What you intend, you attract

It's Friday morning - the best work day for most of us, for we see the end in sight. Chances are good it's easier to get out of bed this morning than other days through the week.

When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Someone about to plod through the day? Someone ready to take it on? You see what others see, and therefore what you will attract.

Introvert Needs

This morning I gave a 2-hour presentation on Emotional Intelligence, which focuses on understanding our emotional needs, how we acknowledge them, respond to them and apply the same respect to others. The presentation was well-received by the audience, triggered much participation and conversation afterwards. As soon as I could, I left the environment. And this is based on my introvert emotional needs.

Although it's nice to get the audience feedback and recognition, that doesn't warrant staying around, in my book. What I prefer, similar to what most introverts prefer, is downtime. Time to reflect, to calm down, to have space and time for centering.

Introverts have needs that support their strengths.

The Truth about Introverts

When the focus is on social scenes and types of people, we want to know what to expect. Included in this is, how many of us are introverts vs. extroverts? Today I have read from 5 different sources, 5 different percentages.

In an article written in the past few months on the introvert and networking, the author says "about 70% of us are extroverts, I think". In another source I read 51% or more  of us are introverts. In a researched paper I saw that in the US we have shifted from 30% introversion in the 1960's to about 68% introversion today.

What does this all mean? (aside from where are these percentages coming from and why are they so disparate?)

Let's Rehearse!

If you're like me, you feel anxious when you haven't had a chance to rehearse before a presentation. Your mind is constantly turning to its presentation page when you hit your pillow. You get up the next day and the alarm bells are going off that there is an issue you've not yet focused on.

There it is. It's time to rehearse.


But who is your audience? You could gather your peers or supervisor into the seats in front of you and talk through - even speak through - your message. Yet, you'll no doubt claim they have better things to do with their time. So now what? Your significant other? Friends? Will they know what to say about what's working and what isn't? Do you trust their sense?

One Hour Presentation Review
Consider setting aside one hour for a third-party review. BDB services lets you select what you will spend that time on - determining content, framework of message, delivery, connection, impact you wish to make. Or if you'd like, just be open to what comes up that will give you improvements and allow you to look forward to the presentation you have coming up.


Small Group Presentation Review
Is your practice group or firm wanting to enrich the power of its existing presenters? Perhaps each of them would appreciate having a resource come to them for a limited block of time. Observe each speaker in 30 - 60 minutes blocks of time, share what's working, provide tips and let the others observe before they also get coaching. What a great use of half or full day training - individualized focus while enrichment with others's presentation style!

Let's rehearse. It's the number one way to create confidence in what you have to offer - seek the feedback that compliments your particular style.

Contact me for details at merri@bdbcommunication.com

A community service that works - securely

If you're in professional services, you can mix recycling your computers with creating community good will. Although many of us are concerned about personal information getting into the wrong hands, the risk/responsibility increases with client data stored on our hard drives. When we replace our hardware every 3-4 years, we must be cautious. Thank goodness Columbus has a place we needn't be concerned about data security.

The Community Computer Alliance, started by Dan Hurst, bridges the gap between technology and community. This non-profit organization recycles all computer hardward, softward and accessories. With the mission making technology available to the community that needs it most,  CCA takes your old computers and components and refurbishes them, then donates computers to low income families, disabled individuals and senior citizens.

6 Steps to Developing Business with Public Speaking

The last thing an introvert wants to hear is the value of public speaking. Yet as business developers, they confess, the best way to gain sales is through relationship creation. And standing in front of a group to help them experience who we are is a huge relationship enhancer, and the best use of our time. All it takes is practice. Practice done perfect isn't expected. Practice done well is worth exploring.

Problems at the Podium

I have a keynote to deliver this fall that I've known about for a few months. Back when it was scheduled I did my research. Now it's time to create the outline, the framework and put it into action.  In summary, plan, prepare and practice!                                                                   I know my approach to public speaking is different from most presenters.