Librarians at University of Albany in New York are planning for new library positions, which direct us to furture professional development. Let’s imagine with them. Imagine being a Social Networking Support Librarian or a Collaborative Publishing Librarian! Details can be found at one of its librarian’s blog.
Category: Professional Development
Categories
Making the Business Case
More skills to learn for librarians…http://units.sla.org/chapter/cwcn/wwest/v10n1/vancouver.shtml
This opportunity could be yours if you aim high and wish to emulate those who inspired you.The one skill specifically requested from the candidates is the Communication Skills. I firmly believe that it is the essential life skill no matter what you do in life.
Check this out: http://www.ls.ualberta.ca/neli/index.html
People often talk about how fortunate someone is in finding a job.Today I remembered something I copied in my Quotations notebook while studying literature at the University in China. The rough translation is: Those who are fortunate are those who can snatch the opportunity up as it flows by you.
Communication skills is ranked the #1 skill for career advancement according to a 1999 survey. [Yes, communication skills is a set of skills.]
Want to learn more about the Toastmasters and improve your communication skills? Come out to the contests at the
District 21 (BC Province) Fall Conference. It’s more entertaining, rewarding, (and cheaper) than going to a Comedy Club. For $15.00, you are going to be entertained by the 10 top speakers from different clubs in the Province!
Time: Saturday November 18th, 7:00 – 9:30 pm, Humorous Speech Contest. $15.00.
Sunday November 19th, 9:00 – 10:30, Table Topics Contest. $15.00.
Location: Metrotown Hilton, 6083 McKay Avenue, just off the Metrotown Skytrain Station. I will be there. Hope to see you there, too!
For more information: http://www.toastmasters.bc.ca/conf/2006-fall/
Feeling some nervousness before giving a speech is natural and healthy. It shows you care about doing well. But, too much nervousness can be detrimental. Here’s how you can control your nervousness and make effective, memorable presentations: 1. Know the room. Be familiar with the place in which you will speak. Arrive early, walk around the speaking area and practice using the microphone and any visual aids.
2. Know the audience. Greet some of the audience as they arrive. It’s easier to speak to a group of friends than to a group of strangers.
3. Know your material. If you’re not familiar with your material or are uncomfortable with it, your nervousness will increase. Practice your speech and revise it if necessary.
4. Relax. Ease tension by doing exercises.
5. Visualize yourself giving your speech. Imagine yourself speaking, your voice loud, clear, and assured. When you visualize yourself as successful, you will be successful.
6. Realize that people want you to succeed. Audiences want you to be interesting, stimulating, informative, and entertaining. They don’t want you to fail.
7. Don’t apologize. If you mention your nervousness or apologize for any problems you think you have with your speech, you may be calling the audience’s attention to something they hadn’t noticed. Keep silent.
8. Concentrate on the message — not the medium. Focus your attention away from your own anxieties, and outwardly toward your message and your audience. Your nervousness will dissipate.
9. Turn nervousness into positive energy. Harness your nervous energy and transform it into vitality and enthusiasm.
10. Gain experience. Experience builds confidence, which is the key to effective speaking. A Toastmasters club can provide the experience you need.
VISIT A TOASTMASTERS CLUB! Toastmasters clubs meet in the morning, at noon, and in the evening in approximately 70 countries worldwide. No matter where you live, work, or travel you are more than likely to find a club nearby. If you’d like to learn more about joining Toastmasters, follow the How to Become a Member link.