distraught, aged father. Eagle came to the hospital that afternoon. Immediately, I could see my father’s spirits lifted.

LESSON EIGHT: Take a risk when you have the ability. Ole Miss was losing that 1956 Cotton Bowl in the closing minutes. Ole Miss had the ball, but it was fourth down. Eagle knew that Coach Johnny Vaught wanted Eagle to punt. Eagle had confidence he could complete a pass. He did, to get the first down. Shortly afterward, Eagle ran 25 yards to the five yard line. The score on the next play, plus the extra point, assured the 14-13 victory over TCU. Sports writers dubbed Eagle “The Mississippi Gambler.” He disagreed, saying he knew all along he could make the fourth down pass play work.

LESSON NINE: Take pride in your appearance. Coach Vaught instilled that in his players–”Look good, and you’ll feel like a champion.” While others welcomed “business casual” and carried it to sloppy extremes, Eagle invariably looked like a man out of Esquire.

LESSON TEN: Look beyond human help. For many years, Eagle was active in Jackson’s First Baptist Church. He ushered and attended Tuesday Bible study lunch meetings. In a speech to a men’s group at the church, he concluded with: “Don’t remember me as number 19 (his football jersey number). Instead, remember me as a man of integrity.”

Shortly after Eagle’s untimely death, I remembered what Vince Lombardi said about the Green Bay Packers: “We never lost a game. Sometimes the clock just ran out.” I can assure you, Eagle Day was a winner in every phase of life. The clock ran out, but the score remains in his favor nevertheless.

NO SURPRISE
You will understand why it’s no surprise that I tell the Eagle Day story in every motivational speech, and include it in my audio CD about maintaining maximum motivation.

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Are you producing videos to promote your business–or planning to do that? Then watch my brief video above, offering advice on how you should speak for video production.

After you watch the video, I invite you to click on the link under the video, to order your copy of my audio CD, “How to Speak with Poise, Power, and Persuasion.” You will benefit from the tips I share from my fourteen years as a professional speaker and Speech Coach.

Or you can click here to order the CD:
http://tinyurl.com/ljr54y

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ALSO. . .GET VALUABLE SPEAKING STRATEGIES FROM MY NEW FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
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Lorrie Thomas Ross, Internet Master

Lorrie Thomas Ross–CEO of Web Marketing Therapy, based in Santa Barbara, California (three time zones away from Georgia)–set her alarm extra early, so she could join our 9:00 a.m. broadcast in “The Communication Corner,” my weekly interview program on WBCX, 89.1 FM.

During our highly informative discussion, co-hosted by Kristina Rhoades, Lorrie covered these and related topics:
–Her own unlikely start as an Internet professional
–Why “maximizing relationships” is absolutely “the true meaning of marketing”
–Logical sequence of steps for getting started with the Web
–Her observation that “flash can be trash” on Web sites
–A persuasive way to ask people to sign up for your online newsletter
–The power of “content marketing”
–Making the most of your blog
–Video as a vital component of your marketing plan

HEAR LORRIE THOMAS ROSS’S SUPERB ADVICE
Click the arrow near the bottom of this page, located just above the Audio MP3 lettering. You’ll hear our full 60 minute interview.

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
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CONTACT LORRIE THOMAS ROSS
You will find her contact information on her corporate Web site:
http://www.webmarketingtherapy.com

Lorrie will welcome your inquiries about her services.

ORDER LORRIE’S BOOK, Online Marketing
Here’s a link that takes you to Amazon’s page featuring Lorrie’s book, Online Marketing.:
http://tinyurl.com/4dbpv8x

Scroll down to my video review of the book. Once you have watched my review–one of 17 reviews that give a 5-star ranking–order this book that will hep you “master the essentials of online marketing.”

Once again, here’s the link to Online Marketing:
http://tinyurl.com/4dbpv8x

GET VALUABLE SPEAKING TIPS AND STRATEGIES FROM MY NEW FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
Lorrie Thomas Ross’s energetic, articulate interview demonstrated the professional advantage you have when you can speak clearly and compellingly,to an audience you’re facing– or even an invisible audience on radio or TV. Do you want to speak with “poise, power, and persuasion” as Lorrie does? Then I encourage you to contact me about my Speech Coaching service. Here’s the link to my new Facebook business page, titled: “Dr. Bill Lampton- Speech Coach for Champions”
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA

You’ll find beneficial articles, podcasts, and videos for speaking so skillfully that you generate “attention, agreement, and action.” Click “Like” to stay connected for updates.

Yep, football season has started, after fans waited for many long months. As you watch the games, think about the remarkable parallels between great football teams and great speakers. What are they?

Watch my brief video above which explains the similarities. And then to learn more about becoming a champion speaker, click the link under the video. Scroll down the page, and you’ll find my audio CD, “How to Speak with Poise, Power, and Persuasion,” along with ordering instructions.

Or you can click here to access my Web site’s shopping cart:
http://tinyurl.com/ljr54y

COMMENT ON THE VIDEO
I’ll welcome your response to the video. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

GET VALUABLE SPEAKING TIPS AND STRATEGIES FROM MY NEW FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
To get additional guidelines for great speaking, click this link to my new Facebook business page, titled: “Dr. Bill Lampton- Speech Coach for Champions”
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA

You’ll find beneficial articles, podcasts, and videos for speaking so skillfully that you generate “attention, agreement, and action.” Click “Like” to stay connected for updates.

With College Counselor Dr. Jean DuPree

Parents and high school students know that they need to be very busy now applying for college admission for the 2012-13 academic year. In fact, some may have been active in the process already.

Want some expert advice on the process? Then listen to my entire interview with Dr. Jean DuPree, College Counselor at Lakeview Academy in Gainesville, Georgia. I hosted her in “The Communication Corner,” my weekly interview program on WBCX, 89.1 FM. As usual, I welcomed the vital assistance of co-host Kristina Rhoades.

During our lively conversation, Dr. Dupree talked about:
–Why going to college might not be the best decision for some students
–Advantages/disadvantages of small colleges and large universities
–Whether extracurricular activities in high school impact college admission
–Annual cost of college, and getting financial aid
–How students benefit from work/study arrangements
–What parents should do during a campus visit
–Selecting a roommate
–Other relevant topics

HEAR MY INTERVIEW WITH DR. JEAN DUPREE
Click the arrow near the bottom of this page, located just above the Audio MP3 lettering. You’ll hear our full 60 minute interview.

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
We welcome your response to Jean’s advice about finding the right college or university. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

CONTACT DR. JEAN DUPREE

E-mail: mailto:Jean@DuPreeCollegePrep.com

Web site for her company, “Smart Steps”: http://www.dupreecollegeprep.com

Web site for Lakeview Academy: http://www.lakeviewacademy.com

Jean will welcome your inquiries about her services.

GET VALUABLE SPEAKING TIPS AND STRATEGIES FROM MY NEW FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
Dr. Jean DuPree’s energetic, articulate interview demonstrated the professional advantage you have when you can speak clearly and compellingly,to an audience you’re facing– or even an invisible audience on radio or TV. Want to speak with “poise, power, and persuasion”? Then I encourage you to contact me about my Speech Coaching service. Here’s the link to my new Facebook business page, titled: “Dr. Bill Lampton- Speech Coach for Champions”
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA

You’ll find beneficial articles, podcasts, and videos for speaking so skillfully that you generate “attention, agreement, and action.” Click “Like” to stay connected for updates.

Early in life, we start equating riches with a combination of cash on hand, savings accumulated, property holdings, and sound investments in our portfolio. Now financial planner and advisor Beau Henderson offers a radically fresh slant on what the “Rich Life” really is.

At the top of this blog, watch my video review of this book. Then use the link under the blog to order The Rich Life:Ten Investments for True Wealth.

Or you can click on this link to order Beau’s booK:
http://tinyurl.com/3v4rrup

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
We welcome your response to Beau Henderson’s book, once you have read The Rich Life. To share your feedback, go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

CONTACT BEAU HENDERSON
To learn more about Beau’s services and contact him:
Web site: http://www.richlifeadvisors.com

Beau will welcome your inquiries, and will respond promptly.

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS GROWTH AS BEAU DID–BY DEVELOPING MAGNETIC COMMUNICATION SKILLS
In only fifteen years, Beau Henderson has attracted a huge following of clients and advocates–primarily through his remarkable communication skills. So I encourage you to consider my Speech Coaching service, to jet propel your business growth. Here’s the link to my new Facebook business page, titled: “Dr. Bill Lampton- Speech Coach for Champions”
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA

You’ll find beneficial articles, podcasts, and videos for speaking with “poise, power, and persuasion.” Click “Like” to stay connected for updates.

With Meredith Bell

For more than three decades, Meredith Bell of Newport News, Virginia has been a leader in fostering personal and professional development. In “The Communication Corner” on WBCX-FM, co-host Kristina Rhoades and I hosted Meredith for a very informative hour. Meredith described what she has learned by serving top-caliber individual and corporate clients.

Among the topics we covered:
–Working harder on ourselves than on our job
–Meeting the challenge of changing our habits
–How to give constructive feedback
–Why employees value compliments so highly
–A lesson learned when stung by a yellow jacket
–Steps toward discovering your “top strength”
–Her F-A-R formula for making improvements
–”Rewiring the brain” so you can make changes
–Role of mentors and coaches in our development

HEAR MY INTERVIEW WITH MEREDITH
Click the arrow near the bottom of this page, located just above the Audio MP3 lettering. You’ll hear our full 60 minute interview.

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
We welcome your response to Meredith Bell’s ideas and recommendations. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

CONTACT MEREDITH
To learn more about her company’s services and products–especially the ProStar Coach system:

E-mail: mailto:meredith@prostarcoach.com

Web site: http://tinyurl.com/44hw7vk

Meredith will welcome your inquiries.

GET VALUABLE SPEAKING TIPS AND STRATEGIES FROM MY NEW FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
Meredith Bell’s WBCX highly articulate interview demonstrated the professional advantage you have when you can speak clearly and compellingly,to an audience you’re facing or even on radio or TV. So I encourage you to consider my Speech Coaching service. Here’s the link to my new Facebook business page, titled: “Dr. Bill Lampton- Speech Coach for Champions”
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA

You’ll find beneficial articles, podcasts, and videos for speaking with “poise, power, and persuasion.” Click “Like” to stay connected for updates.

You hear so much advice about giving speeches, such as:
–Don’t say “uh”
–This speech is very important for your career. . .in fact it’s critical
–Be sure not to leave out anything significant
–Rehearse your speech aloud several times
–Don’t refer to your notes very often
–Enunciate clearly
–Our most important clients will be at this meeting
–Vary your speaking rate

Well, no wonder we get so uptight about making a speech. Our colleagues tell us this is a “do or die” situation, so we start believing that ourselves. Plus, we get overwhelmed by the instructions and tips well-meaning advisers offer. To borrow a sports phrase, we fall victim to “paralysis by analysis.”

That’s why I encourage you to watch this video on how to lighten up when you speak.

FOR MORE SPEAKING GUIDELINES, ORDER MY AUDIO CD
You’ll hear additional helpful advice when you order my audio CD, “How to Speak with Poise, Power, and Persuasion.” This CD summarizes the keys I share with my coaching clients, and include in the presentation skills seminar I direct for corporations.

To place your order, notice that you can click the blue link under the video. That takes you to my Web site’s shopping cart. Scroll down until you see the CD description

Or you can click on this link to get to my shopping cart:
http://tinyurl.com/ljr54y

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
We welcome your comments about this video’s message. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

Frank, Sandy, and their beloved Daisey

Here’s an inspiring story about a Delmar, Delaware couple that didn’t let the current economic slump stop them from succeeding:
http://tinyurl.com/4y62zbp

This article merits your close attention, primarily because of the life and business values that Frank and Sandy cherish, and the creative steps they took during a financial crisis.

Clearly, they just changed directions. . .yet never stopped moving forward. No wonder RequestMaster.com featured them as the Business of the Week. Congratulations, and thanks for this highly motivational example!

Again, be sure to read the article that honors Frank and Sandy Honess:
http://tinyurl.com/4y62zbp

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
We welcome your comments about Frank and Sandy’s success story. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

HEAR ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE WHOSE SUCCESS WILL INSPIRE YOU
To hear inspiring stories about others who succeeded against strong odds, order my audio CD, “Always Push the Up Button: How to Stay Highly Motivated Every Day!” Go to my online shopping cart, and scroll down until you find the description of the CD:
http://tinyurl.com/ljr54y

NOTE: You have the option of ordering the CD or the downloadable MP3

Dr. Jim Benson, Riverside Military Academy

Slightly more than two years ago, Dr. Jim Benson became President of Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, Georgia. Already his leadership has generated progressive changes–with more to come.

During his guest appearance in “The Communication Corner”–the program that I host weekly on WBCX-FM, “The Voice of Brenau,” with the vital assistance of co-host Kristina Rhoades–Dr. Benson explained his ideas about leadership and talked about RMA, including:

–Milestone events in the history of RMA
–Mission of the Academy
–Community service given by the cadets
–Value of athletics as a learning experience
–Why RMA launched a philanthropy program, and what it accomplishes
–His highly-decorated Marine Corps career
–Books he considers helpful for aspiring leaders
–How compliments improve individual and group morale

HEAR DR. BENSON’S IDEAS ABOUT LEADERSHIP
Click the arrow near the bottom of this page, located just above the Audio MP3 lettering.

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
We welcome your response to Dr. Benson’s interview. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

CONTACT DR. JIM BENSON
E-mail: mailto:jbenson@riversidemilitary.com

Web site: http://www.riversidemilitary.com

SIGN UP FOR MY COMPLIMENTARY ONLINE NEWSLETTER
To get monthly communication tips and strategies: On my Web site sign up for my complimentary online newsletter, “Winning Words and Ways.” Just enter your name and e-mail address in the slots provided.
http://www.championshipcommunication.com

GET VALUABLE SPEAKING TIPS AND STRATEGIES FROM MY NEW FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
Eager to become a fluent, energetic, inspiring speaker like Dr. Jim Benson? Then you’ll want to learn about my Speech Coaching service. Here’s the link to my new Facebook business page, titled: “Dr. Bill Lampton- Speech Coach for Champions”
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA

You’ll find beneficial articles, podcasts, and videos for speaking with “poise, power, and persuasion.” Click “Like” to stay connected for updates.

Are you engaged? Married recently? Married a long time? Experiencing trouble in your marriage?

Whatever your marital situation, the video above reviews a must-have book for you:
The Gift of a Lifetime, by Barbara J. Peters

Watch my video review, and then order the book from Amazon by clicking on the link underneath the video. Or you can click here:
http://tinyurl.com/3m2ooxz

CONTACT BARBARA J. PETERS
Web site: http://www.bjpcounseling.com

E-mail: mailto:luvanrn@att.net

VISIT THE BLOG MY WIFE SANDRA AND I HOST
We’re in our fifth decade of marriage, and we are happy to share our relationship thoughts with you. Please visit our blog:
http://livebiggerlovebetter.com

Since 1980 I have admired Mike Banks in his three professions–radio broadcaster, fund raiser, and banker. So when I launched my WBCX-FM program, “The Communication Corner,” fourteen months ago, I was delighted to host him as my first guest.

Kristina Rhoades, my co-host, and I enjoyed a second opportunity to interview him, this time about mastering relationships. Among the topics we covered:
–His affiliation with “Miss Kitty” of TV’s “Gunsmoke”
–Definition of “Servant Leadership”
–Attitude you must have to build productive relationships
–How to “pay it forward” when someone does you a favor
–Why listening skills attract people more than your words would
–Establishing strong bonds with your children
–7 personality traits of top sales people
–Books he considers helpful
–Hosting international travelers and keeping them compatible
–The value of volunteers in civic and charitable organizations

HEAR MY INTERVIEW WITH MIKE BANKS
Click the arrow near the bottom of this page, located just above the Audio MP3 lettering.

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
We welcome your response to Mike’s relationship guidelines. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

CONTACT MIKE BANKS
E-mail: mailto:wmbanks@northgeorgia.edu

SIGN UP FOR MY COMPLIMENTARY ONLINE NEWSLETTER
To get monthly communication tips and strategies: On my Web site sign up for my complimentary online newsletter, “Winning Words and Ways.” Just enter your name and e-mail address in the slots provided.
http://www.championshipcommunication.com

GET VALUABLE SPEAKING TIPS AND STRATEGIES FROM MY NEW FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
Eager to become a fluent, energetic, inspiring speaker like Mike Banks–who once served as the public address announcer at Sanford Stadium for the University of Georgia football team? Then you’ll want to learn about my Speech Coaching service. Here’s the link to my new Facebook business page, titled: “Dr. Bill Lampton- Speech Coach for Champions”
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA

You’ll find beneficial articles, podcasts, and videos for speaking with “poise, power, and persuasion.” Click “Like” to stay connected for updates.

“What,” you may wonder, “a health care institution as a role model for customer service?”

Yes, that’s right. Prescription for Excellence–by Joseph A. Michelli, Ph.D.–gives a thorough, well-documented analysis of why the UCLA Health System has become known world-wide for its patient care. The good news: UCLA’s approach is transferable to any industry.

After you watch my brief video review, you can click on the blue link under the video to order the book from Amazon. Or you can use this link to go to Amazon’s page for the book:
http://tinyurl.com/3l2aakb

GET ADDITIONAL COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES FROM MY NEW FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
Eager to become a fluent, energetic, inspiring speaker? Then you’ll want to learn about my Speech Coaching service. Here’s the link to my new Facebook business page, titled: “Dr. Bill Lampton- Speech Coach for Champions”
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA

You’ll find beneficial articles, podcasts, and videos to help you speak with “poise, power, and persuasion.” Click “Like” to stay connected for updates.

GUEST COLUMNIST
At my request, Meredith Bell of ProStar Coach shared her thoughts about encouragement, which she accurately called “a very important communication topic that people don’t write about very much.” I’m very grateful for her splendid article, and you will be, too.

When you see that someone is discouraged, you may be tempted to give advice or offer a solution. But neither of these responses is helpful or welcome at a time like this. Instead, if you really want to be an encourager, cover these four steps.

Start with LISTENING. Invite the person to open up by saying something like, “You don’t seem like yourself today. Want to talk about it?” As he expresses his feelings about the situation, don’t criticize or evaluate. Just give your full, undivided attention and check to be sure you understand what he’s trying to say.

In step two, you AFFIRM the person. When things go wrong, people often blame themselves and lose self-confidence. They temporarily lose sight of what they’re capable of. This is your opportunity to remind the person of his personal strengths, the ones that will get him through this challenge. Remind him of obstacles he’s faced before in equally tough situations – and what he did to succeed.

After that, OFFER PERSPECTIVE, the third step. When people are discouraged, they focus on the negatives. To restore a balanced, realistic perspective, acknowledge the negatives, but remind the person that the situation also has advantages, opportunities, and other upsides. Pointing these out is helpful, because the positives are real.

The final step is SUPPORT. You remind the person that he doesn’t have to go it alone. Let him know that you will be there for him, and ask what he needs from you now. This keeps you from making assumptions about the type of support that would be most helpful to this particular individual.

One of my two business partners, Paula Schlauch, was once out on extended medical leave. I absorbed most of her responsibilities during those two months. At times I found myself getting anxious and discouraged from the additional pressures. My other partner, Denny Coates, works in another state and couldn’t help with most of these day-to-day tasks. But he was my encourager.

One day, when I was feeling really overwhelmed, I told Denny how hard it was to juggle everything. He asked me to talk about what was bothering me. After listening without interruption, he acknowledged that what I was doing was hard. He reminded me of a time when I excelled despite some tough obstacles.

Denny affirmed my personal strengths and reassured me that in the end I’d be able to get everything done. And he made a suggestion: “It’s true that the last eight weeks have been just as hard as you say. But instead of focusing on the past, try shifting your perspective to the future. You know Paula will be back in a week or so. Think about that, and how great that will be.”

And then he reminded me that he was there to support me in any way he could.

That simple conversation helped change my outlook. I felt like a new person when I went home that day. I had my confidence back. And I thought how great it is to have a partner who knows how to encourage.

You can have that same impact on someone you care about if you implement these four steps when you sense the person is discouraged.

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
We welcome your response to Meredith’s article about encouragement. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

CONTACT MEREDITH
E-mail: mailto:meredith@prostarcoach.com

Call: 800-488-6463 or 757-873-3700 x201

VISIT THE PROSTAR COACH SITE
To explore this valuable personal and professional development system:
https://pssinc.infusionsoft.com/go/PSC/DRBILL/

GET VALUABLE SPEAKING TIPS AND STRATEGIES FROM MY NEW FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
Eager to become a fluent, energetic, inspiring speaker like Meredith Bell, who will give a major conference address in November in Atlanta? Then you’ll want to learn about my Speech Coaching service. Here’s the link to my new Facebook business page, titled: “Dr. Bill Lampton- Speech Coach for Champions”
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA

You’ll find beneficial articles, podcasts, and videos for speaking with “poise, power, and persuasion.” Click “Like” to stay connected for updates.

With Relationship Counselor Barbara J. Peters

Barbara J. Peters–relationship counselor and author–brought helpful marital guidelines to listeners of “The Communication Corner,” my weekly interview program on WBCX, 89.1 FM, “The Voice of Brenau.”

Included in our discussion:
–Why couples will divorce after 30 or 40 years of marriage
–Value of premarital counseling
–Whether to tell your spouse everything
–Keeping romance going after the birth of your first child
–Impact of tough economic times on marriage
–The “criticism sandwich”
–Benefit of marrying a great friend

HEAR MY INTERVIEW WITH BARBARA J. PETERS
Click the arrow near the bottom of this page, located just above the Audio MP3 lettering.

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
We welcome your response to Barbara’s relationship guidelines. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

CONTACT BARBARA J. PETERS
E-mail: mailto:luvanrn@att.net

Facebook: http://facebook.com/giftofalifetimebook

ORDER BARBARA’S BOOKS
Use these links to preview and order her books from Amazon:

The Gift of a Lifetime
http://tinyurl.com/42ckqrz

He Said, She Said, I Said
http://tinyurl.com/3lktkzu

SIGN UP FOR MY COMPLIMENTARY NEWSLETTER
To get monthly communication tips and strategies,on my Web site sign up for my complimentary online newsletter, “Winning Words and Ways.” Just enter your name and e-mail address in the slots provided.
http://www.championshipcommunication.com

GET VALUABLE SPEAKING TIPS AND STRATEGIES FROM MY NEW FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
Eager to become a fluent, energetic, inspiring speaker like Barbara J. Peters? Then you’ll want to learn about my Speech Coaching service. Here’s the link to my new Facebook business page, titled: “Dr. Bill Lampton- Speech Coach for Champions”
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA

You’ll find beneficial articles, podcasts, and videos for speaking with “poise, power, and persuasion.” Click “Like” to stay connected for updates.

With YMCA Executive Rich Gallagher

Rich Gallagher–CEO/President of the Georgia Mountains YMCA–enthralled listeners with his description of the mission and services of the YMCA. Rich was my guest in “The Communication Corner,” my interview program aired weekly by WBCX, 89.1 FM, “The Voice of Brenau.” My co-host Kristina Rhoades contributed greatly to the conversation.

Among our major topics:
–How Rich began his YMCA affiliation as a volunteer
–Why volunteers remain so valuable to the Y
–The Y’s involvement in America’s patriotic efforts
–Original purpose of the Y
–Exciting Special Needs programs: Adaptive Sports, Heroes League, and Zero Entry swimming
–Relationship between the Y and the Parks and Recreation Program
–Guidelines for behavior and courtesy
–Role of charitable giving in the Y’s mission and expansion

HEAR MY INTERVIEW WITH RICH GALLAGHER
Click the arrow near the bottom of this page, located just above the Audio MP3 lettering.

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
We welcome your response to Rich Gallagher’s interview. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

CONTACT RICH GALLAGHER

E-mail: mailto:rgallagher@georgiamountainsymca.org

Web site: http://www.georgiamountainsymca.org

Rich will be happy to discuss Y membership, charitable contributions, and how you can become an active volunteer.

SIGN UP FOR MY COMPLIMENTARY NEWSLETTER
To get monthly communication tips and strategies,on my Web site sign up for my complimentary online newsletter, “Winning Words and Ways,” by entering your name and e-mail address in the slots provided.
http://www.championshipcommunication.com

GET VALUABLE SPEAKING TIPS AND STRATEGIES FROM MY NEW FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
Want to reach the executive level, as Rich Gallagher did with the Y? Then you’ll want to learn about my Speech Coaching service. Here’s the link to my new Facebook business page, titled: “Dr. Bill Lampton- Speech Coach for Champions”
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA

You’ll find beneficial guidelines for speaking with “poise, power, and persuasion.” Click “Like” to stay connected for updates.

Sure, you want to accelerate your sales. Every dedicated professional does.

Then read–and put into action– Mark Rodgers’ Accelerate the Sale. As the subtitle says, you will “Kick-start Your Personal Selling Style to Close More Sales, Faster.”

After watching my 6-minute video review, click on the link beneath the video to order your copy from Amazon, or click here:
http://tinyurl.com/4xov8hh

FOR MONTHLY COMMUNICATION GUIDELINES, SIGN UP FOR MY COMPLIMENTARY NEWSLETTER
On my Web site, sign up for my complimentary online newsletter, “Winning Words and Ways,” by entering your name and e-mail address in the slots provided.
http://www.championshipcommunication.com

GET VALUABLE SPEAKING TIPS AND STRATEGIES FROM MY NEW FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
Sometimes during interviews you will need to speak to a selection committee. That’s where my Speech Coaching comes to your assistance. Here’s the link to my new Facebook business page, titled: “Dr. Bill Lampton- Speech Coach for Champions”
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA

You’ll find beneficial guidelines for speaking with “poise, power, and persuasion.” Click “Like” to stay connected for updates.
–

With Career Search Leader Dick Simmonds

Dick Simmonds, President and Founder of metro Atlanta-based Miramonte, joined “The Communication Corner” on WBCX-FM. He provided valuable strategies for job interviews. Using his advice, your interviews will change from stressful to successful.

Among the topics we covered:
–Most effective ways to get interviews scheduled
–Researching your potential employer
–Appropriate dress code
–PowerPoint presentations
–Describing your qualifications without bragging
–The most persuasive nonverbal signals
–Negotiating a salary offer

HEAR MY INTERVIEW WITH DICK SIMMONDS
Click the arrow near the bottom of this page, located just above the Audio MP3 lettering.

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
We welcome your response to Dick Simmonds’ advice about job interviews. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

DICK SIMMOND’S CONTACT INFORMATION
Web site: http://www.miramonte.biz
E-mail: mailto:dsimmonds@miramonte.biz
Phone: 404-606-8836

WATCH MY VIDEO INTERVIEW WITH DICK SIMMONDS RE SALARY NEGOTIATIONS
http://bit.ly/rjovDY

SIGN UP FOR MY COMPLIMENTARY NEWSLETTER
On my Web site, sign up for my complimentary online newsletter, “Winning Words and Ways,” by entering your name and e-mail address in the slots provided.
http://www.championshipcommunication.com

GET VALUABLE SPEAKING TIPS AND STRATEGIES FROM MY NEW FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
Sometimes during interviews you will need to speak to a selection committee. That’s where my Speech Coaching comes to your assistance. Here’s the link to my new Facebook business page, titled: “Dr. Bill Lampton- Speech Coach for Champions”
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA

You’ll find beneficial guidelines for speaking with “poise, power, and persuasion.” Click “Like” to stay connected for updates.
–

Let’s assume you’re ready to boost your business. . .big-time. Yet you need a highly qualified expert to lead you through the bewildering maze of:
Google+
Facebook Business Page
Blogging
Video production
LinkedIn
Twitter
Search Engine Optimization
GoToMeeting
Skype
Webinars
Building “Tribes” for Networking
Marketing
Web Site Development

My brief video above offers 5 reasons why Gina Carr is the remarkable resource you will want to contact. After watching this 3 minute 25 second description of her services, you will understand why I call her “Genius Gina.”

You can link onto her site by clicking the blue link just beneath the video. Or you can click here:
http://www.GinaCarr.com

Call her: 678-653-0115

VISIT MY FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE THAT GINA HELPED ME CREATE
I invite you to visit my new Facebook business page, which Gina Carr helped me create. You will get tips and strategies for speaking with “poise, passion, and power,” so you will generate “attention, agreement, and action.”
http://bit.ly/k69F5C

While you’re there, be sure to click “Like” so we will stay connected.

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
We welcome your comments about Gina Carr. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

After watching my video review above of From Idea to Success, written by Gregg Fairbrothers and Tessa M. Winter, you will want to order this dashboard atlas for entrepreneurs. In addition to covering the basics of launching and sustaining a business, the book gives step-by-step guidelines relating to intellectual property, working with your Board, securing financing, sales and communication, and accounting and money management–a skill you hope you will need.

NOTE: Gregg Fairbrothers spent 23 years in oil exploration and production, preparing him to help launch the Dartmouth Entrepreneurial Network. Clearly, he learned his entrepreneurial theory through his own ventures.

Under the video, you can order the book by clicking the link to Amazon’s page for From Idea to Success or you can use this link:
http://bit.ly/piCkyw

Even if you have other books on your shelf about becoming a successful entrepreneur, you will want to add this one.

GET MORE COMMUNICATION TIPS AND STRATEGIES ON MY FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
I invite you to connect with my new Facebook business page, where you will get tips and strategies that will strengthen your communication, both professional and personal:
http://bit.ly/k69F5C

Be sure to click “Like” so we’ll stay connected there.

Relaxing with Greg Lee in His Pro Shop

Greg Lee–Head Golf Professional at Chicopee Woods Golf Course in Gainesville, GA–brought very strong credentials with him as my guest in “The Communication Corner.” Among his tournament accomplishments:
Wiiner, Atlanta Open
Winner, Georgia PGA Championship
Winner, Georgia Professionals National Championship
Played six times in the National Club Professionals Tournament

Not only have I admired his victories, I have benefited from the lessons he has given me.

So hosting Greg on WBCX, 89.1 FM “The Voice of Brenau” was both a personal and professional privilege.

Among our topics:
–The British Open and its champion, Darren Clarke
–The 3 or 4 best golfers of all time
–The mental side of the game
–When and how to introduce golf to your children
–Why top athletes in other sports might not succeed in golf
–Getting on the PGA Tour, and staying there

HEAR MY INTERVIEW WITH GREG LEE
Click the arrow near the bottom of this page, located just above the Audio MP3 lettering.

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
We welcome your response to Greg Lee’s observations about golf. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

GREG LEE’S CONTACT INFORMATION
To contact Greg:
mailto:gregleemeister@yahoo.com
Phone: 770-534-7322

As a regular student of Greg’s, I assure you that his golf instruction is friendly and encouraging–and that you are very likely to experience improvement in your game.

SIGN UP FOR MY COMPLIMENTARY NEWSLETTER
On my Web site, sign up for my complimentary online newsletter, “Winning Words and Ways,” by entering your name and e-mail address in the slots provided.
http://www.championshipcommunication.com

GET VALUABLE SPEAKING TIPS AND STRATEGIES FROM MY NEW FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
Here’s the link to my new Facebook business page, titled: “Dr. Bill Lampton- Speech Coach for Champions”
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA

You’ll find beneficial guidelines for speaking with “poise, power, and persuasion.” Click “Like” to stay connected for updates.
–

Dr. Ted Garner, Lover of Wisdom

“Philosophy is interesting and relevant to my everyday life.”

Really? Well, maybe you haven’t believed that previously, but you will after hearing my interview with Brenau University professor Dr. Ted Garner.

Set aside sixty minutes for a fascinating hour of listening and learning, as Dr. Garner and I discuss:
–What prompted Dr. Garner to study philosophy
–Socrates, the “gadfly of Athens”: the Socratic method, his trial, and his influence on later generations
–Descartes, Dr. Garner’s favorite philosopher
–How we use inductive and deductive reasoning daily
–Philosophy and medical ethics
–Philosophy and politics
–Pragmatism

DR. GARNER AND WBCX
As Brenau’s Director of Media Services, Dr. Ted Garner has been central to the development of WBCX-FM, the station that hosts my Tuesday morning interview program, “The Communication Corner.” Among his contributions: securing grant support totaling more than $300,000.

LISTEN TO MY INTERVIEW WITH DR. GARNER
Click the arrow near the bottom of this page, located just above the Audio MP3 lettering.

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
We welcome your comments about Dr. Garner’s interview. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

DR. GARNER’S CONTACT INFORMATION
You can reach Dr. Ted Garner by e-mail:
mailto:tgarner@brenau.edu

VISIT MY SPEECH COACHING PAGE
Do you wish you could speak as fluently, confidently, and compellingly as Dr. Garner did during our interview? That’s something I have helped many of my Speech Coaching clients achieve. Visit this page, and then contact me to describe your speaking goals.
http://bit.ly/j3sVwA

SIGN UP FOR MY COMPLIMENTARY NEWSLETTER
While you’re on my Speech Coaching page, sign up for my complimentary online newsletter, “Winning Words and Ways,” by entering your name and e-mail address in the slots provided.

GET VALUABLE SPEAKING TIPS AND STRATEGIES FROM MY NEW FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
Here’s the link to my new Facebook business page, titled: “Dr. Bill Lampton- Speech Coach for Champions”
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA

You’ll find beneficial guidelines for speaking with “poise, power, and persuasion.” Click “Like” to stay connected for updates.

Investment Professional Damon Ladd-Thomas

Let’s admit it—there are many financial terms we read in the press and hear on radio and TV that confuse us. Well, my interview with investment professional Damon Ladd-Thomas, based in Grayson, GA, helps us cut through the terminology—and understand financial lingo.

Among the topics covered:
–How to choose a financial advisor
–Realistic expectations for investors
–What’s a Ponzi Scheme?
–Why economic collapse in Greece impacts the U.S. economy
–Dollar cost averaging

His official title: Investment Professional with NEXT Financial Group, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC.

LISTEN TO MY INTERVIEW WITH DAMON
Click the arrow near the bottom of this page, located just above the Audio MP3 lettering.

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
We welcome your comments re Damon Ladd-Thomas’s interview. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

DAMON’S CONTACT INFORMATION
You’ll find Damon Ladd-Thomas’ contact information at these sites:
http://www.damonladd-thomas.com/
http://www.dltmontana.com/
http://www.georgiacommerceclub.org/

VISIT MY SPEECH COACHING PAGE
Do you wish you could speak as fluently, confidently, and compellingly as Damon did during our interview? That’s something I have helped many of my Speech Coaching clients achieve. Visit this page, and then contact me to describe your speaking goals.
http://bit.ly/j3sVwA

SIGN UP FOR MY COMPLIMENTARY NEWSLETTER
While you’re on my Speech Coaching page, sign up for my complimentary online newsletter, “Winning Words and Ways,” by entering your name and e-mail address in the slots provided.

GET VALUABLE COMMUNICATION TIPS AND STRATEGIES FROM MY NEW FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
Here’s the link to my new Facebook business page, titled: “Dr. Bill Lampton- Speech Coach for Champions”
http://bit.ly/iRv6EA

You’ll find valuable information about how to speak with “poise, power, and persuasion.” Click “Like” to stay connected for updates.

Ever thought about becoming an entrepreneur? Or have you become one already? Either way, this book–School for Startups–will serve, as the authors suggest, as “The Beginners Guide to Low-Risk Entrepreneurship.”

As I mention in the video review, I launched my own business in 1997, following decades as a top-level manager. I’m totally familiar with the obstacles and fears the authors describe. And I fully embrace their guidelines and solutions.

After viewing my review, you can click on the link below the video and order School for Startups. Or here’s the link again:
http://bit.ly/mpKhuC

INVITE YOU TO MY FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
I invite you to my just-launched Facebook business page, where you will find articles and videos designed to elevate your communication skills. While you’re on the page, please click “Like” so we will stay connected:
http://bit.ly/k69F5C
Take a minute, please, to browse the Info section, where you’ll learn about my Speech Coaching service.

Award-winning Storyteller Karen Chace

Wanting to help my WBCX-FM listeners understand the central role of storytelling in our past and present, I interviewed Karen Chace of East Freetown, MA. I couldn’t have made a better selection. In 2009 Karen won the coveted Brother Blue Award. Next month she will travel to Texas and receive the National Storytelling Networks Oracle Award for Service and Leadership in the Northeast.

During our stimulating interview, we covered these and other topics:

–What prompted her to become a professional storyteller
–High points in the historical development of storytelling
–How storytelling skills can apply beneficially to business settings
–Essential ingredients of a great story
–One of Karen’s favorite brief stories from Dan Keding, which she told during the interview
–Storytelling and theater. . .similarities and differences
–Origin of her moniker “Storybug”

HEAR MY INTERVIEW WITH KAREN CHACE
Click the arrow near the bottom of this page, located just above the Audio MP3 lettering.

KAREN’S CONTACT INFORMATION
You’ll find her at http://www.storybug.net While you’re there, visit her fascinating blog–and sign up for her newsletter.

Next time you’re in charge of an event, call Karen. She will inform and entertain your audience in spellbinding fashion. . .after she has researched your organization thoroughly, and discussed what you want her presentation to accomplish.

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
We welcome your comments re Karen Chace’s description of storytelling. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

DAN KEDING
Dan graciously granted permission for Karen to tell his story during our interview. Here’s how you can follow up with Dan:
Dan Keding’s website: http://www.dankeding.com
The Story of The Two Warriors are on his CD Promises Kept, Promises Broken http://www.dankeding.com/cds.html
The story may also be found in this book: The Healing Heart for Communities
http://tinyurl.com/3kecoot

VISIT MY SPEECH COACHING PAGE
Do you wish you could speak as fluently, confidently, and compellingly as Karen Chace did during our interview? That’s something I have helped many of my Speech Coaching clients achieve. Visit my Web site’s Speech Coaching page–and then contact me to discuss your speaking needs and goals:
http://bit.ly/j3sVwA

SIGN UP FOR MY COMPLIMENTARY NEWSLETTER
While you’re on my Speech Coaching page, sign up for my complimentary online newsletter, “Winning Words and Ways,” by entering your name and e-mail address in the slots provided. As a subscriber, you’ll get frequent communication tips you can apply immediately.

GET VALUABLE COMMUNICATION TIPS AND STRATEGIES FROM MY NEW FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
Here’s the link to my new Facebook business page, titled: Dr. Bill Lampton- Speech Coach for Champions
http://bit.ly/k69F5C

Once you visit there, I invite you to click “Like,” to keep you connected.

World-Wide Educator, Dr. Bill Lightfoot

As an educator with vast global experience, Dr. Bill Lightfoot–Dean of Brenau University’s College of Business and Mass Communications–brought international perspective into “The Communication Corner,” when I interviewed him on WBCX, 89.1 FM, “The Voice of Brenau.” With the able assistance of my co-host Kristina Rhoades, Dean Lightfoot told listeners about:

–The work ethic he learned as a boy in Connecticut
–His early love of international travel, paving the way for his ultimate career
–His fifteen years in business before he became an academic
–How Brenau helps students of all ages benefit from their studies
–Educational involvement in Finland, Guatemala, Monaco, France, and India
–Comparing the U.S. higher education system to educational offerings elsewhere
–Value of a liberal arts education
–Brenau’s Business and Mass Communications College, which he heads

HEAR MY INTERVIEW WITH DR. LIGHTFOOT
Click the arrow near the bottom of this page, located just above the Audio MP3 lettering.

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
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CONTACT DR. BILL LIGHTFOOT
His e-mail address:
mailto:wlightfoot@brenau.edu

VISIT MY SPEECH COACHING PAGE
Do you wish you could speak as fluently, confidently, and compellingly as Dr. Bill Lightfoot did during our interview? That’s something I have helped many of my Speech Coaching clients achieve. Visit my Web site’s Speech Coaching page–and then contact me to discuss your speaking needs and goals:
http://bit.ly/j3sVwA

SIGN UP FOR MY COMPLIMENTARY NEWSLETTER
While you’re on my Speech Coaching page, sign up for my complimentary online newsletter, “Winning Words and Ways,” by entering your name and e-mail address in the slots provided. As a subscriber, you’ll get frequent communication tips you can apply immediately.

So, you want to become an entrepreneur. . . or you have become one already. Either way, you’ll welcome the guidelines Beau Henderson gave when I interviewed him in “The Communication Corner,” my weekly program on WBCX, 89.1 FM, “The Voice of Brenau.”

During our lively sixty minute conversation, Beau covered:
–Important lessons gleaned from his University of Georgia football career
–Business and Life Coaches and mentors he has learned from
–How he applies what he learned from studying psychology
–His career as an Athens, GA policeman
–Books that he ranks most important for his development
–Why giving value is the best way to grow your business
–The magic results that will come from “ask, ask, ask”

HEAR MY INTERVIEW WITH BEAU–AND BENEFIT IMMEDIATELY
Click the arrow near the bottom of this page, located just above the Audio MP3 lettering.

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
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CONTACT BEAU HENDERSON
Beau Henderson is a financial advisor, author, coach, radio personality, and CEO of RichLife Advisors. He has helped over 3,000 clients to not just improve their relationship with money, but to live the life of their dreams

Use this link to access more information about Beau, along with his contact information.
http://www.richlifeadvisors.com

Be sure to note Beau’s radio show, coaching program, book, and blog. Clearly, he is the “go to guy” for financial advice, and for kick-starting your business–while maintaining a balanced life.

VISIT MY SPEECH COACHING PAGE, SIGN UP FOR MY ONLINE NEWSLETTER
Beau Henderson and I met when he enlisted me as his Speech Coach, so he could present to groups with greater “poise, power, and persuasion”–and generate “attention, agreement, and action.”

What about you? Do you have challenging professional presentations scheduled soon? Want to upgrade your speaking skills dramatically? Visit my Speech Coaching page, where you will see testimonials from some of my top-tier clients, along with my contact information.
http://tinyurl.com/otlcgz

Note that in our high tech age, I can provide Speech Coaching for you wherever you are located.

While you’re on my Speech Coaching page, please enter your name and e-mail address in the slots provided, to subscribe to my online newsletter, “Winning Words and Ways.”

Creative Business Builder Gina Carr

During the last few years, Atlanta native (now Orlando based) Gina Carr has emerged as a terrific resource for people who want to start a business or expand their current business. I tagged her “Genius Gina,” because of how she has mastered the Social Media, and how she helps us understand the geek jargon.

In our interview in “The Communication Corner”–the weekly program I host for WBCX-FM–Gina offered detailed steps for using Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Among our discussion topics:
–3 ways she describes and compares Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn
–Her top 5 ways to build a tremendous Facebook following
–Advantages of establishing a Facebook business page as well as your personal page
–Why you should write Facebook Notes instead of regular posts
–Making the most of LinkedIn groups membership
–Importance of continuing your professional education

..and much more. As you listen, you’ll want to jot down her major suggestions, and implement them quickly.

HEAR MY INTERVIEW WITH GINA NOW
Click the arrow near the bottom of this page, located just above the Audio MP3 lettering.

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
We welcome your comments about Gina Carr’s interview. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

CHECK THESE IMPORTANT LINKS FEATURING GINA CARR
You’ll access vital information, along with her contact information.

htto://www.ginacarr.com

http://www.tribebuildingtips.com

Also, watch my video interview with Gina about tribe building:
http://tinyurl.com/c7fd6h

SUBSCRIBE TO MY COMPLIMENTARY BLOG, NEWSLETTER, AND PODCAST
To automatically get every new posting to this blog instantly, click the RSS button on the upper right of this page, and follow the instructions to subscribe.

To subscribe to my online newsletter, Winning Words and Ways–and gain access to value-packed tips on communication, sales, customer service, and motivation–visit my Web site, and then enter your name and e-mail address in the slots provided on the home page:
http://www.championshipcommunication.com

To subscribe to my weekly podcast, titled “Speech Coaching Radio,” and get brief weekly audio tips on how to speak with “poise, power, and persuasion,” visit my podcast site and look under Subscribe on the right side of the page:
http://tinyurl.com/4jype49

Homeland Security Expert Brett Braaten

Ever since September 11, 2001, Homeland Security has become a major concern for American citizens. That’s why I invited Brett Braaten–a Homeland Security official for 29 years–into “The Communication Corner,” the weekly interview program I host for WBCX, “The Voice of Brenau,” on 89.1 FM.

During our fascinating conversation, we covered these and other topics:

–Origin and development of the U.S. Customs service
–Regulation of intellectual property rights
–Attempts at immigration reform
–Internet fraud, originating mainly from Nigeria
–Canadian-based smuggling of Rogaine to pharmacies
–Counterfeit products sold in reputable U.S. businesses
–Explanation of the H1b visa fraud, impacting skilled American workers

HEAR MY INTERVIEW WITH BRETT BRAATEN
Click the arrow near the bottom of this page, located just above the Audio MP3 lettering.

RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS
We welcome your comments about Brett Braaten’s interview. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

CHECK OUT BRETT BRAATEN’S HIGHLY PROFESSIONAL VIDEOGRAPHY SERVICE
Brett helps families create a videographic family history that family members will treasure for generations. To learn more about his highly professional work in helping you preserve timeless memories, visit his Web site: http://www.storybookproductions.net

You’ll find his contact information on that site.

SUBSCRIBE TO MY COMPLIMENTARY BLOG AND NEWSLETTER
To automatically get every new posting to this blog instantly, click the RSS button on the upper right of this page, and follow the instructions to subscribe.

To subscribe to my online newsletter, Winning Words and Ways–and gain access to value-packed tips on communication, sales, customer service, and motivation–visit my Web site, and then enter your name and e-mail address in the slots provided on the home page:
http://www.championshipcommunication.com

Ricky Steele, Master Networker

Ricky Steele has made a career of meeting highly influential people and establishing mutually beneficial relationships with them. Having him as my guest in “The Communication Corner” on WBCX-FM became even more special after I read his book, The Heart of Networking, Second Edition.

During our conversation, Ricky gave his ideas about topics that will help professionals get jobs, expand their networks, and become unselfish contributors to their communities. Among our topics:

–Valuable lessons his Father taught him
–His first bold networking step when he moved to Atlanta
–The value of volunteering
–Why he dislikes the “ABC” sales formula
–Advantages of becoming a “connector”
–His practice of arriving early at networking events
–Maximizing meal opportunities with clients and prospects
–LinkedIn and other Social Media
–What he means by being “available” at networking functions

HEAR MY INTERVIEW WITH RICKY STEELE
Click the arrow near the bottom of this page, located just above the Audio MP3 lettering.

COMMENT ABOUT RICKY STEELE’S NETWORKING STRATEGY
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ORDER STEELE’S BOOK ABOUT NETWORKING
Watch my brief video review of The Heart of Networking, and click the link below the video to order the book from Amazon:
http://tinyurl.com/3j8fx2n

CONTACT HIM
You’ll find Ricky’s contact information on his Web site:
http://www.rickysteele.net

SUBSCRIBE TO MY COMPLIMENTARY BLOG AND NEWSLETTER
To automatically get every new posting to this blog instantly, click the RSS button on the upper right of this page, and follow the instructions to subscribe.

To subscribe to my online newsletter, Winning Words and Ways–and gain access to value-packed tips on communication, sales, customer service, and motivation–visit my Web site, and then enter your name and e-mail address in the slots provided on the home page:
http://www.championshipcommunication.com

If you have been in the business and professional work force for even a moderate length of time, chances are strong you have encountered powerful people–those who consider themselves “larger than life.” One big problem: Usually they want you and everyone else to view them that way, too.

What if you haven’t dealt with these ultra egos yet? Stay tuned, because you will.

My brief video above reviews Dirk Schlimm’s book, Influencing Powerful People. He details how to “engage and command the attention of the decision makers to get what you need to succeed,” as the subtitle says. After you have listened to my review, click on the blue link under the video, “Order Schlimm’s book.” The link takes you to his Amazon page.

Having dealt with arrogant bosses, colleagues, clients, and prospective clients myself–during my twenty-three years of management–I can verify that Schlimm’s guidelines will make unlikely alliances more productive. You won’t change the powerful person, yet you will benefit by changing the way you talk and interact with him or her. You’ll change the results, too.

COMMENT ABOUT INFLUENCING POWERFUL PEOPLE
We welcome your comments about working around, with, and for powerful people. Go to the end of the blog entry in the section below and click NO COMMENTS if none have been made, or if comments have been made click 1 comment, 2 comments, or whatever the comments button says. The comments section will appear.

SUBSCRIBE TO MY COMPLIMENTARY BLOG AND NEWSLETTER
To automatically get every new posting to this blog instantly, click the RSS button on the upper right of this page, and follow the instructions to subscribe.

To subscribe to my online newsletter, Winning Words and Ways–and gain access to value-packed tips on communication, sales, customer service, and motivation–visit my Web site, and then enter your name and e-mail address in the slots provided on the home page:
http://www.championshipcommunication.com

Master networker Ricky Steele released the second edition of his acclaimed book, The Heart of Networking. In my brief video above, I describe some of the highlights–and encourage you to get your copy, study his networking advice, and implement his approach.

I assure you, this book does not echo networking guidelines you have read about elsewhere. Following Steele’s system, you will distinguish yourself from those who stick with methods that have become stale by overuse.

Ricky has established an incredible track record as a renowned networker. Everything he proposes has worked for him.

As my video says, Ricky Steele will help you enjoy networking more, and also enjoy your expanding client list.

NOTE: Just below the video, click on the blue link “Order Ricky’s Book,” and you’ll land on his Amazon page for The Heart of Networking

COMMENT ABOUT RICKY STEELE
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SUBSCRIBE TO MY COMPLIMENTARY BLOG AND NEWSLETTER
To automatically get every new posting to this blog instantly, click the RSS button on the upper right of this page, and follow the instructions to subscribe.

To subscribe to my online newsletter, Winning Words and Ways–and gain access to value-packed tips on communication, sales, customer service, and motivation–visit my Web site, and then enter your name and e-mail address in the slots provided on the home page:
http://www.championshipcommunication.com

Looking for the right motivational speaker to ignite your organization? If that’s your question, Kristina Rhoades is the answer.

Watch the brief video clip above–a one minute sample of her incredible vitality.

She mentions that she is in a wheelchair. Never walked a step, never will. Yet I guarantee. . .she stands taller than anyone you’ll ever meet.

Under the video, you’ll find a link to her Web site. Go there. You’ll read her marvelous story of courage and triumph.

Then contact her. Schedule her for your next retreat, annual meeting, or conference. Your organization will benefit tremendously–and permanently.

Here’s her Web site again:
http://www.kristinarhoades.me

COMMENT ABOUT KRISTINA’S VIDEO
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When Lee Ellis–Colonel, USAF (Ret.)–contacted me, he was designing his speech for a dynamic audience–the national conference for the Collegegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association. Starting weeks ahead, we strengthened his content and sharpened his delivery, using video to assess his presentation progress.

Speaking about his Vietnam War experiences–being shot down in 1967 (after flying 53 combat mission) and held captive for five and a half years–he titled his talk, “Building Strength from the Inside Out.”

When our Speech Coaching sessions concluded, Lee offered his brief video testimonial about my services. Watch the video at the top of this blog page.

LEE’S REPORT ABOUT THE EVENT
Immediately after the conference in Kansas City, Lee drove to Iowa to visit a long-time military associate and friend. On his way, he called to tell me that his audience responded enthusiastically to his presentation–not only during his speech, but afterward when they came by his exhibit booth. As his Speech Coach, I was proud of his accomplishment–and grateful for the opportunity to work with him.

CONTACT LEE ABOUT PURCHASING A PRE-PUBLICATION COPY OF HIS BOOK
Colonel Ellis will welcome your inquiry about ordering a pre-publication copy of his upcoming book, Leadership Lessons from the Hanoi Hilton. His e-mail address:
mailto:lellis@leadershipfreedom.com

His Web site:
http://www.leadershipfreedom.com

Also, Colonel Ellis will welcome your inquiry about his professional speaking and training offerings.

VISIT MY SPEECH COACHING PAGE
Are you–Like Colonel Ellis–ready for highly professional, personalized Speech Coaching? Then visit my Speech Coaching page, by clicking on the link under Colonel Ellis’ video. Or use this link:
http://tinyurl.com/otlcgz

Training/Development Leader Linda Hensel

Linda Hensel made her second guest appearance in “The Communication Corner,” my Tuesday morning interview program on WBCX-FM, “The Voice of Brenau.” On her initial guest shot, she talked about maximizing your vocal skills. Her return interview focused on organizational training and development–a function she knows well as the Training and Development Specialist with the State Personnel Administration, based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Among the subjects Linda discussed:

–Why expenditures for training and development should not be reduced during tough economic times
–Major shifts in training strategies in the last two decades
–Advantages of having the organization’s leader participate in training sessions
–Dealing with shy participants and their opposites, excessive talkers
–Why shortened attention spans and current technology make interactive sessions more welcomed
–Including a review of “best practices” from other companies in your industry
–Fostering guidelines for ethical behavior
–Getting and using honest feedback from trainees

HEAR MY INTERVIEW WITH LINDA HENSEL
Click the arrow near the bottom of this page, located just above the Audio MP3 lettering.

COMMENT ABOUT THIS INTERVIEW
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CHECK LINDA’S SERVICES AS A VOICE-OVER ARTIST
Looking for a voice-over artist? Visit Linda’s Web site:
http://www.adnils.com

You’ll see what she offers through her company, Adnil Productions.

E-mail her: mailto:adnilsvoice@yahoo.com

GET UPDATES TO THIS BLOG AUTOMATICALLY
To get information-packed updates to this blog automatically–every time I post a new entry–click on the RSS button at the top right of this page and follow the instructions.

SUBSCRIBE TO MY COMPLIMENTARY ONLINE NEWSLETTER
You’ll receive highly useful professional advice through my online newsletter, “Winning Words and Ways.” To subscribe, enter your name and e-mail address in the slots provided on my site’s home page: http://www.championshipcommunication.com

For several weeks, I enjoyed the privilege of working with Bob Pennington–President and CEO of Willis Investment Counsel–as he prepared his commencement address for Emory at Oxford, a revered college near Atlanta, Georgia. We collaborated on developing the message, and–using video repeatedly–sharpening his delivery.

To hear Bob’s appraisal of my Speech Coaching Service, watch his very brief video above.

VISIT MY SPEECH COACHING PAGE
Look under the video, and you’ll find a blue link to the Speech Coaching page on my Web site. I invite you to click it and visit there, to read a description of how I work with those who want to speak with “poise, passion, and power,” so they will generate “attention, agreement, and action.” Also, on that page you’ll see testimonials from other prominent clients I have helped.

CONTACT ME TO DISCUSS A SPEECH COACHING PLAN THAT MEETS YOUR NEEDS
No matter where you’re located, I can assist you. Let’s discuss your speaking goal–and how I can help you get there.

mailto:drbill@championshipcommunication.com
678-316-4300

SUBSCRIBE TO MY “SPEECH COACHING RADIO” PODCAST
On a complimentary basis, you’ll hear my weekly podcasts, hosted by the Entrepreneur Podcast Network. Here’s the link:
http://speechcoachingradio.podbean.com/

Click on “Profile” in the upper right corner, which will lead you to instructions on subscribing.

COMMENT ABOUT BOB PENNINGTON’S ENDORSEMENT
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Hosting Writing Expert Dr. Debra Dobkins

Thirteen years ago, Dr. Debra Dobkins joined the Brenau University faculty, teaching English and launching the Writing Center–which has helped hundreds of students develop their writing skills. As my guest in “The Communication Corner” on WBCX-FM, “The Voice of Brenau,” she spoke zestfully about:

–Her childhood interest in writing, and how that progressed during her formal education
–Personal and professional advantages of knowing how to write well
–How the Brenau Writing Center helps students become proficient writers
–Her favorite authors, and the power of poetry
–Why reading widely is essential for writing success
–Resumes that get results
–Why reading your written piece aloud helps you evaluate the impact
–Writing for the Internet

HEAR DEBRA DOBKIN’S INTERVIEW ABOUT WRITING
Click the arrow near the bottom of this page, located just above the Audio MP3 lettering.

COMMENT ABOUT THIS INTERVIEW
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SUBSCRIBE TO MY COMPLIMENTARY NEW PODCAST ABOUT GIVING SPEECHES
For weekly tips and strategies about speaking with “poise, power, and persuasion,” subscribe to my recently launched podcast, “Speech Coaching Radio.” These brief podcasts–appearing on the Entrepreneur Podcast Network–will help you generate “attention, agreement, and action” when you give presentations to audiences:
http://speechcoachingradio.podbean.com/

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Yes, the title above expresses what we’ve all hoped for. . .sales strategies that will make our sales approach special, so that we:

–Don’t sound like everybody else who is making a pitch
–Appear genuinely creative
–Grab and hold attention
–Use visual aids that are far more stimulating than Power Point
–Get new clients
–Enjoy the sales process more than we ever thought we could

The above video introduces you to a sparkling new McGraw-Hill book, Conversations That Win the Complex Sale.

Just below the video, you’ll see that I provided a link to Amazon’s page, so you can place your order now.

Authors Erik Peterson and Tim Riesterer provide tips and strategies that will revitalize your sales career–and results. I encourage you to implement their advice this week.

FOR ADDITIONAL SALES GUIDELINES THAT PROPEL YOUR CAREER, ORDER MY POPULAR AUDIO CD
During your next commute, listen to my audio CD, “How to Succeed in Sales!” This CD capsules the sales training I offer for major corporations and for individual clients. Order the CD from my Web site’s shopping cart:
http://tinyurl.com/ljr54y

Veteran Actress Danielle Di Fede

Veteran actress Danielle Di Fede, from the College of Fine Arts and Humanities at Brenau University, energized “The Communication Corner”–my weekly interview program on WBCX, 89.1 FM–with a discussion of “all things theater.”

Speaking with the vitality an audience would expect from an accomplished actress, Danielle covered these and other topics:
–Why acting interested her initially
–Favorite productions she acted in
–Performances she has enjoyed seeing the most
–Relevance of Shakespeare today
–”The illusion of the first time”
–Overcoming problems that happen backstage or on stage
–Life lessons that theater participation teaches us
–Origin of the expression “Break a Leg”
–Teamwork required for a successful production

HEAR DANIELLE’S DISCUSSION ABOUT THEATER
Click the arrow below, located just above the Audio MP3 lettering.

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SUBSCRIBE TO MY COMPLIMENTARY NEW PODCAST ABOUT GIVING SPEECHES
For weekly tips and strategies about speaking with “poise, power, and persuasion,” subscribe to my recently launched podcast, “Speech Coaching Radio.” These brief podcasts–appearing on the Entrepreneur Podcast Network–will help you generate “attention, agreement, and action” when you give presentations to audiences:
http://speechcoachingradio.podbean.com/

Atlanta Detective Mike Williams joined me in “The Communication Corner,” broadcasted live by WBCX, 89.1 FM on Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. ET, with a 6:00 a.m. Thursday rebroadcast. I interviewed him about a highly relevant, much-needed topic–how to protect yourself from criminals.

Speaking from the vantage point of 25 years in law enforcement, Mike discussed:
–How “Neighborhood Watch” programs protect residents
–What to do when a stranger rings your doorbell
–Safest ways to protect your home when you travel
–Keeping your purse and wallet away from pickpockets
–Making your visit to the ATM machine a safe one
–Having a “bogus set” of keys with you
–Internet scams to avoid

And our 60-minute conversation included other creative crime-preventing strategies.

MIKE WILLIAMS’ CONTACT INFORMATION
Web site: http://www.stayalertseminars.com
E-mail: mailto:mike@stayalertseminars.com
Phone: 404-786-4286

ORDER MIKE’S book
You’ll find witty, wise advice in his brief book, Stay Alert, Stay Alive

The Amazon link: http://tinyurl.com/5rl3y5k

COMMENT ABOUT THIS INTERVIEW
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SUBSCRIBE TO MY COMPLIMENTARY NEW PODCAST ABOUT GIVING SPEECHES
For weekly tips and strategies about speaking with “poise, power, and persuasion,” subscribe to my recently launched podcast, “Speech Coaching Radio.” These brief podcasts–appearing on the Entrepreneur Podcast Network–will help you generate “attention, agreement, and action” when you give presentations to audiences:
http://speechcoachingradio.podbean.com/

Leading publisher McGraw-Hill asked me to review one its most recent business books. Because I spent twenty-three years in management myself–and because I deal with managers at all levels in my current profession–the topic held great interest for me. I’m sure that you will benefit from watching my video review, and then purchasing the book.

The just-released book: Managers, Can You Hear Me Now? Hard-Hitting Lessons on How to Get Real Results

As I suggest in my video review, this book offers guidelines for:

–Aspiring Managers
–Current Managers
–Those who are being managed

Definitely, this book deserves a 5-star ranking. I encourage you to add it to your must-have business books. Once you have read it, share it with your staff and start discussing the book’s recommendations. Your management performance will improve visibly, and so will the results you generate.

ORDER FROM AMAZON
Note that below the video you’ll find a link to Amazon’s page about the book, so you can place your order easily.

SIGN UP FOR MY COMPLIMENTARY ONLINE NEWSLETTER
To read ongoing valuable guidelines about communication, sign up for my online newsletter. Just enter your name and e-mail address in the slots provided on my site’s home page:
http://www.championshipcommunication.com

With Technology Guru Terry Brock

As my guest in WBCX-FM’s program “The Communication Corner,” internationally acclaimed technology expert Terry Brock explained that mastering technology is not an end in itself. Instead, we master technology so we can build relationships–and build our business as a result.

WHAT OUR INTERVIEW COVERED
Our lively discussion included Terry’s advice about:
–LinkedIn as the “Country Club” of Social Media, and how to maximize its potential
–Facebook as the Social Media “Bar-B-Q,” where a business page is essential
–Attracting followers through Twitter
–The one factor essential for online succes: provide value
–Skype as a powerful way to connect with one person or a small group
–The most beneficial Apps for iPad, such as Flipboard
–Following up through video rather than customary e-mails

We’re most grateful that Terry joined us for our first live telephone interview, from his office in Orlando, Florida. I have benefited from his guidance and friendship for years, and that made hosting him both a personal and professional privilege.

HEAR TERRY BROCK’S ADVICE ABOUT USING TECHNOLOGY TO FOSTER PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Click the arrow below in the Podcast section of this blog page, located just above the Audio MP3 lettering.

CONTACT HIM
E-mail Terry: mailto:terry@terrybrock.com
Web site: http://www.terrybrock.com

While you’re on his site, be sure to subscribe to his information-packed blog, and read about his “High Achievers Coaching System.”

COMMENT ABOUT THIS INTERVIEW
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SUBSCRIBE TO MY NEW PODCAST ABOUT GIVING SPEECHES
For weekly tips and strategies about speaking with “poise, power, and persuasion,” subscribe to my recently launched podcast, “Speech Coaching Radio.” These brief podcasts–appearing on the Entrepreneur Podcast Network–will help you generate “attention, agreement, and action” when you give presentations to audiences:
http://speechcoachingradio.podbean.com/

Dr. Stewart Blakley, Mass Communication Expert

Television dominates many of our waking hours. We turn TV on for news, sports, weather, talk shows, history, gardening, travel, song and dance, cooking, comedy, movies, and so much more. To discuss TV’s development and current status, I welcomed Dr. Stewart Blakley–Mass Communication Department Chair at Brenau University–to “The Communication Corner,” the program I host Tuesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. on WBCX, 89.1 FM.

Among our very interesting topics:
–His favorite broadcasters, past and present
–Best advances in TV in the last decade
–Worst mistakes of the last ten years
–TV coverage of the Japan earthquake and its aftermath
–What he teaches Brenau students that will benefit them in the job market
–Instant replay in football. . .just boring, or worthwhile?
–His experience in TV production
–What might come next in technology that improves TV viewing

HEAR MY CONVERSATION WITH DR. BLAKLEY
Click the arrow below in the Podcast section of this blog page, located just above the Audio MP3 lettering.

CONTACT HIM
E-mail Dr. Blakley:
mailto:sblakley@brenau.edu

COMMENT ABOUT THIS INTERVIEW
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SIGN UP TO RECEIVE MY COMMUNICATION GUIDELINES REGULARLY
You can sign up for my monthly complimentary online newsletter quite easily. Just enter your name and e-mail address in the slots provided on my Web site’s home page.
http://www.championshipcommunication.com

With Debbie Shapiro, Jill Peck

A few months ago I interviewed Debbie Shapiro on “The Communication Corner,” the weekly sixty minute program I host for WBCX-FM, 89.1 FM, “The Voice of Brenau.” I had read in the Atlanta Business Chronicle that she had earned distinction as the 2010 Small Business Person of the Year in Atlanta. So I knew she would be able to share helpful ideas about marketing and advertising. I was right. Her interview was highly informative. I told her I would want to host her again, because of her business expertise.

However, in later conversations I found that Debbie had an amazing personal story as well. So we changed topics for her second appearance today. Our conversation revolved around “persevering through personal and professional challenges.” As you’ll see in the photo, Debbie’s business partner Jill Peck participated in the interview, too.

Among the topics we covered:
*Death of a business partner, ending a twelve-year collaboration
*Her eventual health problems, and those her husband experienced starting early in their marriage
*Loss of jobs for her and her husband
*Encouragement from family and mentors
*”Giving back”–volunteer efforts her company engages in
*Excerpts from one of her favorite books, The Giving Tree
*How Debbie and Jill are preparing their children for college life
*Lessons listeners can apply from Debbie’s triumph over difficulties

HEAR MY CONVERSATION WITH DEBBIE AND JILL
Just click the arrow below in the Podcast section of this blog page, located just above the Audio MP3 lettering.

VISIT THE CORPORATE WEB SITE
You’ll find valuable information about Henderson-Shapiro Peck on the firm’s Web site, including contact information. Here’s the link:
http://www.hendersonshapiro.com

COMMENT ABOUT THIS INTERVIEW
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SIGN UP TO RECEIVE MY COMMUNICATION GUIDELINES REGULARLY
You can sign up for my monthly complimentary online newsletter quite easily. Just enter your name and e-mail address in the slots provided on my Web site’s home page.
http://www.championshipcommunication.com

Bob Willis Discusses World Oil Crisis

So Bob emerged as the ideal guest for my weekly radio interview program– “The Communication Corner,” hosted by WBCX-FM, “The Voice of Brenau University”–when I needed someone to help our listeners understand the current international oil crisis.

We opened our discussion with a nostalgic review of former eras when gas prices remained moderate, with little fluctuation. Next, we talked about times of scarcity–such as the Second World War and the early 1970s. More recently, the BP disaster in the Gulf of Mexico reminded us we cannot take oil and gas stability for granted. Naturally, our opening comments then focused on the Middle East crisis, with Libya front and center on the news stage.

Among the major topics we explored during our 60-minute interview:
–OPEC’s role in the world oil situation
–SPR (Strategic Petroleum Reserve). . .a resource intended for extreme emergencies only
–Impact of speculators on oil prices
–How an average national gas price of $3.51 per gallon affects consumer spending
–Surprisingly large role of Canada as an import source of oil for the U.S.
–Surprisingly small percentage of oil the U.S. imports from Libya
–What’s behind the oil price jump from $35 to $107 per barrel?

Near the conclusion of the interview, Bob Willis stated that he and his investment team share “robust optimism” about the economic climate. As he observed more than once, “The United States has proved its resilience throughout its history, and will do that again now.”

HEAR BOB WILLIS’ EXPLANATION OF THE WORLD’S OIL SITUATION
Just click the arrow below in the Podcast section of this blog page, located just above the Audio MP3 lettering.

VISIT BOB’S CORPORATE WEB SITE
You’ll find valuable information about Willis Investment Counsel on the firm’s Web site, including Bob’s contact information. Here’s the link:
http://www.wicinvest.com

COMMENT ABOUT BOB WILLIS’ INTERVIEW
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http://www.championshipcommunication.com

When I interviewed Sarina Roth in “The Communication Corner”–my weekly radio program on WBCX-FM– she gave 7 tips for amateur photographers. They were so valuable that I wanted to offer them again in a video interview. Fortunately, Sarina agreed.

Take notes as you watch and listen, and then apply her recommendations to your photography. Watch your skills increase, along with your enjoyment of photography.

VISIT HER WEB SITE:
You’ll find detailed information about Never the Rock’s services at her company Web site:
http://www.nevertherock.com

VISIT MY WEB SITE, TOO
When you visit my Web site, be sure to sign up for my complimentary online newsletter. Here’s the link:
http://www.championshipcommunication.com

COMMENT ABOUT SARINA ROTH’S PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS
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Greg Lee, My Superb Golf Pro

For several years, I have relied on one golf professional for lessons–Greg Lee of Chicopee Woods Golf Course in Oakwood, Georgia, near my home in Gainesville, Georgia.

One attraction for me is that Greg plays the game at very high competitive levels, and scores well. He can do what I ask him to teach me. I have followed him in several tournaments, including the Nationwide Tour event held annually in nearby Athens, Georgia. Last year he led the qualifying round, winning the qualifying medal by three strokes (tough to do in just 18 holes).

Also, I welcome the way Greg can demonstrate–during a lesson–a skill I am trying to learn. Fortunately, his teaching method isn’t complicated. He gives me simple drills to practice, so that those helpful motions will become habits.

Greg encourages me. Previously I have worked with golf pros whose comments centered on what I was doing wrong. Greg does the opposite. He tells me what I’m doing right, and urges me to continue. “Your stance and grip are much better than they were last week,” he’ll say.

To schedule a lesson with this masterful golf pro, call Greg: 706-255-0611 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              706-255-0611      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

REFLECTS MY SPEECH COACHING STRATEGY
Worth noting: Greg Lee’s approach to coaching his golf students reflects how I work with my Speech Coaching clients. As a professional speaker, I demonstrate what I want to teach–sometimes before audiences of 500 people. Too, I help clients simplify speaking by using the ideal method for preparation/delivery. Third, I center on the positive side of a performance.

For more about my Speech Coaching, use this link:
http://tinyurl.com/otlcgz

Call me today to learn how I can help you speak with “poise, power, and persuasion,” so you will generate “attention, agreement, and the action you desire”:
678-316-4300

Lee Highsmith, Challenged Child and Friends

Some children appear to be different from others we see. Customarily, people might refer to them as crippled or handicapped. Yet those terms refer to a child’s limitations. Fortunately, there’s an organization that takes a more positive outlook. That’s reflected in the name: “Challenged Child and Friends.”

What a privilege I had–interviewing Lee Highsmith, Director of Development and Marketing for this group, for “The Communication Corner,” my Tuesday morning interview program for WBCX, 89.1 FM, “The Voice of Brenau University.”

Affiliated with Challenged Child and Friends as a staff member since 2004, Lee spoke with great enthusiasm about its service to children and their families. Included in our conversation:
*How the group originated
*Special services for parents, such as “Respite Night”
*Major public events the group sponsors
*The $25,000 challenge grant opportunity from McDonald’s
*Medical services provided
*Interaction with other area nonprofits
*Integration between typical children and challenged children
*Vital role of volunteers
*Inspiring stories of children who live triumphantly with their limitations
*”Summer Sensations” program

HEAR LEE HIGHSMITH’S INTERVIEW
Just click the arrow below in the Podcast section of this blog page, located just above the Audio MP3 lettering.

CONTACT LEE TO LEARN MORE AND PROVIDE GIFTS AND SERVICES
Her e-mail address: mailto:lhighsmith@challengedchild.org

Her phone: 770-535-8372 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              770-535-8372      end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              770-535-8372      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Web site: http://www.challengedchild.org

COMMENT ABOUT LEE HIGHSMITH’S INTERVIEW
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With Conflict Resolution Expert Dr. Ken Frank

Heard of the famous Hatfield-McCoy Feud, between rival families in Kentucky and West Virginia? Familiar with the decades-long North Korea, South Korea conflict? Aware that the divorce rate still hovers around 50% in the U.S.? Involved in a dispute with your neighborhood association because of a regulation you don’t like? Watching newscasts about a million people who are taking to the streets in Egypt, to vigorously oppose the country’s 30-year leader? Spotted factions that are reducing the effectiveness of your local government?

Of course. Then you’re ready to hear about a problem-solving approach that helps people settle their differences without bloodshed, and without one group expecting to get everything while the other group gets nothing. That’s called Conflict Resolution.

How does this work? Dr. Ken Frank explained when I interviewed him in “The Communication Corner,” on WBCX, 89.1 FM, “The Voice of Brenau.”

Dr. Frank–Chair of Brenau University’s Department of Humanities–covered these and other vital topics when we spoke:
–How Conflict Resolution developed as a discipline
–The essential steps in the process
–How different cultures apply the principles
–Defining mediation, arbitration, conciliation, and conflict resolution
–How Brenau University students get competitive experience in Conflict Resolution
–Conflict Resolution’s value in marriage, business, and government
–The long-range value of “win-win” solutions

HEAR DR. FRANK’S INTERVIEW
Just click the arrow below in the Podcast section of this blog page, located just above the Audio MP3 lettering.

CONTACT DR. FRANK
To learn more about Conflict Resolution and for information about Brenau University’s courses in this field, contact Dr. Ken Frank:
His e-mail address: mailto:kfrank:@brenau.edu

COMMENT ABOUT THE INTERVIEW
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MY COMPLIMENTARY NEWSLETTER OFFERS ONGOING INFORMATION
For additional communication tips and strategies, subscribe to my online complimentary newsletter. Just put your name and e-mail address in the slots provided on my Web site’s home page:

http://www.championshipcommunication.com

JOIN ME IN THE SOCIAL MEDIA
Will be delighted to welcome you to my Social Media sites:
Linked-In: http://www.linkedin.com/in/billlampton
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/doclampton

And tweet me @doclampton