(c) Photograph by Lorraine Behnan
At this time of year we celebrate many holidays and revel in the festivities of the season. Another year has quickly passed with the inevitable peaks and valleys of life’s landscape. We continue to make memories.
I started to reflect on my own year and one thought lead to another. These thoughts lead to my blog.
We are in a world in which technology is a huge part of our lives, and we spend a lot of time in the .com universe. However, there are many other kinds of ‘com’ assets that elevate our quality of life. The preface for ‘com’ means: with; altogether; jointly.
Here are my favourites:
Combine – Sharing your ideas or talents with colleagues and friends increases opportunities and the possibility to succeed.
Comedy – Laughter and humour infuse energy, camaraderie, and productivity. A lightness of being gets us through those particularly stressful days.
Comfort – Each of us has challenging days, be they emotional or physical. The comfort of others helps lessen the burden. Be aware of those in need and reach out.
Commend – There are certain actions taken which require a degree of risk and bravery for the benefit of others. Find ways to earn the commendation, and be quick to commend those who make the effort.
Commit – When we believe in an idea, person, or project we can demonstrate our support through firm commitment.
Communicate – The art of conversation is timeless. We have many vehicles in which to communicate. Before you write that lengthy email, consider picking up the phone or meeting face-to-face. Continually hone your skills.
Compliment – We love to be recognized for our contributions and achievements no matter how small or great. One compliment can go a long way to motivate an individual or group, and to strengthen a relationship.
I am sure you have a favourite com of your own.
Wishing you peace and joy for 2013.
Organizations and companies continually look for new ways to create memorable and valuable meetings. One of the most popular practices is to engage a dynamic Keynote Speaker whose role is to set the tone for the day, introduce the theme, and infuse excitement and energy that can be sustained for the duration of the event.
What do I mean by considerate communication?
As a relatively new advocate for buying local, I am already reaping the rewards. Local is not exclusive to growers but to a variety of providers to the consumer. I live in a small community close to big city plazas and big box stores. Only recently, out of necessity and convenience, I started buying locally at smaller shops and grocers. 
I am so fortunate to do what I do. This past month two more experiences reminded me again how wonderful it is to be a professional speaker. The speaking is only a part of the job satisfaction. I love communicating with audiences, making them laugh, inviting them to reflect, and encouraging them to think. That’s half of the joy. The balance is the opportunity to meet such interesting and diverse people, and to learn about companies and organizations that I would otherwise not encounter.
Recently I introduced a slide to my communication presentation called, ‘The Wall of Fatal Words.’ I was pleasantly surprised by its popularity. The initial response is laughter because the words and phrases are so familiar. What are the fatal words on the wall? These are words and phrases that halt dialogue. These are words and phrases that come trippingly off the tongue without thought to their negative impact. These are words and phrases that are reactive versus productive. Why do we use them? Because we do not take the time to process what we say. We think them harmless. These words pack a punch – and not in a good way! If you want to be an open and honest communicator then consider the implications of the words you choose.