Archive for December, 2009

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Neuro Linguistic Programming: Revolution Or Bunk?

December 29th, 2009 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Education


Is it possible to reprogram the brain? Can reprogramming the brain change our behavior? Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) is a combination of Linguistics, Semantics, Hypnosis, Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology. It’s about how we interpret the world we experience via the input through our senses: visual, auditory, kinesthetic, tactile, olfactory and gustatory. It’s about how we represent the world to ourselves and to others.

The events in our life have continually accumulated and have been stored in our subconscious mind. Our subconscious mind, in turn categorizes, generalizes, interprets and filters the inputs related to the events. This process creates what is often referred to in NLP as “our map” of the world. Furthermore it is thought that the different events and experiences create “states” in our physiology that are stored by our physiology and which in turn give rise to our behavior or reaction in given situations.

It has been demonstrated how the way we interpret the world is shown through movement of the eyes. Individuals vary in the way they experience events. Some experience them kinesthetically, i.e. feelings, others visually, some verbally (auditory), or any combination thereof. For example, we may ask a person “how was the party last night?” If the eyes turn to the right and downwards, it is likely that person is searching within for a memory of how she felt at that party. A person who is more auditory may turn her eyes left, an indication she is recalling conversations or music. A more visual person’s eyes may turn upwards and to the right, indicating she might be recalling what people were wearing, or the decorations etc.

The responses those individuals will give to the question “how was the party last night?” could go something like this: “Oh! I felt really great, I had an awesome time”. The auditory person may say: “The music was loud but I could still hear what Bill said about Nancy”. The visual person: “The place was done out with silver balloons and blue ribbons, it created a really pleasant atmosphere.”

So can our interpretation or “map” of the world be altered or “tweaked” to suit our purposes, change our perspective, or change our behavior? I say a definite yes! With the reservation that any alteration or tweaking needs to be done by an experienced and ethical practitioner with the full consent of the subject; otherwise the results could be detrimental.

Due in part to its open-ended philosophy, NLP is controversial. It is at times criticized in the scientific community as unproven or pseudo-scientific. Amongst those who watch for fraud, it is criticized for exaggerated claims and unethical approaches by a number of practitioners. There is also some dispute among its developers and proponents regarding what NLP is and is not.

At one seminar, a participant, who was an engineer, asked me “did I believe?” I said I did, but that it may not work for everyone. During the course of the seminar this participant, having disagreed with something the presenter said, stormed out never to be seen again; proving my point exactly.

Having studied NLP, and volunteered during demonstration of techniques; having applied techniques to several clients with great outcomes I can only say it worked for me and it worked for them. I definitely am a believer…and yes, it is possible to reprogram the brain!


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Speaking Styles Of Known Broadcasters And Politicians

December 19th, 2009 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Linguistics


Speaking Styles of Known Broadcasters and Politicians





Many people who pursue professional speech training ask to speak like a broadcaster since most of them model ideal career professional speech habits. Presented here are some male and female broadcasters who model good examples of intonation, appropriate speech rate and speak with precise articulation. As you are learning intonation and other speech skills, tune in to their programs to observe their speaking styles and to identify any skills you want to have. Being able to identify specific speech features in other people will heighten your own awareness and help reinforce your own personal goals.

Keith Olbermann: MSNBC Countdown, News/Sports/Entertainment

Speech

He is an excellent model for speaking with intonation and clear pitch changes. If you have a monotone speaking habit, tune in to his program for an example of speaking with good intonation. His speech patterns are clearly marked with melody and when he is using intonation he never sounds boring or monotone, which is ideal when presenting, persuading or negotiating business. Listen for his pitch changes, then press your mute button and repeat one of his lines so you can feel what it is like to speak with good intonation.

Voice

He speaks using strong, resonant vocal tones. He has a rich vibrant voice quality that creates an image of confidence. These are good vocal habits to enhance your credibility and image.

No One is Perfect!

When he gets excited his speech rate blasts off! As a result he becomes monotone and frequently mispronounces words. These behaviors are distracting to listeners and not a good model for business situations. Speakers with a fast rate of speech are judged to be unorganized. Remember, it is not possible to speak with good intonation and have pitch changes when you are speaking too quickly. A fast rate of speech will automatically cause monotone speech. If monotone speech is one of your habits, identify good examples of intonation, as well as fast and monotone speech patterns within his show to strengthen your own awareness.

Matt Lauer: NBC Co-Host of The Today Show, Daily Variety

Speech

He speaks with good and controlled melody with clear articulation. His sounds and phrases blend nicely, free from over-punching sounds or appearing choppy. These are good speaking skills to have in the business world and he represents American speech and career speech nicely.

Voice

Since his melody and speed are controlled, you can easily recognize his pleasant tone quality. His tone does not appear harsh or reflect other types of emotion. When negotiating or persuading, you will have the advantage with your listener if you speak using intonation smoothly and exhibit pleasant vocal tones, because your listener will feel at ease. When speech is too fast or the tone is not pleasant, the listener will not process the information as well, or may be turned off by the speaker. While watching the show, turn off your volume and repeat one of his lines, speaking with the controlled speech pattern so you can experience professional speech like a broadcaster.

No One is Perfect!

During his spontaneous speech, it is easier to detect monotone patterns. This habit is more noticeable when he is speaking casually as opposed to conducting a formal interview. In addition, he will also end statements on an upward beat instead of a downward one. Again, ending statements with an upward swing is detrimental in business because you will sound doubtful, young or as if you are seeking approval. See if you can identify these habits and decide how those habits would be perceived in a business situation.

Oprah Wimfrey: ABC Host of the Oprah Show, Daytime Talk Show

Speech

Her intonation has clear rises in pitch and she ends her statements with a downward beat. Her speaking habits represent the American and career style of speaking. She speaks with a controlled speed allowing for clear articulation.

Voice

She has a low volume and rich and pleasant vocal quality. She has ideal speech and voice skills for presenting, teaching or leading meetings.

No One Is Perfect!

Often when she is being informal or joking around, you can hear her delete ending sounds in words or change her voice to sound higher in pitch. When she does this, her voice sounds thinner and nasal tones can be detected. These habits would not work well in a business situation. When this occurs, see if you can identify some speech habits that you are working toward improving.

Hillary Clinton: Former White House First Lady and New York State Senator

Speech

She speaks with deliberate intonation and has a strong and controlled speech rate with crisp diction. Her speech has melody and is never too fast.

Voice

She speaks with strong, rich and commanding vocal qualities and with excellent projection. Her voice never sounds thin, weak or high in pitch. She is a very believable and convincing speaker.

No One is Perfect!

Instead of coming down in pitch smoothly when she speaks she tends to “march down the staircase,” creating a tone that can be perceived as hard or punchy. When “punches” occur in statements, even small ones, the listener often perceives it as too strong and the speaker may be judged as angry, cold or emotional. Unfortunately, many women adopt this habit in order to be perceived as competent, credible or authoritative in the business world. Be mindful of how you use intonation to avoid sounding angry or accidentally send the wrong message about your image. People want to conduct business with smart people, not emotional ones. If you keep your intonation smooth and free from hard onsets or punches, warmer vocal qualities and tone will automatically appear.

Elizabeth Vargas: ABC World News Tonight and Co-host of 20/20

Speech

She is a good example of intonation and melody. She never sounds monotone and her articulation is sharp.

Voice

She speaks with a warm vocal quality and has nice natural projection. Her warm vocal tone gives her a credible and trustworthy reputation. These are good qualities when establishing professional relationships.

 No One is Perfect!

On occasion when she is not speaking in her optimal pitch range her voice can sound high, causing her pitch to sound thin. This is common for many women. When conducting business always speak with a diaphragm breath for natural projection to help keep you in your ideal pitch range. Women can lose credibility in the business world when speaking in too high a pitch because it sounds young, and unconfident. Determine if you can observe this behavior in her speech or in the speech of other women to increase your own awareness.

Dick Cheney: Vice President of the United States

Speech

People comment that he has a “CEO” corporate executive speaking style. Although you may not be a fan of what he says, based on his speech and voice models, what he says sounds good. His speech melody is smooth and he uses intonation that engages a listener. His speech rate is controlled and he does not have to make revisions or repeat himself. Speaking with good intonation and rate of speech automatically gives speakers credibility and leadership qualities because they appear to be organized and smart.

Voice

He speaks using his lower voice, creating rich vocal tones and presents a commanding and leadership presence. This is a good model for business.

No One Is Perfect!

When he speaks, he tends to lack warm vocal qualities. When conducting business, if the listener perceives you as “cold” it can impact comfort levels because people want to work with individuals who are trustworthy and kind. If your vocal tones do not exhibit any type of warmth it may be difficult to establish a comfortable relationship. Find a balance of speaking with controlled intonation that will allow you to blend your words smoothly to avoid a harsh voice image .

 

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A Language Translation Overview

December 11th, 2009 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Linguistics


What is language translation?

Put simply, translation is the process of rendering the content and meaning of one language into another language. Translation relates specifically to the written word, unlike interpreting which is the conversion of the spoken word from one language to another.

Translation is usually performed by freelance professional translators or in-house translators working in a translation company or agency. Both freelance and company translators are professionally qualified experts with extensive linguistic knowledge. A professional translator should only ever translate into their native language as this helps to ensure that the translation reads and flows naturally.

In this article we are looking specifically at human translation and not the computer-assisted machine/statistical machine translation equivalent. Whilst machine translation has its place, human translation is a complex, time-consuming process that can deliver exceptional results far superior to automatic translation.

How long does it take?

On average, a translator can translate approximately 2,500 words in any one working day, but there are occasions when the volume of words translated is significantly higher or lower. There are numerous variables that contribute to this, including language combination, subject matter, complexity, source document format and required target document format.

Tools of the trade

It may sound obvious, but the most important tool of the trade is the translator’s brain. It contains a vast amount of linguistic knowledge about their source and target languages, which enables them to accurately render one language into another. Translators often spend years in higher and further education developing their language and translation skills to make themselves a more versatile, informed and competent linguist.

Many translators also make use of sophisticated translation tools, known as Computer Aided Translation (CAT) tools. These complement the human translation process and assist the translator in areas such as consistency and with repeat content. Trados, Dejavu and Wordfast are some of the CAT tools available today.

As is true of many professions, the internet has also become a standard tool of the trade for translators today. The vast amount of information available makes research fast, effective and instantly available.

How is it charged and how much does it cost?

Most translation companies and freelance translators charge by the word. Prices are often indicated per 1,000 words, although they are normally calculated on the actual word count and not a rounded figure.

Translation prices vary depending on language combination, format, complexity and deadline. In the UK you can expect to pay between £80.00 – £300.00 per 1,000 words for translation through an agency. It is worth noting that the higher rate is reserved for incredibly rare or unusual language combinations, so for commonly translated language pairs the price will be far lower than the top amount.

In summary, buyers of translation should be aware that it is a complex process performed by skilled experts, and a professional translator is much more than someone who can speak another language. Always speak to a translation company/experienced translator when planning your project as it will pay dividends in the long run and will ensure that you get a translation perfectly matched to your requirements.

For more information about professional translation or to discuss a project, get in touch with Sure Languages at www.sure-languages.com.

Translation Agency | Expert Translation | About Languages


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Neuro-Linguistic Progamming – Learn Nlp In Devon

December 7th, 2009 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Education


Are you looking for NLP trainers and advanced courses in the discipline in the south west NLP Exmouth Exeter area? NLP training, Devon is perhaps one of the most innovative training centers for training of this advanced human thinking technique.

What exactly is NLP and how does it help me?

NLP stands of neuro-linguistic programming which is a relatively new technique developed to study how the mind works, process information and delivers output. Thus, by analysing the brain using various skills, one can understand the psychology of particular people or groups of people and help them in improving their lifestyles or businesses.

Neuro indicates the physical system of the body such as the brains and nerves, Linguistic refers to the language that we use in communicating with each other and programming relates to the many possibilities and models which comprise the world that we live in. Thus by combining these three aspects of human intelligence, one can grasp a lot of information about various dynamics of the way we perform our day to day activities.

NLP has a whole range of promising application which are much essential for high performance at home and work. Areas such as mental and physical performance, business sales, relationships and social interactions can be vastly improvised through the application of NLP.

How can I learn NLP?

NLP is one of the most innovative schools of thought. Every concept that makes up NLP can only be understood by exploring and applying them in one’s personal life, Lots of questions will arise if you learn though the hundreds of books written on NLP so it is best recommended that you opt for a highly skilled NLP trainer who can solve all your doubts effortlessly.

The Devon Training Team South West of Devon England

One of the most professional and experienced people in the business, The Devon Training team can provide perhaps the best NLP trainers in the south west of Devon England including Exmouth Exeter. These trainers achieve this through their practice of experience, their vast collections of useful resources and materials which are used while teaching and the professional skills which each trainer possesses. In addition to the theory that is taught, one can also attend workshops where one learns how to integrate your knowledge in practical and real-life situations in life. Thus, one can quickly begin experimenting with the skills achieved through NLP in your private life.

A good option to begin learning and understanding Neuro-Linguistic Programming is to opt for a diploma course in the subject. Apart from these, practitioner courses and master courses are also taught to students. The courses have designed such a way so as to make the subject much more interesting and intellectually stimulating for students. The idea behind the whole process in fact is based on this only – to stimulate the mind and the trainers ensure that no strings are left unattached and that all students get the best value for their money.


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