WHY TAPE RECORD YOUR SPEECHES?

By Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG

Often folks who know I’ve been around Toastmasters for a few years ask me “What’s the best way to improve my speaking skills?” Without skipping a beat I usually say “One of the best tips I’ve learned, as a Toastmaster and would-be speaker, is to tape record my speeches after I’ve written a final draft.” It helps me to hear how my voice sounds and whether the material flows.

Here’s a short list of questions I ask myself: Is it well organized or does it need some more editing? Does it address the objectives of the manual speech? How is the pitch and the tone, too fast, too slow? Does it have too many repeat words or phrases? Can an audience understand the flow and purpose? Did I include something for the audience to chew on?

Once I’m satisfied with the material I try to listen to it whenever I can.... sometimes driving to work, getting caught in traffic, or driving down the freeway are good times to play it. Each time I play it and hear it I get more comfortable with it, until finally, I feel I own the words. This doesn’t mean that I sound like a parrot but it cuts down my fear of public speaking and gives me confidence in knowing that I am well prepared.

When it’s time to give my speech to a live audience I like to tape record it again. However, if you belong to a Toastmaster Club that is lucky enough to have a video camera you may want to use that as well. I know Toastmasters who then post their speeches on their websites or have copies made to sell down the road.

And, over the years, I’ve even learned to tape record my Evaluator’s comments too. It’s another educational tool or bonus to help me improve my speaking skills. So why not take advantage of everything Toastmasters has to offer?

Regardless of why you joined Toastmasters, whether you aspire to become a professional speaker, are an entrepreneur who must market yourself to others, or have received a promotion and now must conduct meetings, your credibility and success will be greatly improved when you take the trouble to record yourself.

The next time you prepare to give a speech, I urge you to take a few minutes during rehearsal and ask yourself the above questions about your material. When you are comfortable and sure that you’ve covered all the bases the next step is to tape record your material. Only you will know when you are ready to do this. If necessary, remind yourself of the benefits you will gain from taping your speech:
Here are a few benefits to consider:

• You will cut down on rambling
• You will hear how you sound delivering your material
• You will stop needlessly repeating yourself
• You will avoid jargon, slang and misunderstood terminology
• You will avoid crutch words and overuse of pet phrases
• You will avoid outworn or overused clichés
• you will be able to adjust your pitch, volume, pace!

I leave you with these thoughts: “Words are the poetry of the soul! They are as unique as your fingerprints. You owe it to yourself to leave the finest imprint!™ Stay tuned. My next session deals with “Why You Should Use A Videocam in Your Presentations.

Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Artist ● Speaker ● Writer
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com

Copyright© 2008 by Shirley Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any portion of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net.

GOAL SETTING FOR THE NEW YEAR!

By Shirley M. Carolan

December is my favorite month not because of Christmas and New Year’s, all the giving and receiving, parties, great food, and catching up on friends’ lives, but because it’s a great time of reflection and how my overall year turned out.

I enjoy looking back and seeing how all the events came about, assessing what went well, what did not, what needs changing, what relationships grew, which ones changed, what I learned, what I’m more grateful for, etc. Now, I understand why it’s said that “masterpieces take time!”

My life is far from being a masterpiece but going into my 75th year I feel I’ve at least put a few layers of paint on the canvas. As a result, I don’t make New Year’s resolutions any more because I find I’m not held accountable if I give up or change my mind about a resolution. Whereas setting a goal is much more meaningful. It gives some direction and meaning to my life. It gives me a challenge, a reason to get out of bed in the morning, and the opportunity to celebrate when the goal is completed, it gives me a sense of fulfillment, and joy that I can trust myself when I put pen to paper and commit to doing something.

It also means the journey isn’t over once a goal is completed. It means that I am ready to commit and continue on the journey of discovery… This year, I commit to having more fun in my life and stop worrying about finances, and/or jockeying for position to get clients to write for, or lucrative speaking engagements, or preparing and delivering motivational workshops.

I intend to do more oil painting, take pictures of nature with my new digital camera, and do more writing, articles, eBooks, blogs, etc. I’ve signed up for sketching classes through Mira Costa College and digital camera classes through Vista Adult Ed. What fun! Being a senior today is wonderful because there are so many classes out there to take whether it’s for a hobby, upgrading professional skills, or learning new work skills!

This year I learned that it’s OK to exhibit some of my oil paintings at an art gallery. At first, I dreaded letting go of my art work because it was like letting go of a baby. Today, I am at peace with letting go and joined the Carlsbad Oceanside Art League (COAL) and exhibited some oil paintings there. I’ve also met some wonderful new friends and great artists that I can learn more from.

At Christmas, I indulged in another hobby, astronomy. The first Christmas gift I bought this year was a telescope. I so want to see Mars and the rings around Saturn again and this is the perfect time of year to do that. Back in the early 1980s I took an astronomy class at the College of San Mateo. It was the last science class I needed to get my AA degree and it was one of the most fascinating classes I’ve ever taken. It was a time when Carl Sagan had his popular series “Cosmos” on PBS television. We were also lucky the college had a huge telescope to view the universe.

Yes, I am looking forward to the New Year! Whether I make a lot of money, or not, is immaterial because I will be doing what I love, writing, oil painting, and viewing the heavens! And, you can’t put a price tag on that!

Happy New Year all!


Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Artist ● Speaker ● Writer
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com

CHRISTMAS 2007 AT OUR HOUSE!

by Shirley M. Carolan

It was a quiet but peaceful Christmas this year. The newly adopted traditions that I had so carefully put in place these last few years fell by the wayside, i.e., the Oceanside Harbor Annual Boat Parade (Holiday of Lights)and a different rendition of The Nutcracker! Some totally unexpected trauma entered my life instead. Little did I know it would bring some new perspectives, observations and gratefulness on my part.

My little Shih-Tzu, Krissy, had major surgery on her left eye, December 19th by gifted ophthalmologist Dr. W. A. (Dean) Vestre because of two ulcers. She came through it with flying colors and wears a “lampshade” to protect her little face. Prior to that we went through two weeks of different medications with her regular veterinarian. Finally, her vet suggested a second opinion by an ophthalmologist. The diagnosis and fees were staggering; to date $2,500.00.

Today, Krissy is recovering nicely and getting some of her old personality back. It’s a joy to hear her little bark, if you can call it a bark. She has taught me some valuable lessons: patience, humility, acceptance, love and gratefulness. What precious gifts to receive at this sacred time of year. And, you certainly can’t put a price tag on those!

As a result, I will no longer call her “selfish or demanding” when she wants or needs something. She has her boundaries and I need to honor them. She has given up her regular habits and independence to be cared for instead. She has been a real trooper and in her own little way has taught me some important life lessons!

This downtime gave me the perfect opportunity to assess how well my year went, what worked, what didn’t, what needed changing, and what goals I want to set for the New Year! All very heady and time consuming stuff. I will be addressing these important issues in a later blog.

Meanwhile, Christmas was quiet but blessed at our house this year!

Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Artist ● Speaker ● Writer
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com

CARLSBAD OCEANSIDE ART LEAGUE

By Shirley M. Carolan

It never ceases to amaze me that one of our best kept secrets is the Carlsbad Oceanside Art League, affectionately known as COAL.

If you are looking for something special this Christmas for a loved one, or even something beautiful and decorative for yourself, why not visit this best kept secret in town – the Carlsbad Oceanside Art League (COAL) at 300 Carlsbad Village Dr., #101.You will find oil paintings, water colors, mixed media, photography, and sculptures, etc.

After much harranging with myself, I finally gave myself permission to exhibit another oil painting for sale. While I don’t consider it my best work by any means I am exceedingly happy to be able to let go of one of my “babies.” Yes, artists consider their work just like giving birth to a baby and are very attached to their work. I am no exception either, so it is a major breakthrough for me. This means I will have more wall space at home to produce more paintings as I let go of others that I have clung to.

It also means that in the New Year I am going to be much more productive. I’ve signed up for several art classes starting in January and want to learn more techniques of using the palette knife. I love 3-dimensional art!

I’d like to extend an invitation for you to visit the galIery over the Holidays. I will be sitting the gallery on Friday, December 21 from 11AM to 2 PM and will be happy to show you around. The Holiday viewing schedule has changed so you may want to call first to be sure they are open at 760-434-8497.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Artist/Speaker/Writer
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com

THANKSGIVING & BLESSINGS

By Shirley M. Carolan

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays.  For my family and I, it holds very significant memories.  We were living in London, England in 1947.  World War II had ended the summer of 1945, yet England was still on food rations in 1947.  That November, my parents announced to my twin brother and I that we would be emigrating to America shortly.   We were 14 and a half at the time.

We boarded the SS AMERICA at Southampton, England on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1947 and set sail for New York.  At the time we did not know the meaning of Thanksgiving Day but we soon found out.  At first, we were quite overwhelmed by the wonderful food and fresh fruits. During the war, we had not seen bananas or peaches, or even white bread.  It was a novelty to take these back to our cabin to eat.  We were not sure if we should peel the fruit first and had to ask our parents.

Eggs where another novelty.  At breakfast, the steward asked how my family would like their eggs served?  There was dead silence.  He persisted … sunnyside up? …over easy?  …hard boiled?  They settled for sunnyside up which became their undoing because when the eggs arrived and the cheerful yolks looked up at them they bolted from the huge ship’s dining room, not to be seen, or heard from again until we were close to New York harbor.

Indeed, I was the lucky one because I couldn’t eat eggs and thus my long anticipated freedom to explore this magnificent ship on my own was now realized.  However, not to be outdone, my twin brother did not eat all of his eggs and thus insisted upon accompanying me.

As we surveyed the various decks and assorted amusements we entered an Ice Cream Parlor.  We were in heaven ordering and eating ice cream sundaes until we tried our first Coca Cola and got quite a shock because it reminded us of cough medicine we were forced to take when ill. H’m …

Since that first Thanksgiving I’ve enjoyed this holiday in various settings.  While I never married or had children to share this lovely holiday with, I’ve never lost my childhood fascination with the meaning of Thanksgiving.   In recent years, I’ve set my own traditions.  Yesterday was no exception.  After giving morning thanks and watching the Macy’s Day Parade, I took my little Shih-Tzu, Krissy, down to Carlsbad by the sea to enjoy a stroll along the boardwalk.

It was a magnificent afternoon with the sun shining warmly on my back and bouncing off the waves in majesty.  My spirits soared as I breathed in the beautiful fresh air and observed the wonderful Pacific Ocean.  How lucky I felt to be living in this wonderful paradise!  Tourists and residents were out in full swing.  I exchanged pleasantries with so many people I was almost hoarse when it was time to come home.  Dog lovers and owners were also out in full force.  There were so many breeds to ooh and ahh over.  Krissy got her fill of pats and loving too.  One young lady even asked could she have a picture taken with her! 

Then I came home to Cornish Hen, Brussell sprouts, yams, pearl onions, stuffing, etc.  Dessert was a surprise.  Ah yes, I have so much to be thankful for as well as blessings galore!

Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Artist/Speaker/Writer
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
www.angelscross.blogspot.com

REFLECTIONS

by Shirley M. Carolan

This has been a year of considerable reflection for me. It started, quite naturally, by journaling my feelings about HOW and WHERE my life was going, while keeping in mind if the direction I was headed towards was OK with me ... the kinds of gems I teach my clients when they attend either my JOURNALING or GOAL SETTING seminars.

To be sure, it’s a process and it can be long, short, or even arduous. In my case it’s been extremely arduous! That’s because I had conflicting goals and aspirations. I wanted to have a thriving writing business as well as a lucrative speaking business.

Today, I realize there is nothing intrinsically wrong with that if you are in your 30s, 40s or even 50s, and want to do both, to the exclusion of everything else. Or, your early formal education prepared you for entrees into such careers. But it’s a bit overwhelming if you’re launching both in your 70s! Not that I was literally starting from scratch mind you. While life was happening to me I was always busy on the side dabbling in both careers. I allowed “survival” to be my mentor, yardstick, and constant companion.

Perhaps St. John’s University in New York was right after all. I was taking English Lit and Poly Sci at night, back in 1962-64, while working full time as an executive secretary to the President of the company. I thought my identity then was my two-piece suit and title. St. John’s suggested that I major in English and get a BS degree. At the time, that seemed ridiculously easy to me. But that’s for another article.

Today, I am literally ridding myself of all the “fluff,” the good but sidetracking events, seminars, people, books, obstacles, both real and imagined, that I allow to impede my progress. It’s euphoric but also quite scary because it’s letting go of the familiar that I’ve surrounded myself with and quite literally striking out on a path that acknowledges my true purpose and mission in life! Why, it’s like doing a firewalk all over again with Tony Robbins but this time around I intend to succeed! This time around however, I have a wonderful, supportive, professional team who want me to succeed and won’t let me fail!

Stay tuned to learn more about my new venture and how journaling is opening the doors to success!

Shirley M. Carolan
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0332
www.shirleycarolan.com
http://smcarolan.blogspot.com
http://angelscross.blogspot.com

MIRA COSTA COLLEGE CALLING!

By Shirley M. Carolan

It is with great delight that I inform you Mira Costa College renewed my contract to teach “Journaling for Success” again this fall. If you missed the first class in September, don’t worry, there’s still time to register for the October 9th class.

As many of you know, Journaling is my favorite tool to get centered mentally, emotionally and spiritually! It has helped me to avoid many pitfalls and decisions I might later regret by getting in touch with my “gut” feelings. It amazes me sometimes how quickly I am ready to give my power away to others only to rue it later. That’s why I devised a whimsical “What’s Bugging Me” form. I get to lay out in writing “What’s Bugging Me,” “Why It’s Bugging Me,” “What Can I Do About It?” and lastly “What Did I Learn” from journaling about it.

But, that’s only one of the tremendous gifts of Journaling! I came up with a personal list of 30 ways to use Journaling successfully. Here are ten, not necessarily in order of importance but to give you an idea of the broad range of subjects where Journaling can further help you on your journey through life:

• A tool to take ACTION instead of procrastinating
• Attract people you want in your life at a new level of AWARENESS
• LOVE yourself more and stop putting others’ needs ahead of your own
• Let go of anxiety, especially over the things that you can CONTROL
• LET GO of the deadbeats and unsupportive people in your life with love
• DEFINE your own values and beliefs not those handed down to you
• Take back your POWER instead of being a people pleaser all the time
• Gain CLARITY about your life and what’s most important to you
• Learn how to ACT versus re-act to people, places, and things
• DEAL WITH “unfinished business” in your life–it’s blocking positive energy!

I trust the above will whet your appetite! If you are unable to attend the hands-on workshop on October 9, I will be happy to send you the Workbook for the small fee of $12.99, tax included. It is self-explanatory with lots of good tips, stories, anecdotes, and exercises you can do at leisure. It follows the workshop verbatim!

To register on line for the class please go to: www.miracosta.edu/Instruction/Community Education. This will lead you to “Community Services and Business Development classes.

I look forward to meeting you in class!

Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G
Speaker/Freelance Writer
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
artistwithaflair@att.net
www.shirleycarolan.com
http://angelscross.blogspot.com

Copyright© 2007 by Shirley Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any portion of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net.