7. Speed into future, but remember your past.

With every new day, future speeds upon us, but not so fast that we can forget those who came before us and paved way. Jim Shea helped return sport of skeleton to winter Olympics; sport last appeared in a winter Olympics back in 1948. Along way, Shea championed not just sport, but spirit of Olympics, imparted to him by his father and grandfather, both winter Olympic medal-winners themselves. Sadly, Shea's grandfather died just two weeks before the, but his spirit lives on. --Jimmy Shea, carrying a photo of his grandfather in his helmet, crossed finish line on his final run as gold medal winner.

8. We get by with a little help from our friends.

As if a testament to power of standing by one's friends, Jill Bakken and Vonetta Flowers won gold in 2-person bobsled competition. Earlier in week, Flowers had been asked by fellow U.S. competitor (and gold medal favorite), Jean Racine, to partner with her, instead of Bakken. Flowers refused.

9. Everyone has a dream.

No matter who was interviewed -- coaches, athletes, family, or observers -- everyone brought with them their own Olympic dream of what could be. Every person has their own dream, whether it's to compete in Olympics or to fly to moon. Just as we support our athletes in pursuit of their dreams, let us support each other for our individual dreams as well.

10. We can work it out.

In a world filled with war, terrorism, and territory disputes, Olympics showed once more that -- even while nations might not always agree with each other (inside and outside games) -- they can come together, peacefully, to experience beauty of sport and competition. It's a start.

5. Be engaging

Listening to a speech is, for most people, a passive activity. Successful speakers involve their audiences and converse with them so that it's a conversation, not a talking-to.

6. Be positive

No matter what subject, successful speakers are always positive with their audiences. They help their audiences learn what to do as opposed to what NOT to do. They focus on upside, not downside.

7. Be challenging.

Lastly, great speakers always challenge their audiences to do great things. And again, it doesn't matter what subject. A successful speaker gives you know-how and challenge to make your life more enjoyable and more rewarding everyday.

©2001 Jim M. Allen