Off the Cuff

When Speaking in Public causes you stress ..

Relax! You’re not alone. More than half the population seems to be terrified at the very thought of being asked to present or speak in public. In fact, many have said they would rather ‘die’ !! You may be surprised to know many of the world’s greatest speeches have been made by introverts, people who choose to Janie Lazar - Coderdojothon 2016manage their stress and present with excitement rather than fear. The good news is you can learn to do the same and learn how to speak and present with confidence. Boosting your English language and Presentation Skills together will make you a more effective communicator, as well as help you with your ability to network for effectively. MMTW Integrated training is available on a one to one and group basis for organisations. As not everyone can avail of training in their workplace, we run ‘Public Workshops’ – with the next for people whose first language isn’t English scheduled for the 5th November 2016. This is an intensive Mini Workshop ‘Preparing to Present’ where participants learn practical communication skills and tips usable in any language.

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the Chinese word ‘wei-chi’ has two meanings: ‘danger’ and ‘opportunity’.  It all depends on how you see it.  So when you change your perspective and see speaking in public as an opportunity, we can work to turn that fear into excitement.

A new global language – supported by ENGLISH

I love the way we can find information on just about anything. From how to do something ‘techie’, to listen to a favourite piece of music, for much needed data for a report.  I just go on-line and with one click, the information is mine. Or perhaps ‘mined’ is a more apt description. What we do is being monitored.  All the time.  Every click. Every moment of every day.  Big data.  Big money for Big Corporates. This is concern no. 2 on my list.  My biggest concern is moral responsibility.  And what brought this ever closer was Coderdojothon 2016, which was hosted in my home town of Dun Laoghaire last weekend.

Logo DojoCon 2016 I’d been aware of this amazing movement, which is bringing kids together to learn what will be the global language of the future CODING.  Not having children, this has been at the edge of my world and only when a conversation with a pal saw me agreeing to be on the ‘SOAPBOX’ on opening night, did I really give it serious thought.  BUT NOT AS A CODER.  I stood up and spoke. As a human being very much concerned with the moral responsibility of organisations involved with this growing movement.  And expressed concern as to how children can be protected within this worldwide Dojoweb.  The creativity I saw. The confidence which kids develop as they learn and develop is breathtaking. I would hate anything to infiltrate this world.  These kids are our future now.  They know more about the internet and see more possibilities than we may ever contemplate, let alone take on.  I even made a new pal Lexie. She is seven and can help me with my blogging and is a cool coder already.  These kids have a social conscience, an innate guiding compass of collaboration for the greater good.  These kids will make social changes happen and all through the new global language of collaborative coding. And yes, people travelled from all over the world and the common language – yes, is ENGLISH!!

I am grateful to those who accepted my challenge I threw off the SOAPBOX. Those who came up to join me as I ranted – in particular Paul Greenberg, CEO and Founder of an extraordinary company https://www.creatubbles.com.

What an amazing time to grow up in this world.  It’s a long way from my childhood where having a landline was big news, long before the mobile phone was even thought of!

need a speaker? need help with preparing your speech?

www.muchmorethanwords.com 

Radio Time – In our Own Words

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Much More Than Words: ‘In Our Own Words’

We talk about MMTW on Dublin South FM 93.9

With Padraic Marren  on ‘The Business Eye’

Preparing for Interviews – Yes, we train people in this area too!

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Exceeding Expectations at ‘Preparing to Present’ –

Before you book, take a look at  our last Workshop 

Boosting English Language & Essential Communication Skills in the Workplace’ – Hosted by the Bank of Ireland, Grand Canal Square, September 2016

 Exceeded my expectations”, “I learnt a lot of very useful business language”
Now I know how to present myself better in English” 
 Now I have more confidence to stand up and give a presentation in English
“Awesome to have this opportunity”  
Andrea Goldman LANGUAGE COACH with participants
“Without this workshop with Andrea and Janie, I never would have started to learn how to work on my presentations”
This workshop saw participants really connecting, taking the opportunity to present with conviction, making use of the useful appropriate business English they had learnt and with great confidence.We had the most fantastic group, with people from Syria, Korea, Poland, Venezuela, China, Italy and Spain –  the bank was buzzing !
And what did we learn as Facilitators?!

Just how important it is for non native English speakers to be supported by their Employers to help them integrate, engage and contribute even more so their skills can be fully maximised and potential realised.
 One to One or One to Many – It’s all about Connecting
gosh-that-croissant-looks-tempting
Janie Lazar – COMMUNICATIONS COACH

Book me in for the next ‘Preparing to Present’ Workshop

Building language skills with both competency and confidence means employees and and their companies benefit as overall communication skills become even stronger.

SUCCESS ALL ROUND :)
SUCCESS FOR EVERYONE
Our integrated approach in training leads to greater loyalty, greater work/life satisfaction and has a positive effect on company performance and profitability. A WIN/WIN all round.

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DRIVING LASTING CHANGE THROUGH TRAINING INNOVATION

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English Greetings

                                       “Top of the morning to you!”

is a greeting that Irish people never use, unless they are American with an Irish great-great-great-great grandmother.   But we do ask on a daily basis:  “How are you?” or a long number of variations:

‘How’s it going?’  (How’s it goin’)

‘How are you doing?’ (Howrya doin’)

‘What’s up?’ (Whatsup. Can you see where the app comes from now?)

“How’s she cutting?” (From Kerry)

And my favourite Dublin greeting (said in a rich masculine grunt): “Story?”

And the answer to these questions about your health and well-being?  “Fine”, always “fine.”  Because unless the person looks deeply into your eyes and changes their tone to: caring and concerned, they do not actually care!

 “How are you?” And all its variations, are greetings not questions.

This is often not understood by non-native-speakers who start to answer the question:

“Well I’m a bit tired, didn’t sleep well last night because of the party next door and my sore toe which I banged into a lamppost yesterday and it’s quite swollen now, I hope it’s not infected…”

STOP!

When we ask you “How you are?” it is just a greeting: it means “Hello” and when you ask it, it is fine to keep on walking…

Your response (which may not be heard by a greeter who has kept on walking) should be positive:

“Fine, thanks!’”

Positive and polite: “Fine, thanks and you?”

Or: “Grand!” (Very Irish)

“Good!” (American)

“Not bad”

And the response to: “Story?” ?

“Story!”

And all of these responses mean: “Hello, to you too!”

So, “Have a nice day!” “See ya!”