Designate one place in your office for magazines, newspapers and any other publications you don’t need to read right away. Select another place for papers that need to be filed. Stacking bins—they’re larger than stacking trays and have legs—keep papers to file and papers to read separated, yet in close proximity to each other. You could also use wicker baskets near your desk to hold these materials. The point is to keep this inactive information off your desk and keep you focused on more important tasks.

You don’t have to spend a fortune or a lifetime organizing your home based business. Take time to select right location for your home office and evaluate whether your current furniture and setup is meeting your needs. Then design your office so you can find information quickly, and create a filing system that reduces time you spend searching for important papers.

Disorganization can cause lost time and money and eventually may cause you to lose sight of reason you started your business in first place: to enjoy what you do each day.

Copyright 2004 DeFiore Enterprises

2. Read with Passion Read to your children, nephews, cousins, etc. While reading aloud, exaggerate your pitch, tone, and pauses. The children will enjoy it as you will become used to sound of your voice. Children are best barometers to let you know if you are doing it correctly. The children will have a look on their faces that show they are hanging on every word you are saying. Continue to experiment with different ways to read "The Cat in Hat" while recording yourself on audiotape. The more fun you have, more everyone involved will benefit from this exercise.

3. Apply It Right Away (That's Way!) Immediately apply your newly acquired vocal variety skills in any speaking situation whether it's in a meeting, with co-workers, speaking in front of a group, or one-on-one with another person. It may feel a little strange in beginning. However, remember more you use your new skills, more comfortable you will be.