syl's tips and tricks
66
Public Speaking 101
1. Read everything you can get your hands on.
If you hate reading, then you should start to like it.
There's no way you can increase your skill to converse if you don't know how to convey your ideas into words. Having a generic vocabulary is fine but if you want to excel in communication, you had best not bore your listener/reader/s because you only know 10,000 words or less. Find words that sound compelling enough to attract attention.
2. Watch television or movies.
This is one main reason why couch potatoes and movie junkies excel in public speaking. Why? Because if you watch a wide variety of shows and films, you get exposed to different ways of pronunciations as well as proper (although the trend these days are more of improper) sentence construction and use. Knowing how to spell a word sometimes isn't enough to use it properly.
Long, boring narratives like documentaries are best suited for this.
3. Converse often
Practice makes perfect. Ever wondered why schools are adamant on using English as their primary means of communication? That's because the longer you've been using a certain language, the more familiar and in-tuned you'll be with it. If you have no one to talk to, practice by speaking out loud (obviously when no one is around, they might get ideas). Hearing how yourself sounds will help you track down problems.
4. Speak at a moderate pace
Too slow and you bore people with short attention span. Too fast and you risk the ire of people who can't keep up.
5. Self - conscious = BAD
When you get on stage and in the lime light, you should forget about how you look and how people see you. Worry about it before AND after. Doing so during a speech can lead to nervousness, stuttering, mental blocks and spell instant disaster.
6. Use your voice
Even when your topic is exciting, your vocabulary is huge and your presence dazzling, doing a monologue in public is not very enticing. Proper intonation and stresses on your words can draw the biggest of crowds. Speak as if to inform, not to compel others to stop and listen but to absorb every word that comes out you.
-
I've read on a book about warfare once that in order to amass an army, high stature or standing reputation isn't at all a requirement. You just need to be eloquent.
5 reasons to avoid call centers for help
I've always been appalled by the call center system because non-technical people are supposed to filter and sort through our concerns so that the technical people, those in-charge of repair, maintenance, etc, won't waste time doing so. Sadly it's this system itself that causes the problems that it's supposed to be preventing.. Here's why:
1. A call center agent is not a technician This is a common misconception to those who don't know how the system works. The call center agents face the flood of calls and act as a buffer. Yes it's economical and beneficial to the company because the job hierarchy prevents one staff member from doing the job of the other. For the customer's side, it can mean long waits for a response to their support tickets or worse even no response at all. Because they rely on a set of "symptoms" rather than general knowledge of what's going on, explaining a major problem is almost always a pain.
2. Good English skills does not mean good troubleshooting skills Call centers look for people who can speak well and little else. I won't deny that there are people in the service that have competent knowledge of the problems they're working with but the fact remains that because the experts and technicians don't come into the problem until much later into the support process you're faced with the daunting task of simplifying a complex problem so that the agent will understand.
3. Calling entail the need for patience. Lots of patience "-our apologies for your inconveniences" etc. etc. I'm sure we've all heard that because it's the SOP for nearly all call centers. Receiving sympathy when needed can often divert people from the fact that when you receive that same line for the 3rd or 4th time on the same problem it equates to being told to shut up and wait. That would not be a problem unless of course your problem is a simple one like a burned out adapter for your broadband modem.
4. Not all call center agents are there to help This is probably a one in a thousand call but it happens. They quickly divert the conversation to filing a report without even diagnosing what the problem is and drop the line. Though it probably won't happen exactly that way, it's a general idea of what to expect.
5. Asking other people is faster It's a tried and tested answer. Because most of what you need can be looked up on the net, unless it's a major problem that really requires technical help, call centers should be your last resort.
Dealing with Stress
Stress is a change that we adapt to in our daily lives. You can almost describe it as pressure, demand, or any situation that requires physical and/or mental exertion. It can be positive or negative, ranging from something that motivates you to work or something that drags you to a halt. The negative effects can include lack of productivity, depression, loneliness, frustration or even anger. Those symptoms can sometimes cause much larger problems like break-ups, disparity at work, etc. Here are a few tips to help cope with the effects of stress:
1. R n R:
Take some time off and let loose. Work related stress can be due to the pile up of projects and deadlines. A vacation in the middle of the week will help you let loose all that accumulated stress.
2. Scream it out
Find a secluded place-your room, a toilet, an empty parking lot, anywhere you're sure that no can hear you and think that you've lost your mind-and scream your heart out. Scandalous, but it works.
3. Exercise
Sweating it out in the gym can reduce anxiety and frustrations.
4. Acupuncture
If you're willing to try alternative medicine, this is one method you shouldn't miss out. It can be quite relaxing, it can cure stiff shoulders too.
5. Manage your time and effort
If you have multiple sources of stress (deadlines, increased responsibilities), prioritize. Break large demands into small, manageable parts and work through one task at a time. Do what needs to be done first, leaving other things for tomorrow.
6. Call a friend
There are problems that you can't be solved alone. Ask for help as soon as you can.
Updates from my Site
- Torchlight is Diablo on steroids
When I first heard of Torchlight, my very first reaction was “pfffft… not another Diablo clone.” After playing the actual game…. well, the image below describes pretty much what happens: Torchlight does a good job of carrying the Diablo 2 torch of point and click RPGs to a point (well get to why it’s only up to a point in a moment) and improving on the actual formula. I started playing the game with version 1.0 (yes, the very first release). It was full of bugs and loaded awfully slow even with a PC that could handle Fallout 3 on the highest settings but more than that, it was addicting. I have to admit, even with all the gameplay problems, I still stuck to playing the game simply for the fun of it. What’s hot: The game, in it’s very core is an amazing diablo clone. The inventory system, the generation of items, even the simplicity of the gameplay. It’s all Diablo 2 all over again. Torchlight however does improve on the system with some very useful additions like using tab for two of your most spammed… err used skills. You also have a pet to accompany you throughout your dungeon trawling at the very start of the game. Unlike most games that make use of minions, your pet in torchlight is actually quite useful. Aside from being able to equip some items (a necklace and two rings to be exact), your pet can also learn spells to cast in battle for offense or support as well as sell your loot without you leaving the dungeon. Battles are also a treat. Aside from the much expected eyecandy, Torchlight also does quite well in terms of managing collision, spells and enemy crowds. Getting mob? Just hit your best crowd-control skill and watch skeletons fly. I won’t kid you not when I say that most of the time, I patiently wait till a crowd of enemies to surround my character, letting them chip away at my health that when I right-click on the middle of the mass, I’ll see skeletons and zombies flying away with a single, solid blow. Oh what fun What’s not: Over time though, Torchlight loses it’s glamour and you realize each stage is actually a mirror of the stage before only you’re traversing it in reverse. Yes, the game is very much repetitive and it doesn’t do a very good job of keeping your interest doing so. At floor 20 or so, you’ll probably end up feeling the grind much like I did. That said, I think it’s because Torchlight doesn’t do a very good job of scaling well with enemies as you progress in the game. Sure a jump in difficulty should be expected with each new floor (Torchlight stages are floors so…) but the gap in Torchlight is sometimes quite ridiculous that one stage you’ll be crushing enemies with one blow, and down one floor, you’ll end dead after two or three hits because of the much more powerful enemies >_>. The game’s 1.12 patch fixes quite a bit of the imbalance but later in the game, you’ll still note that it’s still annoyingly there. Probably the biggest gripe about Torchlight is the ABSENCE of multiplayer. Seriously, this game was screaming MULTIPLAY the moment I saw the screenshots. The lack of scaling I mentioned above could’ve been negated (in other words turned into a positive light) if you can have one to three of your buddies jump in to aid you in your mission. Even PVP is a welcome addition. As it stands however, Torchlight is meant to be played solo. Conclusion: While I have some gripes about the Torchlight, it’s still a very good game. It’s only $20 too (got it straight from the devs so I got the 1.12 patch soon after it’s release) so you’re getting so much value for your money. Still, the game could still use quite a lot of polish as it feels like the game’s was release pretty rushed. The game does play well even on modest systems and there’s even a netbook mode but there’s still much needed optimizations for Torchlight to be even fun on netbooks. I imagine waiting a full five minutes for the game to load after entering a portal will douse anyone’s enthusiasm pretty quick. But then again, it’s just $20 bucks… Verdict: Buy and play! Torchlight is Diablo on steroids originally appeared on Atma Xplorer© on November 23, 2009, 9:55 pm. This post is part of the category General Gaming. Below is a list of related posts that might be of interest to you: Dare to Challenge MyBrute So what games are you still playing? EA’s cutesy Spore Magic Stones: RPG and Card game rolled into one And Blizzard’s new game is… The most awaited Games you’ll never play. Ever The Best Games you’ve never played Crysis hit shelves Crysis leaked before Launch - 2 weeks ago
- Final Fantasy XIII official US / EU release date
People who have put off making their next console purchase for the release of Final Fantasy XIII, get your wallets ready. Square Enix has officially announced the official release date for the english version of Final Fantasy XIII. The much awaited date? Final Fantasy XIII will get released simultaneously for the PS3 and the XBOX 360 on March 9, 2010 for US and EU markets (and everywhere else eventually Retailers like Play-Asia are already ready for preorders). And yes, the delay, as Square has openly admitted, is due to Final Fantasy XIII getting an XBOX 360 version. Below is the latest trailer released for the game. Popcorn anyone? [image courtesy of IGN] Below is the Official press release of the Final Fantasy XIII International release date. Friday 13th November/…Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, announced today the highly anticipated street date for FINAL FANTASY XIII. This latest project in the multi-platinum FINAL FANTASY series promises to be intensely compelling and will be available for both the PlayStation3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft on 9th March 2010. FINAL FANTASY XIII marks the dawning of a new era for the celebrated series, bringing the series to multiple hi-definition consoles simultaneously for the first time in its history. Expanding upon the rich tradition of the series, producer Yoshinori Kitase (FINAL FANTASY VII, X, X-2), director Motomu Toriyama (FINAL FANTASY VII, X, X-2), character designer Tetsuya Nomura (FINAL FANTASY V, VI, VII, VIII, X) and art director Isamu Kamikokuryo (FINAL FANASY X, XII) combine their creative vision to deliver the latest masterpiece in the FINAL FANTASY universe. Additionally, Masashi Hamauzu (FINAL FANTASY X, DIRGE of CERBERUS -FINAL FANTASY VII-) presents a sweeping soundtrack while movie director Takeshi Nozue (FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN) and his team of artists adorn the game with seamless cinematic sequences of unparalleled calibre. “FINAL FANTASY XIII promises to be a huge event in the 2010 gaming calendar,” said Phil Rogers, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Europe. “This is truly a landmark title, arriving simultaneously for multiple platforms for the first time in the history of the series. We are also immensely proud to be able to bring the game to the European and PAL audience much earlier than was publically anticipated.” Multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Leona Lewis has come on board with Square Enix to provide the theme song for FINAL FANTASY XIII. The song is entitled “My Hands,” and is featured on her highly-anticipated second album ECHO (J Records/Syco Music) set for release on November 16th. Leona Lewis took the music world by storm with her 2008 6x platinum debut album Spirit which features her chart topping, biggest selling single of 2008 “Bleeding Love,” and mega-hit “Better In Time.” “When Square Enix approached Leona about including her song, “My Hands,” in FINAL FANTASY XIII, she was honoured to be partnered with such an iconic and groundbreaking video game series,” said Tom Corson, EVP/GM, RCA Music Group. “Leona is a natural fit with the game’s powerful themes and strong female protagonist. We’re delighted to be part of this effort, bringing great musical artistry to FINAL FANTASY XIII which is a riveting and dynamic gaming experience.” Introducing new worlds, memorable characters and extraordinary stories with each new instalment, the FINAL FANTASY series has continued to reinvent itself over the last two decades and has shipped over 85 million copies worldwide. The series is defined by a constant evolution, offering nothing less than the finest creative vision, graphical quality and gameplay system of its generation with every instalment, and FINAL FANTASY XIII will be no exception to its legacy. Final Fantasy XIII official US / EU release date originally appeared on Atma Xplorer© on November 15, 2009, 10:40 am. This post is part of the category General Gaming. Below is a list of related posts that might be of interest to you: Advent Children Complete going for June US release [Rumor] PSP Games to look forward to in 2009 Dissidia Ultimate Abilities Guide Dissidia’s Epic Intro Dissidia goes Limited Edition Final Fantasy 7 remake… snowboarding? Final Fantasy Dissidia Comprehensive Guide Final Fantasy Agito XIII coming to the PSP Six reasons not to worship Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core The most awaited Games you’ll never play. Ever - 3 weeks ago
- Install Popsloader on your PSP
By default, PSPs with custom firmware installed can already run PS1 games in EBOOT format. However, this built-in doesn’t work on all PSX games (since not all PS1 games are officially supported by the PSP) which is why we have the popsloader plugin. What is the Popsloader plugin? Popsloader is a PS1 (or PSX) emulator for PSP games that are in EBOOT format. These games can be bought from the PSN store or made from discs you legally own (but we know where you’re getting your PSX games right? ) How to install Popsloader on any PSP Yep. Any PSP, and there’s even a Popsloader version for each of the supported firmware. Download: Popsloader for 5.00 M33 : Download Popsloader for 5.03 GEN : Download Popsloader for 5.50 GEN : Download Requirements: A PSP with custom firmware installed It could be any of the ff: 5.00 M33, 5.03 GEN-A, 5.03 GEN-A, 5.50 GEN-A, 5.50 GEN-B, 5.50 GEN-C, 5.50 GEN-D, 5.50 GEN-D2 Popsloader files for your specific cfw version. If you have an unhackable PSP (PSP-3000 or PSP-2000 with TA-088v3): You need to have 5.03 GEN-A or 5.03 GEN-B running Copy the seplugins folder on the root of your memory stick. If you already have an seplugins folder (meaning you already have another plugin installed): Copy the popsloader folder and the popsloader.prx into the seplugins folder Open up the pops.txt file and add the line: ms0:/seplugins/popsloader.prx 1 That’s it, you’re ready to play PSX games If you have an hackable PSP (PSP-1000 or PSP-2000 without TA-088v3): You need to have 5.00 M33 or any variant of 5.50 GEN running (5.50 GEN-A,5.50 GEN-B,5.50 GEN-C,5.50 GEN-D@) Copy the seplugins folder on the root of your memory stick. If you already have an seplugins folder (meaning you already have another plugin installed): Copy the popsloader folder and the popsloader.prx into the seplugins folder Open up the pops.txt file and add the line: ms0:/seplugins/popsloader.prx 1 Turn off your PSP Turn it on again while holding the R button to enter the recovery menu Enable the popsloader plugin That’s it, you’re ready to play PSX games If you encounter any problems, post a comment. Install Popsloader on your PSP originally appeared on Atma Xplorer© on November 9, 2009, 9:21 pm. This post is part of the category Playstation Portable. Below is a list of related posts that might be of interest to you: Install PSP Custom Firmware 5.03 GEN-B via ChickHEN R2 Install PSP Custom Firmware 5.50 GEN-D Install PSP Custom Firmware 5.50 GEN-C Upgrade GEN CFW with XGEN Updater Play games that require OFW 5.55 and 6.00 Install PSP Custom Firmware 5.50 MHU Play games that require OFW 5.50 with version.txt hack Hold+ v3.8 Plugin for Custom Firmware Convert your PSP to custom firmware without Pandora Battery Install PSP Custom Firmware 5.50 GEN-B - 4 weeks ago
- Nintendo Portables head-on: DSi vs DSi LL vs DS Lite
After the post about Nintendo’s announcement of the DSi LL, it’s only natural to do a vs post right? Well here’s one for the DSi vs DSi LL vs DS Lite. Screen Size DSi LL: 4.2 inches DSi: 3.2 inches DS Lite: 3 inches Hardware Size DSi LL (across): 161mm DSi (across): 137mm DS Lite (across): 133mm DSi LL (front to back): 94.4mm DSi (front to back): 74.9mm DS Lite (front to back): 73.9mm DSi LL (thickness): 21.2mm DSi (thickness): 18.9mm DS Lite: 21.5mm Touch Pen Size DSi LL (short pen): 96mm DSi LL (long pen): 129.3mm DSi: 92mm DS Lite: 87.5mm Weight DSi LL (including Battery Pack, short Touch Pen): 314g DSi (including Battery Pack, Touch Pen): 214g DS Lite (including Battery Pack, Touch Pen, GBA Cover): 218g Charging Time DSi LL: 3 hours DSi: 2 hours 30 mins. DS Lite: 3 hours Battery Life DSi LL (Lowest Brightness): 13~17 hours DSi (Lowest Brightness): 9~14 hours DS Lite (Lowest Brightness): 15~19 hours DSi LL (Second Lowest Brightness): 11~14 hours DSi (Second Lowest Brightness): 8~12 hours DS Lite (Second Lowest Brightness): 10~15 hours DSi LL (Middle Brightness): 9~11 hours DSi (Middle Brightness): 6~9 hours DS Lite (Middle Brightness): Not setting such exists on DS Lite DSi LL (Second Highest Brightness): 6~8 hours DSi (Second Highest Brightness): 4~6 hours DS Lite (Second Highest Brightness): 7~11 hours DSi LL (Highest Brightness): 4~5 hours DSi (Highest Brightness): 3~5 hours DS Lite (Highest Brightness): 5~8 hours Supported Software DSi LL: Nintendo DS, DSi, DSiWare DSi: Nintendo DS, DSi, DSiWare DS Lite: Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance Input Outport Slots DSi LL: DS Card Slot, SD Memory Card Slot, AC Adaptor, Headphones, Mic DSi: DS Card Slot, SD Memory Card Slot, AC Adaptor, Headphones, Mic DS Lite: DS Card Slot, Game Boy Advance Slot, AC Adaptor, Headphones, Mic Nintendo Portables head-on: DSi vs DSi LL vs DS Lite originally appeared on Atma Xplorer© on November 2, 2009, 3:39 am. This post is part of the category Nintendo DS. Below is a list of related posts that might be of interest to you: Nintendo announces DSi LL Nintendo on DSi’s anti piracy measures R4i for the Nintendo DSi Free Nintendo DSi Games Download DSi gets US release date. Gets new color too Rumor: DSi US release date and price DSi gets a working Flash Cart PSP-3000 vs Nintendo DSi A whole new DS: Nintendo DSi Nintendo DS Games Download - 5 weeks ago
- Install PSP Custom Firmware 5.03 GEN-B via ChickHEN R2
The release of Custom Firmware 5.50 GEN-D gave hackable PSPs the ability to play PSP games that require 5.55 ofw and up without the need to patch the game. This is now available to non-hackable PSPs via custom firmware 5.03 GEN-B with the same ability to decrypt games on the fly, allowing you to play games that PSPs that have 5.50 GEN-D can. Interested yet? Read on Important Notes: This guide is for non-hackable PSPs. (PSP-3000 / PSP-2000 TA-088v3). If you’re not sure what PSP you have, please read: Is my PSP hackable? On this guide, we will help install 5.03 GEN-B on your PSP. There is no danger of bricking your PSP unless you deviate from the instructions listed below. Unlike custom firmware for hackable PSPs, the danger of bricking your PSP-3000 / PSP-2000 TA-088v3 is quite real. If you’re not sure about a step, take the time to post a question. Do note that if you have official firmware 5.50 or higher installed, stop now. You can’t install the chickHen hack which means you can’t install 5.03 GEN-B. Requirements: A PSP-3000 or PSP-2000 with TA-088v3 motherboard. A PSP with 5.03 GEN-A installed Download: 5.03 GEN-B | 5.03 GEN-B Back up your save files (so that if they get corrupted, you still have backups) How to Install Custom Firmware 5.03 GEN-B for ChickHEN Before you proceed to installing custom firmware 5.03 GEN-B, you need to install 5.03 GEN-A on your PSP first. Just click the picture on the right to install 5.03 GEN-A and comeback here to finish the installation. How to Install 5.03 GEN-B Make sure your PSP has 5.03 GEN-A installed. You won’t be able to install 5.03 GEN-B without it. Extract the 5.03 GEN-B files to your computer. Copy the PSP folder to your PSP’s memory stick. (Yes, just drag the whole folder there) Disconnect the PSP from USB Run 5.03 GEN-B Updater from under Game on your PSP’s XMB After all process is complete, press X. Your PSP will reboot. Congratulations, you’ve just installed 5.03 GEN-B. Important Note: If this is NOT the first time that you’ll be install 5.03 GEN-B (meaning you accidentally turned off your PSP and had to reload 5.03 GEN-A -> 5.03 GEN-B again), hold the L trigger (Left shoulder button) when running the updater. IMPORTANT NOTES: Compatible with the PSP-3000 and PSP-2000 v3 official firmware 5.03 Play backups of games REQUIRE PSP firmware above 5.03, including 6.xx Play backups of games REQUIRE PSP firmware above 5.03, including 6.xx Reading UMD that REQUIRE firmware above 5.03, including 6.xx Playing UMD REQUIRE firmware above 5.03, including 6.xx Reading UMD / ISO games protected against the custom firmware. Playing UMD / ISO games protected against the custom firmware. Play PS1 games GEN VSH MENU available (SELECT) Recovery in VSH Recovery available in VSH available Reading Reading Homebrews KNOWN BUGS: MGS demo refuses to run VSH menu is mixed up All this is thanks to GENyUS and PSPGen.com. Install PSP Custom Firmware 5.03 GEN-B via ChickHEN R2 originally appeared on Atma Xplorer© on November 2, 2009, 2:57 am. This post is part of the category Playstation Portable. Below is a list of related posts that might be of interest to you: Install Popsloader on your PSP Install PSP Custom Firmware 5.50 GEN-D Install PSP Custom Firmware 5.50 GEN-C Upgrade GEN CFW with XGEN Updater Play games that require OFW 5.55 and 6.00 Install PSP Custom Firmware 5.50 MHU Play games that require OFW 5.50 with version.txt hack Convert your PSP to custom firmware without Pandora Battery Install PSP Custom Firmware 5.50 GEN-B Install Custom Firmware Enabler via ChickHEN R2 - 5 weeks ago
Tips to awaken your creative spark
1. Get sugar in your system Although most people recommend drinks with caffeine, I suggest taking in anything sugar coated. Yes, caffeine stimulates the body -insert caffeine facts here- but in my experience, it's boost lasts generally from 2 hours to roughly 20 minutes. When it wears off you're bound to take in seconds and repeat until needed. And we all know that too much of something is bad for your health. The beauty of sugar or, sweets in general is, that all you need is a small amount at a time to give your brain a jumpstart. If you're worried about calories then you can always use sugar alternatives.
2. Move around If your room is as boring as mine, chances are your inspiration will wane the moment you take a break from what you're doing. Move somewhere you'll be at ease and inspired like a quiet park, a scenic view or even just somewhere very familiar. If you're at ease it's much easier to think stuff up.
3. Listen to music It's a given to help induce your creativity but sometimes the wrong type of music can lead to loss of concentration. I've found that the best genre to listen to is something slow and soft. The gentle pace and rhythm can help with the flow of your creative thinking.
4. Look up on relevant stuff When creating a formal work like a paper or a report, searching for information that's both relevant to your work and interesting to you can help. Although it sounds contradictory, bear in mind that so long as what you're working on interests your concentration lasts much longer.
5. Always seek C&C While most people hate being criticized, especially those with egos the size of of skyscrapers, it's the best way to find out flaws and kinks in your work. This works well especially to writers because the best proof-reader isn't yourself.
PrintShare it! — Rate it: up down flag this hub
