Another one bites the dust...

Well this year just keeps getting and better for the DRM GROUP and yours truly. I take pleasure in reporting that I have acheived another new years resolution, and now face the remaining goals head on with absolute confidence and commitment.

For this latest resolution was based in an easily recognised failing, Public speaking.

I recently had the misfortune to read a transcript of an interview I conducted and the shock from seeing that transcript has changed my life. I had never noticed the um's, er's, arrgghs, hmm's that had infiltrated my, and if y ou are honest - your's as well, interview style until the day I saw the transcript but once I did I determined immediately to rectify that problem area. From that grew the desire to change several other issues confronting me and hence the whole new year resolution thing.

So far it has been working brilliantly, as I have already related in previous posts. The latest tick in the succesfully initiated column is that of attending Toastmaster's with the desire to improve on the terrible presentation style I exhibited in that interview mentioned above. I contacted the Maryborough, Qld branch of Toastmasters and requested meeting dates and times. I should state that being a trainer for the DRM GROUP ( www.drmgroup.com.au )has allowed me to overcome the problems most associate with speaking to groups, but I am still only a beginner when standing next to the experienced speakers of this organisation.

Nevertherless, I draw inspiration from the opportunity to challenge myself and to draw on their knowledge to benefit not only myself but everyone needing my services in general. The fact that I am the one gaining this benefit is just luck of the draw I guess! Not!

I was impressed with the polished and relaxed style of the veterans of the local Toastmaster's Club, I watched and listened, soaking up all I could. I know there is a lot to learn to reach the level of the long time exponent's of the Toastmaster school but I will get there, of that there is no doubt in my mind.

I quickly managed to identify several issues that I had failed to bear in mind during the terrible interview I mentioned above, but I saw that failing as an opportunity to increase my knowledge. How? Well how else, go to the experts in public speaking of course...Toastmasters (www.toastmasters.org).

I would like to give them a small plug in explaining that Toastmasters is a non profit organisation and are the most cost effective form of self improvement I know of. The veterans, if you will excuse the term, have knowledge and experience that would cost you thousands of dollars - Euro, American or Australian, anywhere else. They are without exception friendly, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and supportive people who seem happy to give freely of their time to help others, something almost foreign in this 21st Century Westernised world of immediate gratification and overindulgence at the expense of everyone but me..well who cares? Recognise that mindset anyone?

As with my previously posted Italian language lessons, I will keep you updated on how I am doing, good, bad or ugly.

Oh and on that score, I had lesson number two (Due) today, very enjoyable once again and totally enthralling. My teacher, Signora Gabriella Coridore is so disarmingly enthusiastic it is impossible not to enjoy her lessons - I like her immensely already - if only my high school teachers had her talent for engaging their pupils.

She taught me an enormous amount today, more than I thought possible in fact, and for that I am very grateful. If you think you might like to learn a new language, well, what's stopping you? In fact, what's stopping you from learning anything new...turn off that remote controlled idiot box and grab a book, head to your nearest Training organisation or Google your topic of interest and make contact, you won't regret it.

I have now set an absolute record for the number of new year's resolutions acheived, within my life at least. I feel safe to say that as part of those resolutions my goal's for the year are looking fantastico and each success only serves to spur me on. Fantastico!

C'mon, give it a go, make this year the best you can with only a little effort. I cannot speak highly enough of the effect on my life that acheiving these little goals, one after the other, has had but boy am I glad I made the decision to give it a thrash. And the best part is with each one down that desire to improve keeps growing, fanning the flames of another fire...another one down, another one bites the dust.

Think Long and Prosper
Biggles