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.

I still hear this from time to time in the business world. It’s usually in reference to meetings (many of which are a waste of time), presentations or training sessions. In either case, someone took the time to plan the event so they at least deserve a little courtesy. So instead try rephrasing it as “what did I miss?”

Doing so and getting into the habit of using this phrase instead will make you sound interested, even if you’re not.. Remember that relationships are important, so by just having a little sensitivity towards someone else’s you can turn something negative (missing an event) into a positive. Little changes can often have a big impact.

Related posts:

1. A quick note about politics
2. Quick tip #4 – Prepare for a speech using audio & video
3. How to Be Liked
4. Quick Tip: How to Stop Mumbling

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).

If you have a blog, you can add this plug-in to it and get other great stuff for your blog at milienzo.com.

Related posts:

1. Why Most Speakers Are Clueless About Social Media
2. You Might Be Addicted to Social Media If…
3. Watch How You Use Social Media
4. Social Media vs. Traditional Networking – Which is better for you?

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.

Starting and stopping tasks takes time: you need to note where you are or you need to figure out where you left off. It’s like an airplane, the plane is at much slower speeds during takeoff and landing than it is at cruising altitude. When you switch tasks, it’s like adding another stop to your trip: the plane needs to slow down to land, the luggage and passengers need to be transferred and assuming there’s no delays on the connecting flight, the plane needs to take off again and eventually it’s back at cruising altitude.

The only kind of multitasking that works well is using otherwise wasted time to be productive. Some examples of this are doing work in the waiting area at your doctor’s office, listening to audio books while driving to work or getting work done while taking the train.

Also, be careful to avoid combining work with pleasure. Reader’s Digest recently had an article about a single father who shared custody of his daughter with his ex-wife. He had a demanding job, so on some of the precious few nights that he had with his daughter, she’d end up watching him work instead of them doing something fun together. When this happens, no one is happy.

So when you’re focused on an important task, close down your mail client and let some calls go into voice mail. Designate a block of time to check voice and email messages so they don’t slow you down.

Related posts:

1. Public Speaking Success: How to Create a Presentation for Work
2. To Do Lists Are Useless
3. Personal Organization
4. How to Deal with Procrastination

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 have access to a camcorder, go ahead and use it in addition to the audio (you’ll still want the audio-only piece for listening in the car, work, etc…). You’ll be able to see yourself and evaluate your body language, gestures, and movements. You’ll also be able to fix any behavior that might prove to be distracting to the audience such as pacing, repetitive gestures or other movements due to nervousness. Again, if you have the ability to edit the video and can record yourself practicing in front of a live audience, you can sell that as a product at the event as well.

Related posts:

1. Public Speaking Success: Why You Shouldn’t Practice Your Speech in Front of a Mirror
2. Can a Book or Audio Program Make You a Better Speaker?
3. Public Speaking Success: How Does Your Audience See You?
4. Three Quick Ways to Improve Your Speech Articulation