Handshaking for Men and Women- Is there a difference?

Your handshake should not be memorable for any reason. In other words not too strong or too weak. A firm confident handshake says you are a decision maker, confident, probably competent and that you understand the importance of a good handshake.

When shaking hands with another person, face the person, make eye-contact, smile and extend your hand, fingers straight and thumb up. The base of your thumb, where it meets your palm, should meet the other person’s thumb base. Grasp their hand firmly and pump from the elbow, two times then slowly withdraw your hand. Remember to take your time and not to appear as though you are in a hurry to remove your hand.

Use only your right hand and do not touch the person in any other way, i.e., hugging, air kiss, grasping their hand with your left hand on top of theirs or touching their arm.

The Coach has learned . . . that men and women shake hands the same way.

2007 - www.etiquetterevolution.com

How do you Find a Topic to Speak On?

People are always looking for solutions to their problems. Do you have an expertise that can help people solve their challenges and frustrations? Ask people to see what bothers them. Find out what they need to achieve their goals.

First, you must have a passion for what you would like to speak on. Next, see if your topic would be welcomed and needed by many people. Then come up with a speech that presents several points (ideas) to help people take action, think differently, get from A to Z.

Start collecting material - stories and concepts are everywhere. Find them in the supermarket, at a restaurant, on an airplane, at a movie, in your home with your family. You must write down everything you hear or see related to your topic.

Purchase a mini-cassette recorder and carry it with you as you would your cell phone.

Place a pad and pencil by your bed nightstand and when you get an "aha" in the middle of the night, get up and write it down. Retrieve and retell these stories to your audiences.

Find that one special "signature" story that belongs to you and sets you apart from other speakers. You know, the one that people will love to hear because it is inspiring, motivating, and/or humorous. Then they will remember you and refer you to others and ask you back again.

Are you ready to take the challenge to provide a thought-provoking presentation that will get people to think differently, to be inspired to take action, to garner insights about their lives, to question some of their goals?

Perhaps Marcel Proust said it best. "Instead of seeking new landscapes, develop new eyes."


(C)2007 Sandra Schrift www.schrift.com