Speaking with Confidence

Yes, speaking, not squeaking (that said, I nearly typed squeaking a few times, it's such a habit now!)  In a former life, I used to be a training officer for a local authority, and even in my current job, I'm pretty much the go-to person if we need to give a presentation to groups of service users or other people.  Apparently I've got the knack, and I quite enjoy getting up in front of an audience, sharing some information & helping people go away with a bit more knowledge than they had earlier.  Giving a short presentation is getting more common as part of recruitment now as well, and can make or break a job interview.  I know a lot of people find it difficult to stand up and talk, whether it's giving a best man's speech, a work presentation, or generally sharing information.  So I've put together a handful of hints & tips that work for me, to make sure you give the best you can.

Image courtesy of  jscreationzs, / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Dress For Success

Look the part - smart but comfortable.  You don't want your clothes to distract from your message, and you don't want to be put off by an uncomfortable outfit.  Think about when & where you're speaking - if you're giving a Best Man's speech, then a suit is probably going to be order of the day, but if it's a group of your work colleagues who normally see you in jeans & a faded t-shirt, they're going to wonder why you're dressed for court!

Know Your Stuff

No matter how familiar you are with your subject, always prepare your presentation properly. Don't just turn up & try to busk it - it will show.  Prepare notes, even if they're just bullet points.  They act as a confidence boost, a check to ensure you've covered all the important points, and can help you get back on track if you get sidetracked by an interesting question or anecdote.

The Techy Bit

You don't need a flashy Powerpoint presentation, unless you're told otherwise, but it can be helpful to keep your points in the right order.  If you do use Powerpoint, or something similar, make sure you know how to use it properly.  Keep the slide transitions simple (and silent!), restrict animations unless they're vital, and make sure your text fits the slide.  And PLEASE know how to actually use the slideshow!  I sat in a training session where the trainer had created a Powerpoint show, but didn't know how to use it at all, and I missed half of what she was saying by being so distracted by the poor use of the programme.

Image courtesy of   AscensionDigital, / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Rehearse

Annoy your family, friends, pets.  Stand in front of a mirror & annoy yourself.  What ever works best for you.  But make sure you read your speech through, out loud until you're comfortable with it.  Check for any words that you struggle to say, or accidental tongue twisters, and make sure it all makes sense.  This is a good chance to check your timings as well.  If you've been asked to speak for 15 minutes, and you've only got 5 minutes of content, you might need to add some more.  Or if you've got 40 minutes of speech & a 15 minute slot, some editing might be a good idea!

Slow Down & Breathe!

Let's get scientific. When you're nervous, your body produces adrenaline, your heart rate increased, and your reactions speed up.  For speaking, this means you're likely to speak faster, in an attempt to get it over with.  Don't.  Your audience won't understand you, and they'll either drift off into a daydream, or ask you to repeat so much you're there twice as long.  Instead, take a deep breath.  The oxygen will slow your heart rate, reduce your blood pressure, dilute the adrenaline, and make you feel calmer.

Embrace the Nerves

Feeling nervous is normal & natural (see above).  A little buzz of nervous excitement is a positive thing, it'll make you seem interested and energetic.  If you're too calm, because you've done this a million times before, you will come across as bored of your subject, and people will be less inclined to listen.

Keep to the point

You might have a million things you'd like to say, thousands of amazing anecdotes & insights to share, but be sparing.  People only have a limited attention span, so the longer you talk, the less they'll listen.  Check with the organisers how long they want you to speak for, and aim for that. If you run short, you can always take questions.  If you absolutely HAVE to fill 2 hours, be prepared to get your audience involved, standing up, moving around & joining in, interaction will keep them engaged.  Or give them biscuits!

Give it a go!

One thing I've learned from blogging is that everyone's got a story to tell, and while it can be easier to do so from behind the anonymity of the internet, people can make a career of being after-dinner speakers, motivational speakers, or trainers.  And you don't need to be famous or successful to do so.  I thought after-dinner speaking was all about former sports people & celebrities, until I thought a bit harder.  People like the local Lions Club, Women's Institute and the like, meet regularly and have speakers at almost every meeting (don't believe me? Have a look in your local paper), so whether it's your collection of mediaeval coins found in your own back garden, the trials and tribulations of being a Wolves supporter, or the truth behind being a blogger, everyone's got a story and everyone can have an audience.  Why not give it a try?

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, for which I have received payment. I have not been told what to write, all opinions and content remain my own.

Teetering on the edge

It's the middle of August.  In just 16 days time, Squeaky will be facing up to her first day at Big School without Mummy or Daddy to hide behind.  There's big steps out into the Real World, and they're happening at a rate I can hardly comprehend.  I mean, she's 3 1/2, and barely 3 foot tall.  OK, it's only half days, and a very loose definition of half days at that, 2 1/4 hours a day for the first half term.  But my baby isn't a baby any more, she's on the edge of being a "schooley" - the word they use at pre-school for the kids who use the wrap-around service, or who come for the holiday club.  How is it even possible?  It only seems like five minutes since the longest wait of my entire life before a midwife finally handed my wriggling, but still silent baby to me, and persuaded her to latch on for a first feed.

And now she's teetering on the edge of a whole new phase of life.  A schooley.  Half of her uniform's here.  I've had an email today to say the rest has been shipped.  It's suddenly all so real.  I've got a proper grown-up girl, and I'm not sure how I feel about that.  She's still my baby. She still wants to play babies, and cwtch up in bed with me in the mornings, still looks for a cuddle and reassurance when she's facing something new & scary. But it doesn't get much new & scarier than school, does it?

She's smart. She'll love the stimulation, the input. the challenges.  It's more me, I'm sure.  I'm just not quite sure I'm ready to let my baby go out into the world quite yet.  If nothing else, I've got a whole lot of labelling to do in the next two weeks!

Doritos Mariachi Madness

Crazy Football Fans in Cardiff

We spent our honeymoon in Mexico.  Sadly I can't share photos with you, because my camera decided that a couple of days into the holiday of a lifetime was the perfect opportunity to break down beyond any chance of repair.  My memories are strictly that, sadly.  But one of my clearest memories was heading out of the hotel for a stroll, finding ourselves a nice quiet bar & sitting down with an icy margarita, only to encounter a genuine passing Mariachi band, walking the other way up the street in full costume, with a big guy playing a tiny Vihuela Guitar, a really tiny guy with the enormous Guitaron, and some very entertaining moustaches.  Completely unexpected, and very cheerful.

And last year, when we went to see the Olympic football in Cardiff, I didn't spot a Mariachi band, but there were a lot of crazy Mexican fans, in costume, singing and having a fantastic carnival time, which made our whole experience so much more enjoyable.

With this in mind, I've been loving the new Doritos adverts with their very own Mariachi band, and their very special Mexican take on I Love Rock & Roll.  And even more than that, I'm completely jealous of the lucky folk who were at the Wireless Festival in London last month, who got to see the band performing live in a giant jukebox.  Seriously, how much fun is that? Giant dimes to choose songs, a whole field full of people feeling a little Mexican love, and getting spicy in the sunshine.  And Doritos as well, and I'm sure I don't need to tell you how addictive they are.  (If you want to send me some, I'm a Cool Original kinda gal!)

If you're still wondering what I'm talking about, take a look...

Wouldn't you just love them to turn up at your work, and start playing? I know it would brighten up our office no end!  The people I work with think I'm crazy, but we all need a little Mexican fun in our lives, and I'm sure I'm much more productive with a smile on my face.  I hope this video has made you smile too!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as part of the Spreaditfast network.  I have not been told what to write and all opinions are my own.  Links are provided for convenience, I am not a member of any affiliate scheme & will not receive reward for their use.

Mmmondays with St David's Centre, Cardiff

I love shopping. You know that, don't you?  And food.  I definitely love food.  So what better way to make me happy than to combine the two?  And I don't mean going food shopping.  Every Monday in August, St David's shopping centre in Cardiff is hosting Mmmondays, a tasty celebration of all things food.  We popped along this week to find out what it was all about.

I registered on their website before going, and received a voucher which gave me discounts in many of the cafes and restaurants in the centre, as well as access to other special discounts & treats, including 20% off in Hamleys (very welcome, one of our favourite stores).  The vouchers and offers change each week, so it's worth checking what's on offer before you go.  It doesn't matter if you hadn't got a voucher beforehand, as there was a stall in the centre of the main arcade where you could register and get your voucher on the day - handy if you weren't expecting anything going on.

We started out with a spot of lunch in Prezzo, a restaurant I hadn't visited before, but one taking part in the promotion.  They had 2 different children's menus, depending on the age & appetite of your child. At 3, Squeaky opted for the smaller meal, and the garlic bread, pizza & ice cream were just her size.  It makes a refreshing change for her to get through a whole meal out, and the combination of the right foods, and the right portion sizes made a big difference.  They even gave her child sized cutlery, a big plus in my book.  I had goat's cheese bruschetta & penne arrabiata from the adults' set menu, and there was so much I couldn't even finish it - unknown for me!

Then off we headed into the main shopping centre.  There was a definite carnival atmosphere to the Mmmondays experience, with a Test Your Strength game, where you could win prizes from various restaurants (we won a free drink from Nando's), a picture postcard posing place (I don't know... there's probably a word for it!), and a spin the wheel game, where you could win Krispy Kreme doughnuts or packets of sweets.  All really good fun, attracting lots of attention, but not too distracting from the important job of shopping!

Shopping, ah yes, shopping.  As I said, there was a discount in Hamley's, and loads pirate activities, which they've got going on throughout the holidays, yarrrrrrrr.  We made the most of the opportunity to play on some of the toys they have available to try out on the shop floor, even though it did take quite a battle to get Squeaky back out of the store again.  And the Disney store opposite were promoting their latest film, Planes (which Squeaky is now desperate to see), as well as generally being the sparkliest, spangliest place on the whole planet and a three year old's idea of bliss.  Squeaky bought herself a Minnie Mouse helicopter toy with the Tooth Fairy's gift (and a bit of help from Mummy, because the value of money is still a mystery)

We hit a few shops, and spent as much as my wallet could take when it's still a fortnight til payday, and then made our way to the treat zone.  Treat Zone?  Yep!  If you spend more than £10 (in one transaction, as some were finding out), you can take your receipt to the Treat Zone, and choose from popcorn, snowcones or candy floss as a way of saying thank you.  Candy floss for me, every time!  Not sure Squeaky was quite so convinced, but then again the candy floss was bigger than her head.

Want to see more?  St Davids have put together a little film to tell you all about it.

If that's whetted your appetite, maybe we'll see you there next week, there's still 2 more Mmmondays to go!

Disclosure: I was invited to attend this event and provided with a complementary meal on attendance.  I was not told what to write and all opinions remain my own.  Links are provided for convenience only, I am not a member of any affiliate scheme & will not receive reward for their use.

The Tooth Fairy

I can't remember if I mentioned it at the time, but about 2 years ago, Squeaky decide to test gravity, and flew from the top of a toy car face first into the metal frame of our sofa.  Cue lots of tears (from both of us), and a flying visit to the dentist, as she broke half her bottom front tooth off.  Not a lot could be done, and the tooth seemed relatively stable.  Earlier this year, it started to get wobbly, so another quick trip to the dentist, just for advice.  He said it would come out sooner rather than later, probably while eating an apple (the man clearly does not know my daughter!)

Fast forward to today. A perfectly normal day, filled with pizza, an artificial beach, and plenty of fun.  And then some wailing that her wobbly tooth hurt.  A quick peek in her mouth confirmed that the tooth was definitely on the move.  A big cuddle, some hushed adult conversation about how best to get the tooth out before bedtime, and then all of a sudden more wailing that her tooth had gone & she'd spat it out.  Cue five minutes crawling round on the floor & looking under the (new) sofa, only to find the offending tooth stuck to her t-shirt.

So now we're anticipating the arrival of the Tooth Fairy, in all her sparkly glory, and hoping that Squeaky is asleep enough to let her collect the tooth without disturbance.  (And then wondering how to hide said tooth and have a subtle conversation with the dentist as it appears the root had snapped.)  Squeaky has written a letter to accompany her tooth, and I'm lead to believe that the tooth fairy leaves a little "Well Done" card for the first tooth, as well as the customary £1 coin.

Glitter Pavement Paints - Pinspiration & #cbias

Disclosure: I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias and their client.  I have not been told what to say, all opinions are my own. Links are provided for convenience, I am not a member of any affiliate scheme & will not receive payment for their use.

I was given a shoppertunity challenge, and a free reign.  "Find something you want to do on Pinterest, and do it!"  So I took to my "Things for Squeaky" board, and once I realised I couldn't buy up the whole of Ikea, I opted for homemade glitter pavement paints based on this recipe from The Imagination Tree, as the weather's still reasonable, and it sounds like something different to do.  You can have a look at my shopping expedition here.

No nail polish! Shock! Horror!

The paint recipe was very simple - cornflour (or corn starch to those in the US), mixed with an equal quantity of water, gel food colourants, and loose glitter.  The glitter caused me the most headaches, I chose my supermarket by the one that normally has the best supply of craft stuff, but they didn't have any glitter. I called at 3 other shops that are normally really good for crafting, but still no loose glitter. Plenty of glitter glue, glitter paints & glitter pens, but no loose glitter. I ended up asking around at work & someone gave me a hint so I was able to get a stash of multicoloured glitter.

Cornflour is brilliant stuff.  I couldn't get Squeaky all that interested in the paint-making process, but she was still confused by the solid/liquid state of the cornflour & water mix.  I'm sure I've mentioned my fascination with Non-Newtonian fluids before (thanks to a couple of episodes of Brainiac), but the way the mix reacts to being stirred is just crazy.  It thickens up as you stir it, and then goes back to being liquid again when you leave it alone. To the extent that I could pick up a solid chunk of paint, and then let it pour back into the container.  I'm easily amused.

Adding sparkles

I made up the colours, mixing the food colourants to make 6 different pots of paint, and added a healthy shake of glitter to each paint pot, then headed outside with Squeaky & her friend Pirate Girl, who had come round to join in the painting fun.  It was a lovely sunny day, so just right for fun in the garden.

Investigating the paints

Old clothes on, and out for some fun.  I'd rearranged the garden to give us as much patio space for painting as possible.  As the paints were food based and non-toxic, I wasn't really worried what the girls decided to paint, as I was confident it would all wash off with a hosepipe. Or shower if it was the girls themselves.

Good job really, as they quickly decided to paint themselves.  It's the freedom of being allowed to do the daft things you're normally told off for.  But that's part of why I chose this activity - a chance to explore colour, texture and art in a different way.  You want to paint your face? Go ahead.

Or your feet.  Strange girl.

And my garden chairs.  As you can see, the paints dry to a chalky kind of effect, and while they run a bit, they're much neater than traditional paints, as they were quite thick.

It wasn't just mess though, we did make some bits of real art.

Sunshine

It's tricky stuff to get used to - it was quite hard to paint as you'd normally do, as the tension of dragging the brush on the floor made the paint thicken up (non-Newtonian again). So it was easier to dab than to brush, which is where the sponges came into their own.  I think I'd make the paints slightly thinner next time, they might be easier to draw with that way.

The girls insisted I made a second batch of paints, a couple of slightly different colours this time, so they could carry on painting themselves and every available surface - including a couple of slightly confused balloons.  What those poor balloons had done to deserve such treatment, I really don't know.

Our finished sunshine, and accompanying raincloud.  Quite appropriate for the Welsh weather really.  I think we might have a new Sian Lloyd on our hands with these two.

The glitter didn't show up quite as much as I'd hoped from the amount that you could see in the paints. It was quite subtle once the paints were used.  But I like the effect, and I think if there had been much more glitter involved, I would have struggled to clean up.

As it was, the patio cleaned up really easily, given 5 minutes with the hosepipe, the chairs much the same.  The windows took a little bit more work, because the paint had smeared on them a bit, but even there, we're not talking a lot of effort.  The girls cleaned up just fine with a handful of wet wipes & a quick dip in the bath.  In fact, by the next day, the only way you could tell we'd been up to anything was the food colourant which had stained my fingers while I was mixing the paints.  I'll wear gloves next time.

Alli Diet Aid Review - 2 weeks in

I'm heavier than my doctors would like. That's the polite way to put it.  I'm like most women, I guess, on a constant search for a.weight loss that works for me.  Well, about 4 years ago, I bought some Alli diet aid tablets, but then fell pregnant with Squeaky about a week later so never got to try them out.  So when I was given the chance to try them again recently, I went for it. I've just reached my pre-pregnancy weight, but not.from the direction you'd expect, so something's got to be done before I get mistaken for Nelly the Elephant.

When I first heard about this opportunity, Daddy reminded me what happened last time & said he hoped it wasn't an omen. And when I told the girls at work, half wanted to know where their samples were & the other half took great delight in telling me horror stories of digestive disturbances caused by combining Alli with Gregg's sausage rolls!

Alli, if you didn't know, is a diet aid tablet.  Designed to be combined with exercise and dieting, the tablets reduce the absorption of fat in your diet, meaning you can lose around 50% more than just by dieting alone.  I'm giving it a month's trial to see how it works.  You take 3 tablets a day, one with each meal, and eat a sensible, low calorie & low fat diet, and the tablets can help you lose weight faster.

The Alli kit

I had a look on the Alli website before I started, and was impressed to find a recipe section, promoting healthy eating, rather than just reliance on the tablets.  I think that's a big part of the Alli programme, educating yourself to eat better, and make better food choices, which to me is missing from some other diet plans where your choices are very restricted.  You don't have to change your diet, but if you're taking the Alli tablets, trust me, you will want to!

The online programme has a load of support & information, and there's even a community message board to share questions, support & success stories.  I think this is quite a nice touch, as it is always daunting starting out on something new, especially on your own.  That said, the forum does seem quite quiet, and I'm sure that there are similar & more active forums elsewhere if you look.

There's a section in the information booklet that comes with the tablets about side effects, and "common" side effects, especially during the early days of taking the tablets include wind, sudden bowel motions and abdominal pain.  As far as I can tell this is because the fat in your diet is being blocked from being absorbed, and instead is passing through you like, well, a dose of salts.  I'll be honest here (those of a nervous disposition should look away now), I've had the cramps & wind, but fortunately, nothing worse.  If you limit the amount of fat you take in, there's less to have to come out, and so you avoid the side effects.  The programme advises that if you limit the fat intake in a meal to no more than 4g, then you shouldn't have the side effects, so it's a learning curve.

I have had to make choices a couple of times.  I went to visit a friend last week, and had my Alli tablets in the little blue shuttle, but we decided to order in a take-away pizza.   Now, I'm not daft, so I didn't take a tablet before that meal, or for the rest of the day. While I could have done with limiting the calories, the side effects would have been too much, and I firmly believe a diet is more likely to be successful if you allow yourself the occasional treat.  And there was a point over the weekend where I had quite uncomfortable cramps, and did say to myself that if they didn't go away, I would quit the tablets.  Luckily, they went, and so I've carried on.

I'm not going to tell you my starting weight, or my finishing weight, come to that. There are some things that are too personal to share.  But after almost 2 weeks, I've lost 5 pounds, and my stomach has pretty much settled down to behaving normally.  I'm going to stick with the Alli tablets, and let you know how I get on.  Let's see if I can lose some more!

Alli is an over-the-counter medication, and can only be bought from a pharmacy.  You can find it in most high street pharmacies, and certain registered online pharmacies.  The pharmacist may ask you questions to ensure that it is suitable for you.  Alli is only suitable for adults with a BMI of 28 or above.

Disclosure: I was provided with Alli tablets free of charge for the purposes of this review. I was not told what to write and all opinions are my own. Links are provided for convenience, I am not a member of any affiliate scheme & will not receive reward for their use.