If there was one question that I knew would immediately infuriate many of my teachers and professors, it was this one. There were always people that missed class, would ask this same question (even though the instructor blew up at the last person that carelessly asked it) and get an earful. And rightfully so - it implies that it’s possible that nothing was missed which translates to the class or meeting is a waste of time. Even if that’s the case, it’s still impolite.

Social bookmarking allows internet users to share and organize links in a central location. Social bookmarking services have been around for over a decade but they’ve just recently become popular (over the last few years).

If you use any of these services, please feel free to bookmark posts from this blog. This is relatively easy to do thanks to the I Love Social Bookmarking plug-in. Simply hover over the “Share this” link at the end of the post that you want to bookmark and choose the service you use (if your service isn’t there, let me know and I’ll try to add it). If you haven’t used one of these services, you can still click on any of the links and then create a new account (they’re usually free).

In this day and age, people have so much to do that they are often pressured to multitask. Bad idea – at least the way most people multi-task.  If you start one thing and then receive a phone call and that call makes you start something else and then you get an email message that reminds you to do another small task, you’re not being efficient. Even if you eventually get all three tasks done, you’re wasting effort.

Whenever you’re giving an important speech (such as a keynote) it’s important that you practice. Practicing out loud in front of a mirror is good. Practicing in front of a test group (such as a Toastmasters club) will help you get some feedback.

If you really want to improve your speech quickly, record it. Audio only is fine because it’ll force you to improve the speech’s content. You can also listen to it in the car, at work, while you jog, etc… so you’ll have the content of your speech perfected and memorized. If you have the ability to edit audio and create CDs, that’s even better as you can sell the recording at the event.

If you want to quickly improve your public speaking skills, you need to get up in front of an audience as much as you possibly can. Each time you speak, you gain experience and expand your comfort zone. If you ask for and receive feedback, then you’ll improve even faster.

Toastmasters is good for this as it provides you with opportunities to speak. I recommend joining or visiting multiple clubs because you’ll address different audiences. You may get comfortable after speaking multiple times to the same audience so it’s good to mix things up. Also, different audiences will provide you with different feedback.

How many times have you thought of a great idea but were unable to recall the details when you were ready to act on it? Let’s face it, great ideas can come to us at odd times: while we’re driving, in the shower, or lying in bed. If we don’t take the time to note them right away, there’s a good chance we’ll forget them. In today’s tip, I’ll talk about a couple ways you can avoid this situation.

I am addicted to the library. Where else can you get books, CDs, DVDs and audiobooks for free?

If you’re on a tight budget, the library is a great resource for giving you access to materials that aren’t in your budget. And you’d be surprised at the selection as the latest bestsellers and blockbusters are often waiting on the shelves for you.

Some ways you can use the library to become an Overnight Sensation:

• Request materials through the intra-library loan system. I live in Massachusetts and I’ve had things come from as far as Illinois.