21 Secrets to Becoming A Good Speaker

Not just giving formal talks talks….
Discuss ideas of a project.
Influence a friend, colleague, or boss.
Tell people what you did, and why it matters.
Get people’s “mindshare”.

Presentation skills can be acquired.
Anybody can be a good speaker!
Examples:
Bill Gates
Kai-Fu Lee

Communication skills.
Preparing the Talk.
Delivering the Talk.
Handling Q&A.
21 secrets to becoming a good speaker.

Communication skills. 7%
Preparing the Talk. 38%
Delivering the Talk. 55%
Handling Q&A.


“Without effective delivery,
a speech of the highest mental capacity
can be held in no esteem.With effective delivery,
even one with moderate abilities may
surpass those of the highest talent.”
-- Cicero

“The man who can think and does not know
how to express what he thinks
is at the level of him who cannot think.”
-- Pericles

Speaking is not like writing!!!
Use simple words.
Don’t use complex sentences.
Can you understand this:
Text:
The development of this frightful means of destruction was ardently demanded by the perils of the time and situation. Simultaneously, however, a new paradoxical situation has been…. is upon us continually. One cannot defend oneself effectively any more.

Project & resonate your voice.
No “UM”s and “ER”s. (Pause instead).
Silence is a tool (To draw attention).

Play your voice with pitch and tempo.
To amplify a point, slow down, speak loudly, exaggerate intonation, pause in the right places.
“You are right. I am wrong.” – Stalin to Trotsky
“Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” -- John F. Kennedy
BAD EXAMPLE : “I welcome this kind of examination, because people have to know whether their president is a crook. Well, I’m not a crook.” -- Richard M. Nixon
Don’t use it everywhere!

John Kennedy:
“You need to contribute to your country”’
“Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country”.
Quayle vs. Benson Debate:
Quayle: "I have as much experience in the Congress as Jack Kennedy did when he sought the presidency."
Answer 1: “Jack Kennedy is better than you.”
Answer 2: "Senator, I served with Jack Kennedy. I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy.“

Visual Skills – THE most important:
Appear trustworthy & respectful.
US Election 1960 was won on visual skills.
Components of Visual Skills:
Eyes.
Body.
Hands.
Face.
Look forward at audience (trust).
Don’t shift eyeballs; don’t look in corner.
Don’t look too much at computer screen or your notes.
Look at people’s faces (not eyes).
3-6 seconds per person.
Shift randomly.
Nod, smile, use facial expression.

Stand up when talking.
Walk around = informal.
Don’t:
Rock, shake, lean too much.

Gesture complements talk.
Should come naturally, without thinking.
Make sure they match!
Need to exaggerate a little
Especially with large audience.
Don’t fidget or put in pocket.
Videotape whole talk & watch.
Can improve hand gesturing!

Show emotion!
Most of the time:
“I care a lot about this.”
“I really believe in this.”
“I love my work.”
Sometimes (in response to questions).
“This is the most outrageous thing I’ve ever heard.”
“I will have nothing to do with this.”

You’re the salesman.
First lesson for salesmen:
“Tell them what you’re going to say.
Say it.
Tell them what you said”
Very similar to a term/research paper!

People will not remember everything.
Have ONE clear walk-away message.
What do you want people to remember in 3 months?
The answer to the question: “How was the talk?”
Repeat it!

Say something provoking!
Give a (very short) outline/overview.

End with a BANG!
Repeat the message.
Say thank you.

Preparation (80% time)
First prepare outline (recommend : Word).
Then modify outline for:
Logic, convincing, flow, transitions….
Actual Slide Writing (20% time)
Should come almost directly from the outline.

Visuals only support your talk.
Spend more time on your talk!
Simple and clear.
1 idea; 3 sub-concepts; <= 6 lines.
Readable – Big & color-coordinated.
Use 2 colors if you are not color-coordinated!
Don’t read from the slides!

Don’t lose people.
Use grayed out outline.
If idea is complex:
Try really hard to avoid complex slides, but…
If you must use it, use layers (prevent read-ahead & lack of focus).
Use right types of animation (natural, not ostentatious).
Remember to change slides for printing.
Example….
Keeps the talk interesting.
Don’t overdo it.
Should be tied to content.
Ordering :
2,N, N-1, N-2,….3, 1

Record & listen to every talk at least twice!
Record:
Best : PowerPoint features.
OK : Tape recorder.
Must do sometime :
Video
Ask experienced speaker to critique.
Improve:
Style, logic, timing per slide.

Running out of time is a disaster.
Write how much time should remain on each slide.
After you’re more experienced….
No longer necessary to record.
Every new talk still must be rehearsed.
Bring notes if you aren’t confident.

Perfect English not necessary.
Know your limitations.
Don’t use fancy words, complex sentences.
Don’t take any chance of looking silly.
OK to bring cheat notes!

Always make an outline.
PowerPoint notes; Word Outline.
Don’t have to use it.
It may be best to READ a speech.
No excuse not to be fluent! (practice!)
Don’t stare at paper.
(Memorize it if you’re prefer).

“Do the thing you fear
and the death of fear is certain.”

Audience Participation

Best way for people to remember!
Ask audience a question.
Anticipate their answer(s)!
Respond with something interesting AND relevant.

Be Yourself
Learn the skills; don’t copy the styles.
You must be yourself to be credible.
Many styles could be effective:
Bill Gates – Brilliant technologist.
Steve Ballmer – Powerful salesman.
Steve Jobs – Passionate evangelist.
You can adapt your style, but don’t exceed your “comfort zone”:
Bill Gates – Brilliant technologist  great strategist.
Steve Ballmer – Powerful salesman  trustworthy CEO.
Steve Jobs – Passionate evangelist  technology visionary.

What You’ll Learn Today
Communication skills
Preparing the Talk
Delivering the Talk
Handling Q&A
21 secrets to becoming a good speaker.
Q&A is your chance to:
Amplify your points.
Increase your credibility.

Dealing with Questions

Easy Questions.
Amplify your points!
Hard Questions.
No need to answer directly.
But don’t hide!
Narrow Questions.
Take offline.

#1 Anybody can learn to give a good talk.

#2 Don’t give a talk unless you’re passionate.

#3 Use simple and clear words.

#4 Play your voice to focus on key points.

#5 Silence is a great tool.

#7 Tell them what you’re going to say.
Say it.
Tell them what you said.

#8 Have ONE clear central message for:
the question “How was the talk”

#9 Open your talk with something thought-provoking

#10 Slides should be simple & clear.

#11 Don’t read from your slides.

#12 Order your demos

#13 Rehearse & listen to each talk
at least twice!

#14 Time your talk on every slide.

#15 It may be OK to read from a script.

#16 Stay awake!

#16 Stay awake!
Drink 3 cups of coffee before your talk.

#17 It is possible to hide nervousness.

#18 Tailor your opening remarks
to the occasion.


#19 “If you only remember one thing from
this talk, you should remember XXX”


Drink 3 cups of coffee before your talk.

#20 Humor & Interactivity must be
relevant and well-planned.

#21 Q&A can help you
more than the audience.

Giving a talk is easy.
It just takes:
A little passion.
A lot of practice!

Advantages of Internet

Introduction:

During his evolution journey from Neanderthals to Homo erectus and then to Homo sapiens, man has come long way. Because of his continuous quest for more and more amenities and facilities, the nineties have seen a major turn around with the invention of computers. 10 years ago, the term internet was practically anonymous to most of the people. And today internet has become the most ever powerful tool for man throughout the world. The internet is a collection of various services and resources.

Although, many people still think e-mail and World Wide Web as the principle constituents of internet, there is lot more in store than e-mail, chat rooms, celebrity web sites and search engines. It also became the best business tool of modern scenario. Today internet has brought a globe in a single room. Right from news across the corner of the world, wealth of knowledge to shopping, purchasing the tickets of your favorite movie-everything is at your finger tips. Internet has great potential and lot to offer… however, like every single innovation in science and technology, internet has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages:

Communication:
The foremost target of internet has always been the communication. And internet has excelled beyond the expectations .Still; innovations are going on to make it faster, more reliable. By the advent of computer’s Internet, our earth has reduced and has attained the form of a global village.

Now we can communicate in a fraction of second with a person who is sitting in the other part of the world. Today for better communication, we can avail the facilities of e-mail; we can chat for hours with our loved ones. There are plenty messenger services in offering. With help of such services, it has become very easy to establish a kind of global friendship where you can share your thoughts, can explore other cultures of different ethnicity.

Information
Information is probably the biggest advantage internet is offering. The Internet is a virtual treasure trove of information. Any kind of information on any topic under the sun is available on the Internet. The search engines like Google, yahoo is at your service on the Internet. You can almost find any type of data on almost any kind of subject that you are looking for. There is a huge amount of information available on the internet for just about every subject known to man, ranging from government law and services, trade fairs and conferences, market information, new ideas and technical support, the list is end less.

Students and children are among the top users who surf the Internet for research. Today, it is almost required that students should use the Internet for research for the purpose of gathering resources. Teachers have started giving assignments that require research on the Internet. Almost every coming day, researches on medical issues become much easier to locate. Numerous web sites available on the net are offering loads of information for people to research diseases and talk to doctors online at sites such as, America’s Doctor. During 1998 over 20 million people reported going online to retrieve health information.

Entertainment
Entertainment is another popular raison d'être why many people prefer to surf the Internet. In fact, media of internet has become quite successful in trapping multifaceted entertainment factor. Downloading games, visiting chat rooms or just surfing the Web are some of the uses people have discovered. There are numerous games that may be downloaded from the Internet for free. The industry of online gaming has tasted dramatic and phenomenal attention by game lovers. Chat rooms are popular because users can meet new and interesting people. In fact, the Internet has been successfully used by people to find life long partners. When people surf the Web, there are numerous things that can be found. Music, hobbies, news and more can be found and shared on the Internet.

Services
Many services are now provided on the internet such as online banking, job seeking, purchasing tickets for your favorite movies, guidance services on array of topics engulfing the every aspect of life, and hotel reservations. Often these services are not available off-line and can cost you more.

E-Commerce
Ecommerce is the concept used for any type of commercial maneuvering, or business deals that involves the transfer of information across the globe via Internet. It has become a phenomenon associated with any kind of shopping, almost anything. You name it and Ecommerce with its giant tentacles engulfing every single product and service will make you available at your door steps. It has got a real amazing and wide range of products from household needs, technology to entertainment.

E-mail:
E-mail is an online correspondence system. With e-mail you can send and receive instant electronic messages, which works like writing letters. Your messages are delivered instantly to people anywhere in the world, unlike traditional mail that takes a lot of time.

Access Information
The Internet is a virtual treasure trove of information. Any kind of information on any topic under the sun is available on the Internet. The ‘search engines’ on the Internet can help you to find data on any subject that you need.
Shopping:
Along with getting information on the Internet, you can also shop online. There are many online stores and sites that can be used to look for products as well as buy them using your credit card. You do not need to leave your house and can do all your shopping from the convenience of your home.
Online Chat:
There are many ‘chat rooms’ on the web that can be accessed to meet new people, make new friends, as well as to stay in touch with old friends.
Downloading Software: This is one of the most happening and fun things to do via the Internet. You can download innumerable, games, music, videos, movies, and a host of other entertainment software from the Internet, most of which are free.


Disadvantages :

Difficulty in Attracting Customers
Small business may not have the resources to pay for paid directory inclusion, pay per click inclusions and often have to rely solely on search engine optimisation or word of mouth to drive traffic to their sites. With millions of businesses selling the same product and services, competing with more established businesses can be frustrating and costly venture for small business.
On the other hand, larger companies can offer promotions, pay for directory inclusions, implement pay per click campaigns as well as employ the “who is who” in internet marketing to develop campaigns that generate traffic and leads.
Difficulty in Evaluating Legitimacy of Transaction
Another notable disadvantage of doing promoting businesses online is that it may be difficult for the businesspersons and consumers to thoroughly evaluate the legitimacy of a transaction. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable to thieves using stolen credit cards and stolen information to do online transaction.
With Internet credit card and identity fraud on the rise, small businesses are forced to finance costly security measures to reduce their vulnerability to fraudulent transactions.
Salespersons and Customers are Isolated
Another disadvantage of promotion via the Internet is that the customers and businesspersons are isolated. There is little personal contact between customer and salesperson prior to and after the sales is closed. Thus, the prospect for repeat sales may thus be diminished. Entrepreneurs are therefore compelled to adopt marketing strategies to drive online users back to their site.
From all indications, it appears that the advantages of Internet promotion, far exceed the disadvantages. With adequate knowledge, entrepreneur can benefit significantly from Internet promotion, especially small business owners.


Theft of Personal information
If you use the Internet, you may be facing grave danger as your personal information such as name, address, credit card number etc. can be accessed by other culprits to make your problems worse.

Spamming:
Spamming refers to sending unwanted e-mails in bulk, which provide no purpose and needlessly obstruct the entire system. Such illegal activities can be very frustrating for you, and so instead of just ignoring it, you should make an effort to try and stop these activities so that using the Internet can become that much safer.

Virus threat
Virus is nothing but a program which disrupts the normal functioning of your computer systems. Computers attached to internet are more prone to virus attacks and they can end up into crashing your whole hard disk, causing you considerable headache.

Pornography:
This is perhaps the biggest threat related to your children’s healthy mental life. A very serious issue concerning the Internet. There are thousands of pornographic sites on the Internet that can be easily found and can be a detrimental factor to letting children use the Internet.

Though, internet can also create havoc, destruction and its misuse can be very fatal, the advantages of it outweigh its disadvantages.

Personal Information: If you use the Internet, your personal information such as your name, address, etc. can be accessed by other people. If you use a credit card to shop online, then your credit card information can also be ‘stolen’ which could be akin to giving someone a blank check.

Subject Verb Agreeement

Subject Verb Agreement
Making Verbs Agree in Number with Subjects
If you have a singular subject, you need a singular verb. (Remember, a singular verb has an “s” on the end.)
If you have a plural subject, you need a plural verb. (Remember, a plural verb does not have an “s” on the end.)

Example Singular Subjects and Verbs

The dog eats my homework.
Sub. = dog
Verb = eats

The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy mole.
Sub. = fox
Verb = jumps

Subject Verb Agreement with Compound Subjects

First, you look for a key word. What words tell you that you have something compound?
AND
OR
You do different things based on which word is used.
Compound Subjects with “AND”
If a subject is made compound with the word “and,” then the verb is ALWAYS PLURAL.
For example: The dog and cat eat my homework.
Sub. = dog and cat (plural)
Verb = eat (plural)
Compound Subjects with “OR”
If a subject is made compound with the word “or,” you have to look to the word after the “or.” Then you have two choices.
1. If the word after the “or” is singular, then the verb is singular.
2. If the word after the “or” is plural, then the verb is plural.
Example Compound Subjects with “OR”
The dog or cats eat my homework.
Sub. = dog or cats (“Cats” is plural, so I need a plural verb.)
Verb = eat
The dog or cat eats my homework.
Sub. = dog or cat (“Cat” is singular, so I need a singular verb.)
Verb = eats

Help with “OR” to Create Compound Subjects
If you are having trouble determining if you should use a singular or plural verb, take the first part of the compound subject away and reread the sentence. Fill in the verb that makes sense.
For example: The parakeet, dog, or cats eat my homework. (Take away “parakeet” and “dog”. Make the verb match the last subject “cats.” Cats eat my homework.

Making Verbs Agree When There Are Intervening Phrases
Make sure you match your verb to your subject, NOT the object of the preposition.
For example: The dog with the long claws eats my homework.
Sub. = dog (NOT claws)
Verb = eats

Making Verbs Agree with Indefinite Pronoun Subjects

You must remember back to your indefinite pronouns.
If the indefinite pronoun is singular, then the verb is singular.
If the indefinite pronoun is plural, then the verb is plural.
If the indefinite can be both singular and plural, then you have to look to a previous sentence or prepositional phrase to find the antecedent and make the verb agree with the antecedent.

Singular Indefinite Pronouns
Singular indefinite pronouns use singular verbs (singular verbs have an “S” on the end).
Singular indefinite pronouns used as the antecedent are replaced with singular personal pronouns.

Anyone
Anything
Anybody
Everyone
Everything
Everybody
No one
Nothing
Nobody
Someone
Something
Somebody
Each
Either
Another
One
Neither

Example Sing. Indef. Pronouns
Somebody should bring his or her bottle opener to the picnic.
Each has chosen his or her favorite dessert.
Everyone is welcome to the party!

Plural Indef. Pronouns
Plural indefinite pronouns use plural verbs (plural verbs do not have an “S” on the end).
Plural indefinite pronouns used as the antecedent are replaced with plural personal pronouns

Few
Many
Both
Several
Sing. And Plural Indef. Pronoun
Some indefinite pronouns can be used to replace singular or plural antecedents.
You know if it is singular or plural two ways. 1. Look to the prepositional phrase near it. Find the object of the preposition. If the object of the preposition is singular and is an antecedent for the indefinite pronoun, then the pronoun is singular. If the o.p. is plural, then the indefinite pronoun is plural 2. Find the antecedent for the indefinite pronoun in a previous sentence and match the plurality.
If an indefinite pronoun is functioning as an antecedent, then match the personal pronoun to the indefinite pronoun when you figure out if it is singular or plural.

Singular or Plural Indefinite Pronouns
All
Any
Most
None
Some

Example Sing/Plural Indef. Pronouns
All of my friends are here. They are happy.
Indef. Pronoun = All
O.P. = Friends
“Friends” is plural, so “all” is plural
Verb = are (plural)
“All” is plural, so we have to use “They” in the second sentence. “They” is plural.

Dealing with Subjects in Unusual Places
Traditionally, a subject comes before a verb. However, a subject can be in four unusual places.
1. In a question
2. In a sentence that begins with “here” or “there”
3. In a command
4. In a sentence that begins with a phrase
Make sure you find the subject and make the verb agree with it.

Subject Verb Agreement in Questions
What on earth is he doing?
Sub. = he (singular)
Verb = is (singular)

Are your parents coming to dinner?
Sub. = parents (plural)
Verb = Are (plural)

Subject Verb Agreement in Sentences Beginning with Here or There

Here comes Prince Charming to save the princess.
Sub. = Prince Charming (singular)
Verb = comes (singular)

There go The Three Musketeers off to save the day!
Sub. = The Three Musketeers (plural)
Verb = go (plural)
Subject Verb Agreement in Sentences That Are Commands
In a command, the subject is an understood “you.” Therefore, it does not appear in the sentence. In this case, the traditional verb choice is plural.
Go to the office!
Stay in your seat.
In both cases, I am talking to only one person, but I use a plural verb.

Subject Verb Agreement in Sentences That Begin with Prepositional Phrases

Make sure you match the verb to the subject, not the object of the preposition.
In the trees flies the bird.
Sub. = bird
Verb = flies
Over the river and through the woods go we to grandmother’s house.
Sub. = we
Verb = go
Finish

Human Resourse Planning

Human Resource Planning:

Human Resource Planning defines project roles, responsibilities, and reporting relationships. One key result of Human Resource Planning is the Staffing management plan which depicts how and when team members are added to the team, and how the team members are released from the project, the training needs of the team, and several other key components.
The inputs to Human Resource Planning are:

Enterprise Environmental Factors:

– The Enterprise Environmental Factors that comprise of individuals of an organization interact and relate with one another are an input into Human Resource Planning. Items to considers about enterprise environmental factors involving organizational culture and structure are:
–
Organization:

l – Which organizations or departments are going to be engaged in the project? Are there existing working arrangements between them? What are the formal and informal relationships between the departments?

Technical:

– What are the areas of expertise needed to successfully complete this project? Do these skills need to be transitioned to the supporting organization?

Interpersonal:

– What types of formal and informal reporting relationships exist among the team members? What are team members current job descriptions? What are their supervisor-subordinate relationships? What levels of trust and respect currently exist?

Logistical:

– Are people in different locations or time zones? What are other type of distances between team members?




Political:

– What are the individual goals and agendas of the stakeholders? Where is the informal power base and how can that influence the project? What informal alliances exist?

In addition to these factors, there are also constraints. Examples of inflexibility in Human Resource Planning are:

Organizational Structure:

– An organization with a weak matrix structure is commonly a constraint.


Collective Bargaining Agreements:

– Contractual agreements with service organizations can require interesting nuances to certain roles and reporting arrangements.


Economic Conditions:

– Hiring freezes, little to no training funds, and a lack of traveling budget can place restrictions of staffing options.


Organizational Process Assets:

- As an organization's project management methods evolve, experience gained from past projects are available as organizational process assets. Templates and checklists reduce the planning time required and the likelihood of overlooking key responsibilities.

Project Management Plan:

- The Project Management Plan contains activity resource requirements and project management activity descriptions which assist in identifying the types and quantities of resources required for each schedule activity in a work package.

With the proper inputs, the results are going to have a good foundation. Project teams use different tools and techniques to guide the Human Resource Planning process. These three tools and techniques are:

Organization Charts and Position Descriptions:

- Organization charts and position descriptions are used to communicate and clarify team member roles and responsibilities and to ensure that each work package is assigned. Organization charts can have three formats: Hierarchical-type Organization chart, Matrix-Based Responsibility Chart, and the Text-oriented format.
-
Networking:

– Informal interactions among co-workers in the organization is a constructive way to comprehend the political and interpersonal factors which will affect organizational relations.
–
Organizational Theory:

– Organizational theory portrays how people, teams, and organizational units behave.

The three outputs from Human Resource Planning are found below:


Roles and Responsibilities:

- Clarification of roles and responsibilities gives project team members an understanding of their own rles and the roles of others in the project. Clarity is always a key component of project success.
-
Project Organization Charts:

- A project organization chart is a diagram of the reporting relationships of project team members. Project organization charts should be tailored for their audience, they can give a generalize overview or highly granular.






Staffing Management Plan:

- The Staffing Management Plan is an important output of the Human Resource Planning process which establishes the timing and methods for meeting project human resource requirements. The components of the staffing management plan are:


Staff Acquisition:

– Staff Acquisition details how the project will be staffed, where the team will work, and the level of expertise needed with the staff.



Timetable:

– The timetable illustrates the necessary time frames for project team to be available. One tool commonly used is a resource histogram.


Release Criteria:

– Release criteria lists the method and timing of releasing team member.

Training Needs:

– Training needs is a plan on how to train the project resources.

Recognition and rewards:

– Recognition and rewards are the criteria for rewarding and promoting desired team behaviors
Compliance:
– Compliance details the strategies for complying with regulations, contracts, and other established human resource policies.


Safety: – Safety procedures are listed to protect the team members.

How to Study

How to Study
When you sit down to study, how do you transfer that massive amount of information from the books and notes in front of you to a reliable spot inside your head? The best way to facilitate that kind of "file transfer" is to develop good study habits, as outlined below. At first, it'll take a good deal of conscious effort to change your studying ways, but after a while, it'll become second nature, and studying will be easier to do.

STEPS:
1. Manage your time. Make a weekly schedule and devote a certain amount of time per day to studying. That amount will vary depending on whether you're in high school or college, and also varies by field of study.
o Study in 20-50 minute chunks. Take 5-10 minute breaks (no more!) and do something physically active to get your blood flowing and make you more alert. Do a few jumping jacks, run around your house, play with the dog, whatever it takes. Do just enough to get yourself pumped, but not worn out.
o Make enough time in your schedule to get enough sleep. Think of it this way: If you sleep only 4-5 hours, you'll probably need to double your study time in order to be as effective as if you'd gotten 8 hours of sleep. Study more and sleep less? That doesn't sound like a very good deal. Get a good night's sleep every night and you'll be making the best of your study time. If you end up a little sleep deprived despite your best efforts, take a short nap (20 minutes) before studying. Then do some physical activity (like you would do during a break) right before you start.
2. Find a good study spot. You should feel comfortable, but not so comfortable that you risk falling asleep--a bed isn't a very good study spot when you're tired! The place where you study should be relatively quiet (traffic outside your window and quiet library conversations are fine, but interrupting siblings and music blasting in the next room are not).
o As far as music is concerned, that's up to you. Some people prefer silence, others prefer music in the background. If you belong to the latter group, stick to instrumental music (music that has no words like classical, soundtrack, or some celtic) and that you're already familiar with (not something that's bound to distract you)--otherwise, your brain will "multi-task" and not be able to retain information as well.[1]
o Having the television on while you study is generally a bad idea.
3. Clear your mind.If you’ve got a lot on your mind take a moment to write yourself some notes about what you're thinking about before you start studying. This will help to clear your mind you focus all your thoughts on your work.
4. Snack smart while you study. Have your snacks prepared when you begin a study session--don't wait till you get hungry and go rummaging for food. Avoid any snacks or drinks that will give you a rush of energy, because with every rush comes a crash in which all the information you studied is lost to an intense desire to sleep. Focus on "slow release" carbohydrates, which not only give you a steady stream of energy, but they also boost serotonin, a brain chemical that makes you feel good:[2]
5. Rewrite your notes at home. When you're in class, emphasize recording over understanding or neatness when you take notes. That doesn't mean you shouldn't try to understand or organize your notes at all; just don't waste time doing something in class that you can figure out or neaten up at home. Consider your in-class notes a "rough draft" of sorts. Rewrite your notes as soon after the class as possible, while the material is fresh in your mind and so you can fill in any gaps from memory. The process of rewriting your notes is a more active approach to studying--it engages your mind in a way that just reading the notes doesn't.
o You may find it easier to keep two notebooks--one for your "rough draft" notes, and another for your rewritten notes.
o Some people type their notes, but others find that handwriting enhances their ability to remember the notes.
o The more paraphrasing you do, the better. Same goes for drawing. If you're studying anatomy, for example, "re-draw" the system you're studying from memory.
6. Summarize as you read. Always read material twice. The first time, read it casually from beginning to end, then go back and read piece by piece. Stop frequently to summarize what you just read in your own words. Write it down and incorporate it into your notes, if there's a connection. If you're having trouble summarizing the material so that it "sticks" in your head, try teaching it to someone else. Pretend you're teaching it to someone who doesn't know anything about the topic, or create a wikiHow page about it! For example, Memorize the Canadian Territories & Provinces was made as a study guide for an 8th grade student.
7. Make flash cards. Traditionally, this is done with index cards, but you can also download computer programs that cut down on space and the cost of index cards. You can also just use a regular piece of paper folded (vertically) in half. Put the questions on the side you can see when the paper is folded; unfold it to see the answers inside. Keep quizzing yourself until you get all the answers right reliably. Remember: "Repetition is the mother of skill."
o You can also turn your notes into flash cards using the Cornell note-taking system, which involves writing grouping your notes around keywords that you can quiz yourself on later by covering the notes and trying to remember what you wrote based on seeing only the keyword.[3]
8. Make associations. The most effective way to retain information is to "tie" it to existing information that's already lodged in your mind.
o Take advantage of your learning style. Think about what you already learn and remember easily--song lyrics? choreography? pictures? Work that into your study habits. If you're having trouble memorizing a concept, write a catchy jingle about it (or write lyrics to the tune of your favorite song); choreograph a representative dance; draw a comic. The sillier and more outrageous, the better--we tend to remember silly things more than we remember boring things!
o Use mnemonics (memory aids). Rearrange the information is a sequence that's meaningful to you. For example, if one wants to remember the notes of the treble clef lines in music, remember the mnemonic Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge = E, G, B, D, F. It's much easier to remember a sentence than a series of random letters. You can also build a memory palace or Roman room to memorize lists like the thirteen original colonies in America, in chronological order. If the list is short, link the items together using an image in your mind.
o Organize the information with a mind map. The end result of mapping should be a web-like structure of words and ideas that are somehow related in the writer's mind.
o Use visualization skills. Construct a movie in your mind that illustrates the concept you're trying to remember, and play it several times over. Imagine every little detail. Use your senses--how does it smell? look? feel? sound? taste?
9. Make it a group effort. Get some friends together--friends who are actually interested in studying, that is--and have everyone bring over their flash cards. Pass them around and quiz each other. If anyone is unclear on a concept, take turns explaining them to each other. Better yet, turn your study session into a game like Trivial Pursuit.

[edit] Tips
• You should be alert and your mind should be calm before you begin your studies.
• Study the most challenging subjects first. Tackle them when you're most alert.
• Studying with a partner who is as serious about the subject as you can be a good motivator to work harder. Organize the study session into parts, review notes, outline the chapter, and discuss concepts. (Try to teach it to each other so that you are sure you both get it.)
• Your attitude greatly helps the outcome of your studying: if you're mad at the world, you won't really care much about biology, and likewise, if you're so excited you can't breathe, you are not going to want to sit down and read about the Mesopotamian Era. Think about that and try to regulate your moods when it's time to hit the books (e.g. don't sign on to instant messaging to talk with your friends about that cute new guy ten minutes before you have to study the table of elements).
• Begin study no less than 30-90 minutes after a meal and if possible study no more than 30-40 minutes at a stretch.
• Late night studies are usually a waste of time.
• Try to teach whatever you get the idea of to friends or to an imaginary audience. This is the best possible method.
• Try not to just memorize whatever you have learnt. Understand it and say/write the answer in your own words.
• Pay attention in class.
• Just take a deep breath and study. Get over it and do it.
• Try typing. Word process all your notes into multiple summaries. Print out and highlight the important pieces. Word process these pieces, print out and summarize again. This will take the stress off handwriting. This allows you to study for at least 1-2 hours flat out without putting the stress on your brain and hands (when handwriting).

How to Beat Examination Test

1. Start studying well before the exam. Make sure your schedule provides for sufficient revision time. As any good test-taker will tell you, the revisions are more important than the first time study.
2. Focus on understanding the concepts rather than mugging. Use mnemonics if rote learning is the only way out.
3. Think about the time after the exam. Visualize the happiness on your face that the stress period is now over. This works very well.
4. Keep telling yourself that your hard-work will not go to waste.
5. If you are afraid of tough questions, it helps to know that most questions are of average difficulty and designed to be answered correctly by most examinees.
6. Designate a "study buddy", a classmate who is an expert in a subject you have trouble in, that you can come to with questions.
7. Get plenty of sleep. It's way more stressful to memorize lots of information or comprehend complicated concepts on less than 6 hours sleep.
8. Eat healthy food, since it's often easier to function on nutritious food than junk. While sugar might be a quick source of energy, sugar lows happen pretty fast and the let-down can often be severe.
9. While taking notes, use as many diagrams, graphs and figures and illustrations as possible. This helps to make several revisions at the last moment!
10. Ask a senior or more knowledgeable person to prepare sample tests for you. If such practise tests are available in the market, go for them. Many questions are similar to or verbatim from practise material.
11. On the day of the exam, feel happy! Think positive and keep cool! Good luck!

Conflict Resolution

Resolving conflict rationally and effectively

In many cases, conflict in the workplace just seems to be a fact of life. We've all seen situations where different people with different goals and needs have come into conflict. And we've all seen the often-intense personal animosity that can result.
The fact that conflict exists, however, is not necessarily a bad thing: As long as it is resolved effectively, it can lead to personal and professional growth.
In many cases, effective conflict resolution skills can make the difference between positive and negative outcomes.

The good news is that by resolving conflict successfully, you can solve many of the problems that it has brought to the surface, as well as getting benefits that you might not at first expect:

• Increased understanding: The discussion needed to resolve conflict expands people's awareness of the situation, giving them an insight into how they can achieve their own goals without undermining those of other people;
•
• Increased group cohesion: When conflict is resolved effectively, team members can develop stronger mutual respect, and a renewed faith in their ability to work together; and
•
• Improved self-knowledge: Conflict pushes individuals to examine their goals in close detail, helping them understand the things that are most important to them, sharpening their focus, and enhancing their effectiveness.

However, if conflict is not handled effectively, the results can be damaging. Conflicting goals can quickly turn into personal dislike. Teamwork breaks down. Talent is wasted as people disengage from their work. And it's easy to end up in a vicious downward spiral of negativity and recrimination.

If you're to keep your team or organization working effectively, you need to stop this downward spiral as soon as you can. To do this, it helps to understand two of the theories that lie behind effective conflict resolution techniques:
In resolving conflict using this approach, you follow these rules:

• Make sure that good relationships are the first priority: As far as possible, make sure that you treat the other calmly and that you try to build mutual respect. Do your best to be courteous to one-another and remain constructive under pressure;
• Keep people and problems separate: Recognize that in many cases the other person is not just "being difficult" – real and valid differences can lie behind conflictive positions. By separating the problem from the person, real issues can be debated without damaging working relationships;

• Pay attention to the interests that are being presented: By listening carefully you'll most-likely understand why the person is adopting his or her position;
• Listen first; talk second: To solve a problem effectively you have to understand where the other person is coming from before defending your own position;
• Set out the “Facts”: Agree and establish the objective, observable elements that will have an impact on the decision; and
• Explore options together: Be open to the idea that a third position may exist, and that you can get to this idea jointly.

By following these rules, you can often keep contentious discussions positive and constructive. This helps to prevent the antagonism and dislike which so-often causes conflict to spin out of control.

Premium Plans

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How can we Manage time

For effective time management one should feel that time is “short”.

Time log
Record your time over a period of time.
How each hour is spent?
What do we do in this time period which is passing?
Did we achieve in this time period what we decided?
Answer to these questions will reveal that there is ample chance for improvement.

Prioritizing the tasks

important Not important
U
R
G
E
N
T Real crisis, unforeseeable,
Opportunity for pleasure or progress,
DO IT NOW Reactive jobs, rush jobs,
unexpected problem, other people’s work
Spend minimum time or
delegate
Not
U
R
G
E
N
T Can wait untill tomorrow but
Certainly need to be done,
Failing to do means missed opportunities
Plan it Tempting and easy jobs, irrelevant, unpleasant tasks
Don’t do it unless it is urgent

Important should be an internal judgment

Category 1: job needs to be done immediately and thoroughly.
Category2: ignoring the job results in serious consequences, it should be done with little time spent on it.
Category3: jobs could be postponed, but should be done sometimes, could make your life better.
Category4:these jobs should be done only after everything has been done, if ignored for ever they will become urgent and cause you stress

List three jobs you need to do today.
Write against each how important it is, listing from 1 to 10.
Now think what basis you need to make this judgment.

What ever you do, do it properly

If the job is worth doing, it is worth doing well.
Can’t do every thing perfectly.

Ford or rolls-Royce job

Value for money
Value for time
If you do every job perfectly, there will be many jobs which you cannot do at all.

Circles and numbers according to importance and urgency

Size of the circle: is according to amount of time devoted to each task.
Number of the circle: is according to the importance and urgency of the task.

Planning your day

The time to plan your day is not the first thing in the morning, but at the end of the previous day.
Resist the temptation to be over ambitious in the number of tasks you set for yourself

Mapping out your week

To map out your week is at the end of the previous week. You are aiming to establish an overall balance to your week, how much you need to do each day to carry forward a major long term initiative. It is also an opportunity to overview your current week.

Overviewing the next three months

It is a major block of time devoted to developmental tasks.
Time scale allocated to each task should be realistic. If tasks are not upto the mark then go for weekly review initially in conjunction of master plan.

Stress Management

Introduction
Stress is a part of day-to-day living of every individual. The college students may experience stress in meeting the academic demands, people on the job, business men may suffer stress to reach office in time and to complete the projects on time and even the house hold ladies may experience stress in managing the home affairs and to look for the maid servant. The reasons for the stress differ from person to person. The stress people experience should not be necessarily treated as harmful. An optimum amount of stress can always act as an energizer or motivator and propel people to apply the efforts and complete the work. But a high level of Stress can be a serious threat to the personality traits of the Individual and can cause physiological and social problems.
What is Stress?

We generally believe that the stress is caused by the external events and the dynamics of the environment. But we need to emphasis the fact that the Stress is caused by our reaction to the external environment. The manner in which we perceive and understand the changes or the particular event creates same event can bring happiness and cause Stress in two different people depending upon how they react to it. When students are asked to prepare a presentation, some may take it to be an opportunity to reveal their talents and to improve upon their weakness while the other students may be perturbed by it for the fear of his weakness. So, Stress is our reaction to external events and it can be positive or negative depending upon how we react. It is the general wear and tear of the body machine that takes place due to extra demands put on it.
We can define Stress as “ body's non-specific response to any demand made on it”. Stress is not by definition synonymous with nervous tension or anxiety. On one side Stress provides the means to express talents and energies and pursue happiness on the other side it can also cause exhaustion and illness, either physical or psychological.
Symptoms of Stress
As stated earlier Stress is caused by or reaction to the external events and bring about changes in our response and our general behavior. The presence of Stress can be estimated by the analysis of certain symptoms an individual shows. These symptoms can be divided into three different categories. They are Feelings, Behavior and Physiology. When the individual experience Stress, one or more of the following symptoms can be exhibited.
Feelings
• The individual becomes anxious about the outcomes and is scared. The person feels that he has got something to loose or something wrong will take place.
• In an anxious state the person does not want to be corrected or interrupted. He looks out for other areas where he can forget about the stress-causing event for a while. The person becomes irritable and moody.
• During high level of Stress the individual develops a negative frame of mind and suffers from low self-esteem. The person loose faith in his capabilities and is afraid of the failures. The individual does not have a focused approach and is not able to concentrate and is involved in his own plans and thoughts.
Physiological and Behavioral Changes
• Speech problems.
• Impulsive Behavior
• Crying for no apparent reason.
• Laughing in a high pitch and nervous tone of voice.
• Grinding of teeth
• Increasing smoking and use of drugs and alcohol.
• Being accident-prone
• Perspiration /sweaty hands
• Increased heart beat
• Trembling
• Nervous ticks
• Dryness of throat and mouth.
• Tiring easily
• Urinating frequently
• Sleeping problems
• Diarrhea / indigestion / vomiting/ nausea
• Butterflies in stomach
• Headaches
• Premenstrual tension
• Pain in the neck and or lower back
• Susceptibility to illness
• Loss of appetite or over eating
Causes of Stress

Both positive and negative events in one's life can be stressful. However, major life changes are the greatest contributors of stress for most people.
1. If people have to travel a lot and have to move from place to place, it can cause stress.
2. Individuals can also be under stress if they are about to enter some new environment. They may be going to a new colony. To a new college or they may be joining a new organization.
3. Some events, which are generally once in a lifetime can also cause stress. The social institutions of marriage or divorce can cause stress. Pregnancy can also generate Stress.
4. Some of the untoward incidents like critical illness or death of a relative can also cause stress in individuals.
These are some of the major events in the life of the individual that cause stress. It is also supplemented by the environmental factors that act as catalyst cause increment in stress. They are:
• Time pressure
• Competition
• Financial problems
• Noise
• Disappointments
Stress Management

Stress can be managed if we understand the reasons that cause stress and the level of stress. We should also try to estimate if we could bring about any change in the environment that can subsequently reduce stress.

1. Become aware of your stressors and your emotional and physical reactions.
Notice your distress. Don't ignore it. Don't gloss over your problems.
Determine what events distress you. What are you telling yourself about meaning of these events? Determine how your body responds to the stress. Do you become nervous or physically upset?
2. Recognize what you can change.
Can you change your stressors by avoiding or eliminating them completely? Can you reduce their intensity (manage them over a period of time instead of on a daily or weekly basis)? Can you shorten your exposure to stress (take a break, leave the physical premises)?
Can you devote the time and energy necessary to making a change (goal setting, time management techniques, and delayed gratification strategies may be helpful here)?
3. Reduce the intensity of your emotional reactions to stress.
The stress reaction is triggered by your perception of danger...physical danger and/or emotional danger. Are you viewing your stressors in exaggerated terms and/or taking a difficult situation and making it a disaster? Are you expecting to please everyone?
Are you overreacting and viewing things as absolutely critical and urgent? Do you feel you must always prevail in every situation?
Work at adopting more moderate views; try to see the stress as something you can cope with rather than something that overpowers you.
Try to temper your excess emotions. Put the situation in perspective. Do not labor on the negative aspects and the "what ifs."
4. Learn to moderate your physical reactions to stress.
Slow, deep breathing will bring your heart rate and respiration back to normal. Relaxation techniques can reduce muscle tension. Electronic biofeedback can help you gain voluntary control over such things as muscle tension, heartbeat and blood pressure.
Medications, when prescribed by a physician, can help in the short term in moderating your physical reactions. However, they alone are not the answer. Learning to moderate these reactions on your own is a preferable long-term solution.
5. Build your physical reserves.
Exercise for cardiovascular fitness three to four times a week (moderate, prolonged rhythmic exercise is best, such as walking, swimming, cycling, or jogging). Eat well-balanced, nutritious meals. Maintain your ideal weight.
Avoid nicotine, excessive caffeine, and other stimulants. Mix leisure with work. Take breaks and get away when you can. Get enough sleep. Be as consistent with your sleep schedule as possible.
6. Maintain your emotional reserves.
Develop some mutually supportive friendships/relationships.
Pursue realistic goals that are meaningful to you, rather than goals others have for you that you do not share. Expect some frustrations, failures, and sorrows. Always be kind and gentle with yourself -- be a friend to yourself.

Stress Management Techniques
A. Stress Diary - Finding Your Optimum Stress Levels
How to use tool: Keeping a stress diary is an effective way of finding out what causes you stress, the level of stress you prefer, and your effectiveness under pressure. In this diary keep track of your stress levels and your feelings, everyday. In particular, note down stressful events. Record the following information:
• At a regular interval, for example every hour, record routine stress. Note:
o The time
o The amount of stress that you feel (perhaps on a scale of 1 to 10)
o How happy you feel
o How efficiently you are working
• When stressful events occur, write down:
o What the event was
o When and where did it occur?
o What important factors made the event stressful?
o How stressful was the event?
o How did you handle the event?
o Did you tackle the cause or the symptom?
o Did you deal with the stress correctly?
Analyzing the Diary: After a few weeks you should be able to analyze this information. It may be interesting as you carry out the analysis to note down the outcomes of the jobs you were doing when you were under stress. This should give you two types of information:

You should be able to understand the level of stress you are happiest with, and the level of stress at which you work most effectively. You may find that your performance is good even when you feel upset by stress.
You should know what the main sources of unpleasant stress in your life are. You should understand what circumstances make stresses particularly unpleasant, and should be able to see whether your strategies for handling the stresses are effective or not.
How to use tool: Where you are not feeling motivated towards a task, either because you are bored by it, or because you are tired, then you may need to 'psych yourself up'. This will increase your arousal so that you can perform effectively. You can try the following:
• Focus on the importance or urgency of the task
• Set yourself a challenge - e.g. to do the job in a particular time or to do it to a particularly high standard
• Break job down into small parts, do each part between more enjoyable work, and take satisfaction from the successful completion of each element.
• Use suggestion: e.g. 'I can feel energy flowing into me'
• Get angry about something!
C. Anticipating Stress - Managing Stress by Preparing For It
How to use tool: By anticipating stress you can prepare for it and work out how to control it when it happens. You can do this in a number of ways:
Rehearsal:

By practicing for a stressful event such as an interview or a speech several times in advance you can polish your performance and build confidence.

Planning:

By analyzing the likely causes of stress, you will be able to plan your responses to likely forms of stress. These might be actions to alleviate the situation or may be stress management techniques that you will use. It is important that you formally plan for this - it is little use just worrying in an undisciplined way - this will be counterproductive. Formal planning of responses to stress is a technique used by top-level athletes to ensure that they respond effectively to the stresses of competition.

Avoidance:

Where a situation is likely to be unpleasant, and will not yield any benefit to you, it may be one you can just avoid. You should be certain in your own mind, however, that this is the case, and that you are not running away from problems.
Reducing the Importance of an Event:
When an event is important to you, this can make it very stressful. This is particularly true where you are operating at a high level, where many people are watching, or where there is the prospect of a large financial reward, of promotion, or of personal advancement. The presence of family, friends or important people can also add to pressure. If stress is a problem under these circumstances, then think carefully about the event - take every opportunity to reduce its importance in your eyes:
• If the event seems big, put it in its place along the path to your goals. Compare it in your mind with bigger events you might know of or might have attended.
• If there is a financial reward, remind yourself that there may be other opportunities for reward later. This will not be the only chance you have. Focus on the quality of your performance. Focusing on the rewards will only damage your concentration and raise stress.
• If members of your family are watching, remind yourself that they love you anyway. If friends are real friends, they will continue to like you whether you win or lose.
• If people who are important to your goals are watching then remind yourself that you may well have other chances to impress them.
• If you focus on the correct performance of your tasks, then the importance of the event will dwindle into the background.
Reducing Uncertainty: Uncertainty can cause high levels of stress. Causes of uncertainty can be:
• Not having a clear idea of what the future holds
• Not knowing where your organization will be going
• Not having any career development plans
• Not knowing what will be wanted from you in the future
• Not knowing what your boss or colleagues think of your abilities
• Receiving vague or inconsistent instructions
D. Get a hobby or two, relax and have fun: Talk with friends or someone you can trust about your worries/problems.
1. Learn to use your time wisely:
Evaluate how you are budgeting your time.
Plan ahead and avoid procrastination.
Make a weekly schedule and try to follow it.
2. Set realistic goals and priorities
3. Practice relaxation techniques. For example, whenever you feel tense, slowly breathe in and out for several minutes.
E. Other Techniques:

1. Meditation can also be a good effort to bring down the stress levels.
2. Taking exercise
3. Effective time Management
4. Good Food and nutrition.
Conclusion: When we discuss Stress and its management, we should understand that this is not the exhaustive list of the stress factors and the various techniques. Stress can be confronted and reduced if and only iff we understand ourselves better, analyze the behavior and identify the stressors. The stress management techniques will work if we are honest with ourselves and adopt the techniques in their fullest spirit.

Anger Management

Anger management
This factsheet is for people who would like information about managing their anger.
Everyone feels angry at times, but it's important to know how to express your feelings in a healthy way without lashing out, shouting or becoming violent. The key is to learn how to react calmly when something causes you to feel angry.
• About anger
• Causes
• Symptoms
• Diagnosis
• Treatments
• Further information
• Questions and answers
• Video
• Related topics
• Sources
About anger
Anger is a natural feeling, experienced when you feel frustrated, hurt, rejected or hostile. It's a powerful emotion, and unless it's managed properly, it can have a devastating effect on your family, your work and your overall wellbeing.
Causes
Anger can be caused by the way we react to things such as other people or situations, or by worrying about personal or financial problems. Unsettling memories from the past can also lead to angry thoughts and feelings. It's important to understand that it's not people or events that make you angry, but your reaction to them.
Symptoms
Anger varies in intensity, ranging from mild irritation to violent rage. Like other emotions, feelings of anger have an effect on the rest of your body; your heart starts to beat faster, your adrenaline levels increase and your blood pressure and temperature rise.
Different people deal with difficult situations in different ways. This can vary from being calm to becoming aggressive and appearing unable to cope. You may react immediately to what has caused you to become angry, while others suppress their feelings.
Built-up feelings can cause you to explode when it all becomes too much. Anger can lead to intimidating, violent or bullying behaviour making those around you feel worried and frightened.
If you find your anger overwhelms you when faced with difficult situations, your behaviour could well be affecting your relationships at home and at work, and even how you feel about yourself. You should consider looking at the way in which you handle your anger.
Diagnosis
Your GP will be able to discuss the different options available to manage your anger, although you might find you can deal with your anger yourself.
Before you visit your GP, it's helpful to try to understand your own pattern of behaviour and what may have happened in the past to trigger your anger. Try to work out what makes you angry now and think about your life at home when you were growing up. Did members of your family get angry and lash out, or did they bottle up their feelings, causing resentment? Were you able to voice your opinions as a child, or were you often told just to be quiet? How do you feel about the way you handle anger now?
If you are carrying around angry feelings from your childhood, it's important to acknowledge them, but you should also try to change your attitude towards these feelings. Talk about them and try to accept that nothing can change what has happened in the past. Hanging on to angry feelings from years gone by can cause you unnecessary problems, but if you can identify them, you may be able to change the way you deal with current situations.
Treatments
Self help
If anger is building up, deal with it. Don't let it simmer away up until you have a violent outburst. If possible, take yourself away from the situation and think about it. The British Association of Anger Management recommends that you look at the bigger picture and consider the consequences of your behaviour before you react.
Lifestyle changes
Do you pack too much into your life and are you struggling to cope with all that life demands of you? You may simply need to do less of the demanding tasks and spend more time doing things which you find relaxing. Find a pleasurable, active way to let off steam which will prevent tension build-up and increase your self-confidence.
Look after yourself
Make sure you eat a balanced and healthy diet, and that you get enough sleep. Lack of sleep and food can make you feel irritable. Are there things in your busy day which other people could help with? Does everyone at home or work do their fair share throughout the day? Do you put too much pressure on yourself to be a perfectionist? It may help to regularly talk things over with a friend or member of the family.
One of the best ways to relax is to enjoy yourself and have some fun. Give yourself treats and rewards for positive actions, attitudes and thoughts. Even simple pleasures such as a relaxing bath, a pleasant walk or an interesting book can help.
It's important to try to get some balance in our lives. Nowadays life is often stressful and it's easy for pressures to build up.
Learning to remain calm
To do this, breathe deeply from your diaphragm (just below your lungs) in long, slow breaths to give your heartbeat a chance to slow down. This breathing technique may help you feel more relaxed:
• sit or lie in a comfortable position
• take a deep breath in
• hold this and count to three
• slowly breathe out
• continue this until you feel more relaxed
• you can then carry on with what you were doing but with a calmer frame of mind
Coping with confrontation
Confrontations are not always easy to deal with. It's important that you try to express yourself assertively without shouting or losing your cool. You can do this by preparing what you want to say and staying calm. If you find yourself in a heated discussion, try to remember the following:
• it's OK for someone else to have a different opinion
• make yourself clear - try using phrases like, "I feel angry with you because…"
• be clear about what you expect to come out of the discussion
• keep your cool and remember to breathe
• be patient and remember to listen to the other person too
• don't take anything personally
It's important to sort out disagreements with people. If you don't, anger will build up and is likely to turn into resentment, which can cause even more anger. If you face the situation and deal with it calmly and reasonably, you are more likely to sort it out without it developing into a serious problem.
Getting help
Visit your GP if you feel that you need further advice on dealing with your anger. He or she may suggest counselling. There are several types of therapies or counselling which can help you look at why you become angry. They can help you work through your problems and gain a greater understanding of your feelings and actions.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
This is a type of counselling which helps you to change the way you think about certain situations and how you behave. Unlike some other therapies, it focuses on the "here and now" problems and difficulties. Instead of focusing on the causes of your distress or symptoms in the past, it looks for ways to improve your state of mind by boosting your self esteem and confidence.
Anger management programmes
These are focused sessions designed for people who may have had a single violent episode, or who have been violent in the past and now feel unable to make changes to their behaviour. Your GP can offer advice. These programmes often involve one to one counselling and working in groups. Some are one-day courses, and others may take place over a period of weeks or months. These programmes look at the rules of anger management and how to express your angry feelings calmly.
Assertiveness training
This will teach you how to express your feelings and needs in a calm, considered way that is respectful of the other people around you. It may help if your problems are due to a difficulty expressing your anger constructively. You can ask your GP about this and find out about assertiveness training classes from your local library. For further information see Related topics.

Life Cycle Analysis

Life Cycle Analysis

In an effort to reduce the impacts of cars on the environment and society, Toyota has developed ‘Eco-Vehicle Assessment Systems’ (Eco-VAS) to evaluate performance.



Eco-VAS is a comprehensive design tool, which Toyota’s engineers use to measure vehicle impacts through their ‘life cycle’ (LCA) - during their design and production, distribution, use and disposal.

>> Design and production
>> Distribution
>> Driving
>> Disposal


Design and production

Development and design greatly affect the overall environmental impact of a vehicle. Fuel efficiency, exhaust emissions, the use of hazardous substances and raw materials are all assessed. Engineers use data from the Eco-VAS design tool to explore every potential impact and ways to overcome them prior to sending a single new car into production.

Production. All Toyota manufacturing facilities are accredited to ISO14001 environmental management system, and work to aggressive targets to reduce energy and natural resource use, as well as waste and emissions. A range of other ‘sustainable plant’ activities are also adopted.

>> http://www.toyota.co.jp/en/environment/sustainable_plant/index.html

In New Zealand, our Thames plant (which refurbishes vehicles under the Signature Class brand) is ISO14001 accredited – a world first for a used vehicle facility.

Green Purchasing Guidelines. Toyota uses its considerable purchasing power to encourage suppliers to develop more sustainable products, materials and operating practices. Vehicle parts suppliers are required to achieve ISO14001 as well as introduce other voluntary actions to reduce their environmental footprint – such as reduce CO2 emissions from their activities, and harmful substances from their products.

Distribution

Within Japan, Toyota measures its environmental impact from the distribution of vehicles and vehicle parts throughout Japan and overseas.

Vehicles are imported into NZ on the Toyofuji shipping line, owned by Toyota. The modern fleet is specifically designed as car carriers and incorporate the latest fuel-saving technologies for sea freighting, saving a third of the fuel compared to conventional shipping.



Toyota has set reduction targets for fuel and CO2 emissions, and waste from wrapping and packaging and is implementing them through improved loading rates and package containers, shifting to more efficient modes of transportation and increasing fuel efficiency.

Within NZ, Toyota measures the CO2 emissions from our vehicle distribution and works with freight providers to reduce the environmental impact from our distribution network. We are reducing costs and improving freight efficiencies after completing a review of how vehicles are moved around NZ.

We reduce waste packaging from our parts distribution by sending returnable containers to our dealer network. Parts are packaged with 100% recycled cardboard and protected from damage with shredded recycled paper from our office.


Driving

As well as leading the way with hybrid technology, Toyota is constantly improving conventional petrol and diesel engines to increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

In NZ we have the widest range of vehicles available including compact fuel efficient vehicles and commercial vehicles which feature the latest ‘common rail’ clean diesel technology. Our models are amongst the most fuel efficient in the market and the average fuel economy of all the vehicles we sell in NZ has improved by 13% since 2002.

The maintenance and servicing of vehicles also has an environmental impact. To reduce the volume of waste generated during the driving stage, Toyota has extended service intervals, developed long-life fluids and funded equipment to recycle and recover materials at dealerships. In addition, all Toyota dealers follow a comprehensive environmental management programme which goes beyond local authority requirements.

>> Average fuel economy
>> Dealer Environmental Management


Disposal

End of Life Vehicles (ELVs) are cars which have come to the end of their lives. They are usually sent to dismantling companies where a number of parts are removed and reused. Toyota’s Eco-VAS design approach aims to improve the dismantling, resource recovery and recycling of materials at the end of the vehicles life. This approach has led to the development of a number of innovative technologies and processes, which reduces the demand on natural resources and the volume of waste to landfill.

Toyota began recycling vehicle parts in 1970 and, since then, has been progressively implementing numerous recovery and recycling measures – in some cases creating new products for ‘wastes’ discarded by society.

These include:
• Innovative materials – Toyota uses plastic bottle waste as insulation materials, converting them into car parts such as engine covers and floor mats.
• Recycled and easy-to-recycle plastics – Toyota developed the Toyota Super Olefin Polymer in 1991 which does not deteriorate even after repeated recycling and Thermo Plastic Olefin (TPO).
• Bioplastics - Toyota uses recycled plastic in many car parts and is a leader in the development and use of bio-plastics, which don’t contain harmful chemicals and petroleum used in conventional plastics. These are being used in a number of car parts including spare wheel covers and floor mats, and have the potential for much wider application as an everyday plastic. In 2000 Toyota also began the use of kenaf fibres in the Corolla, and in 2006 expanded its use in the package tray and door trim of the Lexus LS460.
• Auto Shredder Residue – Toyota diverts old car waste away from landfill and into a raw material for sound proofing new cars. The shredded material has excellent sound absorbing qualities and is used in doors, floors and dashboards.
• Improved dismantling – Toyota has incorporated a range of easy-to-dismantle features into its new vehicles since 2003. Toyota’s Automobile Recycle Technical Centre researches tools and designs for improved dismantling.
• Reduction of harmful substances – Today many thousands of chemical substances are manufactured for a wide range of products, and the effects on human health and the environment are not always clearly known. Toyota is voluntarily working towards the early elimination of the use of four substances of concern (lead, mercury, cadmium and hexavalent chromium). In addition, Toyota is reducing the amount of PVC resin used, as well as toluene and xylene in thinning and cleaning solvents.
• Collection and recycling of hybrid batteries. Toyota hybrid batteries have a warranty of 8 years or 160,000kms and last for the life time of the vehicle. We have a programme in place for nationwide collection and recycling of HV batteries. Batteries are transported overseas for disassembly and component parts (precious and scrap metals, and plastics) from electrode plates, casing, cables etc., are recycled or reprocessed.

The whole package

The coming together of multiple Eco-VAS technologies result in vehicles with a smaller environmental footprint. For example, the current Prius combines innovations in design, materials and recycling with the outstanding fuel economy and low emissions from the Hybrid Synergy Drive system.



End of Life Vehicle Research

Motor vehicles contain hazardous fluids, gases and heavy metals, posing a potential risk to the environment at disposal, and a cost to society – especially for the 25,000 vehicles which are abandoned or illegally dumped each year.

A further 170,000 used vehicles enter NZ ever year. As these cars have an average age of seven years, they are closer to the end of their life which creates disposal problems here. At best NZ has an ‘average’ infrastructure to deal with cars, and only around 75% of a vehicle by weight, is recycled.

In addition to its own research, Toyota invested in a major study by Massey University that investigated this issue and presented recommendations for improving the manufacture, dealer, customer and governmental response.

Examination Tension

Examination Tension

You are not the only one who is facing the examinations. Generations have appeared in the past for examinations and generations will be appearing in the future too. The fact is one cannot do away with it nor can the students run away from the examinations. Many students are able to learn and integrate information well, yet when it comes to being tested in an exam, they suffer from 'exam stress' and do not perform to the best of their potential.
What are examinations and why are they held?
Examinations are a test to the work you have learnt for the academic year. This is one of the ways to know if you are ready for the next class or no. Just like you cannot jump before walking same way you have to study in hierarchy to reach the next class and have to be ready and prepared for it too. But over the years the word examinations have triggered an insurmountable block in the minds of the students who are appearing for it. It seems to be an uphill task for most parents, teachers and professionals to handle this fear.
What are the reasons for exam fear? The examination fear is due
• Personal Experiences,
• Fear of failure,
• Fear of being judged by the significant people,
• Expectations from self, Parents, teachers,
• Peer Pressure,
• Naturally nervous, anxious and worried,
• Not prepared thoroughly,
• Poor skills and study habits.
How does one overcome the examination fear?
When a student gets nervous during examinations the chances of his forgetting his work and messing up the exam paper is more. The treatment to this major issue lies within each of us. Well-organized and effective study habits are the key solutions to the examination fear. All you need to do is to discipline yourself, stick to the planned timetable. This is one of the best ways to avoid the last-minute preparation and the resulting anxiety. Cramming without having understood is one of the reasons for feeling anxious for going 'blank' before exams. In fact when you have understood the material you have won half the battle, and now you only need to memorize it. Remember there is no substitute for hard work coupled with discipline. Both are a potent combination for success in any field. Stretch yourself a little to go the extra mile to do the extra bit in your everyday work; do not give up as patience and perseverance pays in the long run. High performers in any field have the single mindedness and the ability to be totally immersed in whatever they do and hence win all the way.
• Make it a Habit. High performing students usually study regularly. They know that ‘what you give is what you get.’ Regular hours of studying will surely result in getting better grades.
• Clear Realistic Goals. Having clear goals give you a purpose to study better. They motivate you and make you to study more. Helps you to focus your energies and mind power efficiently. Set realistic goals that challenge you.
• Designed Effort. Once you have set your goal, then sit and plan on how you are going to achieve this goal, what actions are you going to take. How much time will you spend on it? Set aside some hours, each day or each week, for studying. This will help you to study regularly, preventing piling up of study-assignments during exams. Pay attention to your weak areas. Question, analyze and make plans and following them faithfully.
• Study Calmly. High performing students put in extra and regular hours of studies which does not strain them. Most students make the mistake of studying too hard or studying continuously for long time. This creates mental tension and actually slows down learning and memory. Studying should be done in a balanced manner; short breaks will refresh the brain and will help you learn more. Set aside some time for recreation or entertainment.
• Giving Importance. Students who give importance to studies perform better, score more and have less study problems. Studying gives you knowledge and skills that will remain with you for the rest of your life. It gives you career, money, financial independence, stability in life, respectability…the list is endless. When you give importance to something, you naturally focus all your attention and energy on it. You do study because your parents have asked you to do so. It’s definitely important to shape your life.
Your Thoughts Influence Your Study Success. Students whose attitude towards education is negative have mostly scored less or average marks while students who enjoy studying have always topped the class or been among the toppers. That’s why; thinking about studies as dull, boring, hard, etc. will only add more difficulties in your learning process. Love your studies the way you love your favourite music or sports. Give it the same attention and passion. After all, studies give you a qualifying degree, eligibility for job, a means to earn money and fame, independence, ability to bring up your family in future, a respectable place in the society and an opportunity to make your life more meaningful and useful. THE THREE P’S OF SUCCESSFUL STUDYING ARE: Planning, Preparation and a Positive attitude.
In conclusion, develop a positive attitude towards exams. Anxiety is just a part of the game; do not allow it control you. Face the exams with confidence. Look at exams as a means developed to help you reach your goal. It is a means to an end, not an end in itself. Do not compare your examination results to your self worth they are two different things. Have faith in yourself and maintain the “I CAN DO IT” attitude.
Guess what!! Edison was not a bright student. He was labeled as “slow learner” by his teachers. And was removed from school! But Edison’s mother, Nancy Elliot Edison, did not accept her son as ‘dull.’ She motivated, encouraged, taught Edison to learn at his own speed and style. She made him work and encouraged him at every step till he got the expected result. Edison got interested in learning. He became a voracious reader. And at the age of 10, he had set up a laboratory in his basement. And ultimately the world got a “Big Genius|”. The so called ‘dull student’ became an achiever; some of his inventions are the light-bulb, the phonograph, and the motion picture camera, which were brilliant creations that have made a big influence in our everyday lives. Through love, patience and belief in her son, Nancy Edison transformed Edison into a Genius from a ‘dull’ student.

The year before
• Avoid cramming. Your revision should be completed well before your exams. Concentrate on the important topics, diagrams and formulae.
• Make revision a part of your strategy for success
• Go through the summary and notes you have made while revising
• Make a list of topics you have covered, arrange it in order of priority & follow this in order in your revision too.
• Writing an answer is the best way to revise. Write out likely questions and answer them
• Practice Mathematics one hour every day to overcome the fear and anxiety.
• Set up a study schedule so you can review everything well before the exams. Plan it so that everything can be covered in the time available.
• Practice old question papers. These give you a clear clue as to what examiners generally look for.
• Memorize essential facts and formulas.
• Make up questions that you think could be on the exam day and try to answer them.
• Avoid looking for reasons not to do work
Tip: When you are well prepared you experience less stress


Mock Examinations
The mock examinations allow you to discover:-
• Your weakness in a subject
• How effective your study skills are.
• What are your strengths and weakness when working under pressure?

Day before the Examinations
• Get a goodnight’s rest before the exam. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing.
• Find out what kind of exam you are getting ready for (e.g. essay type or objective) and exactly what material will be on the test.
• Organize everything you need.
• Prepare yourself mentally by briefly reviewing the main points in your notes.
On the day of the examination
 Begin the exam day with a good breakfast.
 Ensure that you have completed the final revisions
 Have a few notes to revise from.
 Get the materials organized.
 Make sure that you eat sensibly and drink plenty of water.
 If tense – practice deep breathing
 Engage in positive self-talk

During the Examination

 Do not start writing as soon as you get the test
 Organize the time in the examination, so you do not run out of time before completing the paper.
 If you panic--Put their pens down and sit back for a few minutes
 Practice deep breathing and focus on something positive
 Do not leave the exam hall no matter how bad the anxiety feels, it will surely subside in a short span of time.
 Go through the questions to make sure you have all the questions sheets.
 Read the instructions carefully.
 Hi-light key words like discuss, compare list…
 Quickly estimate how much time you have to answer the questions
 Answer easier question first to boost your confidence.
 Read questions several times to be sure you understand exactly what is being asked.
 Never rush through questions in a panic. Be calm and pace yourself.
 Try to leave sometime before the test to review and correct errors.
 If you run out of time on a certain question, leave some room to it later.
 Sometimes the test gives away some of the answers.
 Guess at answers only if there is no penalty for guessing.
 Be on a look out for words that may provide a clue to the correct answer. Words like “seldom, generally, and tend to” often make a statement true: words like always never, and only are likely to make it false.
 Before looking at the possible answers to a multiple-choice question, try to form the answer in your mind. Then look at the choices given.
 Do not change an answer that comes to the mind first unless you are absolutely sure that it is wrong.
 As far as possible limit your answer to the prescribed number of words. However, do not try to achieve this by counting the words written. Rather, count the number of lines you have written. At the very outset, you must have an idea as to how many words you usually manage to write in one line


After the Examinations

Do not indulge in the post-mortems and comparisons with others. Review what went well in your overall approach, before and during the examination including the way you handled anxiety. Aim to improve upon that in the next examination



In a Nutshell—
 Learn from your past mistakes
 Be committed
 Be persistent and consistent
 Avoid looking for reasons not to do work
 Plan your time effectively


Pointers
 Remember to always encourage yourself for every effort you have made to better your grades.
 Have faith & believe in yourself that you can achieve whatever you set your mind on.
 Do not be discouraged by failure, immediately start working on your weak areas
 Have a positive attitude towards your goal & be responsible for whatever you undertake
 We become what our attitudes are. So change your attitude.
________________________________________________________________________


All the best!!