Here are a few more tips on Facebook Etiquette based on the lessons I learned from my "citizenship" in FB country.
1. Acknowledge and respect feelings. When a friend posts a "feeling" in his or her "shout", don't argue. Feelings like "sad today" or "cranky" or simply "happy" are all valid. Friends post them because they either want sympathy or are simply eager to share joy. When friends post a negative feeling, it is often a cry for help. So, I put in a simple comment like "hoping things get better" or "am just here for you". I will not say "you should be happy" or "the day is too beautiful to waste on useless moping." I will NOT ask "why". I will leave it to my friend explain if he or she feels like doing so.
2. "Agree with my politics, or keep off my profile." Sometimes, friends post a political view or opinion. When they do so, it could be a knee-jerk response to a political situation or personality. It is hardly a dissertation based on a political philosophy. Such a post is more often than not just waiting for affirmation. Definitely, it's not looking for a long-drawn discussion. If I can't agree or say something enlightening without putting my friend on the spot, I will stop myself from commenting on the post.
3. Humor is welcome; insults, not. Occasionally, I put in a wisecrack on a friend's post. For example, one friend posted Kiyosaki's quote, "The lack of money is the root of all evil". I commented, "for corrupt people, evil is the root of all money". My friend recognized the humor, thanked me with a smiley. On another occasion, I posted in one site my recollection of an accident involving a prominent citizen of our town. I said he died in a helicopter crash. One person posted a reply saying "you are wrong; it was a small plane". Insulting. He made me look like an ignoramus . He could be correct, but he placed me in an embarassing situation. I stayed away from the profile, thereafter.
At the end of the day, these tips on FB etiquette are nothing new. They are the very same principles we applied when friendships were still mostly a face-to-face interaction. They made for lasting and enriching friendships then. They can still do the same in the Facebook era.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
My Facebook Etiquette
I learned some etiquette during the time that I have been part of Facebook.
Let me share a few:
1. Affirm. Everytime there is a chance to "like" and to post a positive comment, do so. Most of us are in FB because our membership here is a source of affirmation. So, I have learned to be generous with praise and all-out in my support for the ideas and views of others.
2. Disagree without bashing. When I do not share the view of one person who has posted a comment, I simply put my two-cents worth without referring to the previous post with which I disagree. I do not have to say "I disagree with so-and-so". I just go ahead and put what I have to say. An FB profile is not a blog. It is really more of a feel-good virtual watering hole. People don't view our profiles looking for a debate. They wiill go to a blog site to have that kind of fun.
3. Share your thoughts. I discovered that Facebook habitues value the thoughts, insights and experience of their friends, in addition to the pictures posted. Generosity is part of the FB culture. So, I just go ahead and let my musings, insights, lessons and experience benefit my Facebook friends.
At the end of the day, Facebook presence is all about "civility". Yes, this is part of the rowdy internet world. But Facebook could be the last bastion of politeness in the wired world.
Let me share a few:
1. Affirm. Everytime there is a chance to "like" and to post a positive comment, do so. Most of us are in FB because our membership here is a source of affirmation. So, I have learned to be generous with praise and all-out in my support for the ideas and views of others.
2. Disagree without bashing. When I do not share the view of one person who has posted a comment, I simply put my two-cents worth without referring to the previous post with which I disagree. I do not have to say "I disagree with so-and-so". I just go ahead and put what I have to say. An FB profile is not a blog. It is really more of a feel-good virtual watering hole. People don't view our profiles looking for a debate. They wiill go to a blog site to have that kind of fun.
3. Share your thoughts. I discovered that Facebook habitues value the thoughts, insights and experience of their friends, in addition to the pictures posted. Generosity is part of the FB culture. So, I just go ahead and let my musings, insights, lessons and experience benefit my Facebook friends.
At the end of the day, Facebook presence is all about "civility". Yes, this is part of the rowdy internet world. But Facebook could be the last bastion of politeness in the wired world.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Where I Invested: Part 1
Lately, friends have been asking me : where did you/do you put your money?
As if I have tons of them.
But I guess, it is when you do not have cash overflowing from your vault that one has to make sure he invests wisely.
I believe I have.
I made three good investments:
First, professional training.
Second, real property.
Third, friends.
Now, about my investments on professional training.
From 1996 to 1999, I was vice president of a major telecommunications company. I enjoyed good pay. Result: I had big savings.
Where did my savings go? I could have kept them in time deposits at the miserably low rates that stable banks offered. So, I decided to put them to better use: international training.
With my savings, I faithfully attended the annual conferences and workshops conducted in the United States by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) of which I was one of a handful of Filipino members.
PRSA expanded my understanding of public relations management, crisis communications, speech writing, building and managing brands, protecting corporate and personal reputation, handling political campaigns.
In 2004, I made money from a political campaign project. So, I made a major investment in another international training: I went to New York to be mentored by syndicated US TV host TJ Walker on managing media appearances.
Did the investments on international training pay off?
Of course. I must have spent over a million pesos on these training. But I have already recovered them.
How?
Here's how.
The international training did the following for me:
1.Raised my professional abilities to world-class standards
2. Gave me oozing confidence to deal with international organizations and personalities
3.Widened my understanding of my profession and of the needs of people
Did I get my money back? Was there a clear return on investments (ROI)?
Of course.
As a result of what the training has done for me, I attracted choice international and local clients. Among them were two giant American firms with operations in the Philippines, and three British firms . Add to that many more companies from the Philippines top 500 corporations, major government agencies and the many workshops I have conducted.
What is the ROI rate? Maybe, 1,000 percent? I can't say for sure. But I am certain the money has come back to my wallet a thousand-fold or even more.
Add to that the many people and companies whose goodwill I have won and who keep referring me to other potential clients.
Yes, training has been one good investment for me.
Today, I am sharing the blessing with my countrymen. Through my workshops, they benefit from the same world-class standards minus the world-class costs in dollars.
This way, my friends can keep more of their money in the bank and draw only enough for the workshop fee. But they get the same benefit. Probably, even more.
Next blog: how I invested in real property.
As if I have tons of them.
But I guess, it is when you do not have cash overflowing from your vault that one has to make sure he invests wisely.
I believe I have.
I made three good investments:
First, professional training.
Second, real property.
Third, friends.
Now, about my investments on professional training.
From 1996 to 1999, I was vice president of a major telecommunications company. I enjoyed good pay. Result: I had big savings.
Where did my savings go? I could have kept them in time deposits at the miserably low rates that stable banks offered. So, I decided to put them to better use: international training.
With my savings, I faithfully attended the annual conferences and workshops conducted in the United States by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) of which I was one of a handful of Filipino members.
PRSA expanded my understanding of public relations management, crisis communications, speech writing, building and managing brands, protecting corporate and personal reputation, handling political campaigns.
In 2004, I made money from a political campaign project. So, I made a major investment in another international training: I went to New York to be mentored by syndicated US TV host TJ Walker on managing media appearances.
Did the investments on international training pay off?
Of course. I must have spent over a million pesos on these training. But I have already recovered them.
How?
Here's how.
The international training did the following for me:
1.Raised my professional abilities to world-class standards
2. Gave me oozing confidence to deal with international organizations and personalities
3.Widened my understanding of my profession and of the needs of people
Did I get my money back? Was there a clear return on investments (ROI)?
Of course.
As a result of what the training has done for me, I attracted choice international and local clients. Among them were two giant American firms with operations in the Philippines, and three British firms . Add to that many more companies from the Philippines top 500 corporations, major government agencies and the many workshops I have conducted.
What is the ROI rate? Maybe, 1,000 percent? I can't say for sure. But I am certain the money has come back to my wallet a thousand-fold or even more.
Add to that the many people and companies whose goodwill I have won and who keep referring me to other potential clients.
Yes, training has been one good investment for me.
Today, I am sharing the blessing with my countrymen. Through my workshops, they benefit from the same world-class standards minus the world-class costs in dollars.
This way, my friends can keep more of their money in the bank and draw only enough for the workshop fee. But they get the same benefit. Probably, even more.
Next blog: how I invested in real property.
People Speaking With Power
I received a good number of email as a result of the blog I posted yesterday titled “Speak with Power”.
Some asked me for proof that the “Speak with Power” workshop and my “SpeakRight” formula works.
So, let me share what some of those whom I had the privilege of coaching and mentoring on public speaking and oral presentation say.
Dr. Felix Trongco, Department of Education (DepEd) director for Alternative Learning Systems, texted the following message to me just a few days after he completed this workshop I conducted in Cagayan de Oro. He said:
“"At the 11th hour today, I was asked to represent my absent chief in a meeting w/ DedEd NCR top brass and present concerns/issues in 3 minutes. God! 3 x 3 is very powerful, delivered with ease, confidence and credibility".
“Three by three” is part of the “SpeakRight” formula my students learn under my mentorship and coaching.
Early this year, I received a similar message via email from the Cagayan Valley Regional Director of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Mrs. Mila Rimando. She wrote:
“In the afternoon, right after the seminar, I was asked to speak before members of the press from Manila who were visiting Tuguegarao. I was not told that I was to speak to the group, but I did so with flying color, thanks to what I have learned from you. Now, I have no more fear of speaking before publics even if given only little time to prepare.”
Ambassador Alexander Yano, former Armed Forces Chief of Staff who was later named envoy to Brunei, had invited me to conduct workshops for Army Officers nationwide. He had this observation after I completed the rounds:
““Archie has helped many of our senior officers in the AFP conquer their fear of public speaking and facing the media. This has resulted in a better image both for our officers and the AFP as a whole.”
From the private sector, popular stock market analyst Astro del Castillo (also president of First Grade Holdings), made the following comment after gracing many of my mentoring and coaching activities:
“Mr. Inlong works wonders with the speaking abilities of his students. They have become not just confident speakers but powerful communicators.”
Meanwhile, a dedicated and hardworking principal from Iloilo province, Miss May Baustista, posted this message for me in FaceBook after taking part in the workshop. She said:
““ I am proud to say that ‘I am not afraid anymore’. Thanks, Archie, for the encouragement.”
“I am not afraid anymore!” is what most participants shout on Day 2 of the workshop. Usually, the jubilant shout is blurted out after discovering that the “SpeakRight” formula works for them, too.
Finally, may I share what a former president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) says about the workshop, the skills and the processes I share with my students. Lawyer Jovy Salazar is an Undersecretary in the Department of Justice today and this is what he says:
“I believe that Mr. Inlong is one of the leading mentors in public speaking in the country today. His techniques and processes may be simple, but definitely world-class. Take it from one who has used his methods in international forums.”
Undersecretary Salazar made an important point. The techniques and processes I share are very, very simple. I shun the complicated. What is complex does not work in today’s world. And these simple techniques and processes are applauded even in the global setting.
I have shared these learning and experience I have acquired over the past three decades with members of the Cabinet, Ambassadors, Chiefs of Staff and senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, business and political leaders, local government executives and some of our Legislators. I believe they have found what I have shared very useful.
Several government and business organizations have also benefitted from this workshop which I have done mostly in collaboration with the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication. These include the National Economic Development Authority, the Department of Education, the Department of Agrarian Reform, the Department of Health, United Laboratories, Monsanto, the Cagayan Valley Association of Regional Directors, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, the Bases Conversion Development Authority, the League of Cities of the Philippines and the League of Municipalities of the Philippines.
The Board of Directors of my company has decided that the workshop should no longer be exclusive to a select group of personalities.
As a result of the decision, we are planning a series of public seminars. Hopefully, we can help many ordinary people Speak with Power and thus improve their careers, their service to God and people, and their lives in general.
Some asked me for proof that the “Speak with Power” workshop and my “SpeakRight” formula works.
So, let me share what some of those whom I had the privilege of coaching and mentoring on public speaking and oral presentation say.
Dr. Felix Trongco, Department of Education (DepEd) director for Alternative Learning Systems, texted the following message to me just a few days after he completed this workshop I conducted in Cagayan de Oro. He said:
“"At the 11th hour today, I was asked to represent my absent chief in a meeting w/ DedEd NCR top brass and present concerns/issues in 3 minutes. God! 3 x 3 is very powerful, delivered with ease, confidence and credibility".
“Three by three” is part of the “SpeakRight” formula my students learn under my mentorship and coaching.
Early this year, I received a similar message via email from the Cagayan Valley Regional Director of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Mrs. Mila Rimando. She wrote:
“In the afternoon, right after the seminar, I was asked to speak before members of the press from Manila who were visiting Tuguegarao. I was not told that I was to speak to the group, but I did so with flying color, thanks to what I have learned from you. Now, I have no more fear of speaking before publics even if given only little time to prepare.”
Ambassador Alexander Yano, former Armed Forces Chief of Staff who was later named envoy to Brunei, had invited me to conduct workshops for Army Officers nationwide. He had this observation after I completed the rounds:
““Archie has helped many of our senior officers in the AFP conquer their fear of public speaking and facing the media. This has resulted in a better image both for our officers and the AFP as a whole.”
From the private sector, popular stock market analyst Astro del Castillo (also president of First Grade Holdings), made the following comment after gracing many of my mentoring and coaching activities:
“Mr. Inlong works wonders with the speaking abilities of his students. They have become not just confident speakers but powerful communicators.”
Meanwhile, a dedicated and hardworking principal from Iloilo province, Miss May Baustista, posted this message for me in FaceBook after taking part in the workshop. She said:
““ I am proud to say that ‘I am not afraid anymore’. Thanks, Archie, for the encouragement.”
“I am not afraid anymore!” is what most participants shout on Day 2 of the workshop. Usually, the jubilant shout is blurted out after discovering that the “SpeakRight” formula works for them, too.
Finally, may I share what a former president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) says about the workshop, the skills and the processes I share with my students. Lawyer Jovy Salazar is an Undersecretary in the Department of Justice today and this is what he says:
“I believe that Mr. Inlong is one of the leading mentors in public speaking in the country today. His techniques and processes may be simple, but definitely world-class. Take it from one who has used his methods in international forums.”
Undersecretary Salazar made an important point. The techniques and processes I share are very, very simple. I shun the complicated. What is complex does not work in today’s world. And these simple techniques and processes are applauded even in the global setting.
I have shared these learning and experience I have acquired over the past three decades with members of the Cabinet, Ambassadors, Chiefs of Staff and senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, business and political leaders, local government executives and some of our Legislators. I believe they have found what I have shared very useful.
Several government and business organizations have also benefitted from this workshop which I have done mostly in collaboration with the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication. These include the National Economic Development Authority, the Department of Education, the Department of Agrarian Reform, the Department of Health, United Laboratories, Monsanto, the Cagayan Valley Association of Regional Directors, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, the Bases Conversion Development Authority, the League of Cities of the Philippines and the League of Municipalities of the Philippines.
The Board of Directors of my company has decided that the workshop should no longer be exclusive to a select group of personalities.
As a result of the decision, we are planning a series of public seminars. Hopefully, we can help many ordinary people Speak with Power and thus improve their careers, their service to God and people, and their lives in general.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
SPEAK WITH POWER!
When we speak before audiences, we need more than just confidence.
We need to be able to speak with power. With impact.
There are confident speakers; but confidence is not an assurance that their speech or presentation would hit the mark. We need to be more than just confident. We need to be able to speak with power.
Come to think of it. our professional careers are enhanced by our ability to get the audience to see things from our perspective - and to affect the decisions they make. That’s how we win business. That’s how we impress our organizations, our bosses and our clients. That’s what sets us apart.
After all, when we speak, we do not just convey information. We inspire. We persuade. We move people.
I have compiled all the products of 34 years of education, experience and exchange with other experts on public speaking into one workshop called "Speak with Power".
Through this two-day High-impact Oral Presentation and Public Speaking workshop, I transform individuals into persons who can “speak with power before any audience, about any topic, anytime, anywhere”.
That’s not just a promise. That is a direct quote from my participants.
By the way, you will experience the transformation in a fun, fun way. That’s the way it always is with my workshops.
What will you learn from this workshop?
1. The 5 skills necessary for high-impact oral communication;
2. My 6-step Oral Presentation process; and
3. The three “Cs” that make for powerful public speaking.
The Five Skills of a high-impact communicator
I will re-introduce you to the skills that really matter in public speaking. It might surprise you to know that three of those skills do not have anything to do with the actual delivery. It is what we do before we go up the stage that account for much of the power in public speaking.
One of the five skills deal with managing difficult questions and difficult audiences. The key word is “manage”, not “answer”. Let me share my proven techniques with you so that you emerge out of difficult public speaking situations with a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction.
The High-impact Oral Presentation Process
I developed a six-step oral presentation process that has worked for me both in my business-related and public service engagements.
The process follows the natural rhythm of human interaction. It therefore assures me that I do not only convey, but also connect to my audiences.
The process is easy to understand, apply and remember. It also assures you that no matter what happens in the course of your presentation or speech, you can always get back on track.
I will also share with you my secret “SpeakRight” formula that has wowed my workshop participants. This is the secret to their ability to speak with power before any audience, on any topic, anytime, anywhere – even with only a moment’s notice.
You will marvel at yourself when you get to apply this formula during the workshop.
The Three “Cs” of powerful Public Speaking
I define public speaking as “using the power of your physical presence to convey facts and ideas to achieve a specific purpose”. The “power of your physical presence” is based on the three “Cs” which the workshop helps you attain.
The three “Cs” add up to a fourth “C” – Credibility.
At the end of the day, the proof of the power of our speech lies there – that after hearing us, our audience believed us.
This workshop is for you if you are:
- leaders of business, political or public service organizations
- executives on the rise
- Young professionals who wants to get ahead in the race
- Sales or marketing groups who want to further enhance performance
- Advocates of social and political change
- Government employees and public servants who want to do their service mission well
- Preachers and lay leaders who want more power in the delivery of the Good News
- Lawyers who want to win in the court of public opinion
- Individuals who want to attain tap their human communication potentials to the fullest
Ask me about this workshop:
Email: archie_inlong@yahoo.com
Cell: 09088642647
Landline: 753-11-96
We need to be able to speak with power. With impact.
There are confident speakers; but confidence is not an assurance that their speech or presentation would hit the mark. We need to be more than just confident. We need to be able to speak with power.
Come to think of it. our professional careers are enhanced by our ability to get the audience to see things from our perspective - and to affect the decisions they make. That’s how we win business. That’s how we impress our organizations, our bosses and our clients. That’s what sets us apart.
After all, when we speak, we do not just convey information. We inspire. We persuade. We move people.
I have compiled all the products of 34 years of education, experience and exchange with other experts on public speaking into one workshop called "Speak with Power".
Through this two-day High-impact Oral Presentation and Public Speaking workshop, I transform individuals into persons who can “speak with power before any audience, about any topic, anytime, anywhere”.
That’s not just a promise. That is a direct quote from my participants.
By the way, you will experience the transformation in a fun, fun way. That’s the way it always is with my workshops.
What will you learn from this workshop?
1. The 5 skills necessary for high-impact oral communication;
2. My 6-step Oral Presentation process; and
3. The three “Cs” that make for powerful public speaking.
The Five Skills of a high-impact communicator
I will re-introduce you to the skills that really matter in public speaking. It might surprise you to know that three of those skills do not have anything to do with the actual delivery. It is what we do before we go up the stage that account for much of the power in public speaking.
One of the five skills deal with managing difficult questions and difficult audiences. The key word is “manage”, not “answer”. Let me share my proven techniques with you so that you emerge out of difficult public speaking situations with a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction.
The High-impact Oral Presentation Process
I developed a six-step oral presentation process that has worked for me both in my business-related and public service engagements.
The process follows the natural rhythm of human interaction. It therefore assures me that I do not only convey, but also connect to my audiences.
The process is easy to understand, apply and remember. It also assures you that no matter what happens in the course of your presentation or speech, you can always get back on track.
I will also share with you my secret “SpeakRight” formula that has wowed my workshop participants. This is the secret to their ability to speak with power before any audience, on any topic, anytime, anywhere – even with only a moment’s notice.
You will marvel at yourself when you get to apply this formula during the workshop.
The Three “Cs” of powerful Public Speaking
I define public speaking as “using the power of your physical presence to convey facts and ideas to achieve a specific purpose”. The “power of your physical presence” is based on the three “Cs” which the workshop helps you attain.
The three “Cs” add up to a fourth “C” – Credibility.
At the end of the day, the proof of the power of our speech lies there – that after hearing us, our audience believed us.
This workshop is for you if you are:
- leaders of business, political or public service organizations
- executives on the rise
- Young professionals who wants to get ahead in the race
- Sales or marketing groups who want to further enhance performance
- Advocates of social and political change
- Government employees and public servants who want to do their service mission well
- Preachers and lay leaders who want more power in the delivery of the Good News
- Lawyers who want to win in the court of public opinion
- Individuals who want to attain tap their human communication potentials to the fullest
Ask me about this workshop:
Email: archie_inlong@yahoo.com
Cell: 09088642647
Landline: 753-11-96
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