Book Review: How to Be Better at Almost Everything by Pat Flynn

Book: How to Be Better at Almost Everything: Learn Anything Quickly, Stack Your Skills, Dominate
Author: Pat Flynn
Format: Audiobook
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟(5 Stars)


How to Be Better at Almost Everything fits perfectly in my theme for this year: Transformation. I turned 40 this year, and I am working on being the best version of myself. Having been familiar with Pat because of his podcast, I decided to download it via Scribd.

How to Be Better at Almost Anything intrigued me because it suggested skill stacking. Pat provides autobiographical details to illustrate how to successfully get better at a different set of skills, while not being a perfectionist. I like the idea of being a generalist, as Pat describes himself. The ideology surrounding generalism contrasts with being a specialist. In my new role, I am understanding more and more the importance of having a generalist approach to my role. 

Flynn also reiterated the importance of the 80/20 ideology, but he applied it to skill stacking with the suggestion to limit skill development to nothing more than 80 percent. Interestingly enough, I think that the idea of getting good at tasks/skills that are needed is very helpful. I have found myself focusing on improving very specific skillsets or learning new skills for specific tasks at work. How to Be Better at Almost Everything is truly useful in this aspect.

What I like the most about How to Be Better at Almost Everything is its practicality and that it is not being sold as a quick fix. Having listened to and read a lot of self-help books, I believe this book is perfect for people in new roles or who are involved in unfamiliar tasks. This book helps you figure out how to get ahead while completing what you need to do. I also believe people who are productivity addicts, like myself, will appreciate a new perspective to complete their goals.

ABOUT THE BOOK

It's one of the biggest lies you've probably heard your entire life: Mastering one specific skill set is the key to success. That may have been true 20 years ago, but in today's global economy, being the best at a single thing just doesn't cut it anymore.

Think about those people who somehow manage to be amazing at everything they do - the multi-millionaire CEO with the bodybuilder physique or the rock star with legions of adoring fans. We all quietly envy them from time to time - how do they manage to be so much better at life?

It’s tempting to believe they've achieved greatness because they're the very best in their field... or think that maybe it's just dumb luck. But it's much more than that. They've defied traditional perceptions of success by acquiring and applying multiple skills to make themselves valuable to others. They’ve become generalists.

In How to Be Better at Almost Everything, best-selling author, fitness expert, entrepreneur, and professional business coach Pat Flynn shares the secrets to learning (almost) every skill, from marketing to music to martial arts to writing and relationships, teaching how to combine interests to achieve greatness in any field. His direct, “Generalist” approach to self-improvement gives you the tools you need to make your mark on the world and make buckets of money - without losing your soul.

Discover how to:

Learn any skill with only an hour of practice a day through repetition and resistance.
Package all your passions into a single toolkit for success with skill stacking
Turn those passions into paychecks by transforming yourself into a person of interest.

In today’s fast-paced, constantly evolving world, it’s no longer good enough to have a single specialty. To really get ahead you need a diverse portfolio of hidden talents you can pull from your back pocket at a moment’s notice. How to Be Better at Almost Everything teaches you how to gain a competitive edge in both your professional life and personal life.

Purchase the How to Be Better at Almost Everything by Pat Flynn

Book Review: One Small Step Can Change Your Life: The Kaizen Way

Book: One Small Step Can Change Your Life: The Kaizen Way
Author: Robert Maurer
Format: eBook
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟(5 Stars)

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Every since I visited the Toyota Plant in Mississippi, I have been fascinated with their productivity systems, especially Kaizen. Therefore, when I discovered One Small Step Can Change Your Life: The Kaizen Way, I knew I would enjoy it. This book fed into my addiction to productivity and understanding of how to implement changes to enhance my productivity. 

The book is a quick read, and it focuses adequately addresses the concept of Kaizen, a Japanese phenomenon that emphasizes continuous improvement. 

One Small Step Can Change Your Life: The Kaizen Way highlights five specific strategies to apply Kaizen to your life. Each of the strategies has a chapter that explains it in detail. These strategies are:

• Taking small actions
• Asking small questions
• Thinking small thoughts
• Solving small problems
• Bestowing small rewards
• Recognizing small but crucial moments others ignore.

This book provides numerous books to help illustrate the significance of making small changes to enhance your productivity and life. I liked this book because it shared the importance of incremental change to ensure that it lasts. We often read self-help books that recommend drastic changes, but these books often fail to help the reader make sustainable change. I am glad that Dr. Maurer adequately tackles how to make sustainable change in this book.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Improve your life fearlessly with this essential guide to kaizen—the art of making great and lasting change through small, steady steps.

The philosophy is simple: Great change is made through small steps. And the science is irrefutable: Small steps circumvent the brain's built-in resistance to new behavior.

No matter what the goal—losing weight, quitting smoking, writing a novel, starting an exercise program, or meeting the love of your life—the powerful technique of kaizen is the way to achieve it. Written by psychologist and kaizen expert Dr. Robert Maurer, One Small Step Can Change Your Life is the simple but potent guide to easing into new habits—and turning your life around. Learn how to overcome fear and procrastination with his 7 Small Steps—including how to Think Small Thoughts, Take Small Actions, and Solve Small Problems—to steadily build your confidence and make insurmountable-seeming goals suddenly feel doable.

Dr. Maurer also shows how to visualize virtual change so that real change can come more easily. Why small rewards lead to big returns. And how great discoveries are made by paying attention to the little details most of us overlook. His simple regiment is your path to continuous improvement for anything from losing weight to quitting smoking, paying off debt, or conquering shyness and meeting new people. Rooted in the two-thousand-year-old wisdom of the Tao Te Ching—“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”—here is the way to change your life without fear, without failure, and start on a new path of easy, continuous improvement.

Guest Post: The Irrational Fear Cure - The Imperative to Protect Children from Survival Mode Syndrome by Teri Smith - Pickens

The Irrational Fear Cure

The Imperative to Protect Children from Survival Mode Syndrome

By Teri Smith-Pickens

The most significant take away from my book The Irrational Fear Cure is the imperative to protect future generations of children from living permanently in the fear-based system of Survival Mode.

Besides Survival Mode Syndrome’s symptoms of chronic anxiety, mood instability, poor self-esteem, memory deficits, poor sleep habits, issues with trust and faith, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, etc., these children will not only learn habits to keep chronic anxiety at bay but living in this Mode will wreak the most havoc on their health. Over time, they will develop the highest number of cases of allergies, cancer or autoimmune illnesses, due to the stress created by the brain and the body always needing to respond to a sense of “danger” that is irrational. This wreaks havoc on the body’s immune system, is a deadly enemy to achieving success, and causes Spiritual paralysis.

Today most adults use the term “Survival Mode” loosely, concluding that something is wrong with their thinking and their behavior, especially, the part that is fear-based. However, the process of entry into Survival Mode starts soon after birth with the young child’s under-developed brain where they do not have the capacity to understand the context of most of the things that happen to them. Things like corporal punishment, being exposed to media and other adult-rated issues, sex abuse, the threats of siblings, parents yelling or being impatient when stressed when the child misbehaves, etc. 

During this early period of childhood, many of children’s day-to-day experiences are interpreted by their “primitive” brain as potentially dangerous – even ones that are not! This is why they need adult intervention to PREVENT their primitive brain from becoming frozen in a “protective posture” even when there is NO imminent threat or danger. 

The term “irrational” describes feeling fear and experiencing the physical and psychological responses to it but there is no imminent threat, no real danger. This can result in the child entering and staying permanently in Survival Mode, having all the symptoms of Survival Mode Syndrome.

Why the children? Take a look at the increased incidences of school-aged children having ADHD, ADD, chronic anxiety, behavior issues, and being prescribed medication. About 80 percent of children who need medication for ADHD still need it as teenagers.

Estimates on the number of children diagnosed with ADHD in the U.S. have changed over the years. Per a 2014 CDC study:

In 2003, 7.8 percent of children were ever diagnosed with ADHD

In 2007: 9.5 percent

In 2011: 11 percent

Related conditions:

• Nearly two-thirds of children with ADHD have at least one other condition.

• 51.5 percent of children with ADHD have behavioral or conduct problems

• 32.7 percent have anxiety problems

The Irrational Fear Cure

PRAISE:

“The Fear Cure helps readers face their irrational fears, including pandemics or other natural disasters, live in the present, let God worry about tomorrow, live each day as if it is the last, and make prayers and meditation their daily routine. The spiritual undertones in the book help readers understand the power of faith and how fear ceases to exist where there is faith.” - Mamta Madhavan, Readers’ Favorite

“The author offered true insight and deep exploration of a range of timely and urgent issues. The narrative was deeply and thoughtfully researched, and I appreciated the author’s genuine, authentic tone throughout the manuscript. The narrative held my interest throughout, and I liked the real-life examples the author used to illustrate different problems and principles discussed in the chapters. The writing is clear and engaging, and there is good depth to the subject matter, appropriate for a book in this genre.” - Courtney Watson, Editor, Gatekeeper Press

“I can honestly say my life has changed after reading The Fear Cure. It’s like being born again; it is releasing the child that is inside you without sin, without fear. You are able to love, forgive, understand and to surrender because the innocence is there. The grass is greener, the lights brighter, the sun is shining, the trees are taller, and the air is crisp. I have found my serenity. God, what a beautiful feeling.” - Alberto Colon, HCCC, Kearny, NJ

About the Book

Purchase the Irrational Fear Cure!

A needed prescription for our irrational fears

The Irrational Fear Cure is a radical yet visionary book that serves as a blueprint for achieving personal and societal well-being. It is a timely resource for a world living in the age of a global pandemic.

Author Teri Smith-Pickens, a mental health practitioner, interviewed more than 200 people to help them to better understand where their fears and anxieties come from. She shares these stories throughout the book, highlighting how many people are living in survival mode stemming from trauma in childhood, and as adults, who now use obsessive compulsive behaviors to fill voids they feel on the inside.

She outlines what happens to a mind already filled with irrational fears and chronic anxiety when it encounters the rational fear of a pandemic. By unmasking the truth behind these addictions, she gives a deeper understanding of the fears we all face and how to cure them.

About the Author

Teri Smith-Pickens is an award-winning and best-selling author and speaker, in addition to her work as a mental health practitioner and coach. She has inspired and transformed many lives through her coaching, speaking, and media appearances. In 2007, Teri had a supernatural revelation that changed the course of her life, giving her unerring courage to confront important, controversial mental health issues in children’s lives and the society at large, giving birth to her book, The Fear Cure in Four Miraculous Steps.

Author’s Website: www.thefearcure.com 

Author’s LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/teri-pickens-b9387a13/

Author’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/fushia18/ 

Author’s Twitter: www.twitter.com/TeriPickens 

Author’s Facebook: www.facebook.com/centerforeducationandhealing/

Author’s Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/teri_pickens/

Author’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCp1eKtZdi37ZfFDjZsK9drQ

BOOKING INFO: Nicole Ballengee, nicole@prbythebook.com

Book Review: Date Like a Woman by Kai Nicole

Purchase Date Like a Woman

Book Title: Date Like a Woman
Author: Kai Nicole
Format: Paperback
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Date Like a Woman highlights Kai Nicole's often "unconventional dating beliefs' to make a date a more pleasurable experience for women. What intrigued me the most about this book is that Kai Nicole was not focused on teaching a woman how to date for the goal of getting married, which is often the focus of dating books for women. Kai Nicole's approach centered on making sure that women understood how to date as a means of enjoying the dating experience.

Each chapter of the book highlighted an important aspect of dating, which often has conflicting viewpoints. For example, Chapter 2, entitled Managing Expectations, provided steps for women to channel their expectations when it comes to dating. I personally found Chapter 7 to be the most intriguing. The title of Chapter 7 was "What You Can Learn from Strippers and Groupies." I liked this chapter because Kai Nicole emphasized how it is essential to understand details about an individual to fully know how to deal with him, which is what strippers and groupies are skilled at doing.

Kai Nicole's writing style helps to convey her ideology in a friendly non-threatening manner. She isn't preaching to the reader and forcing on the reader that her dating approach should be law. She writes as if she is your friend, whom you are chatting with at a Girl's Night Out Sleepover party. She shares her dating approach based on how she dates.

I believe Date Like a Woman provides a fresh approach to dating. Some of the techniques shared aren't feasible for several reasons, but many are practical that can be implemented today. For women, who are returning to dating science, this book is a great tool to encourage the enjoyment of dating rather than the chore of dating.

For more information about the author and the book, visit the website: http://www.datelikeawoman.com 

 

About the Author

Image retrieved from Author's Website

Kai Nicole holds degrees from Harvard University and Howard University School of Law.

She has worked in law, entertainment, technology (Silicon Valley), and has done business development consulting for multiple entrepreneurs.

A native Washingtonian, she has also lived in Boston and Atlanta. Kai is currently residing with her family in the suburbs of San Francisco.

Book Review: Ego Free Leadership

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Book Title: Ego Free Leadership

Author: Brandon Black and Shayne Hughes

Format: Ebook

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Ego Free Leadership explored the stages of professional growth for a chief executive officer(CEO of a debt collection agency).  Written by a CEO, Brandon Black, and his professional coach, Shayne Hughes, Ego Free Leadership shows how the ego of a leader can impact his or her effectiveness. I appreciated the transparency presented in this text. I've read many books on leadership, which focus specifically on the positives and exclude their trials and tribulations. This book stands out because it is genuinely written to share what many leaders would normally omit.

I enjoyed reading Ego Free Leadership for several reasons. First, the authors presented numerous scenarios, which explained what was occurring, how ego played a negative or positive role, and what to do as a corrective measure. Before reading this book, I never really considered how much my ego can impact my ability to be an effective and efficient leader of an organization or in any capacity. Also, the authors, especially the CEO, shared their personal struggles with their desire to be viewed as a leader and maintaining their own egos. Lastly, Ego Free Leadership includes both success stories and stories about their failures. The anecdotal evidence demonstrates how their egos contributed to either failure or success. Using this method to share leadership strategies, the authors assist the reader in enhancing his or her ability to be a leader. 

I think this book is ideal for leaders, who are new to their leadership roles. After reading this book, new leaders can begin to identify their strengths and weaknesses as a leader. Also, new leaders can implement the strategies to improve their leadership styles. I believe that Ego Free Leadership can assist seasoned leaders in their self-assessment of current leadership capabilities. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. 

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First Book Review of 2017: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

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Book Title: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

Author: Mark Manson

Format: Audiobook

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Purchase Book

Reading in 2017 is all about "getting my life together." Since I am turning 35 this year, I am focused on being the "best me" that I can be. Therefore, when I chose The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, I knew that I was starting my year off just right. 

I started the audiobook on January 3rd, during my morning commute to work. I'm guilty of not reading the synopsis of a book that I have chosen, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Matter of Fact, I think I heard about the book when I was listening to a podcast by Myleik Teele. Her podcasts give me life, and I love that she is an avid reader, who is dedicated to personal development. So, when she recommends a book to read, I take note.  After reading 48 Laws of Power because of Myleik's recommendation and enjoying it, I have started making a list of books that she suggests to her listeners.

Listening during my commute to work, I started to contemplate my own patterns of thinking and logic based on Manson's explanations of choosing what and what not to care about in your life. Every choice makes a different in my life. Even when I choose not to react or act, I am still making a choice, which is rooted in my value system. Manson forces you to start to evaluate your life's values and start to identify what's essential and important to you, as well as to identify why. For example, he talks about an individual, who remains in a marriage, even though happiness has been long gone. This person refuses to leave because the value of staying married, even though misery and insecurity have replaced joy. This person does not value their happiness as much as their desire to stay married. Thinking back on this situation in my life, I felt compelled to reckon with this analysis. A person, who valued their happiness more than staying married just for the sake of marriage, probably would not remain in a bad marriage, which is sucking the life out of their existence. Interestingly enough, Manson emphasizes the significance that your values contribute to your overall actions and what's important. The wisdom within the text provides a taste of reality and encourages the reader to question their values and why these values matter. 

Another point about the book is the distinction from other self-help books.  Manson does not preach positivity. Instead, Manson instructs the reader to recognize that sometimes things are wrong.  Problems do occur. Bad stuff does happen.  Manson suggests that instead of transforming the bad things into a wonderfully tasting lemonade you should learn how to withstand the bad things and learn how to effectively deal with them.  I liked this spin on dealing with life.  Many personal development books focus on the turning lemons into lemonade philosophy, but Manson suggests that the reader learns how to suck the lemon and deal with the horrible sting of its taste.

After reading Manson's book, I've found myself wondering what is important to me and why. I noticed that I have a tendency to pay attention to things that should not be given any thought. I become angry when I feel that someone has intentionally or unintentionally "done me wrong." Giving value to "being done wrong" distracts me from things that I cannot control and should care about in my life. Should I actually project the energy of anger and dwell on the fact that someone bumped me in the grocery store without saying excuse me? Should I actually lose time and energy over someone talking about me behind my bump or making false accusations? Could I focus on more important things in my life instead of such trivial things, which add nothing to my life? What am I avoiding? Why am I afraid? What do I fear? Why am I afraid? I like how Manson's proposes that you focus more on the why than on the what.

As as you can see, Manson really makes you think. Even the profanity and the sarcasm within the text add to his message and theme. I finished this book in two days. I will probably read it again and purchase the eBook or paperback. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book because it is truly thought-provoking. People, who enjoy personal development books, will enjoy this text. This book encourages self-evaluation for the improvement of your life. This book is definitely one that I will be giving as a gift to other people.

If you are interested in the book, check out the excerpt from Manson's website. Have you read this book? Would you read this book? Let's talk in the comments.

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Top 5 Books Read in 2016

As the year comes to an end, I realized that I have been devouring a significant number of books.  This year, my goal was to read 15 books in 2016. Since I have a 4-hour daily commute, I have been reading audiobooks.  Before my lengthy commute, I only read physical books and ebooks. Now, I am addicted to audiobooks.

I have compiled a list of my top 5 books for 2016.  My list of books includes business books, memoir, fiction, and non-fiction.  I have reviewed some of the books on my list.

1. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie - I read the paperback version, which I purchased at Barnes and Noble.  This book was really great. I enjoyed the novel.  Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a very talented writer.  I plan to read more of her books in 2017. 

2. Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes - Year of Yes was actually read by Shonda Rhimes, which contributed to me enjoying the book.  Hearing her read this book and express various life lessons, I am glad that I chose this book from Audible.  

3. I'm Judging You by Luvvie Ajayi - This book is HILARIOUS, but there are numerous lessons, which can be learned from each essay.  Luvvie gave me life in this book.  Sometimes, she was even talking about me.  This book is a must-read.

4. The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene - I first heard about this book, when I was listening to a podcast by Myleik Teele.  This book is on my list to read every year.  The 48 Laws of Power applies to your personal and professional life.  Next year is about self-development. I am glad that this book was introduced to me.

5. The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferris - I am still trying to wrap my mind around this concept, but I really enjoyed the book because Tim Ferris shares so many different resources that can be used for a variety of reasons.  The book links to his blog, which shares, even more, resources.  I listened to the audiobook version, but I plan to read it again and purchase the physical book.

• What book(s) did you enjoy reading in 2016?  
• What books are left on your TBR List?

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Book Review: Look by James Gilmore

Book Title: Look: A Practical Guide for Improving Your Observational Skills
Author: James Gilmore
Format: eBook
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Look: A Practical Guide for Improving Your Observational Skills by James H. Gilmore focused on being more aware using a fresh outlook on observation. Gilmore was inspired by Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats Method to create a metaphor known as the Six Looking Glasses.  Binoculars, bifocals, magnifying glass, microscope, rose-colored glasses, and blindfold looking are the six skills that Gilmore provides intense instruction.

I enjoyed Gilmore’s ability to explain each skill thoroughly.  Additionally, he provided examples and exercises to ensure mastery of each skill.  The text lacks variety and becomes somewhat repetitive.  Once, I reached the microscope skill the book became dull.  Honestly, this book reads more like a textbook than a book for leisure.  

The practicality of the book is immense.  If you can trample through the dullness, it is jammed pack with information that can enhance your observational skills.  I would suggest reading the book at a minimum of two times and not in one sitting.  

Each skill must be read individually, digested, practiced, and implemented to grasp Gilmore's perspective on observation fully. I would recommend this book for people, who are looking for innovative methods to be more aware of their surroundings.  

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Book Review: Basic Black by Cathie Black

Book Title: Basic Black: The Essential Guide for Getting Ahead at Work (and in Life)
Author: Cathie Black
Format: Audiobook
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Recently, I listened to the audiobook version of Basic Black during my work commute. Basic Black shares the story of Cathie Black, who is known as the media's world guru.  Cathie Black is the president of Hearst Magazines, and she uses her memoir to emphasize how to be successful in career and life by sharing her lessons.  Her humble beginnings, her determination to be successful, and her perseverance inspire me.

I like Basic Black because of Cathie's honesty.  She does not paint a picture of her life being a bed of roses.  She not only shares her successes, but she includes her mistakes.  She desires for the reader to learn from her mistakes or her exposure to the mistakes of others.  Laced with humor and wisdom, Basic Black functions as a manual to maneuver through life and work.

The beginning of the book sets the tone for it.  Cathie explains how she was caught using company time and resources to copy her resume.  She forgot to remove the original copy from the copier.  The senior executive was the person, who informed her about this mistake.  I am sure that she probably could have died, but Cathie used this as a learning experience.  I especially liked the story of getting Oprah to create a magazine with Hearst.  Through the story, I gained insight about being adequately prepared and knowing the audience.

Additionally, Basic Black identifies the importance of being driven, having passion, choosing risks, and developing as a leader.  Through her book, Cathie gives advice that people, who do not have a mentor, can benefit.  The advice that she gives is not a one size fits all, but she shares her lessons to ensure that you can understand what you could learn from her experiences and mistakes.

I would recommend Basic Black to entrepreneurs, career changers, and anyone interested in being inspired or motivated in their current jobs. I am glad that I read this book for the second time.


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Guest Post: 5 Great Books on Public Speaking You Cannot Miss

5 Great Books on Public Speaking You Cannot Miss
By Tan Kwan Hong

Participants in my public speaking workshops have often asked me to recommend some great books that they can read to take their mastery of public speaking to the next level. Indeed, reading is a great way in which you can gain new ideas and novel perspectives on speech delivery.

Here are 5 books I highly recommend that you can read to improve your public speaking skills.

Book #1: Confessions of a Public Speaker by Scott Berkun

A book that divulges the secrets behind what great speakers and communicators do, and how you can emulate the success of these speakers through highly practical tips.

Book #2: Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World's Top Minds by Carmine Gallo

The ideas presented in this book are current and cutting-edge. If you want to learn how to sell yourself and your ideas on stage, this book is for you.

Book #3: Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln: 21 Powerful Secrets of History's Greatest Speakers by James C. Humes

Great leaders like Churchill and Lincoln are not only remembered for their heroic leadership, but also for their mesmerizing and captivating speeches. If you want to learn how to deliver inspirational speeches that capture the hearts and souls of your audience, pick up this book right away!

Book #4: Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery by Garr Reynolds

Garr Reynolds is going to change the way you deliver presentations using PowerPoint and Keynote. This book presents noteworthy ideas that transform the way you prepare, design and deliver your presentations.

Book #5: The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speakingby Dale Carnegie

A classic book of public speaking by the guru of communication, Dale Carnegie. This book discloses the fundamentals of how you can influence minds and win hearts through effective speaking. Another book not to be missed!

Conclusion

While I strongly believe that the best way to learn how to deliver exceptional speeches is to do the real thing itself (yes! keep getting stage time to practice your speeches and hone your craft), reading books for new ideas and novel perspectives can put you on a highway to success and accomplishments in this arena. So go forth and pick up a book right away!

About The Author

Kwan Hong helps professionals, business executives, and youths gain rapid mastery in communication skills, personal peak performance and career growth. He has synthesized knowledge from 8 Degrees and Diplomas, from over 100 certifications and from 1000 books to bring his clients the best tips, tricks and techniques for personal success.

Till date, 120,000 participants from over 100 organizations and events have benefited from his speaking engagements.

Reach out to him at http://www.TanKwanHong.com, or connect with him on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/in/tankwanhong.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Tan_Kwan_Hong/2304484
http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Great-Books-on-Public-Speaking-You-Cannot-Miss&id=9479351

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Book Review: Master Your Sleep by Dr. Tracey Marks

Order your copy of Master Your Sleep.

If you experience sleeping problems, I would suggest that you read Master Your Sleep by Dr. Tracey Marks.  Not only does Master Your Sleep explains sleep and its importance in your life, but you discover proven strategies to improve your sleep.

Master Your Sleep provides suggestions on how to ensure that children are getting enough sleep. Interestingly enough, one important fact, which I did not know about sleep and sleeping patterns, was that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is directly linked to inadequate sleep in children. Since reading this book, I make a more conscious effort to calculate the number of hours of sleep that my children are getting. Master Your Sleep highlights how important it is to have a sleep routine.  An established sleep routine increases the likelihood of improving your ability to sleep.

Master Your Sleep is filled with valuable information.   When visiting Dr. Marks website, various printables are available  to improve your sleeping habits.  If you are having problems sleeping, I would highly recommend this book.

Have you considered your sleeping patterns? How many hours of sleep do you get a night? For me, I have started using my bullet journal to monitor the amount of sleep that I am getting each night.  I have also discovered apps on the iOS platform to monitor my sleep, as well.

When you finish reading Master Your Sleep, I would love to hear from you and how it helped improve your life.

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Upcoming Event: Self-publishing Course at Millsaps College

Check out my class being offered at  Millsaps College

Self-Publishing 101 – Using Createspace to Publish Your Manuscript. 

Instructor: Cassandra H. Wilder 

Cost: $120 (materials fee included in cost of class)

Dates: Saturdays, May 14 – 28 (3 class mtgs) 

Times: 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Do you have a wonderful idea for a book? Have you written a collection of poetry? Self-publishing just may be your answer. However, the process of self-publishing can be both confusing and overwhelming. This class is designed to assist people in completing the self-publishing process. Using Createspace, which is affiliated with Amazon and Kindle, this class takes students through the process step-by-step. At the end of the course, students will create a sample text and receive a free electronic copy of Life and Struggles by the instructor. 

Please note: Students should have basic computer skills, as well as a manuscript idea.

http://www.millsaps.edu/news_events/enrichment_descriptions.php#personal_development

Some Love, Some Pain, Sometime by J. California Cooper

Some Love, Some Pain, Sometime  leaves you evaluating friendships, relationships, and life. I love the storytelling technique J. California Cooper uses to draw you into each story.  A compilation of stories, Some Love, Some Pain, Sometime are not as short as the stories in A Piece of Mine, but the stories are somewhat similar.

J. California Cooper  is a wonderful author, who exposes you to life lessons of others, which you can apply. Thanks to this book I evaluated my own life. Striving to change some things, I can credit J. California Cooper with making it real for me!

What life lessons have you learned that had a huge impact on your life?

Now here is what you can do since you have read thus far!!! You can click on the link and order the book I have just shared with you. If you really enjoyed reading about this book, share this post on Twitter or Facebook. Don't forget to share you thoughts and comments below.

Master Your Sleep - Proven Methods Simplified by Tracey I. Marks MD

Having been dealing with sleep problems for while, when I found this book on NetGalley, I was overly excited. Not only does Master Your Sleep explains sleep and its importance in your life, but Dr. Marks shares proven strategies to improve your sleep and your children sleep.  Interestingly enough, one important fact, which I did not know, was that ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is linked to inadequate sleep in children. Since reading this, I have made a more conscious effort to calculate the hours my children spend sleeping. Dr. Marks makes it clear that having a sleep routine increases the likelihood of improving your ability to sleep.  Ironically, my children have a sleep routine, but I am yet to actually create one for myself.  However, I have gone to her book website and printed out the sheets available to improve my sleeping habits.  With the abundance of information available on her website, in the book, and the book website, I can assume that Dr. Marks is an expert to be reckon with. If you are having problems sleeping, I would highly recommend this book.

Now here is what you can do since you have read thus far!!! You can click on the link and order the book I have just shared with you. If you really enjoyed reading about this book, share this post on Twitter or Facebook. Don't forget to share you thoughts and comments below.