(This is the latest 3V Communications Newsletter, that just came out today!)
Hi folks,
It’s been a while since my last newsletter. I apologize for my tardiness. I have been quite busy with coaching, a presentation on PowerPoint repair, and setting up employee training courses at companies for immigrants who have English as a second language. In addition, I am moving in a couple of weeks. Busy busy!
Today I want to share with you a joke that originated as an email-based forward. You know those annoying forwarded messages that you get daily that crowd your inbox? You are bothered to receive them yet still curious to open some of them, if not all. The problem is, every once in a while, there is a good one. And that is what probably keeps us from asking people NOT to forward stuff to us. That, or the fact that we are sometimes guilty of the same offence!
Without further ado, I present to you a list that was a forwarded email. I do not know who the original author is, but did notice that they use British English spelling.
My thanks to my client Tatiana, who kindly provided this list to me. (I actually requested that she forward it to me – how is that for a change?)
What Those Words on Yearly Performance Reviews REALLY Mean:
1. Outgoing Personality: Always going out of the office
2. Great Presentation Skills: Able to B.S.
3. Good Communication Skills: Spends lots of time on phone
4. Work is First Priority: Too ugly to get a date
5. Active Socially: Drinks a lot
6. Independent Worker: Nobody knows what s/he does
7. Quick Thinking: Offers plausible excuses
8. Careful Thinker: Won’t make a decision
9. Uses Logic on Difficult Jobs: Gets someone else to do it
10. Expresses Themselves Well: Speaks English
11. Meticulous Attention to Detail: A nit-picker
12. Has Leadership Qualities: Is tall or has a louder voice
13. Exceptionally Good Judgement: Lucky
14. Keen Sense of Humour: Knows a lot of dirty jokes
15. Career Minded: Back stabber
16. Loyal: Cannot get a job anywhere else
17. Plans for Promotion/Advancement: Buys drinks for all the boys
18. Of Great Value to the Organisation: Gets to work on time
19. Relaxed Attitude: Sleeps at desk
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Thursday, November 05, 2009
If you don't know why we wear Poppies...
Hello,
These days you will see many people in Canada and the UK wearing a red 'poppy' flower over their heart, on their left lapel (not right please!). It is a symbol that represents showing remembrance of our fallen soldiers, from any war. We wear the poppy up until November 11th, which is our Remembrance Day (Veteran's Day in the US).
To learn more about the history of this symbol and to read the poem 'In Flanders Fields', please see my other blog
http://SpeakEnglishBetter.blogspot.com.
Thanks, and I hope you wear a poppy just as I do.
These days you will see many people in Canada and the UK wearing a red 'poppy' flower over their heart, on their left lapel (not right please!). It is a symbol that represents showing remembrance of our fallen soldiers, from any war. We wear the poppy up until November 11th, which is our Remembrance Day (Veteran's Day in the US).
To learn more about the history of this symbol and to read the poem 'In Flanders Fields', please see my other blog
http://SpeakEnglishBetter.blogspot.com.
Thanks, and I hope you wear a poppy just as I do.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Halloween Info Over Here!
Hello everyone,
Just a quick note to let you know that I have posted some information and a link on the history and rituals of Halloween on my other blog, http://speakenglishbetter.blogspot.com/ so if interested, please pop over for an amusing read.
Thank you and Happy Halloween!
Just a quick note to let you know that I have posted some information and a link on the history and rituals of Halloween on my other blog, http://speakenglishbetter.blogspot.com/ so if interested, please pop over for an amusing read.
Thank you and Happy Halloween!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Differences Between Canadian & American Thanksgiving
This weekend is a long weekend for us in Canada, as it is our Thanksgiving weekend.
Monday is a holiday.
I have posted some information and a couple links to more info on the history and differences of Canada and US Thanksgiving celebrations on my other blog, which is more suited towards language and culture. You can go see it now:
http://SpeakEnglishBetter.blogspot.com
Happy Turkey-Eating Weekend!!!
Monday is a holiday.
I have posted some information and a couple links to more info on the history and differences of Canada and US Thanksgiving celebrations on my other blog, which is more suited towards language and culture. You can go see it now:
http://SpeakEnglishBetter.blogspot.com
Happy Turkey-Eating Weekend!!!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
Improve Your Body Language Knowledge
Hello,
As most of you know, I am a big fan of studying body language. It is a huge part of interpreting other people, as well as presenting the right 'vibe' to others. I love teaching what I know to my clients, and seeing it in action everyday. In fact, my company is named '3V Communications' because we interpret and relay information using the 3 Vs of communication - Verbal, Vocal, Visual. But what are the ratios?
Perhaps surprisingly to you, they are 7% verbal, 38% vocal and 55% visual. That means 93% of all communication is non-verbal! Fun stuff. So what does that mean? It means I can swear at you, but as long as I am smiling and my body language is relaxed and open, and my voice is not too loud, you will NOT get mad at me! You will know that I am just joking or messing around with you. That is just a small example of how important it is to understand and properly use body language.
Did you know that Shakira was correct when she sang a song called “My Hips Don’t Lie?” I realize that she meant it more in terms of sexy dance moves, but in reality, where we point our feet and hips does say a lot of who and what we are interested in. If you and I are sitting in a meeting or a café, and my feet are continuously pointing towards the door, what does that say to you? It says I am ready or waiting to leave.
If I am talking to someone on a 45 degree angle, that means I am inviting others into the conversation. Therefore if I am square to the person, I want their full attention and would not appreciate being interrupted. You can see this kind of ‘footwork’ at networking events or social mixers.
I could go on and on, since it is such a fascinating field of study, but for now I just want to let you know that you can study body language with Kevin Hogan, a famous expert on the subject, live or at home.
If you are interested in improving your body language knowledge, please note that on this blog I have links to 2 great resources. Scroll down a bit and in the right hand border of my blog you can see that I am advertising a Kevin Hogan Body Language Mastery Weekend Course in the New York area Oct 10-11. You must register by Oct. 5th though. You can hit the link and read all about it. He is the real McCoy, no worries.
Or if you prefer he also has a body language interactive home study kit, which is shown in the picture just below. Either way, there are two great ways to learn advanced body language. Check them out by scrolling down a bit now.
Thank you,
Coach Ric
As most of you know, I am a big fan of studying body language. It is a huge part of interpreting other people, as well as presenting the right 'vibe' to others. I love teaching what I know to my clients, and seeing it in action everyday. In fact, my company is named '3V Communications' because we interpret and relay information using the 3 Vs of communication - Verbal, Vocal, Visual. But what are the ratios?
Perhaps surprisingly to you, they are 7% verbal, 38% vocal and 55% visual. That means 93% of all communication is non-verbal! Fun stuff. So what does that mean? It means I can swear at you, but as long as I am smiling and my body language is relaxed and open, and my voice is not too loud, you will NOT get mad at me! You will know that I am just joking or messing around with you. That is just a small example of how important it is to understand and properly use body language.
Did you know that Shakira was correct when she sang a song called “My Hips Don’t Lie?” I realize that she meant it more in terms of sexy dance moves, but in reality, where we point our feet and hips does say a lot of who and what we are interested in. If you and I are sitting in a meeting or a café, and my feet are continuously pointing towards the door, what does that say to you? It says I am ready or waiting to leave.
If I am talking to someone on a 45 degree angle, that means I am inviting others into the conversation. Therefore if I am square to the person, I want their full attention and would not appreciate being interrupted. You can see this kind of ‘footwork’ at networking events or social mixers.
I could go on and on, since it is such a fascinating field of study, but for now I just want to let you know that you can study body language with Kevin Hogan, a famous expert on the subject, live or at home.
If you are interested in improving your body language knowledge, please note that on this blog I have links to 2 great resources. Scroll down a bit and in the right hand border of my blog you can see that I am advertising a Kevin Hogan Body Language Mastery Weekend Course in the New York area Oct 10-11. You must register by Oct. 5th though. You can hit the link and read all about it. He is the real McCoy, no worries.
Or if you prefer he also has a body language interactive home study kit, which is shown in the picture just below. Either way, there are two great ways to learn advanced body language. Check them out by scrolling down a bit now.
Thank you,
Coach Ric
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Mingle with Myngle to Learn Language
Hello everyone,
I have had a request to introduce to you Myngle, a cool online language-learning company. I will now let a representative from Myngle describe their company:
Myngle is a pioneer of live online language learning. Based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Myngle removes the physical dimension for language learning, allowing students and teachers to get one-on-one real time online lessons from wherever they are. This has resulted in students and teachers participating from over 150 countries.
Myngle is free for students and teachers to sign up. It does not only provide online live individual and group lessons, but also personalized packages, asynchronous products and free resources for a complete learning experience for Myngle students.
In July 2009, Myngle had more than 65.000 students from 166 countries and 256 active teachers. Myngle website content is localized in 6 languages: English, German, Spanish, Italian, French and Russian.
Myngle selects and trains the teachers to ensure the quality of online language learning. All teacher candidates are required to send their CVs, from which Myngle will check each teacher’s experience and qualifications. If the teacher meets Myngle’s quality standards, he/she will be invited for a consultation where the teachers’ teaching skills will be tested and reviewed.
Awards and Nominations:
-Nominated for Best European Web Application or Service EMEA in Techcrunch The Europa’s Tech Awards in July 2009
-FEM BusinessTop 5 Start up Media in The Netherlands, in June 2009
-Plugg2009 People’s choice award, in March 2009
-Best ICT Company at the European Venture Summit, in December 2008
-Accenture Innovation award in October 2008
-One of 33 hot Dutch web 2.0 companies, in August 2008
-Most promising ICT Company in Benelux, in March 2008
BACK TO SCHOOL!
Back to School with Myngle and a Full Immersion Package of 95EUR. For a period of 30 days you can take up to 30 lessons of 30 minutes each. There are 45 teachers who offer this programme.
MYNGLE SHOP
You will be able to buy products that assist and complement your live online classes. For now you can choose from more than 120 products in 12 languages (Audio lessons in 6 languages, Digital Dictionaries in 3 languages, Iphrase finders and podcasts in 12 languages).
By Urmila Tamang
Myngle Customer Care
Email: ask@myngle.com
http://www.myngle.com
Wibautstraat 129
1091GL, Amsterdam
The Netherlands
I have had a request to introduce to you Myngle, a cool online language-learning company. I will now let a representative from Myngle describe their company:
Myngle is a pioneer of live online language learning. Based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Myngle removes the physical dimension for language learning, allowing students and teachers to get one-on-one real time online lessons from wherever they are. This has resulted in students and teachers participating from over 150 countries.
Myngle is free for students and teachers to sign up. It does not only provide online live individual and group lessons, but also personalized packages, asynchronous products and free resources for a complete learning experience for Myngle students.
In July 2009, Myngle had more than 65.000 students from 166 countries and 256 active teachers. Myngle website content is localized in 6 languages: English, German, Spanish, Italian, French and Russian.
Myngle selects and trains the teachers to ensure the quality of online language learning. All teacher candidates are required to send their CVs, from which Myngle will check each teacher’s experience and qualifications. If the teacher meets Myngle’s quality standards, he/she will be invited for a consultation where the teachers’ teaching skills will be tested and reviewed.
Awards and Nominations:
-Nominated for Best European Web Application or Service EMEA in Techcrunch The Europa’s Tech Awards in July 2009
-FEM BusinessTop 5 Start up Media in The Netherlands, in June 2009
-Plugg2009 People’s choice award, in March 2009
-Best ICT Company at the European Venture Summit, in December 2008
-Accenture Innovation award in October 2008
-One of 33 hot Dutch web 2.0 companies, in August 2008
-Most promising ICT Company in Benelux, in March 2008
BACK TO SCHOOL!
Back to School with Myngle and a Full Immersion Package of 95EUR. For a period of 30 days you can take up to 30 lessons of 30 minutes each. There are 45 teachers who offer this programme.
MYNGLE SHOP
You will be able to buy products that assist and complement your live online classes. For now you can choose from more than 120 products in 12 languages (Audio lessons in 6 languages, Digital Dictionaries in 3 languages, Iphrase finders and podcasts in 12 languages).
By Urmila Tamang
Myngle Customer Care
Email: ask@myngle.com
http://www.myngle.com
Wibautstraat 129
1091GL, Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Social Media Follow up: Facebook Got Her Fired!
As a follow up to my last post/article, I thought you might find this interesting. It is just one of quite a few examples of real people getting fired after posting the wrong thing on a social media site - in this case, Facebook. Enjoy.
(By the way, the link to this new article comes courtesy of one of my Twitter peeps!)
"Lady Talks About Her Boss on Facebook - Only Problem...She Forgot That She Added Him!"
Go here to read this short article. It almost doesn't seem real!
http://www.planbinsider.com/careerblooper
(By the way, the link to this new article comes courtesy of one of my Twitter peeps!)
"Lady Talks About Her Boss on Facebook - Only Problem...She Forgot That She Added Him!"
Go here to read this short article. It almost doesn't seem real!
http://www.planbinsider.com/careerblooper
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Social Media Communications - To Tweet or Not to Tweet!
Hi folks. Have you tweeted yet today? That is the question.
If you don’t know what I am referring to, don’t worry it’s nothing dirty or too personal! It is what we do when we post an update of our life on the popular social media site Twitter.
I have recently had discussions about using current social media like Facebook, MySpace and Twitter with a few different people, and the potential benefits that can arise from being ‘on message’. Some people were managers, entrepreneurs, budding coaches, moms and new graduates. Here, in a nutshell, is my best advice that I gave them. I hope this helps you too, whether you are currently using social media like the above-mentioned, or a blog, or whether you are pondering the idea of setting up an account and profile but are not sure how to use it.
DO follow the trend. If it has not gone away after a few months, and if everyone is talking about it, including people on TV, you know it is a keeper. Stay current, especially if you need to advertise your product or service or have friends all over the place you want to really stay connected with.
DO share personal insights and stories. Sharing yourself (within reason) encourages others to appreciate your openness and respond in kindness. Building rapport is much easier when both people are sharing the same level of intimacy.
DO mix business with pleasure. There is nothing wrong with letting people know about your new blog, entrepreneurial venture, newsletter, ebook or condo for sale in your updates, as long as that is not the ONLY thing you are telling them. Share other aspects of your life too, and then it does not seem so out of place or ‘salesy’ when you want to let people know about something they might like.
DO NOT be afraid of today’s technology. It is even easier now than when I started in 2002. With a little research online you can find free and easy ways to set up a blog, website, newsletter, and of course, accounts in MySpace, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. These days everything is drag n’ drop, import photo from your computer, WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) editing. There is no need to learn html or any other computer programming/language. Just point and click! Plus, these sites have online tutorials.
DO NOT jeopardize your job or education. Remember that everything you post online from an tweet to a text message is recorded somewhere. Complaining about your boss or teacher online is about as smart as advertising on bus benches that you cheated on your spouse! Some conversations are better left for the phone or face-to-face interactions. There have already been students disciplined and workers fired, regardless of what you and I may think of the ethics involved in such cases. Be prudent.
DO NOT lie. There is really no need for it. If you have something to say or something to sell, just let people in your online community know about it, and be satisfied with those interested parties that respond. People have gotten job interviews from these social mediums. Could you imagine if they lied online? What to do in the interview then? The same rules apply to online dating profiles. By lying you are only setting yourself up for embarrassment. People these days want to know what you are about before buying from your company too. On Twitter you can find profiles of coaches, sports teams, TV stations, restaurants, celebrities and of course – online marketers! Be careful not to get fooled by anyone though. It is still a ‘buyer beware’ world!
I hope you have found these tips on using current social media helpful. If you want to view my profiles or even follow me, here is where you can connect with me:
http://twitter.com/CommCoach (Twitter)
http://www.youtube.com/CommCoach73 (YouTube)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Toronto-ON/3V-Communications-Communication-Skills-Training/14886705364 (Facebook 3VC Page)
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2365499871 (Facebook Group - Toronto Communication Workshops)
*Please note I do not share my personal Facebook page with people I have not met. It is my personal space. However please join my Facebook groups or follow me on Twitter. I will follow you back!
Thank you,
Coach Ric
If you don’t know what I am referring to, don’t worry it’s nothing dirty or too personal! It is what we do when we post an update of our life on the popular social media site Twitter.
I have recently had discussions about using current social media like Facebook, MySpace and Twitter with a few different people, and the potential benefits that can arise from being ‘on message’. Some people were managers, entrepreneurs, budding coaches, moms and new graduates. Here, in a nutshell, is my best advice that I gave them. I hope this helps you too, whether you are currently using social media like the above-mentioned, or a blog, or whether you are pondering the idea of setting up an account and profile but are not sure how to use it.
DO follow the trend. If it has not gone away after a few months, and if everyone is talking about it, including people on TV, you know it is a keeper. Stay current, especially if you need to advertise your product or service or have friends all over the place you want to really stay connected with.
DO share personal insights and stories. Sharing yourself (within reason) encourages others to appreciate your openness and respond in kindness. Building rapport is much easier when both people are sharing the same level of intimacy.
DO mix business with pleasure. There is nothing wrong with letting people know about your new blog, entrepreneurial venture, newsletter, ebook or condo for sale in your updates, as long as that is not the ONLY thing you are telling them. Share other aspects of your life too, and then it does not seem so out of place or ‘salesy’ when you want to let people know about something they might like.
DO NOT be afraid of today’s technology. It is even easier now than when I started in 2002. With a little research online you can find free and easy ways to set up a blog, website, newsletter, and of course, accounts in MySpace, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. These days everything is drag n’ drop, import photo from your computer, WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) editing. There is no need to learn html or any other computer programming/language. Just point and click! Plus, these sites have online tutorials.
DO NOT jeopardize your job or education. Remember that everything you post online from an tweet to a text message is recorded somewhere. Complaining about your boss or teacher online is about as smart as advertising on bus benches that you cheated on your spouse! Some conversations are better left for the phone or face-to-face interactions. There have already been students disciplined and workers fired, regardless of what you and I may think of the ethics involved in such cases. Be prudent.
DO NOT lie. There is really no need for it. If you have something to say or something to sell, just let people in your online community know about it, and be satisfied with those interested parties that respond. People have gotten job interviews from these social mediums. Could you imagine if they lied online? What to do in the interview then? The same rules apply to online dating profiles. By lying you are only setting yourself up for embarrassment. People these days want to know what you are about before buying from your company too. On Twitter you can find profiles of coaches, sports teams, TV stations, restaurants, celebrities and of course – online marketers! Be careful not to get fooled by anyone though. It is still a ‘buyer beware’ world!
I hope you have found these tips on using current social media helpful. If you want to view my profiles or even follow me, here is where you can connect with me:
http://twitter.com/CommCoach (Twitter)
http://www.youtube.com/CommCoach73 (YouTube)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Toronto-ON/3V-Communications-Communication-Skills-Training/14886705364 (Facebook 3VC Page)
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2365499871 (Facebook Group - Toronto Communication Workshops)
*Please note I do not share my personal Facebook page with people I have not met. It is my personal space. However please join my Facebook groups or follow me on Twitter. I will follow you back!
Thank you,
Coach Ric
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