Racism and YouWritten by Maureen Killoran, MA, DMin
Ethical question: You are in a local store. (This really happened.) An elderly, poorly-dressed lady is pushing a card, moving with obvious difficulty as she adds to her hoard first one item and then another. She finishes, and proceeds slowly – not to checkout, but to exit, where two security guards are chatting. At door, woman pauses, waits for perhaps 30 seconds directly under guards’ noses. It is as though she is invisible to everyone but you, for no one even blinks as she moves through door, pushing card and its stash of un-paid-for goods to her waiting car.The question: What would you do? How would you balance respect for elderly (Honor thy father an mother?)
| | Stage FrightWritten by Tracy
Stage Fright By Tracy Brinkmann ©2001-2003First lets set record straight. It should really be called 'before getting on stage fright.' At least for me all - ok well most - of my fears hit before I get on stage. Once I'm up on stage BOOM I'm in zone and you can be too. Stage fright is that wonderful feeling of nervousness that occurs when you consider, or know your going to have to partake in, a speaking event. Let me give you a couple tips on how to handle stage fright. Mind you I did not say get rid of it. For any speaker that states they have zero stage fright is either lying or in denial. Top performers in world get stage fright so know that you're in good company. Tips for taming beast: Think of stage fright in a positive manner. Fear can either enable you or disable you. Letting it enable you will make your wits and reflexes sharper. Fear as a friend will boost your energy level, put a gleam in your eye and even some color in your cheeks. I have found that when I'm nervous I am more consciously aware of my pacing, posture and breathing. This allows me be more in control of my body, enhancing my presentation. BEFORE Before you're on stage doodle, draw things you'd like to have (I draw my dream Harley!). Review your notes. Yawn - yes yawn - this relaxes your throat. Try and find other things going on during meeting/event that you can work into your presentation. Double check equipment you'll be using. Talk to other people (this way you know your voice is ready to go). Double check how you look in a mirror. All this will engage your mind in more productive thinking and away from those on stage nightmares it'll come up with if you let it.
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