Priti Ramjee - Tweet Me Right

Many of us starting out on Twitter wondered the same thing -- Why would anyone want to know what we're doing every moment of every day???

I found this hilarious video from Marc Gordon as he explores 'Twitter hell' as he calls it, eventually discovering the proper and effective use of twitter. Although, by the end, he's still trying to figure out the language -- tweet, twit, twittering, tweetering... It's ok Marc, most of us are just happy to have figured out how to do it, whatever it is! -- Priti Ramjee

Tweeting My Day Through Hell from marc gordon on Vimeo.

Priti Ramjee - The 'Art' of Communication

Public speaking and presentation skills are part of our life whether we’re delivering a formal presentation or just having a one on one dialogue. The art of communication has a strong impact on the outcome.

Tony Henson recognized that. Tony is an art teacher at Walters State, Morristown, TN. After taking a speech class at Western Ky University, he recognized communication areas for himself to improve upon and developed his own comfortable personal style. This comfort level helped him considerably in obtaining his Master’s Degree in Fine Art and in teaching at a college level.

Tony learned to speak slower and pronounce words more clearly for the benefit of his students. He is now confident in speaking to a group of 70 or more with ease on the subject he knows best – art.

His challenge now is relating to each student using universal analogies while relating to the class as a whole.

“I love teaching, speaking about art and find it very rewarding personally when I make that special connection with my class”, says Tony.

To see Tony Henson’s Abstract Art pls. visit www.tonyhensonart.com or @hensonart.

-- Priti Ramjee

Priti Ramjee - Bringing Quality to Quantity in Social Networking

Social networking has taken us to new leaps and bounds reaching an unfathomable amount of people. Out of the hundreds we reach it's just a few that we actually connect with that helps us reach our goals.

Susan Levin took an initiative to help us increase our "few". Susan manages the Speaker Services group on Linked In. She recognizes the importance of connecting and took the initiative of launching virtual networking sessions which I had the pleasure of attending yesterday.

While this was the first session, the objective of having a group of people making connections was a success. Each person had the opportunity to introduce themselves and their goals. Susan was able to effectively moderate the session so that the attendees had a chance to ask each other questions and express their interest and opinions, and connect with those of interest.

Susan's initiative brings quality to quantity and I am certain that stronger connections will be made as a result.

If you are interested in trying virtual networking, the next session will be on June 7 at 3pm EST, (12PM PST). Join the Linked In Speaker Services Group for the contact information. http://tinyurl.com/2d4afqa

-- Priti Ramjee

Priti Ramjee - Executive Presentations They'll Actually Show Up For!

Executives, are you ready to speak off the cuff for your next presentation? Take a deep breath and jump in because the time has come to let go of the traditional, rigid style of reading PowerPoint slides.

Experienced presenters suggest less text, less slides, and more visuals. This means replacing reading with communicating what you know in a natural, more personable presentation.

I can say from experience, you'll find that speaking off the cuff replaces monotone for a more engaging natural tone with pausing and expression.

Try it and be prepared to find a breakthrough in connecting with your team.

Priti Ramjee - Your Inner Bird - A Personality Test of Conflict Management

The Centre for Conflict Resolution International Inc. in Ottawa has developed a method to overcoming conflict comparing conflict styles to the behaviour of birds.

Take a look at some examples. Which bird do you best relate to with your conflict management style?

1. The Woodpecker: - Task Oriented Approach

The woodpecker is clear on what needs to be done to resolve the situation and will hammer away at their point until the other person agrees. Woodpeckers don't waste a lot of time on the niceties. They just like to focus on getting the other parties to see things their way.

2. The Parakeet: - Relationship Oriented Approach

Parakeets are focused on the relationship, and making sure it is not at risk. They are willing to concede the point so that the relationship is not at risk. They tend to use humour to lighten the moment and insist that the situation isn't that serious.

3. The Owl: - Relationship and Task with no time constraints

Owls need to understand all aspects of the situation and properly communicate their perspective. They want to make sure that the solution is what's best for everyone. Owls will take whatever time is required to work through the conflict.

4. The Ostrich: - Unimportant Conflict

Ostriches prefer to stick their head in the sand and pretend that the conflict doesn't exist. They will avoid conflict situations - to the point of physically leaving the room or taking sick leave or going on vacation!

5. The Hummingbird: - Relationship and Task with a Quick Fix.

Hummingbirds want things to work out quickly. They create options for resolution and are open to negotiation. They believe in a middle ground for everyone to get something out of it. It may not be the best solution but "good enough" so that everyone can move on.

Which bird do you related to and who would you fly with? -- Priti Ramjee

What Does Your Handshake Say About You?

The Squeeze

The person who owns this handshake needs to show their power and control. Remember, it's a hand not a lemon.

The Sad Halibut

At the other extreme we have the dead fish. This person puts his limp, clammy hand in yours, exerting absolutely no pressure. You may find it hard to distinguish between the person's hand and a sad halibut. You have little or no self-confidence and you find it very difficult to deal with people.

The Sweaty Handshaker

No explanation required.

Finger Shaker

Some people shake only fingers. Your message is "Stay away from me. I don't even really want to be here".

Dominator

The handshake can also suggest that a person feels in some way superior. Often a person extends his hand palm down, suggesting that your hand should be underneath. Another might take your hand normally and then twist it so that his own is on top. Their message is "I am the boss of you".

I Want You

My favourite is this one. This is the handshake where you skipped right past the shake and went straight to holding hands.

The Perfect Handshake

Look the other person in the eye. Take his hand. You should press palm to palm and grip firmly but not viciously. Congratulations!

--Priti Ramjee