What we can learn from Washington's Inaugural Address

For an amazing exercise in how communication has changed over time, read George Washington's First Inaugural Address. It contains very long, complex sentences, that are hard to understand.

Today's politicians and attorneys speak in short sentences, with sound bites. What an improvement this style is for us modern listeners!

The difference in political speeches can be seen since the advent of television. As more people listened and watched, politicians had to be able to communicate with those who had less time, patience and education.

From this we can learn to use shorter sentences, with essential messages or sound bites. Your listeners will thank you!

For more practical tips, get the e-book Public Speaking:You can Do It! Public speaking is an art, and can be learned!

Business Speech Improvement
provides intensive training in verbal communication skills. Training is offered through books, e-books and coaching. Great speech makes business sense; visit us today!

A secret of employee retention - at no cost

A well-educated manager and single mother stopped before the displays of roses and other flowers right before Valentine's Day. She admired them and said sadly, "I wish someone would appreciate me!"

This woman works hard to make sure her employees and children feel appreciated. When was the last time her manager did the same for her?

Although Valentine's Day is about romance, everyone needs to be appreciated. Take time today or tomorrow to tell each employee (and colleague, if appropriate) one specific thing you appreciate about him or her. Maybe it's the fact that the employee reliably comes in early and makes coffee, or took time on her lunch hour to run an errand for the department. Maybe he corrected an overlooked error in your report, or did a rush job on that assignment. Whatever it is, make your praise specific, and frequent. Appreciated employees stay longer, and that's money in your bottom line. After all, wouldn't you like to feel appreciated by YOUR boss?

Business Speech Improvement (www.BusinessSpeechImprovement.com) provides intensive, targeted training in executive communication skills and other verbal communication skills. Check out the upcoming open enrollment seminars, individual coaching and e-books!

Chattanooga: The City that Can, with 4700 volunteers

Chattanooga, TN, a city chosen for an "Extreme Makeover" build, has been overwhelmed
with 4700 volunteers wanting to take part. The city, with a population of 170880, is known for its' volunteerism and work ethic, but this was even more than anticipated.

Chattanooga is a growing city, home of old and new industries (Alstom TMG, Volkswagon, and many other companies new to the area). Once one of America's dirtiest cities, it now is regarded as a terrific place to raise a family and to retire.

To follow along on the progress of the build, visit www.timesfreepress.com. To learn more about Chattanooga, visit www.ChooseChattanooga.com

Can Chattanooga build this home for a deserving family in just one week? We're betting it can!