Givers Need to Set Limits, and because Takers Never Do. I saw an interesting video recently about a guy who taped $1and $5 bills, and maybe a $10 or two, to his jacket and walked around with a sign that said, “Take what you need.” Now, obviously, someone was videotaping the street interaction, and because the guy was wearing a microphone, you can hear his conversation as people read his sign, looked at him questioningly and then, hesitantly, took a few bills. All the while he would say to people, as he walked up and down the street, to…“Go ahead […]
Public Speaking
When Unsure, Take the Next Logical Step
Last year I spent a lot of time encouraging you to chart a new course and get out of your comfort zone—learn to live the life you imagined and were born to do, big and small things, to move you down the path of life that would bring joy in big and small ways. Life is short, and I fully believe you have to take the reins and get going or you’re going to miss out on some great opportunities or someone else will take your space, maybe while you’re sitting around waiting. You may even lose interest and then […]
So What Is Your Super Power
Now that New Year’s resolutions are about over, let’s think about something we can do that could be the key to an amazing year, if not for yourself, then for others who probably need you. I wrote last week about choosing a word to define the different areas of your life that you would like to change. The one I heard the most is that many people say they want to enjoy life to the fullest, so think about a word that would be your anchor to remind you of your commitment to enjoying life. The word I would choose […]
A Word After A Word After A Word is Power
“A word after a word after a word is power.” – Margaret Atwood I have really come to believe that what you say to yourself about yourself is vitally important. I’m not sure I can prove it scientifically, but it just seems to me if you are not careful with the words you use when thinking about your skills and abilities and knowledge base you will undo years of education, years of building yourself up and years of acceptance of the praise of others who see a spark of brightness in you. With the new year upon us, I will […]
Why You Gotta Be So Mean?
“Get your big fat a__ in here” those are the words a client of mine recently heard from her grandmother. I can only assume the grandmother didn’t measure the damage of her words. I’m sure grandma thought she was being funny. She wasn’t. Weeks later my client can repeat that stinging phrase that hurt to the bone and the worst part is now every time she looks in the mirror, she will hear those words from the person who is supposed to show unconditional love – the grandparent. We all know that people says things to hurt – on purpose, […]
Who set your boundaries?
As I walked along the fence I came upon this marker… Boundary of the United States It’s an imposing marker set into the fence line between America and Mexico. One can easily scale the fence or swim around the jetty in the ocean but even if you cross over willingly… or not… you’ve now crossed a boarder – a boundary line that either keeps you in or keeps you out. It makes me wonder, “Who set your boundaries? Have you limited yourself? Are on the wrong side of the fence”. The concept of boundaries frustrates me – who gets to […]
Acknowledge With Graciousness – Deb’s Ah-Ha Moment
If you have ever heard me speak you probably know this story of an Ah-Ha moment in my life – which I will never forget. A number years ago I was speaking at a conference for judges and lawyers and the luncheon speaker was a lady from a presidential administration (I didn’t care for) and from what I had seen of her tenure I was also unimpressed by her and was not interested in hearing her speak. I only went to the luncheon to eat the free chicken lunch – then I was going shopping. Unfortunately, I could not exit the room before […]
What Will You Do Next? part 1 of 3
In this blog post let’s look at the first of my three lessons for survival. Keep Working. The hardest thing you will do is to keep working on your dreams and goals. Granted it may be a smaller venue than you had hoped for but I have seen and learned by being on the stage myself… sometimes in a smaller more intimate setting you will bond with your audience in a way that your old self and style would not allow and once they see you – just as you are – many times they will become raving fanatical fans […]
Deb Sofield Launches Weekly Newsletter
Log onto my website https://debsofield.com and view my online newsletter – which was turned into a blog and a podcast. Speak Without Fear, it is a excellent source of news, notes and tips for public speaking. You can sign up on my website to receive my monthly newsletter. My goal is to help you become the best you can be – personally and professionally…because if you’re going to speak – you might as well be heard! Learn more about me at: https://debsofield.com