In January, I chaired a Toastmasters International Area Speech Contest. It was both nerve wracking and exciting. Since I recently posted about the value of lessons learned meetings after my own club contest, I thought I’d share a few thoughts on this latest experience. I was asked. I was reluctant but said yes. I wasContinue reading “My takeaways as contest chair”
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Online all the time
Like a lot of people today, I’m working from home. So, I got to thinking about how we’ve shifted the way we communicate. My day starts online and is peppered with emails, video calls and text messages. On breaks, I’m throwing in a load of laundry or taking a quick walk around the block. LongContinue reading “Online all the time”
Moments of reflection
Despite the challenges and disruption of Covid-19, I still got in a few outings on my bucket list. For one, exploring the marshes of Point Pelee National Park and then spending a day on the island itself. And, I’ll never forget my train travel to Halifax to hike around Point Pleasant Park. Each presented momentsContinue reading “Moments of reflection”
From the heart
2021 is definitely a year to reflect on. With it came sadness, challenges and innovation. Families found different ways to communicate, and we opened our hearts to help those in need. For me, it underscored the importance of family and the simple things in life — enjoying each moment one day at a time andContinue reading “From the heart”
Change with a plan
Like the weather changes, there’s change everywhere we go. Think of all the life changes you’ve experienced. From the time you were old enough to make your own choices, you’ve been making decisions. University, college or none at all? Which career path? To marry or not to marry? And a biggie on my radar —Continue reading “Change with a plan”
Thinking about leadership styles
I did a little reading not too long ago about different leadership styles. I found it interesting to learn about my personal style and some of the pros and cons of different styles. Leaders vary and so do leadership styles. Leaders range from those who like to collaborate to those who like to dictate. DoContinue reading “Thinking about leadership styles”
Talk about the things you know
Someone once asked me, “When you deliver a speech, how do you remember it?” Hmm that’s a good question. I’m a member of Toastmasters. I joined in 2018 because I wanted to learn how to speak confidently, deliver speeches and frankly, I was curious to know what it was all about. Since then, I’ve madeContinue reading “Talk about the things you know”
Read it again… later
When you write, you write. And when you read, you read… what you write! It reads exactly the way you intended it to. Am I right? Well, not always. When you spend enough time writing and editing your copy, it becomes very familiar. So familiar that your mind plays tricks on you and will automaticallyContinue reading “Read it again… later”
Is it the right audience?
I get a lot of pleasure in working with small businesses to help them define their brand or refine their marketing strategy. Bringing their ideas to life is always exciting. Most recently, I was approached to help write a promotional campaign for three small businesses. They were pulling together their unique skills — a plumber,Continue reading “Is it the right audience?”
Idioms: A dime a dozen
Idioms are everywhere — a dime a dozen — you might say. As individual words, they don’t make sense, but combine them together and you have a common phrase with its own personal meaning. So, I wasn’t surprised to see emphasis placed on idioms during an English language talking group I sometimes take part in.Continue reading “Idioms: A dime a dozen”
Writing for you. 