Enjoying the Great Outdoors without Breaking the Bank
Visiting Seattle Washington can be an infinitely fun experience. This experience can be magnified greatly if you find entertainment that is inexpensive of free. The good news is that this type of entertainment can be easily found in and around the Seattle area. The even better news is that I'm going to share some of the many great things you can do for free while visiting Seattle.
Some people tend to scoff at the ideas of freebies, and that is all well and good. Those people are perfectly willing to pay over inflated prices for their entertainment while I hope you will be wise enough to choose entertainment that doesn't come with quite as much sting. Believe me when I say, you do not always get what you pay for and the clichÈs are correct. You will probably find that many of the best things you find in Seattle are absolutely free.
The first great place I'm going to tell you about is one of those absolutely free places to visit. Not only is it great fun but it is educational as well. I sincerely hope that you will not let the price tag prevent you from the knowledge and good old-fashioned fun you can have at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. There is much to do during your trip to the locks. A few great suggestions would be to walk in the gardens, watch the boats, visit the fish ladder (little ones will find this completely fascinating), and exploring the many exhibits in the area. You can even go on a free guided tour between the months of March and November.
Next, there is The Center for Wooden Boats. What boy doesn't like toys? Or girl for that matter, I know I'm game when it comes to boats, particularly wooden boats. Not only can you go and explore the boats for free, on Sundays at 2:00 (weather permitting) you can go sailing on one of these magnificent watercrafts for absolutely no charge. You can call ahead of time at (206) 382-2628 in order to check water conditions. Because of the popularity of this program it is wise to arrive at least one hour ahead of time in order to participate in the 2:00 sail. There are some Sundays when other events conflict with the Sunday sail so call to be sure that the sail will be offered. Of course, even without the Sunday sail the Center for Wooden Boats is still an excellent way to spend an afternoon dreaming about these fantastic toys.
Finally, I want to mention Ebey's Landing National Historic Reserve. This reserve was created in order to preserve the natural history of the land. Coupeville is a 19th Century town that has been preserved in an attempt to portray an accurate picture of what life here was like. There is a museum, gift shop, several eateries, and an antique shop that line the once vibrant seaside town. Then visit the Admiralty Head Lighthouse and many of the other attractions that abound. You can take your car and drive the length of the reserve. The drive is approximately 43 miles long and your driving time will depend greatly on the amount of time you spend exploring along the way. If you want to make a day trip of it, you may want to pack a picnic lunch and plan your day accordingly.
Other activities that you may enjoy while visiting Ebey's Landing include: biking, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, kayaking, nature walks, scuba diving, wildlife viewing, and bird watching. Visiting this reserve is literally taking a step back in time. I hope you enjoy this place as much as I do.
With so many great things to do for free, who would ever want to leave Seattle Washington? The best news is that this is only a small glimpse of the great ways to have fun while visiting this unique and wonderful city.
PPPPP
(word count 663)
Rabu, 18 Juni 2008
And finally, the Seattle Aquarium
City Pass Offers Great Price for Popular Attractions
If you're planning a visit to Seattle Washington and will be spending a few days in town, you might seriously consider purchasing a city pass. This pass will allow you to experience several of the more popular attractions this great city has to offer at a fraction of their regular prices. It will also allow you daytime (6 am through 7 pm daily) transportation through the cities Metro system. This pass is good for nine days from its first use and provides you with several options for activities during your stay.
The first activity offered by these passes is a visit to the Museum of Flight. Watch in amazement as the history of flight comes to life right before your very eyes. From a tour of the original Air Force one to flight simulators of modern day jet flights this museum has a little bit to offer every kid, big and small, in your group. Enjoy the many exhibits and family activities that are available here and have fun exploring the history of flight both personal and military in out country. This is something I would recommend even if it weren't part of the pass and is well worth a visit.
The Seattle Harbor tour is the next event on this list. This tour is offered by Argosy Cruises and will probably be a highlight of your time in Seattle. If not a highlight, then perhaps the boost you needed to try some of the more elaborate tours that Argosy has to offer. This tour lasts about an hour long and provides a tour of the bay while pointing out some of the stunning scenery that surrounds Seattle. You do have the option of upgrading your cruise to one of the others offered by Argosy for an additional fee. If you've never been in open water before, I recommend starting with a smaller cruise and seeing how your sea legs (and stomach) measure up before embarking on a longer or dinner cruise.
Next is a favorite for children of all ages-yes, moms and dads count. This is a trip to the Woodland Park Zoo. This zoo has won awards for its natural looking exhibits and delights guests with them as well. This zoo is much more than lions, tigers, and bears. This zoo has great deal to offer any family who would make a day of it, and I seriously recommend that that is precisely what you do. While you're there, you might want to step over to the rose garden next door (the rose garden is free of charge but quite beautiful) and enjoy the beauty and aroma the roses present.
Next is the Pacific Science Center. From video games and laser shows to fascinating science exhibits the Pacific Science Center really is a fun place to visit. While you're there you might want to check out the IMAX theatre and see what is playing. Among the permanent exhibits is a Dinosaur exhibit from the Mesozoic Era, a tropical butterfly house, an Insect Village, and a saltwater Tide Pool where little ones can see and touch many of the creatures that can be found in the Puget Sound.
And finally, the Seattle Aquarium, which really needs no explanation. Explore life under the sea and the many salt water and fresh water creatures that can be found in and around the Puget Sound. This will be a highlight for everyone in your group I can almost guarantee.
If any of these or most of these is appealing to you and/or those you are traveling with, then purchasing a city pass is probably a wise investment. Even if you don't visit all of the attractions, you can save money by visiting a few.
PPPPP
(word count 631)
If you're planning a visit to Seattle Washington and will be spending a few days in town, you might seriously consider purchasing a city pass. This pass will allow you to experience several of the more popular attractions this great city has to offer at a fraction of their regular prices. It will also allow you daytime (6 am through 7 pm daily) transportation through the cities Metro system. This pass is good for nine days from its first use and provides you with several options for activities during your stay.
The first activity offered by these passes is a visit to the Museum of Flight. Watch in amazement as the history of flight comes to life right before your very eyes. From a tour of the original Air Force one to flight simulators of modern day jet flights this museum has a little bit to offer every kid, big and small, in your group. Enjoy the many exhibits and family activities that are available here and have fun exploring the history of flight both personal and military in out country. This is something I would recommend even if it weren't part of the pass and is well worth a visit.
The Seattle Harbor tour is the next event on this list. This tour is offered by Argosy Cruises and will probably be a highlight of your time in Seattle. If not a highlight, then perhaps the boost you needed to try some of the more elaborate tours that Argosy has to offer. This tour lasts about an hour long and provides a tour of the bay while pointing out some of the stunning scenery that surrounds Seattle. You do have the option of upgrading your cruise to one of the others offered by Argosy for an additional fee. If you've never been in open water before, I recommend starting with a smaller cruise and seeing how your sea legs (and stomach) measure up before embarking on a longer or dinner cruise.
Next is a favorite for children of all ages-yes, moms and dads count. This is a trip to the Woodland Park Zoo. This zoo has won awards for its natural looking exhibits and delights guests with them as well. This zoo is much more than lions, tigers, and bears. This zoo has great deal to offer any family who would make a day of it, and I seriously recommend that that is precisely what you do. While you're there, you might want to step over to the rose garden next door (the rose garden is free of charge but quite beautiful) and enjoy the beauty and aroma the roses present.
Next is the Pacific Science Center. From video games and laser shows to fascinating science exhibits the Pacific Science Center really is a fun place to visit. While you're there you might want to check out the IMAX theatre and see what is playing. Among the permanent exhibits is a Dinosaur exhibit from the Mesozoic Era, a tropical butterfly house, an Insect Village, and a saltwater Tide Pool where little ones can see and touch many of the creatures that can be found in the Puget Sound.
And finally, the Seattle Aquarium, which really needs no explanation. Explore life under the sea and the many salt water and fresh water creatures that can be found in and around the Puget Sound. This will be a highlight for everyone in your group I can almost guarantee.
If any of these or most of these is appealing to you and/or those you are traveling with, then purchasing a city pass is probably a wise investment. Even if you don't visit all of the attractions, you can save money by visiting a few.
PPPPP
(word count 631)
Asian Pacific American culture
Area Museums Educate and Entertain
If you love learning, and I hope you do, because once you stop learning, there really is no need to continue existing, then there will be plenty of museums in and around Seattle Washington that will feed the mind while entertaining you and your family. The vast number of museums in this area makes it a very interesting place to visit. There are museums here that cover everything from the Klondike Gold Rush to Log Houses and many, many things in between.
In addition to the two museums mentioned above there are several interesting museums to visit while in Seattle. The first one is the Museum of Flight. This is probably one of the museums that Seattle is most proud of. It is consistently voted one of, if not the best of its kind in the country. Learn about the history of flight and even take a ride in a flight simulator or tour the original Air Force One. No matter how you feel about flying, I'm almost certain that someone in your group (especially if there are any boys) will find this museum to be of great interest.
The Northwest Railway Museum is another museum that is not only educational but also fun for everyone in the family as well. Visit the Depot, which has been fully restored to its originally splendor or take a ride on one of the trains. Whatever you fancy, your little guy's (even your not so little guy's) eyes will light up at the idea of riding the rails. The mission of this museum is to educate the public on the vital role that railroads have played in the development of Washington State throughout history. I think they are achieving their goal quite nicely and am happy to be able to make more of the public aware of them and their mission.
The next museum that is a little out of the ordinary and yet vastly interesting and educational is the Whale Museum. This is of particular interest if you intend to do any whale watching while you are visiting the great city of Seattle. Whale watching is always a great deal of fun and it is even more fun if you are armed with the knowledge that can be gleaned by spending a little time learning about whales at the Whale Museum before you go on your whale watching excursion.
The Odyssey Maritime Discovery Center is another of the great museums that can be found in Seattle. This museum not only offers great resources and information about the maritime history that is so important to Seattle today but interactive displays that encourage children to learn and explore by doing. This is a great place to spend the day, but pay close attention to their hours for the day you are planning to attend as this center has shorter weekday hours than most museums.
The Wing Luke Asian Museum is the only museum of its kind in the U.S. This museum is devoted to preserving and promoting Asian Pacific American culture, history, and art. This museum has a permanent exhibit that is set up to remind us of the internment camps that were used for Japanese Americans during the Second World War. I think that this, more than anything else is an important reminder and well worth the visit and there are many more exhibits that offer entertainment and education.
I hope that you will visit one or more of these great museums. I think you will be surprised to find how educational and fun they really are for the entire family.
PPPPP
(word count 603)
If you love learning, and I hope you do, because once you stop learning, there really is no need to continue existing, then there will be plenty of museums in and around Seattle Washington that will feed the mind while entertaining you and your family. The vast number of museums in this area makes it a very interesting place to visit. There are museums here that cover everything from the Klondike Gold Rush to Log Houses and many, many things in between.
In addition to the two museums mentioned above there are several interesting museums to visit while in Seattle. The first one is the Museum of Flight. This is probably one of the museums that Seattle is most proud of. It is consistently voted one of, if not the best of its kind in the country. Learn about the history of flight and even take a ride in a flight simulator or tour the original Air Force One. No matter how you feel about flying, I'm almost certain that someone in your group (especially if there are any boys) will find this museum to be of great interest.
The Northwest Railway Museum is another museum that is not only educational but also fun for everyone in the family as well. Visit the Depot, which has been fully restored to its originally splendor or take a ride on one of the trains. Whatever you fancy, your little guy's (even your not so little guy's) eyes will light up at the idea of riding the rails. The mission of this museum is to educate the public on the vital role that railroads have played in the development of Washington State throughout history. I think they are achieving their goal quite nicely and am happy to be able to make more of the public aware of them and their mission.
The next museum that is a little out of the ordinary and yet vastly interesting and educational is the Whale Museum. This is of particular interest if you intend to do any whale watching while you are visiting the great city of Seattle. Whale watching is always a great deal of fun and it is even more fun if you are armed with the knowledge that can be gleaned by spending a little time learning about whales at the Whale Museum before you go on your whale watching excursion.
The Odyssey Maritime Discovery Center is another of the great museums that can be found in Seattle. This museum not only offers great resources and information about the maritime history that is so important to Seattle today but interactive displays that encourage children to learn and explore by doing. This is a great place to spend the day, but pay close attention to their hours for the day you are planning to attend as this center has shorter weekday hours than most museums.
The Wing Luke Asian Museum is the only museum of its kind in the U.S. This museum is devoted to preserving and promoting Asian Pacific American culture, history, and art. This museum has a permanent exhibit that is set up to remind us of the internment camps that were used for Japanese Americans during the Second World War. I think that this, more than anything else is an important reminder and well worth the visit and there are many more exhibits that offer entertainment and education.
I hope that you will visit one or more of these great museums. I think you will be surprised to find how educational and fun they really are for the entire family.
PPPPP
(word count 603)
largest city park in Seattle
All Natural Freebies abound in Seattle
If you're an outdoors kind of person and really enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, or simply enjoy not being trapped inside a building all day, then Seattle Washington has plenty to offer you should you decide to visit. When planning your visit to Seattle, you will probably find that there are many things that appeal to you and it is quite difficult to narrow them down by interest alone.
This is the point when I divide activities into categories such as: things I really want to do, things that seem interesting, and things that will really just pass the time. Then, I take those things and do a reality (which translates to price) check. I try to justify the expenses of the things I really want to do that are more than I'd like to pay by sneaking in things I'd like to do equally as much for free. It's a great concept and works really well when giving children a choice of activities. Let them choose between two free activities. They still get a voice and feel as though they are an important part of the decision making process and you aren't spending $50 an hour for them to jump on a fancy trampoline.
Here are some of the excellent free activities that can be enjoyed in the great outdoors of Seattle Washington. The really great news is that many of these are actually both entertaining and educational. This is good for you and the kids who will leave Seattle with some degree of knowledge about something other than the ice cream flavors that are offered there.
The first freebie that I recommend is the Volunteer Park Conservatory. This is of special interest to those who love flowers. The conservatory is divided into five houses which each provides a suitable habitat for growing very specific plants. The five houses are: Bromeliad House, which is members of the pineapple family; Palm House, which consists of about 1200 species; Fern House, which features an assortment of tropical ferns and other exotic plants; Seasonal Display House, which changes with the season and consists of many common and recognizable house plants; and Cactus House, which is rather self explanatory. The conservatory is free to the public and a great way to pass time for any flower lover in your group.
Next there is the Washington Arboretum Park. This park is actually a 200-acre arboretum that was designed by the same firm responsible for the design of Central Park in New York. The park hosts 40,000 trees, shrubs, and vines. You can pay for a tour or simply wander around and enjoy the landscape. The purpose of this park is to preserve certain species of plants while offering education to the public and anyone who wishes to learn and benefit from the knowledge that can be gained there.
Next there is the Woodland Park Rose Garden. This garden is located next to the zoo but is open to the public free of charge. There is a $4 parking fee during zoo hours, but parking is free after hours. The climate of Seattle is mild enough that roses seem to flourish and grow beautifully here. The rose gardens receive over 200,000 visitors each year and are a great sight to see while you are visiting Seattle.
Finally, there is Discovery Park. This park offers stunning views and a place to contemplate the beauty of nature and the surroundings of Seattle. The park itself is 534-acres making it the largest city park in Seattle. The purpose of this park was to provide sanctuary for wildlife and a place to learn about nature for those who were interested. The park has a play area for children, picnic equipment, and trails and paths for exploration.
Nature is a wonderful thing to behold and Seattle is blessed with some of the most beautiful natural surroundings on earth. It only makes sense that while on vacation you should be able to enjoy the beautiful plants, animals, and scenery that abound in the area. I sincerely hope you take the opportunity to enjoy some of these great places.
PPPPP
(word count 695)
If you're an outdoors kind of person and really enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, or simply enjoy not being trapped inside a building all day, then Seattle Washington has plenty to offer you should you decide to visit. When planning your visit to Seattle, you will probably find that there are many things that appeal to you and it is quite difficult to narrow them down by interest alone.
This is the point when I divide activities into categories such as: things I really want to do, things that seem interesting, and things that will really just pass the time. Then, I take those things and do a reality (which translates to price) check. I try to justify the expenses of the things I really want to do that are more than I'd like to pay by sneaking in things I'd like to do equally as much for free. It's a great concept and works really well when giving children a choice of activities. Let them choose between two free activities. They still get a voice and feel as though they are an important part of the decision making process and you aren't spending $50 an hour for them to jump on a fancy trampoline.
Here are some of the excellent free activities that can be enjoyed in the great outdoors of Seattle Washington. The really great news is that many of these are actually both entertaining and educational. This is good for you and the kids who will leave Seattle with some degree of knowledge about something other than the ice cream flavors that are offered there.
The first freebie that I recommend is the Volunteer Park Conservatory. This is of special interest to those who love flowers. The conservatory is divided into five houses which each provides a suitable habitat for growing very specific plants. The five houses are: Bromeliad House, which is members of the pineapple family; Palm House, which consists of about 1200 species; Fern House, which features an assortment of tropical ferns and other exotic plants; Seasonal Display House, which changes with the season and consists of many common and recognizable house plants; and Cactus House, which is rather self explanatory. The conservatory is free to the public and a great way to pass time for any flower lover in your group.
Next there is the Washington Arboretum Park. This park is actually a 200-acre arboretum that was designed by the same firm responsible for the design of Central Park in New York. The park hosts 40,000 trees, shrubs, and vines. You can pay for a tour or simply wander around and enjoy the landscape. The purpose of this park is to preserve certain species of plants while offering education to the public and anyone who wishes to learn and benefit from the knowledge that can be gained there.
Next there is the Woodland Park Rose Garden. This garden is located next to the zoo but is open to the public free of charge. There is a $4 parking fee during zoo hours, but parking is free after hours. The climate of Seattle is mild enough that roses seem to flourish and grow beautifully here. The rose gardens receive over 200,000 visitors each year and are a great sight to see while you are visiting Seattle.
Finally, there is Discovery Park. This park offers stunning views and a place to contemplate the beauty of nature and the surroundings of Seattle. The park itself is 534-acres making it the largest city park in Seattle. The purpose of this park was to provide sanctuary for wildlife and a place to learn about nature for those who were interested. The park has a play area for children, picnic equipment, and trails and paths for exploration.
Nature is a wonderful thing to behold and Seattle is blessed with some of the most beautiful natural surroundings on earth. It only makes sense that while on vacation you should be able to enjoy the beautiful plants, animals, and scenery that abound in the area. I sincerely hope you take the opportunity to enjoy some of these great places.
PPPPP
(word count 695)
entire
Alaska Ski Vacations
Alaska, which has always been a source of awe and
mystery, has some of the best skiing in the world,
and the Alyeska Resort is one of the finest resorts
in the state. With a top elevation of 2751 feet and a
2501 vertical drop, the area gets an average of 631
inches of snow annually.
Although this is some of the best skiing in the world,
you wonít find the slopes overly crowded, and there
are no long lift lines. There are nine lifts, including
six chair lifts and two surface lifts, and one cable
car line. There are 68 trails for beginners,
intermediates, and experts, with the majority of the
trails designed for intermediate skiers.
Night time skiing is allowed, which makes your ski
experience more adventurous and thrilling. You will
see snow capped mountains, hanging glaciers, and
of course, the famous Northern Lights. This resort is
ranked number nine of the top twenty-five killer ski
trips by Skiing Magazine.
The season begins at the Alyeska Resort in mid
November, and runs through mid April. This area of
Alaska boasts the longest daytime areas in the
United States, with approximately sixteen hours of
daylight each day during April. During December,
however, there are only about seven hours of daylight
ñ which makes night time skiing necessary if you
are going to get in the time that you want to spend
on the slopes.
The Alyeska Prince Hotel is the place to stay! Here
you will enjoy elegant rooms and fine dining. Nightly
entertainment is available as well. There are other
nightlife spots in the area as well, that are not
associated with the Hotel.
If tubing interests you, then visiting the Glacier
Tubing Park is an absolute must! Featuring two
lanes of terrain and a surface lift, everyone in the
family will enjoy spending time at the tubing park.
The Alyeska Terrain Park is a must for
snowboarding enthusiasts. Other winter activities
that can be enjoyed in and around the Alyeska
Resort include flight seeing, helisking, ocean
cruising tours, dog sledding, ice climbing, back
country skiing, mountaineering, and polar bear
viewing.
At the Alyeska Resort, the ultimate winter vacation
can be experienced. Brave the elements, then return
to the Hotel for some pampering. Get a taste of what
Alaska is really like, and what skiing is meant to be!
There are activities for the entire family to enjoy, and
there are many area sights and attractions to be
enjoyed as well. This really is an awesome winter
family ski vacation!
(word count 421)
PPPPP
Alaska, which has always been a source of awe and
mystery, has some of the best skiing in the world,
and the Alyeska Resort is one of the finest resorts
in the state. With a top elevation of 2751 feet and a
2501 vertical drop, the area gets an average of 631
inches of snow annually.
Although this is some of the best skiing in the world,
you wonít find the slopes overly crowded, and there
are no long lift lines. There are nine lifts, including
six chair lifts and two surface lifts, and one cable
car line. There are 68 trails for beginners,
intermediates, and experts, with the majority of the
trails designed for intermediate skiers.
Night time skiing is allowed, which makes your ski
experience more adventurous and thrilling. You will
see snow capped mountains, hanging glaciers, and
of course, the famous Northern Lights. This resort is
ranked number nine of the top twenty-five killer ski
trips by Skiing Magazine.
The season begins at the Alyeska Resort in mid
November, and runs through mid April. This area of
Alaska boasts the longest daytime areas in the
United States, with approximately sixteen hours of
daylight each day during April. During December,
however, there are only about seven hours of daylight
ñ which makes night time skiing necessary if you
are going to get in the time that you want to spend
on the slopes.
The Alyeska Prince Hotel is the place to stay! Here
you will enjoy elegant rooms and fine dining. Nightly
entertainment is available as well. There are other
nightlife spots in the area as well, that are not
associated with the Hotel.
If tubing interests you, then visiting the Glacier
Tubing Park is an absolute must! Featuring two
lanes of terrain and a surface lift, everyone in the
family will enjoy spending time at the tubing park.
The Alyeska Terrain Park is a must for
snowboarding enthusiasts. Other winter activities
that can be enjoyed in and around the Alyeska
Resort include flight seeing, helisking, ocean
cruising tours, dog sledding, ice climbing, back
country skiing, mountaineering, and polar bear
viewing.
At the Alyeska Resort, the ultimate winter vacation
can be experienced. Brave the elements, then return
to the Hotel for some pampering. Get a taste of what
Alaska is really like, and what skiing is meant to be!
There are activities for the entire family to enjoy, and
there are many area sights and attractions to be
enjoyed as well. This really is an awesome winter
family ski vacation!
(word count 421)
PPPPP
Sabtu, 14 Juni 2008
Speak up or Sit Down
Last night the phone rang; my wife said, "I hope it's for you". When I answered, the caller asked, "Ray, would you speak to the Lions Club next month?" First my gut said, "No"; however, my head said, "Do it". So, one month from next Tuesday, I stand in front of 20 men and women as their evening speaker. They will have just enjoyed dinner with before and after dinner drinks. What a group: stomachs full and heads mellow. Just how will I do it?
These guidelines help me prepare, and may guide you when asked to speak publicly
1. Know your audience. When in graduate school, a professor posed this question, "Why this message to these people at this occasion on this .subject?" What will I say to who they "are" about a subject they (and I) care about? The importance and impact of learning all you can about your audience and their reason for inviting you to talk cannot be overlooked. Their reason links you to what matters to them, and the trust they have in you to speak on a subject they care about.
2. Ask the question, "What made them invite me?" I asked this question last night when talking to the woman inviting me to speak. She said, "We want you to talk about the Town's finances". Since I am the chairperson of the Finance Committee in my Town, and our Annual Town Meeting is within a few months, I am their logical source, and this subject interests me.
3. Condense your talk to one sentence. This group wants one question answered,"Will the Town budget cause me to pay more in taxes?". This is a closed-end question, but they want me to elaborate on all the implications. Every speech topic demands more research than you have time to share (remember to limit your talk, in most instances, to twenty minutes). A speech should be facts and stories....facts and stories.
4. Write your talk, but don't read it. The minister of my church writes all of his sermons word for word, but does not read his sermons from the pulpit. Audiences want eye contact, so leave the script at your chair, stand up and speak up. Reveal the content and importance of your message through the voice and appearance of your personality. Even an unskilled speaker comes across well when the expression of their content comes from within. However, know your subject by delving deeply into each facet of your subject. You won't get a chance to say everything you know (nor should you), but you will infer that your knowledge exceeds your statements. This assures your hearers that you know what you are talking about, and they can relax while listening.
5. Tell a lot of stories. Budgets seem as exciting as an Excel spreadsheet. So, I'll tell them stories about what those line items mean to them and to Town employees. Whenever stories get told, emotion gets expressed. People like to think, to ponder, to evaluate, but not on a full stomach. So the facts will be interspersed with many stories. Whenever you speak, unless at a funeral (and even there laughter heals the sorrowing heart), get people to laugh.
6. Know when to speak up and sit down: Most people manage to listen for 18 or 20 minutes. Stomachs full of food washed down with a glass of wine causes minds to nod. So keep it simple by introducing your audience to what you will say, give them the facts (lots of stories), and tell them what you said. Then end it with a purpose driven suggestion. Since our Town needs elected and volunteer officials, I may challenge them to volunteer or take out registration papers for the next election. That ought to wake them up!
Finally, have fun; don't be overly confident if it goes well, or overly hard on yourself if it goes poorly. Every event provides an experience and each experience adds another dimension to your personality. Seneca (5 BC - 65 AD) wrote, "Speech is the mirror of the mind", so be sure to have something to reflect,. Oh, one last point, eat after you talk, and have a drink, if you want, when you get home.
These guidelines help me prepare, and may guide you when asked to speak publicly
1. Know your audience. When in graduate school, a professor posed this question, "Why this message to these people at this occasion on this .subject?" What will I say to who they "are" about a subject they (and I) care about? The importance and impact of learning all you can about your audience and their reason for inviting you to talk cannot be overlooked. Their reason links you to what matters to them, and the trust they have in you to speak on a subject they care about.
2. Ask the question, "What made them invite me?" I asked this question last night when talking to the woman inviting me to speak. She said, "We want you to talk about the Town's finances". Since I am the chairperson of the Finance Committee in my Town, and our Annual Town Meeting is within a few months, I am their logical source, and this subject interests me.
3. Condense your talk to one sentence. This group wants one question answered,"Will the Town budget cause me to pay more in taxes?". This is a closed-end question, but they want me to elaborate on all the implications. Every speech topic demands more research than you have time to share (remember to limit your talk, in most instances, to twenty minutes). A speech should be facts and stories....facts and stories.
4. Write your talk, but don't read it. The minister of my church writes all of his sermons word for word, but does not read his sermons from the pulpit. Audiences want eye contact, so leave the script at your chair, stand up and speak up. Reveal the content and importance of your message through the voice and appearance of your personality. Even an unskilled speaker comes across well when the expression of their content comes from within. However, know your subject by delving deeply into each facet of your subject. You won't get a chance to say everything you know (nor should you), but you will infer that your knowledge exceeds your statements. This assures your hearers that you know what you are talking about, and they can relax while listening.
5. Tell a lot of stories. Budgets seem as exciting as an Excel spreadsheet. So, I'll tell them stories about what those line items mean to them and to Town employees. Whenever stories get told, emotion gets expressed. People like to think, to ponder, to evaluate, but not on a full stomach. So the facts will be interspersed with many stories. Whenever you speak, unless at a funeral (and even there laughter heals the sorrowing heart), get people to laugh.
6. Know when to speak up and sit down: Most people manage to listen for 18 or 20 minutes. Stomachs full of food washed down with a glass of wine causes minds to nod. So keep it simple by introducing your audience to what you will say, give them the facts (lots of stories), and tell them what you said. Then end it with a purpose driven suggestion. Since our Town needs elected and volunteer officials, I may challenge them to volunteer or take out registration papers for the next election. That ought to wake them up!
Finally, have fun; don't be overly confident if it goes well, or overly hard on yourself if it goes poorly. Every event provides an experience and each experience adds another dimension to your personality. Seneca (5 BC - 65 AD) wrote, "Speech is the mirror of the mind", so be sure to have something to reflect,. Oh, one last point, eat after you talk, and have a drink, if you want, when you get home.
The Power Of Acting As If
magine this. You've been called on to give a presentation in front of your peers. You're well prepared for the presentation. And now, sitting in the auditorium, you suddenly are overcome with virtually uncontrollable anxiety.
'Why would these people want to hear me?' you ask yourself. 'What can I offer them?'
The Master of Ceremonies (MC) calls your name. You begin the endless, long, slow walk to the front of the room. With every step your heartbeat pounds faster. Palms are sweaty. Forehead perspires. Your knees shake.
Your breathing gets shallow. You check for the fiftieth time to make sure your presentation is still tucked away in your pocket. Every stair to the podium is like climbing Mount Everest. From the top stair you glance back and smile at everyone in the room.
The two hundred people in the room look like two million people. Can they see your nerves? You look at the walk you have to make to the podium: it looks like ten miles.
This is a critical moment for you. Of course you're not going to turn and run out of the room but if feels like literally every fiber in your being is keeping you from advancing.
But from the second that you step on the stage until the moment you've finished your speech and are stepping off the stage, you should do one thing:
Act 'as if'.
Act as if you are fearless.
Act as if you know exactly what you are doing.
Act as if you are the most successful person in the room.
Act as if you have spoken to larger crowds many times before.
Act as if you did not bother to prepare notes because your excellent message comes straight from your heart.
Act as if you are the CEO of the company.
When you act as if it means that you step across that stage and up to the microphone as if you own the world. When selling to a large crowd, acting as if means you walk to the microphone with the self-assurance that each person in the room has already bought from you.
Acting as if simply means living with the confidence that what you want in life and what you want to tell the crowd has already been achieved in your own life. It means that you don't have to be perfect. It means that you can model someone you think is extraordinary and act as if like they would in that situation.
Finally, the power of acting as if allows you to imagine yourself as greater than you feel you are. Most times we are too hard on ourselves. Acting as if can bring us much closer to how we'd like to be perceived by others. It's like trying on a colorful suit you might not normally wear and discovering, after taking the leap to buy it, that you look absolutely fabulous in it!
'Why would these people want to hear me?' you ask yourself. 'What can I offer them?'
The Master of Ceremonies (MC) calls your name. You begin the endless, long, slow walk to the front of the room. With every step your heartbeat pounds faster. Palms are sweaty. Forehead perspires. Your knees shake.
Your breathing gets shallow. You check for the fiftieth time to make sure your presentation is still tucked away in your pocket. Every stair to the podium is like climbing Mount Everest. From the top stair you glance back and smile at everyone in the room.
The two hundred people in the room look like two million people. Can they see your nerves? You look at the walk you have to make to the podium: it looks like ten miles.
This is a critical moment for you. Of course you're not going to turn and run out of the room but if feels like literally every fiber in your being is keeping you from advancing.
But from the second that you step on the stage until the moment you've finished your speech and are stepping off the stage, you should do one thing:
Act 'as if'.
Act as if you are fearless.
Act as if you know exactly what you are doing.
Act as if you are the most successful person in the room.
Act as if you have spoken to larger crowds many times before.
Act as if you did not bother to prepare notes because your excellent message comes straight from your heart.
Act as if you are the CEO of the company.
When you act as if it means that you step across that stage and up to the microphone as if you own the world. When selling to a large crowd, acting as if means you walk to the microphone with the self-assurance that each person in the room has already bought from you.
Acting as if simply means living with the confidence that what you want in life and what you want to tell the crowd has already been achieved in your own life. It means that you don't have to be perfect. It means that you can model someone you think is extraordinary and act as if like they would in that situation.
Finally, the power of acting as if allows you to imagine yourself as greater than you feel you are. Most times we are too hard on ourselves. Acting as if can bring us much closer to how we'd like to be perceived by others. It's like trying on a colorful suit you might not normally wear and discovering, after taking the leap to buy it, that you look absolutely fabulous in it!
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