Welcome to Monday Morning Mindfulness. This issue, originally published on May 1, 2006, offers insights and inspiration for your week ahead. Let’s dive in!
**Special Offers and Invitations:**
Looking to elevate your business success or become a captivating speaker? Explore resources from Coach Sandra, including an audio message and opportunities to ask her your burning questions about speaking skills. Discover strategies for connecting with your audience and persuading them to act.
For a deeper dive, consider the “Power Presentations for Professionals” audio CD. Learn simple yet sophisticated techniques to deliver compelling speeches and understand the qualities that set leaders apart. Prepare to craft presentations that resonate with your audience.
**Valuing Values:**
The 20th century brought unprecedented knowledge but also environmental damage and immense loss of life. How can we reconcile such intelligence with such destruction? Albert Einstein noted that ethics concerns values, while science deals with facts. Science is influenced by cultural values and religion, suggesting that ethical considerations were perhaps overlooked in the 20th century’s technological advancements.
Can we correct this imbalance in the 21st century?
**On a Great Speech:**
Keep these points in mind for impactful speaking:
* Have someone introduce you, highlighting your credentials and experience.
* Grab attention with a strong opening—a question, a startling statement, or a story.
* Provide a concise statement of your speech’s purpose.
* Challenge your audience, delivering what they need to hear, not just what they want.
* Present solutions, offering a plan to solve their problems.
* Focus on three major points for better retention.
* Conclude with a call to action, encouraging change or a shift in thinking.
Are you a service provider or simply a broadcaster when you speak?
**On Global Ageing:**
A global survey reveals a desire to move away from traditional retirement models toward self-sufficiency and a blend of work and leisure. Most people prefer enforced private savings over raising the retirement age, increasing taxes, or reducing pensions. While older individuals are willing to work and employers recognize their skills, opportunities remain limited.
Global ageing presents both significant challenges and opportunities.
**On Recommended Reading:**
Explore Paul Coelho’s “The Alchemist,” a story of journeys, encounters, and the importance of asking questions. With over 100 million readers in 56 languages, this fable follows a shepherd boy’s quest for treasure and the author’s search for life’s meaning.
Some questions may not have definitive answers.
**Announcements:**
Visit my blog to learn about niche marketing, effective email strategies, and what makes a successful speaker. Share your thoughts and comments.
‘Speak Like a Pro for Profit’ E-book is available for $8.95. This e-book offers proven tips and techniques to become a polished presenter and speak effectively and confidently. I wrote this for speakers, coaches, authors and business professionals who want to deliver persuasive presentations and/or grow a profitable speaking business.
Let’s connect! I will be in; Denver, May 9-13; Phoenix, AZ, May 21-23; Palo Alto, CA, June 20-28; Orlando, FL, July 22-25 (NSA convention). Contact me when visiting San Diego.
**About the Author:**
Coach Sandra Schrift shares insights in this bi-weekly broadcast. With 13 years of experience as the founder/owner of The Podium Speakers Bureau, Sandra knows what meeting planners want and what speakers need to know.
Executives can benefit from strengthening their presentation skills.
As your coach, Sandra provides focus, prospecting strategies, referral ideas, and business growth.
Email Sandra for a complimentary 30-minute coaching call.
‘Living at risk is jumping off the cliff and building your wings on the way down.’ –Ray Bradbury
Thank you for reading Monday Morning Mindfulness. Look for the next issue on May 15, 2006.
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