February 2012 e-newsletter
'Passionate People' is a monthly newsletter
from the desk of
Paula Smith - Speaker, Author, Trainer and
Coach.
Have
you ever forgotten to do something? Or even worse blamed
your forgetfulness on someone else for not reminding you?
Do you live in the “Land of Excuses”
 Are you a list person? Or one of those who just
hates/resists writing a list?
I am a self confessed “List Junkie” List for the day, list
for the week, list for work, list for home, list for Christmas
gifts etc.. if there is a heading for a list I have one.
I also do boast, it is very rare that something on the list
doesn’t get done. If I tell a friend or a work colleague that
I have forgotten to do something, they are starting to dial
for medical intervention.
Do I have a better memory than most, am I more efficient
than many? I really don’t think so but I am addicted to my
checklists.
And guess what? , I am most excited about this, there is
research to back up my checklist theory.
Atul Gawande’s book “The Checklist Manifesto” reveals all.
The much-acclaimed writer, surgeon and speaker has been voted
by Times Magazines as one of the top 100 influential thinkers
of the world. The research he has done on the subject is
incredible. He even has a
checklist on how to produce a brilliant checklist.
For me personally a good checklist forms part of a systems
approach to running my business (and my life) and it ensures
consistency and competency. I also love spontaneity and
innovation. Getting the balance right between the list and the
light bulb is always a challenge but an essential business
strategy for success.
How do you manage and prioritise the items on your
checklist is yet another skill. In my Work –Life Balance is a
Myth workshop I use Stephen Covey’s work on his Time
Management Matrix. It defines the difference between what is
urgent and what is important.
Others will sometimes try to dictate to you what they
consider is important and urgent instead of you taking charge
of those major life decisions.
So please let me convince you that you need a list. Start
today and the first heading can be:
“Things I need to do to convince myself that I need
a list”
Back to top
Sometimes
it is very difficult to get to a course, conference or
workshop.
I really am a strong believer that nothing can ever replace
the value of being present. You learn so much from other
people in a learning environment, through idle chitchat,
sharing emotions and by observing others perform. You also
feel very different in a real learning environment and you
maybe more inclined to step out of your comfort zone and try
something new.
However we sometimes just like to curl up on a Sunday
afternoon with a “Real” book and learn at our own pace.
So here are a few of my favourite books that I have been
reading or re-reading over the last couple of months that
you may enjoy reading.
- Million Dollar Consulting – Alan Weiss (For anyone who
is an independent business owner)
- Complete 101
Collection – What every leader needs to know – John C
Maxwell (From the Leadership Guru himself –Thank you Bobby
for this gift, I have loved every page)
- Sit and Get
Won’t Grow Dendrites – Marcia L Tate (Time to change your
training tactics and get people involved in active
learning)
- Presentation Zen – Garr Reynolds (Change
the way you do your slide shows forever)
- Influence
– Robert Cialdini (The best seller on how to influence
anyone at work or at home)
- Its Not Who You Know, Its
Who Knows You – David Avrin (Time to get yourself known if
you want to get anywhere)
- New Sales Speak – Terry
Sjodin (A text I give out in my Diploma course, its all
about the big sales presentation)
- People Centred
Leadership – Stephen Covey (Share the Leadership journey
with the people who count)
Oh and of Course
“Speaking in Shower” Presentation Skills Exposed – Paula
Smith (Purchase Now $24.95 – delivered to your door) or
the
E-book
to download immediately $19.95
Don’t Miss
out – Starts 27th February
Diploma of Presentation
Skills
 And if you don’t like reading and want the hands
on human experience come and spend the week with me at the
exceptional Diploma of Presentation Skills programme.
Here are some great reasons why you should attend this 5 day
course in Presenting:
- You will be able to take your
presentation skills to the next level
- You will be
spending a whole week with other likeminded people
- You will be one of the first in Australia to achieve this
qualification
- You can embrace the opportunity to
step out of your comfort zone in a really safe and
friendly environment
- You will realise through this
course that Presentation Skills are one of the most
valuable and profitable business skills you can learn to
progress in your career
- You will learn how speaking
can build relationships and build business
- You will
have an opportunity to brainstorm, creatively think and
participate in thought provoking conversations
- You
can achieve a high level nationally recognised
qualification or just attend for great PD.
- Guaranteed
to have lots and lots of fun
- If you are a Trainer,
you will learn some higher level skills to get your
message across and engage your participants
- It is
presented by Paula Smith - Author of Speaking in the
Shower, CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) and
qualification developer
Back to top
Presentation skills are a must have skill in today's competitive
business world.
Add a game, as adults like to play too.
 Yes
its true we all have the inner child deep within us even if
we don’t like to admit it. If no one was around could you
really resist a box of Lego, a microphone, a remote control
aeroplane or how about a yoyo?
My personal favourite – A skateboard.
Having fun in a
learning environment helps people to relax. When people are
relaxed they are more open to learning.
Games and puzzles in a presentation can be a disaster or a
stroke of genius to drive a message home.
If you introduce a game to a group of adults it is essential
that the game is relevant and the purpose if clearly defined
at the beginning, throughout the game or at the end. The
game must be carefully planned with a clear learning
objective from playing it.
E.g.. A paper plane build and fly competition – Not always the
best looking one is the most efficient.
Chinese whispers – always write down instructions or
policies or they get twisted and changed along the way.
Role-plays – To observe negative or positive behaviours
Blindfold and lead – Learn to trust others who can see what
you can’t
There
are many publications and books on games we can play to
enhance learning so go ahead and add a bit of laughter and
fun into your presentations and never assume that people
don’t want to play.
Even CEO’s are Dads, Mums, amateur theatre players, tee ball
coaches and big kids at heart.
Back to top
Yellow Post it or Sticky Notes work to get others to do
what you want them to do! Sounds a bit crazy well its not.
 In Cialdini, /Goldstein/Martin’s book 50
Scientifically Proven Ways to be Persuasive, a
study explains how the sticky notes engage people and
influence them to do what is asked of them. Why? The law of
reciprocity- writing a handwritten note actually takes time
and some thought. When people receive a personalised note they
are more inclined to want to reciprocate and do something for
you. Usually what is written on the note.
So lets get personal everyone. Personally
address invitations, write a yellow sticky note and ask your
kids to clean their room. (I will definitely try this one) or
add a sticky note to an outstanding invoice.
At work start adding sticky notes to standards requests and
start measuring the difference. I am sure you will be amazed.
Back to top
I would love to come and speak or train at your
organisation.
My
2012 calendar is starting to
fill fast. Talk to me about what is happening in your
organisation.
I deliver workshops on:
- Presentation Skills Exposed
- The Exceptional Trainer / Presenter
- Positive Communication Series Of Workshops
- Personal Branding for Business Success
- Work Life Balance is a Myth
- Training and Assessment
- Workplace Dynamics
A range of keynotes for your next conference.
Guest speaker at your community organisation.
Or I personally coach a small number of clients wishing
to reach for the next level in their business or career.
Visit the website for more information: www.paulasmith.com.au or accredited training www.studiowesttraining.com.au
Or call me to discuss your needs personally 1300
852 859
Back to top |
Passionate People
