Three Powerful Dynamics

A few weeks ago I attended a writer’s conference. I met a lot of new people, both women and men of every age-group. They came from across Canada as well as from the US. I loved getting to know them, asking who they were, where they from and how they became interested in writing. I discovered they represented a variety of professions and careers, and not too many of them actually write for a living. It was interesting to hear stories of how they were inspired to begin.

Although we were strangers when we arrived, as the weekend progressed we became like family. We were there with one common interest - we had a bent for writing. We were all at different stages - some beginners, there to study the craft; others further advanced, seeking direction from the instructors regarding how to write for specific areas, such as devotional columns or novels. Some came with book proposals, ready to meet with publishers. Some, like me, were there to enhance their writing skills and to promote my new book which will be published by Castle Quay Books* by early September.

I noticed three powerful dynamics that marked the entire conference. Encouragement overflowed from one delegate to another. There was never a negative word – each one expressed appreciation for the efforts and work of others. No one asked, “Don’t you think that’s a bit too difficult for you?” or “Do you have the background to accomplish your goal?” or “Aren’t you too young (or too old)?”

It was support and encouragement all the way. How have you benefited from the encouragement of others? How do you show encouragement?

We'll look at two other dynamics next time,

Eileen

Summertime!

You'll notice that we've taken a little bit of a break from the blog to enjoy summertime! We'll be back very soon with more talk around the coffee table.

In the meantime, be sure to check out our fall events and register at www.womenalive.org:

• Elliot Lake Women & Teen Girls' Simultaneous Conferences - August 29, 2009
• Women Alive Toronto Conference - October 24, 2009
• Just the Word Montreal - November 7, 2009
• ie girl Eastern Canada Weekend - November 13-14, 2009 (Early bird registration open now!)

See you soon!

Michelle

So you want to be a...Speaker? Part 2

This is Part 2 of a 2-Part Blog in our "So you want to be a..." Career Series.

So You Want to be a...Speaker?

Tips #6 - 10:

6. Your presentation begins as soon you enter the room. People know you are the speaker and your presence and body language introduces you as the speaker more than the actual introduction.

7. When you step up to the lectern or podium – be confident and be yourself! Make eye contact, smile, warm up to the audience. Remember they want to hear from you but you have to win them over and make them feel that they can trust you. Your opening is critical in building audience connection and trust.

8. Learning to ‘read’ an audience is like developing an 8th sense – it is a learning process. From the vantage of a platform you can tell who is with you, who is agreeing, who is bored, and who is ‘on vacation’ mentally. You notice those looking at their watches, or seriously taking notes. Focus on those who are intently listening and keep making eye contact with them. These listeners will draw you out.

9. Wear appropriate clothing – usually business or business casual – and stay away from dangling earrings, low cut blouses and clanging brackets. These draw attention and take away from the listener’s focus.

10. Be a reader. Sometimes women feel that their shared story will be their message. A personal life story will only take you so far. What you are learning beyond the life story will take you further into public speaking. All leaders are readers. Public speakers are leaders. Read to expand yourself and especially read books written by the “greats”. Dig deep into the spiritual well of A.W. Tozer, Andrew Murray, Oswald Chambers, Elizabeth Elliot and other men/women of that caliber.

What have you learned from public speaking? Share your thoughts and tips with us!

Your friend,

Margaret

So you want to be a...Speaker?

So you want to be a speaker?

Is there something within you wanting to become a public speaker? Do you feel you have a pertinent message for women today? Do you watch public speakers and say to yourself “I think I could do that”?

When I was a teen girl, the thought of public speaking terrified me. On the list of terrifying experiences, public speaking is at the top! As a shy, introverted young woman, I never dreamed that the desire, call or gift to speak publicly was lodged within me. Yet in time, God used circumstances, situations, and people to draw this gift out.

Sometimes the gift of public speaking is naturally expressed even in childhood but for most others, it is a gift buried deep within waiting to be released and needing the opportunity.

My development in this area came the hard way because the biggest hurdle I had to overcome was my fear of people. Learning to speak publicly was yet another development process.

Here are some things I’ve learned about public speaking:

1. Be well prepared. Learn how to prepare a message/talk that has content, humor, stories and life applications. In every presentation there should be 4 legs – Information, entertainment, passion and a call to action.

2. Ensure that there is a good flow in your material because you are taking your hearers on a journey. Review your material so that you are not rambling or disjointed in the flow. Have a strong beginning and a strong ending. Bookend your presentation.

3. Listeners today have short attention spans so you must have variety not only in material but in tone and pause points. Listeners come from the perspective of “what’s in it for me.” So the focus is on giving to them. Too much material can be overwhelming….even in public speaking, ‘less is more’.

4. Ensure that you have enough material to fill your allotted time. Respect the time given to you.

5. Don’t use too many ‘big’ words – be ordinary in your use of grammar. Remember the point is to be clearly understood. Stay away from “Uh…Uhhh…Ummmm” and comments such as : “I haven’t really prepared anything…” Women want content or they feel that their time has been wasted.

This is Part 1 of a 2-Part Blog in our "So you want to be a..." Career Series.

A Cheerful Heart is Good Medicine!

“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart and good news gives health to the bones." Proverbs 15:30

King Solomon who was considered the wisest man who ever lived, gave this simple, yet powerful lesson - the importance of a smile and an optimistic word. As you move throughout your day, working, walking, traveling, attending a conference or whatever, do you take time to look at the countenances of the people you meet. You’ll notice a variety of expressions. Sometimes a scowl or a frown, maybe a look of anxiety and worry. You may meet expressions of deep concentration, anger or total absentmindedness.

These expressions don’t do too much for us, but what about that special face, with eyes shining and mouth smiling at us? What’s your first reaction - to smile back of course. Suddenly your whole heart is cheered up. I often feel I want to talk to that happy person. I think we should ask God to remind us to put a smile on our faces so we can bring joy to the heart of others. There is a young woman on the staff at Women Alive who glows with the light of Jesus. She always greets visitors with a cheerful look, and Solomon was right – we always leave with a heart full of joy.

What about good news and an optimistic report? A few weeks ago some friends visited me for a few days at my cottage. We had some work to do to prepare it for the summer, like putting up screens, washing windows, cleaning cupboards, along with other things. But the hours of work flew by and we enjoyed wonderful hours of sharing about what God is doing in our lives, reading special scripture passages and praying together. We all felt invigorated and energized by our time together – good news and an optimistic outlook gave ‘health to our bones.’

Who are the people in your life that are contributing joy to your heart and health to your bones? They are the ones you should stick to.

I’d love to hear how this is happening to you or how you are blessing others in this way. Please send me your thoughts.

Until next time,
Eileen

How do you define 'health'?

When you hear the word health, what comes to mind? Absence of illness? Size or weight? Exercise? Diet?

The word health is so broad and big - almost abstract. What seems or feels “healthy” to one person might be very different to someone else’s picture of health.

Why is this significant? (and why I am I asking so many questions?!) The significance is that health is something that ALL of us want. We want to be free of pain, to have energy, to be able to carry out daily tasks with ease and so on. But sadly, our “vagueness” around what health looks like to us individually can actually prevent us from getting there (wherever “there” is!).

I struggled with this very issue in January of this year. With a milestone birthday approaching in the Spring, I had a personal goal to be “in the best shape of my adult life” by my birthday. The only problem was - I didn’t know how to turn that goal into a plan. My goal was abstract - and without having a clear idea of where I wanted to go, how could I expect to get there?

The fact is that we cannot do that which we cannot imagine. We need a clear picture of our destination in order to plan the steps to get there. Imagine a building that did not first have a blueprint. How would the builder know where to begin? A well thought out plan is half the battle.

So, I’m wondering...What does healthy living look like to you? I’d love to hear!

May 7th, 2009:
I just returned from a bike ride, my first for this season- a forty minute mini vacation along the trail in our area. Thinking pleasant thoughts while cycling cleared my mind and energized my spirit.

In the Old Testament such care was given to each part of the tabernacle, where God met His people. Although God no longer dwells in the Old building, I've learned the value of looking after my temple, His new dwelling place.

1 Corinthians 6:19 "Or didn't you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit?" The Message

As women we often feel selfish when we spend time on our own recreation and hobbies.
That's not a Scriptural teaching for Corinthians goes on to say that we are bought with a price, God owns all of us. Let's look after His possession.

What are you doing this spring that will keep you healthy physically, spiritually and mentally? I'd love to hear from you.

Suggestion: Dividing your day into three parts- morning, afternoon and evening is one way to know how you are doing looking after yourself.

You need one of those parts each day for rest and recreation. For instance, if you work at night, you'll need either morning or afternoon for rest and recreation.

Sometimes our schedules have two or three days where all three parts are booked up. In that event, we need a whole day or as many parts as we've missed.

As well, each day I like to ask myself what I've done in each category- body, mind and spirit.

Let's share some ideas.