SPEECH

Brain Fitness By Posit Science

2007-09-16

Uh-oh. Your spouse just pointed out that you forgot to pick up your 12-year-old niece, Gail, who arrived at the train station at 8:15. You have only a vague memory that your friend Dale was coming on the 8:50 train.

What happened? Although your spouse said Gail, you heard Dale�and since Dale did not need to be met, you did not listen carefully, record deeply or recall the message.

Scientific research has revealed that three core trends begin to affect brain function as early as age 30. We likely don�t notice at first, but ultimately these brain changes lead to less mental precision and weaker recall, as in the example above. Read below to find out what these changes are and why they aren�t as inevitable as once thought.

SPEED: Slower Processing

Like our bodies, our brains gradually slow down�but the speed of information coming in does not. As a result, we begin to miss details that are essential to our ability to receive, interpret and remember information.

ACCURACY: �Fuzzier� Processing

Over time, input from all our senses loses its fidelity (strength and clarity). Our sensory organs (eyes, ears, etc.) weaken and so does the brain machinery that processes sensory input. Like the grooves of an old record, the brain�s neural pathways often get fuzzier, scratchier or even distorted, making it harder to separate the static from the sound.

RECORDING: Lowered Neuromodulatory Production

With each passing decade, our brains tend to produce fewer neuromodulators�chemicals that signal to the brain what is important enough to remember. A deficit of neuromodulators hinders the brain�s ability to record new information�in other words, its ability to learn and remember.

The brain�s ability to create clear memories depends on its processing speed, processing accuracy and neuromodulatory production. Posit Science� has gathered some of the world�s leading authorities on the brain�scientists who have contributed to a revolutionary new understanding about changes in the brain that arise with age. The Brain Fitness Program, a novel approach to improving cognitive function in adults, is built on their research.

Essential neuromodulators include:

* Dopamine, released when we feel rewarded. It�s the brain�s way of saying, �That was a good one. Record it. (And do it again.)�
* Norepinephrine, released when we encounter novelty or surprise. It�s the brain�s way of saying, �That�s new and could be important. Record it.�
* Acetylcholine, released when we actively pay attention. It�s the brain�s way of saying, �I care about this. Record it.�

Neuroplasticity

You might be wondering how it�s possible to avoid or reverse these factors. The answer lies in neuroplasticity�the brain�s ability to change (chemically, physically and functionally) at any point in life. Scientists used to believe that plasticity was limited to early childhood, but more recent research has demonstrated that the brain can change throughout life.

The Posit Science Brain Fitness Program�

The Posit Science scientific team has used its extensive knowledge of neuroplasticity and cognitive function to design the Brain Fitness Program, a computer-based training program that targets the three contributors to cognitive decline. It is designed to:

* SPEED up brain processing.
* Improve processing ACCURACY.
* Stimulate the machinery that produces the neuromodulators that control the RECORDING system.

The program focuses on listening because much of the important information we take in each day comes through speech. The first of six program exercises aims to improve brain function by retraining the brain to focus on the subtle details of sounds. It starts with the basic building blocks of speech�frequency �sweeps� of spoken language.

Please contact us with your comments or questions about improving your business communication skills or how our accent reduction programs can help you be more successful.

Don Harris
Business Communication Specialist
www.SpeakingSuccessfully.com

Speaking Slower

2007-08-18

Many of our foreign accent clients have a speech rate that is way too fast.

We�ll recommend the tried and true techniques of producing multi-syllable words as if they�re individual words (hotdog would be hot-dog), tapping your finger for each word or syllable, repeating the word �100� between words and phrases, taking a breath after each sentence and exaggerating vowel sounds.

However, often times when these activities are done in conversation, the client feels like he�s loosing his personality. He-will-sound-like-a-ro-bot! So he become very quiet and no longer seem to have the enthusiasm for his topic that he did when he was speaking faster.

Has this happened to you? If so, here is a technique we use that may help you solve this problem.

Videotape an evening news program. TV anchorpersons tend to speak with a moderate to slow speech rate. Have someone transcribe the monologue. Then orally read the transcript along with the anchorperson. Since it's videotaped, you�ll also be able to model some body language as well. This should help you develop a slower speech rate and mimic intonation so you won�t sound like a ro-bot!

Initially accuracy is more important than speed. You�ll need to sacrifice speed until you gain control of phrasing and pronunciation. You can easily pick up the speed you�re used to later.

Remember to practice, practice, practice and nothing takes the place of a qualified Speech Improvement Coach.

Please contact us with your comments or questions about improving your business communication skills or how our accent reduction programs can help you be more successful.

Don Harris
Business Communication Specialist
www.SpeakingSuccessfully.com

6 Reasons Why You Should Never Ever Read Your Speech

2007-08-08

Have you ever attended a conference or workshop and the presenter reads his PowerPoint presentation to you? How did you feel? Bored? Put out? Did you feel like he was wasting YOUR time? Did you learn anything? If you're a nervous or anxious presenter, you may think reading is a quick and dirty way to get it 'over with'. Trust me, it's not.

Here are 6 good reasons why reading your speech or presentation is not a very good idea.

1. You'll bug the heck out of your audience. They're thinking "Stop wasting my time, I can read'. They came to hear your thoughts and experiences. Take the time to teach not read.

2. When we communicate, 80 % of all meaning is nonverbal. When you read your speech or PowerPoint slides you're stiff, your voice is monotone and your speech rate is too rapid. You lose all your enthusiasm. You're audience will fall asleep.

3. The vocabulary we use when we speak about something is very different from the vocabulary we use when we write about it. If you're reading a script, the vocabulary is probably too technical. You run the risk of losing newbies or English as a second language listeners. Business language is also difficult to read.

4. When you're reading, you're not connecting with the audience. Your eyes are down on the paper or up at the screen. Your eyes need to be on your listeners.

5. Most of us are not able to present without notes. Prepare your notes in an outline. This way you can keep your place, not leave out anything important and you'll be able to keep the audience engaged. You'll appear relaxed.

6. A good presentation needs a lot of rehearsal. Rehearsing your speech will give you the confidence necessary to ensure topic knowledge, pronunciation, time management and vocal quality. Reading will not replace rehearsing.

Consider hiring a Business Communication Specialist to help you outline and rehearse your speech. You'll gain confidence and professionalism. Who knows, you may even learn to LIKE public speaking!

Please contact us with your comments or questions about improving your business communication skills or how our accent reduction programs can help you be more successful.

Don Harris
Business Communication Specialist
www.SpeakingSuccessfully.com