“Good poetry seems too simple and natural a thing that when we meet it we wonder that all men are not always poets. Poetry is nothing but healthy speech.”
Henry David Thoreau
"...look at that word blame. It's just a coincidence that the last two letters spell the word me. But that coincidence is worth thinking about. Other people or unfortunate circumstances may have caused you to feel pain, but only you control whether you allow that pain to go on. If you want those feelings to go away, you have to say: 'It's up to me.'" -- Arthur Freeman
STORYTELLING WORKSHOP DAY
10.00—12.30 STORY CIRCLE
This will be a special story circle with University of Western Sydney Students in Early Childhood Studies sharing some of their creative work with storytelling along with other gifted tellers offering stories for adult and family audiences. Also there is an ‘open-mike’ opportunity for anyone who’d like to tell as well.
12.30 -1.30 Bring own lunch. Tea and coffee provided
1.30 - 4pm WORKSHOP STORYTELLING FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD
with Patsy Allan, a dynamic storyteller from Canberra who specializes in Creative Storytelling for children aged 0—7 – babies, toddlers and preschoolers to early primary children.
Enjoy an afternoon of interactive folktales, stories, songs and rhymes with props, puppets and participation.
Have a look at Patsy's bio at http://www.patsytales.com/
Date: Saturday 21 May
Venue: The Writers Centre, Callan Park Balmain Road Rozelle. Main Entrance opposite Cecily Street in Balmain Road and follow the signs to the Centre.
Cost: $35 or $25 members, pensioners/ students. (come for the whole day or just for the workshop)
Bookings essential: Contact Lee - leescastledine@yahoo.com.au or Ph: 0402 927 943
by Harlan Coben
Edgar-winner Coben's 10th Myron Bolitar novel (after Long Lost) is a perfect 10: providing readers with new information about the past of the former athlete turned agent and owner of MB Reps; a satisfyingly complex mystery; and the always entertaining, sometimes shocking exploits of Bolitar's partner and friend, Windsor Horne Lockwood III (aka Win).
Imagine not being able to read a thing, not even a road sign
“If you cannot read and write then you are always afraid,” my friend and award-winning Australian Indigenous author, Tara June Winch, once wrote to me over email. “To not be literate – not just practically, but socially, emotionally, economically, to not be able to engage or navigate your world – you are compacted. You are diminished. You are afraid. Literacy stays forever. People are stronger for it. It gives people life and hope to help themselves.”
Tara’s words have stayed with me since I first read them a year ago.
It’s the power of books. Of reading. Of being able to write your name, read a contract, a textbook, a manual, a medicine bottle, a street sign, a warning. We take it for granted. Well, I know I do.
At times I forget that despite the fact we are a developed nation, a number of our own communities are on fire. Particularly our Indigenous communities. => http://bit.ly/l3MwBm
... and though there are only 4 they are highly ingenious and useful tips
George RR Martin named one of the most influential people of 2011
The success of A Game Of Thrones, the runaway TV adaption of respected fantasy author George RR Martin’s novel of the same name from his A Song Of Ice And Fire series, has propelled Martin into Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in 2011. => http://bit.ly/fHqfdW
Whether you are a professional in a solo-practice or own a small business, chances are you feel overwhelmed when it comes to marketing. While you may be an expert in your field, consistently attracting new clients probably isn’t one of your strengths.
Here is just a short list of "marketing culprits" that are likely keeping your business from reaching its full potential: => http://bit.ly/bZDdDa
Whether it is for personal reasons or professional, improving the sound of your speaking voice is something people are becoming aware of because they realize it is part of the image they project. What does your voice (the one you hear on your answering machine) say about you?
In today's questionable economy, jobs are at a premium. Having the education and experience are not always enough to guarantee you the job or even the promotion. Because your competition is tough, it is up to you to have the best presentation skills possible. The people who are succeeding are those who speak effectively: they exude confidence.
Imagine that you are being considered for a position along with two other individuals. If your education and experience are equal to those of your competition, the decision will rest on the one who is best at expressing himself or herself. Can you say that the sound of your speaking voice and your delivery skills are an asset? If you are unsure, record yourself, preferably by means of video.
For the above suggestion, use your camcorder in a mock interview session with a friend or family member and then study the playback. The knowledge you will gain from the recording is invaluable and will show you how you look and present yourself to others. This is why I am such a fan of the video-recorder. It is an excellent tool.
Listen to the sound of your voice, the tone, and the emotion displayed in speaking. While you will be nervous for the interview, you don't want the person responsible for your future seeing or hearing it. When you watch the recording, look for 'tics' such as playing with your hair, using a lot of ums or ahs, or fidgeting with our hands.
What is your voice saying about you? Is it wimpy or too soft? If so, a potential employer will tire of having to strain to hear you. If you are too loud, on the other hand, that employer may find you aggressive. How about too nasal? Maybe you speak too fast or too slowly. Is your voice expressive or does it sound boring? Are you over 21 and sound like a 12-year-old? Perhaps you speak with a heavy accent and are difficult to understand.
These are all things you should consider when you analyze the playback because that is what a perspective employer will be hearing.
Don't allow your lack of presentation skills ruin your chances for that coveted job or promotion. Consider improving your voice as an investment in your life, both professionally and personally.
The Voice Lady Nancy Daniels provides private, group and corporate training throughout the United States and Canada as well as Voicing It!, the only video training program on voice improvement and presentation skills.
