Public Speaking Fear Ways To Help Harness Your Energy In A Positive Way - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Public Speaking Fear Ways To Help Harness Your Energy In A Positive Way - Introvert Whisperer Public Speaking Fear: Ways To Help Harness Your Energy In A Positive Way The average individual is more scared of speaking in public than death. And while most people think this is exaggerated, public speaking can actually hurt your personal and professional life. Unless you are a sociable extrovert, you feel so nervous with stomach tying itself into knots and your palms getting all sweaty before speaking to events or just standing in front of an audience. And while glossophobia or the fear of public speaking is very real, there are certain techniques that can help you overcome this fear and harness this negative energy into a positive one. 1. Convert The Nervous Energy Into Enthusiasm How do you do that? Well, some speakers often down an energy drink or plugging in their earphones and playing energetic or soothing music before they present. Although it may sound strange, this can help pump you up and transforming your nervousness into focused enthusiasm.

How to Choose Your Extracurricular Activities

How to Choose Your Extracurricular Activities The following piece was written by Eddie LaMeire. Eddie has been featured in ourAdmissions Expert seriesand has previously worked in admissions at Loyola University and University of California at San Diego. He is also the founder of LaMeire College Consulting. There are not many people who need to be told that the past 20 years have seen college admissions become alarmingly selective. Even as recently as the early 1990s, admissions were conducted largely on the basis of grades and test scores. Back then, to provide a reference point, Stanford University had a freshman acceptance rate of over 20 percent. Stanford now accepts seven percent of freshman applicants in an age when a flawless transcript and near perfect test scores are necessary (but not sufficient) conditions for consideration for selective colleges. But, again, the increasing selectivity of top-tier colleges is common knowledge. Whats not as clear is what to do about it! How do we handle a situation when perfect isnt good enough? What tips most students into the admit pile? Often, it is the students extracurricular activities, or EAs. EAs consist of more than the clichd captain of the basketball team and editor-in-chief of the school paper. Theyre volunteering, professional research, and everything in between. They help to show commitment to a particular field, demonstrate an ability to lead, and provide evidence to support what a candidate says (and doesnt say) about herself. Regardless of how a college uses a students EA profile, all schools want to see consistency and growth. In other words, scattered, random activities are unimpressive. Movement forward in terms of depth and responsibility is coveted. To make it easy, think of a students progression through their significant EAs as the climb up a ladder. Lets start the description of this EA Ladder with a few caveats and qualifiers: The students EA profile will be filled with activities, many of them that the student does just superficially. Thats fine. The ladder approach should be used for the significant EAs: the one or two for which the student has a real passion. For the ladder to truly work, the student should have a general idea of what he or she wants to pursue academically in college. The earlier in your high school career the student starts working his or her way up the ladder, the better the EA profile ultimately appears. To illustrate the process, take an (ambitious) 8th grader interested in the sciences. Hes not too sure of what he likes specifically, but he knows that he loves animals. We would start from here and build: volunteer activities at animal shelters, the local zoo and aquarium, or a veterinarians office. He could even participate in an academic summer program such as the Center for Talented Youth (managed by Johns Hopkins) or the Education Program for Gifted Youth (run by Stanford), both of which offer fantastic enrichment classes in the sciences. During his first year in high school, our student would take on a bit more responsibility. He would join in-school organizations in order to get more exposed to the life sciences; every high school will have a science/biology/pre-med club on campus. This way, he can stay apprised of science competitions, programs, and fairs. The summer after freshman year, our student could potentially earn acceptance to the California State Summer School for Math and Science, managed by the University of California; of course, there are a number of similar programs around the country. When he returned, he would apply for research assistantships at local universities. You would be amazed by how many science professors like to help out younger students if theyre bright and proactive. Our sample student could move forward by competing in science fairs, further assisting with research, or earning acceptance to uber-selective summer programs like the Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program, and the Research Science Institute administered by MIT. Were obviously dealing with a sophisticated high schooler here, but the idea is similar for students of any level: get them started on a path that gets progressively more challenging from one year to the next. The concept behind this approach certainly isnt rocket science, but it is an approach that few students take. Many 8th and 9th graders can be pretty scattered in terms of their interests, and even committed students get frustrated with the progressively increasing intensity of the activities. However, for motivated students interested in elite colleges, this focused, dynamic approach to EAs works brilliantly. And, with summer steadily drawing closer, now is the time to begin planning how the student will spend those precious hours. Visit LaMeire College Consulting for more information. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Comparing fractions 2

Comparing fractions 2 Learning about fractions is one of the basic and important topics in math. A fraction is number written in p/q form. Where p is the numerator and q is the denominator of the fraction. The denominator of a fraction cannot be equal to zero i.e. q not equal to zero. Different mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division can be used to compare any two fraction numbers. While comparing fractions we can check if the fractions are less than, greater than or equivalent to each other. Example 1: Compare the two fractions 7/10 and 9/10. Which of them is a smaller fraction? Solution: Given are two fractions 7/10 and 9/10. Here both the fractions have the common denominator 10. Since the denominator is the same compare the numerators of the two fractions. The fraction with the smaller numerator is the smaller fraction. This gives 7 10. Therefore, 7/10 9/10. Hence, 7/10 is the smaller fraction. Question: Multiple choice question (Pick the correct option.) Compare the fractions according to the shaded region in the circle below? Which fraction is greater? 3/6 4/6 a) 3/6 b) 4/6 c) They are equal. d) None of these. Correct answer: option b. Explanation: Are two fractions 3/6 and 4/6. In the fraction 3/6, 3 out of 6 regions are shaded. In the fraction 4/6, 4 out of 6 regions are shaded. Since the denominators have the same value the fraction with the greater numerator is greater. Hence 4/6 is greater.

5 Most Common Italian Pronunciation Mistakes

5 Most Common Italian Pronunciation Mistakes Suzy S. Do you want to speak like an Italian native? Below, Italian teacher Giulio G. shares the five most common Italian pronunciation mistakes and how to avoid them Italian is a relatively phonetic language, which means that almost each grapheme corresponds to a singular phoneme. In other words,  the Italian language is spoken as it is written. Thanks to this characteristic of the language, it is  easy to  learn proper  Italian pronunciation just by knowing the alphabet. However, there are still some  letters and combinations that may  be difficult to pronounce, especially for students who are  just beginning to learn  Italian. Below we explore the five most common Italian pronunciation mistakes and how  you can avoid them. 1. The Letter C The first common mistake that many beginner students make  is related to the letter C, as this tricky consonant can have a hard or soft sound. Proper Pronunciation of Hard C The sound of a hard C, which precedes the vowels A, O and U, is pronounced as a /k/, as in the English word car. Common Italian words  with  this type of sound are: cane (dog) cosa (thing) cultura (culture) Proper Pronunciation of Soft C The sound of a soft C, which precedes the vowels E and I, is pronounced as a /Ch/, as in the English word chair. Common Italian words  that  have this particular sound are: cena (dinner) cibo (food) Exception:  If the C is followed by an he or an hi, it has a hard sound, meaning that the /Ch/ has to be pronounced as a /K/. 2. The Letter G The letter G is another problematic consonant. Its pronunciation essentially follows the exact same rules of the letter C, in that it has both a hard and soft sound. Proper Pronunciation of Hard G G has a hard sound if it is followed by the vowels A, O and U. The sound of the Italian hard G is the same of the G in the English word game. Examples of Italian words that contain a hard G sound are: gatto (cat) gola (throat) gusto (taste) Proper Pronunciation of Soft G G has a soft sound if it is followed by the vowels E or  I. This sound is the same as the J in the English word journey. Some examples  of common Italian words containing the soft G are: giraffa (giraffe) gelato (ice cream) Exception:  If the G is followed by he or hi, it has a hard sound. 3. The Letter Combination Gli The letter combination gli is one of the most difficult sounds to pronounce. Beginner students, who are not familiar with the Italian language, mistakenly pronounce it as the English word  glee. However, gli has a soft sound, not a hard one.  The best way to perfect your  pronunciation of gli is to say the English name Lee, but, instead of touching your teeth with the tip of your tongue, you have to position the  central part of your  tongue on your palate. 4. The Letter Combination Gn The fourth common Italian pronunciation mistake is related to the sound gn. This letter combination is present also in the English language; however, in Italian, it is pronounced in a totally different way.  Essentially, the gn sound in Italian is pronounced as ny in the English word canyon. 5. Double Consonants Last but not least, the final Italian pronunciation mistake that beginner students make is not pronouncing double consonants.  Unlike in English, you must pronounce a double consonant in Italian, utilizing more energy and giving more length to the sound. For example, the words capelli (hair) and cappelli (hats) are pronounced in two different ways. To pronounce the word  cappelli, its necessary to put more energy into saying the consonant P. If this proves to be difficult for you, another possible solution is to pronounce the consonants  separately without pausing too much. For example, try pronouncing cappelli  as kap-pel-lee. For even more tips on the Italian pronunciation rules, check out this quick summary from Italian teacher, Liz T. Lets face it: The proper pronunciation of Italian words can be difficult. However, you now have the tools to help you, so you can continue  to practice and eventually perfect your speaking skills! Post Author:  Giulio G. Giulio  G. teaches in-person Italian lessons in New York City. He is originally from Florence, Italy and is currently a student at the University of Florence for Languages and Intercultural Relations. He has been teaching lessons since 2009.  Learn more about Giulio  here! Photo by  Michael Foley Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher

Critical Reasoning Question Types-Strengthen Or Weaken Questions - Private Tutoring

Critical Reasoning Question Types-Strengthen Or Weaken Questions BobbiM Feb 6, 2014 Determining an arguments necessary assumption, as weve just seen, is required to answer and Assumption question.  But it also is required to answer another common type of question: Strengthen or Weaken the argument. One way to weaken an argument is to  break down a central piece of evidence.  Another way is to attack the validity of any assumptions the author has made.  The answer to many Weaken the Argument questions is the one that reveals an authors assumption to be unreasonable; conversely, the answer to many Strengthen the Argument questions provides additional support by affirming the truth of an assumption or by presenting more persuasive evidence. Lets use the same stimulus as before but in the context of these other question types: Allyson plays volleyball for Central High School Therefore, Allyson must be over 6 feet tall. Remember the assumption holding this argument together?  It was that all volleyball players for Central High are over 6 feet tall.  Thats the assumption that makes or breaks the argument.  So, if youre asked to weaken the argument, youd want to attack that assumption: Which one of the following, if true, would most weaken the argument? Answer:  Not all volleyball players at Central High School are over 6 feet tall. Weve called into doubt the authors basic assumption, thus damaging the argument.  But what about strengthening the argument?  Again, the key is the necessary assumption: Which one of the following, if true, would most strengthen the argument? Answer:  All volleyball players at Central High School are over 6 feet tall. Here, by confirming the authors assumption, weve in effect bolstered the argument.

Last chance to take the SAT, ACT, and SAT subject tests before summer 2012

Last chance to take the SAT, ACT, and SAT subject tests before summer 2012 High school juniors: with college applications looming in fall 2012, now is a good time to take (or retake) the SAT, ACT, and SAT subject tests.   Those tests aren’t offered over the summer, so consider signing up for the June 2012 tests.The SAT and the SAT subject tests are offered on Saturday June 2, 2012.   Register for those tests on the College Board’s website.   AJ Tutoring can help you with private tutoring for the critical reading, math, and writing sections of the SAT, as well as for several SAT subject tests (US History, Math 1 and 2, Literature, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and Spanish).   Check out our website for more information about our SAT and SAT subject test tutoring programs!The ACT is offered on Saturday June 9, 2012.   Register for the ACT at the ACTs website.   AJ Tutoring also offers 1 on 1 ACT tutoring, with a full 8 or 9 session program for those students who haven’t tutored with us before, or a shorter hybrid ACT program for students who have complete d our SAT program already.Tutors at our Bay Area locations in Palo Alto, Saratoga, and San Jose offices are almost full for the June 2012 tests, so if you’re interested in tutoring, please call (650) 331-3251 or email info@ajtutoring.com as soon as possible.   We’d love to get you prepared for your upcoming tests!

An Open Letter to the Woman Who Tried to Pee On My Car

An Open Letter to the Woman Who Tried to Pee On My Car Photo by Romi34 via Flickr I am not mad at you. I am mad at myself. I am mad for not seeing the artistry with which you flicked up your khaki skirt in one fluid motion. A motion practiced and executed with the precision and ease of Tiger Woods golf swing. Underneath your skirt were black men’s briefs, your whitey tighties transcending color and logic. You bent down, arched your back, and stuck out your chest. You pressed your pumpkin butt-cheeks against my door handle like a kiss. You paused, hands on knees. There was a moment. A moment that holds so much beauty and significance, that the only appropriate action is to be silent. To try and absorb what you can, though you know you’ll never be able to fully appreciate or understand it. And what I did nextâ€"what I did to that momentâ€"I will regret for the rest of my life. I reached over and pounded my fist against my passenger window. Hey, I shouted, Hey! She turned around and stared at me, and I stared back. Those eyes. You were about to paint the Mona Lisa before me, but I panicked. I panicked the way men panic when confronted with power they can’t understand. All too often, invitations get lost in the mail, and fear knocks on your door when appreciation was meant to. I’m sorry, she said. She pulled her skirt back down as best she could, and took a step forward. I’m so sorry, she said as she turned her head around a final time, taking those eyes with her. No, I am sorry. I don’t know what you had in mind. I don’t deserve to know. I’d like to think you would have doused the flames of conformity with a hearty stream of Gatorade and string-cheese infused pee. I’d like to think you would have lifted the societal veil of deception from my eyes the way you lifted your skirt over those confusingly bumpy hips. I’d like to think you would have not only urinated on my car, but on my heart. If you return to me, I will take your hand. We will waddle our way to Washington, march up the steps of the Lincoln memorial, climb up on Abe’s shoulders, and pee on his face. But you won’t. You’re gone and not coming back. I sent you away, like so many before me. A bathroom? Why? A toilet? Says who? I’m not mad at you. I’m mad at myself.

Navigating the Basics of the College Application Process

Navigating the Basics of the College Application Process College Application Tips from a San Diego Admissions Consultant This time of year seniors are well into their college application process. Most college applications are due in December, which is just around the corner. This process is daunting for students and parents alike. Successfully completing this journey will require a college entrance essay, SAT or ACT scores, recommendations from teachers and, for some, applying for financial aid or scholarships. The College Entrance Essay Students will either write an essay from the Common Application or another essay from a prompt provided by colleges and universities that don’t use the Common Application. The essay should be unique, original, honest and genuine. The essay should also be well written and contain no grammar or spelling errors. The structure and flow of the essay should be appropriate and easy to follow (READ: Ask a Nerd! How should I start my college admissions essay?'). Students often find it hard to write about themselves and leave the essay until the last minute. This decision can lead to problematic stress, late nights writing and rewriting, and possibly a low quality essay. A better way to conquer the essay is to plan to write a few drafts rather than strive for perfection the first time around. Once a first draft is achieved it can be edited for content and flow, either by the student or an Orange County English tutor. SAT and ACT Scores For students who are currently seniors, final SAT and ACT scores should be in very soon. Most seniors already have their scores by this time. All applicants to US schools should make sure that their highest score is sent to the colleges that they are applying to. Recommendations from Teachers Students should also be asking their teachers for recommendations by this time of year. In order to produce a well written and well thought out recommendation, teachers need some time. Seniors should not expect to receive their requested recommendations back in less than two weeks minimum (READ: The Best Way to Ask For a Letter of Recommendation). Teachers have many responsibilities and are not required to write recommendations so it is important to respect their time and efforts. Students are often nervous to ask their teachers for recommendations but the worst that can happen is a rejection. However, sometimes students are turned down and thus it is a good idea to ask multiple teachers for recommendations. It is important that the students received a high grade in the teacher’s class and that they have had a chance to talk with the teacher on several occasions so that s/he will have something original and genuine to write about. Financial Aid and Scholarships Students who absolutely need a scholarship should apply for several. Scholarships can come directly from the university or from an outside source. Some students will receive one, large, scholarship but these are highly competitive so applicants should also consider researching smaller scholarships that can be combined to pay a larger portion of the tuition. The financial aid process is also an arduous one and students who need help should start by arranging an appointment with their college counselor. Financial aid can come from the university directly or from private and government agencies not related to the school. Students who require financial aid should start their research ASAP in order to secure funding prior to the start of the fall 2015 term. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by TutorNerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us post about. Applying to college this fall? Dont hesitate to sign up with one of our experienced Orange County college admissions consultants. Call us today and well get you in!