ABSA, Oakdene(The Glen mall). The DDCT Tour, Part 51 - Do not Forget to Make it Enjoyable

   Those who know say your audience, deep down, wish you to do well as a speaker.

Meet them half-way by making your motivational talk fun as well. Make it entertaining.

   The Absa staff at this branch reminded me, in a spectacular way, how much fun a talk can be. Right from the beginning, the reception I received here was overwhelming. It was loud and riotous. And the Absa staff never let up. Throughout the talk this merry atmosphere continued unabated.

   To say this talk was one of a kind is not being OTT. Even as I write this - a few days later - I am still feeling damn good from it.

   In my next life, I wouldn't mind to come and work at this branch. 

                    "Much, much love to you Absa Oakdene staff."

                                             SOME THANK YOU's
- Ausi Samantha( The Manager) - For giving me the opportunity.
- Absa staff( bo-Ausi Helen, Ausi Yolandi, Ausi Nokuthula et al)  -  For a very uplifting and humbling experience.

                                       =======================

Our FEEL GOOD quote of the week:

" 'DELETE THAT PROGRAMME.' Get into the practice of 
saying this phrase to yourself immediately you hear yourself using 
or thinking negative thoughts. Use it to prompt yourself to replace
a negative word with a positive alternative, for example." 

Jack Black( from the book - MINDSTORE)

                                   ==========================

THANK YOU UNIVERSE. THANK YOU FOR OUR 'FEEL GOOD MOMENTS'.
                                                  

                                        ===================

SO, SOUTH AFRICA AND THE WORLD OUT THERE, WHAT MADE YOU 

FEEL GOOD THIS WEEK?    

      
     

FNB Easy Plan,Park Station. The DDCT Tour, Part 50 - To Stick Around or Not

   When one first started these motivational talks, I used to want to bolt for the door the minute I finished the talk.

   I wanted to get away from this nerve wrecking environment as quickly as possible. Also, I was afraid of a possible negative feedback from my audience. 

   Over time, though, I have discovered that the chit-chat and mingling after the talk provides a great opportunity for one to get to know your audience members. This is a chance to make friends.

And whatever feedback you may get from this after-talk interaction will mostly be positive. That is unless you specifically ask for a critique of your talk.

   So where it is possible, do stay behind after the talk. Do accept those tea or coffee offers.

And for those hawking something, the mingling thereafter allows you to take down those leads or orders. 

                                                        SOME THANK YOU's
- Bra Lihle( The Manager) - For giving me the go-ahead. And for the feedback afterwards.
- FNB Staff( bo-Craig et al) - For hearing me out.

                                                    =====================

Our FEEL GOOD quote of the week:

"In deciding to be positive you are deciding to be strong.
You will not be fazed by difficult situations and this will be a 
source of encouragement not only to yourself but to those 
around you. In this state of mind, you will more than likely 
see a way out of a challenging situation." 

Jack Black( from the book - MINDSTORE)

                                       ======================

THANK YOU UNIVERSE. THANK YOU FOR OUR 'FEEL GOOD MOMENTS'.

                                                    
                                        ===================

SO, SOUTH AFRICA AND THE WORLD OUT THERE, WHAT MADE YOU 

FEEL GOOD THIS WEEK?    

           

    
       

Nedbank, Trade Route mall, Lenasia. The DDCT Tour, Part 49 - Keep Practicing

   Even if there are no speaking engagements in the immediate future, it is advisable to continue working on your presentation material. Keep polishing it.

   This point about practicing all the the time was brought home to me when I experienced one or two wobbles during this Nedbank talk. I did not flow as well as I wanted to. And this unsteadiness was caused by the fact that I had lifted my foot off the pedal when it came to the daily rehearsal of my presentation material, as I waited for gigs to come up.

   In addition to making you remember all the points you need to cover during a particular talk, a regular practice session will actually help you to get these speaking engagements. That is because as you go through your material, you automatically visualize a real presentation scenario. And according to the Law of Attraction( 'what you focus on frequently, you attract'), this regularly imagined talk scene while practicing will be drawn to you in the real world.

                                                        SOME THANK YOU's   
- Bra Deepak( the branch Manager) - for the permission and a warm reception.
- Nedbank staff - for taking time out of your busy schedules to come hear me out.
                                               
                                            =========================

Our FEEL GOOD quote of the week:

"Every experience is a success."

Louise L Hay( from the book - YOU CAN HEAL YOUR LIFE)
                                              
                                            ===========================

THANK YOU UNIVERSE. THANK YOU FOR OUR 'FEEL GOOD MOMENTS'.

                                                    
                                                  ===================

SO, SOUTH AFRICA AND THE WORLD OUT THERE, WHAT MADE YOU 

FEEL GOOD THIS WEEK?    

           

            
       

     

FNB Sales Indaba, JHB CBD. The DDCT Tour, Part 48 - Preaching to the Converted

      Here we are again. Back after the worst of our winter season. 

      Back after the FIFA World Cup too. It feels good to be back.

   It is bound to happen. At some stage some of your audience members will have heard your talk before. The first priority here is to avoid sounding like a pre-recorded speaker. This would be the fastest way to bore them.

   At this FNB function several staff members from branches in the Johannesburg CBD where I had given my talk came together with some staff at whose branches I have not been. They had congregated for a regional sales 'imbizo'( meeting).

   I was one of the guest speakers tasked with motivating this FNB group. And I had to up my game here in order to sound fresh for those who have already heard me give this talk. But do so without losing the essence of my talk - which is to motivate( or inspire) people to go for their dreams. 

   I did this refreshing by changing the introduction of the presentation - the opening remarks, etc. It was an introduction completely different to that in my previous talks. In addition, the body of the presentation was done more off the cuff, as opposed to following a predetermined pattern. In other words, there was a large degree of improvisation( as in jazz music) on my normal presentation.

  My flow was not ideal at times therefore, as I was adding new points as I went along. But for the sake of freshness, I did not mind. And I don't think my audience was bothered either by the few flow hiccups, because they received the talk well.

   The more I give these motivational talks, the more I feel that the holy grail of this kind of public speaking is to sound different each time despite having the same message. This way people will never tire of you. 

   Isn't this what our preachers do with the message in the Bible after all?

                                                           SOME THANK YOU's 
- To the assembled JHB North region managers.
- To the invited FNB staff.  
                                                  =========================

Our FEEL GOOD quote of the week:

"There is an invisible energy force that is constantly available
for our use. Most of us are totally oblivious to the fact that it
even exists. We think of life as a random crapshoot."

Pam Grout( From the book - E-Squared : 9 Thought Energy Experiments...) 
                                                ===========================

THANK YOU UNIVERSE. THANK YOU FOR OUR 'FEEL GOOD MOMENTS'.

                                                         ===================

SO, SOUTH AFRICA AND THE WORLD OUT THERE, WHAT MADE YOU 

FEEL GOOD THIS WEEK?  



  

           





          
       
           

FNB, Carlton Centre. The DDCT Tour, Part 47 - Postponements(or Delays), Gracefully Accept

   The way the Universe( or God) works is mysterious.

You may have anticipated something to happen at a certain time, but only to find it doesn't. The trick here is not to be despondent. At the right time it will all come together nicely.

   But when is the right time? Nobody knows this for sure. I would like to suggest that the 'right time' is when all the elements required to make a talk/event successful are in place.

   Before this Carlton Centre talk took place there were many twists and turns. The first manager I submitted my request to left the branch before a go ahead could be given. Then I restarted with the 2nd in charge. While we were still waiting to find the right date, she also had to leave. With the new manager we actually agreed on the date. But at the last minute( a day before the talk) something came up, which necessitated yet another postponement. 

   That this talk finally took place today was a good thing, in my opinion. Today was one of those days where the energy on my side was right. Sometimes it is not. Because of this 'right energy' I think I came across well. Not only this about today. But the bank's regional Sales and Service manager happened to be visiting the branch on this day. After my presentation he came over to compliment me on it. Hereafter there was talk about our presentation being possibly rolled out to other FNB branches in this JHB region.

                                                    SOME THANK YOU's

- Bra Katiso( the branch Manager) - For the initial ok.
- Bra Bongani( the branch Sales and Service Manager) - For later running with things.
- FNB Carlton Centre staff( bo-Ausi Thuli, Ausi Thando et al)  - For the 'love and affection'.
- Bra Kabelo Matlhala( the regional Sales and Service Manager) - For those kind words.

                                          ============================

Our FEEL GOOD quote of the week:

"Mind your language. Your choice of words will indicate
  just how you think. The starting point is to change your
  language. Choose to use only positive words:
         Negative                        Positive
      - Problem                        - Challenge 
      - I forget                         - I will remember shortly 
      - It's freezing                  - It could be warmer
      - I'm feeling sick            - I could be feeling better 
      - I'am tired                     - I could have more energy "

    Jack Black( from the book - Mindstore)

                                      =========================

THANK YOU UNIVERSE. THANK YOU FOR OUR 'FEEL GOOD MOMENTS'.

                                            ===================

SO, SOUTH AFRICA AND THE WORLD OUT THERE, WHAT MADE YOU 

FEEL GOOD THIS WEEK?    

           

   
                                               

Nedbank, 100 Main Street, JHB. The DDCT Tour, Part 46 - It's All About Sticking Our Necks Out

   After the talk was over, a lady staff member commented that what stood out for her in our presentation was the point about sticking one's neck out in order to achieve one's dreams. She said that this - in her opinion - is the key to success.

   I cannot agree with her more. Most of the people who are living their dreams today have had to take a risk of one kind or another to get there. They have had to leave their comfortable surroundings behind and venture into the unknown. The 'unknown' being the fact that they were not guaranteed success as they began the journey to their dreams. 

   When I decided to leave my 9-5 job to try and make something out of my passion for writing, I did have my fears. As with any risk taking undertaking, there was a small voice at the back of mind that kept saying, "What if it does not work out?" But I went ahead and left anyway. The possible pain of regret scared me more than that of failure. 

   Make no mistake though, it does get rough on the road to your dream. But eventually things do stabilize. With more perseverance, and a bit of luck, one hopes that one can even achieve spectacular success(i.e. be rich and famous - LOL) one day.

                                                    SOME THANK YOU's
- Ausi Sarah( the Manager) - For the permission
- Nedbank staff - For hosting me.
- The female staff member above - For your thoughtful feedback.

                                              ========================

Our FEEL GOOD quote of the week:

"We cannot escape the way life is. In life we will come 
across bereavement, we will suffer loss, illness, we can
have accidents, face redundancy, rejection, disappointment
and so on. This is it. It is the way it is. While everything
around you can seem to be going wrong, you must be aware
that you have absolute control of your response to it. You
can choose your attitude."

Jack Black (from the book - MINDSTORE)

                                           ============================ 

THANK YOU UNIVERSE. THANK YOU FOR OUR 'FEEL GOOD MOMENTS'.

                                                   ===================

SO, SOUTH AFRICA AND THE WORLD OUT THERE, WHAT MADE YOU 

FEEL GOOD THIS WEEK?    

           

           

Class 12C, 10am. Reasoma High School, Protea North, Soweto. The DDCT Tour, Part 45 - Do You Really Love this Public Speaking Thing?

   Because if you do not, please stay away from the schools' environment.

The schools are like a cauldron for wanna-be public speakers. If you can survive this space with your love for public speaking still intact, then you will make an excellent public speaker in my opinion.

  I say that because there are several challenges that really test you when you venture into the schools. For starters, there is the sheer numerical size of matric students( my starting point in high schools). At Reasoma High, for example, there are nine(9) groupings of the 2014 Matric Class. Next, you may be required to give your talk in two successive periods sometimes, and later on in the same day you may have to give more talks. On any one day you may end up giving four talks in total. To be able to repeat more or less the same content four times in one day without tiring( and for free, by the way), you have to really love what you do.

  I thought I loved public speaking too. But this pace, plus indifferent audiences at times, made me seek some time out after a few talks. I needed to take a break from this hectic-ness. 

  But I will go back go back to the students. I just need a change of scene in the form of gigs in a different setting(corporate, for example). I believe this change of scene(and pace) will rekindle my passion for public speaking, especially of the motivational kind.

  Having said that, this last talk in the first series of Reasoma High talks ended on a good note. As I left the classroom, the 12C students sent me off with an F-G clap. A moving gesture, I thought.

                                                        SOME THANK YOU's 

- Ntate Sepuru( the Principal) - As below in Part 42
- Ma'am Rakibane - As below in Part 42
- Ma'am Moloi - As below in Part 42
- Class 12C matric students - For making me want to come back.

                                                  =======================

Our FEEL GOOD quote of the week:

"..positive thinkers prefer not to use the word 'problem' at all 
since the world itself implies difficulty, being stuck in some
unpleasant situation. They prefer to use the word 'challenge';
this has obvious positive connotations and its use brings an 
immediate sense of confidence that a solution is on the way."

Jack Black( from the book - MINDSTORE)

                                             ========================

THANK YOU UNIVERSE. THANK YOU FOR OUR 'FEEL GOOD MOMENTS'.

                                               ===================

SO, SOUTH AFRICA AND THE WORLD OUT THERE, WHAT MADE YOU 

FEEL GOOD THIS WEEK?    

          

                                      



  
          
                          

Class 12B, 9am. Reasoma High School, Protea North, Soweto. The DDCT Talk, Part 44 - There is Always Something Positive You Can Take From a Talk

   Even in a presentation where you felt a complete disconnection to your audience, there is some good you can take from it.

   The good could be that you were given another opportunity to stand in front of an audience and do what you love. Or it could be that this particular talk is another feather in your cap( like pilots do with flying hours).

   In today's talk I can remember instances where I laughed a bit with the students. I can also recall them liking very much the part where we read from the book. After this reading, it was the only time that there was a spontaneous raising of hands from the floor to request an F-G clap. These are memories I choose take from this talk.

                                                SOME THANK YOU's

- Ntate Sepuru( the Principal) - As below in Part 42

- Ma'am Rakibane - As below in Part 42

- Ma'am Moloi - As below in Part 42

- Class 12B matric students - For the experience.

                                        ==========================

Our FEEL GOOD quote of the week:

"There is always good that can come from a situation; your

  task when faced with even the most trying time is to look for 

  the opportunity, the potential within it and focus on that."

  Jack Black( from the book - MINDSTORE)

                                             =======================

THANK YOU UNIVERSE. THANK YOU FOR OUR 'FEEL GOOD MOMENTS'.

                                               ===================

SO, SOUTH AFRICA AND THE WORLD OUT THERE, WHAT MADE YOU 

FEEL GOOD THIS WEEK?    

          

                                     

                                                

      

Class 12H, 10am. Reasoma High School, Protea North, Soweto. The DDCT Tour, Part 43 - Every Grouping Has its Own Energy

   After the first presentation(in The DDCT Part 42 below), my faith in giving these motivational talks in high schools was shaken. I had been left wondering why I am still doing it.
   The second talk at the school, however, fully restored my faith. What a wonderful gathering this Class 12H was. Their attention and enthusiasm for what was being said was something to behold.
   In the final analysis then, it would be unfair to paint all students with the same brush. Each gathering of people has its own vibe. In some instances it all comes together nicely, as it did with
12H. In others it doesn't. Don't give up on the students just yet.

                                                 SOME THANK YOU's
- Ntate Sepuru( the Principal) - As below in Part 42.
- Ma'am Rakibane( the HOD) - As below in Part 42.
- Ma'am Moloi - As below in Part 42
- Class 12H matric students - "Much, much love to you guys."

                                               ========================

Our FEEL GOOD quote of the week:

"Once you start to change your thinking to be more
solution-oriented you will start to automatically find
solutions to your problems. You will find that your attitude
will attract people, places and opportunities that reinforce
your expectations." 

Jack Black( from the book - MINDSTORE)

                                             =======================

THANK YOU UNIVERSE. THANK YOU FOR OUR 'FEEL GOOD MOMENTS'.

                                               ===================

SO, SOUTH AFRICA AND THE WORLD OUT THERE, WHAT MADE YOU 

FEEL GOOD THIS WEEK?    

          

  
                                                         

Class 12D, 8am. Reasoma High School, Protea North, Soweto. The DDCT Tour, Part 42 - Concentrate on Those Who Show Interest

   Not everybody will think that what you have to say is of value.

Yours truly was reminded of this fact when the DDCT Tour went back to high schools this week. And our advice to all budding public speakers, especially when addressing learners, is this:

         "Those who conduct private conversations during the talk, those who seem
           bored, those who say '1' when the instruction is 'Say 2', those who cannot 
           wait for you to finish, so on and so forth, JUST IGNORE THEM.
           Your real job is to focus on those students who care enough to listen. You 
           will have done you job even if this group is made up of just one student."

  

                                                  SOME THANK YOU's
- Ntate Sepuru( the Principal) - For okaying the talks.
- Ma'am Rakibane ( the HOD) - For running with the logistics.
- Ma'am Moloi - For being my chaperone and introducing me to the students.
- Class 12D matric students - For your time.

                                        ==========================

Our FEEL GOOD quote of the week:

"Having problems is part of life. Who can honestly say that 
they don't have any?...The reality is that to be successful means 
just solving more and more problems."

Jack Black( from the book MINDSTORE)

                                            ======================== 

THANK YOU UNIVERSE. THANK YOU FOR OUR 'FEEL GOOD MOMENTS'.

                                                   ===================

SO, SOUTH AFRICA AND THE WORLD OUT THERE, WHAT MADE YOU 

FEEL GOOD THIS WEEK?    

          

     


                                                                

ABSA, Southgate mall. The DDCT Tour, Part 41 - Don't Worry About the Speakers Who Come Before You

   "I am sitting on a white chair. There is a glass of water next to my feet. Once in a while I take a sip from this glass. Like others in the room, I am listening to a gentleman give a talk. I am next in line to address the ABSA staff this morning."

   "As I listen, I am thinking: this gentleman is good. He knows his material. His voice is audible. And here and there he is able to make the audience laugh. After this observation, I immediately start wondering about how I come across myself. Do I speak as clearly? Will I be able to make them laugh as well? What about my content? Will they be as interested?"

    This comparing of yourself with someone who does something similar is natural to human beings. And it should not rattle you. Your audience may indeed rate speakers who come before them. But there is absolutely nothing you can do about this. You are there to do your own thing. You have probably done it before somewhere else. And were told that it is good. So relax.

                                                     SOME THANK YOU's

- Bra Emmanuel( the Manager) - For allowing me to still get on with it despite there being a scheduling conflict.

- ABSA Southgate staff - For the love. The love shown by the many F-G clap requests from the floor. Much, much appreciated, ladies and gentlemen. I now have a t-shirt that reads:'My heart is left at ABSA Southgate.' 

                                                     ==================

Our FEEL GOOD quote of the week:

"When we wake up we have a choice. We can rise up what I call a 

spiral of of positivity, looking on the bright side - or, as is all too normal,

begin the slide down the spiral of negativity. You will find, by observing

your own thoughts or by listening to others' conversations, that one 

negative thought or word will immediately lead to another." 

Jack Black( from the book - MINDSTORE)

                                               ======================  

THANK YOU UNIVERSE. THANK YOU FOR OUR 'FEEL GOOD MOMENTS'.

                                                   ===================

SO, SOUTH AFRICA AND THE WORLD OUT THERE, WHAT MADE YOU 

FEEL GOOD THIS WEEK?    

          

                            

Nedbank, Park Station. The DDCT Tour, Part 40 - Run With the Bird in Hand

   The one in the bush can wait.

  On the morning I arrived at this branch to ask for a gig, I was awaiting a phone call from a manager of another  institution. He had promised to phone me before 12 midday that day to say if I can come and give a talk at his branch the next day(Thurs 27th).

   So when Nedbank Park Station  gave me a go ahead right away to do my talk the next day(27th March) as well, I had a dilemma. Do I run with this confirmed gig( bird in hand)? Or do I wait for that confirming phone call( bird in the bush), and postpone the Park Station one to a much later date( in 3 weeks time is when another window of opportunity will open here at Park Station, I was told)?

   For some reason, I decided to wait for that phone call after 12 noon. I think it was because I was more or less sure that it will come. I told Park Station that I will get back to them about giving the talk at their branch tomorrow. I was taking a fat chance here. I was being cavalier about hard to get gigs.

   Needless to say, the confirming call never came. I was then left with the unenviable task of scrambling to save the Park Station gig for tomorrow. Fortunately, Park Station management - in the form of Bra Nathan - were accommodating. They said I can still come.

   In retrospect though, it was a mistake to bank on a yet to be finalised gig( bird in the bush). Easily, I could have lost both birds because I dithered.

                                                      SOME THANK YOU's

- Bra Musa( the Manager) - For the initial OK.

- Bra Nathan( the 2nd in charge and my contact) - For putting in place the logistics for the gig. 

- Nedbank staff( bo-Godfrey, ausi Thandeka et al) - For the smiles. And the enthusiastic discussion about writing and publishing a book at the conclusion of the talk.

                                                    ===================

Our FEEL GOOD quote of the week:

"..the great and the accomplished got there by being 

positive. Yet to be positive in life often runs against the

prevailing tide. Generally the few positive people are 

scorned and laughed at."

Jack Black( from the book - MINDSTORE)

                                                 ======================

THANK YOU UNIVERSE. THANK YOU FOR OUR 'FEEL GOOD MOMENTS'.

                                                   ===================

SO, SOUTH AFRICA AND THE WORLD OUT THERE, WHAT MADE YOU 

FEEL GOOD THIS WEEK?    

          

                          

      

Nedbank, Carlton Centre. The DDCT Tour, Part 39 - Do Ask for Feedback

   "Try and ask your hosts to tell you how your presentation went. This is how you will improve and grow."
   And so said Ausi Bongi. She is the branch Manager here at Carlton Centre. She said this while we sat in her office after the talk had ended.

   Ausi Bongi's advice was invaluable, I thought. Because, to be honest, this question('How did I do?') is the one most beginner(or new) public speakers shy away from. We are afraid that the feedback will not be flattering; that it will be bad news mostly. We would rather rely on the fact that after we were done everybody felt good.

   But what about the points raised during the talk? Did each one flow neatly into the next? Did one do a proper introduction and conclusion? Did one leave the audience with something tangible that they can use in their lives? Or was the talk just full of flash( F-G claps, etc) and had no substance? These questions, and many others, a host's critique will help you, the speaker, answer.

   So, what did Ausi Bongi make of our presentation that morning? Well, she said my talk is more inspiration than motivation. In other words, I am telling people how I achieved my book dream, and by so doing I am saying dreams or big goals can be achieved. And she was spot on. This is exactly the aim of my talk. My aim is to tell people that DREAMS DO COME TRUE(DDCT Tour), and that this is how I made mine happen.

   Even though we never really discussed how an inspirational talk differed from a motivational one, she did give me examples of motivational speakers. Locally, she mentioned bo-Dr David Molapo. Internationally, bo-T D Jakes.

                                                     SOME THANK YOU's
- Ausi Bongi( the Manager) - For the go ahead, the feedback and the many ideas of how to market our book. For buying a copy of our book(Feeling Good) as well.
- Nedbank staff - For loving the hugs so much that they went on forever. "Much appreciated, ladies and gentlemen."
- Ausi Nirry - For the furious note taking during the talk, and for being full of questions thereafter. 

                                                   =====================

Our FEEL GOOD quote of the week:

"...those who survived the Nazi concentration camps(Auschwitz, Dachau et al)
shared a common yet essential ingredient: attitude. Everything can be taken 
from a man but one thing: the last of human freedoms - to chose one's attitude in
any given set of circumstances, to chose one's own way."

Victor Frankel( as quoted in MINDSTORE, by Jack Black)

                                              =======================

THANK YOU UNIVERSE. THANK YOU FOR OUR 'FEEL GOOD MOMENTS'.

                                                  ===================

SO, SOUTH AFRICA AND THE WORLD OUT THERE, WHAT MADE YOU 

FEEL GOOD THIS WEEK?    

          

       

  
  

                       
     

Nedbank, Market/A-S St. The DDCT Tour, Part 38 - Keep Knocking on that Door

   It is by no means easy getting these speaking engagements. Notwithstanding the fact that the motivational talks are given free of charge.

   Sometimes one is lucky in that the go ahead is given right away. But most of the time I have to do several follow ups. This following up I do either over the phone or in person by physically going to the venue again. To get a green light can take up to four visits at times. 

   In all this to and fro to the place to get permission, I have never once thought of giving up. I never give up because doing these motivational talks is something that I really love, irrespective of how inconvenient or costly these follow ups are. And if something is a labour of love for you, you have to keep trying to work on it until you succeed. Because once you succeed at it, all the hardships you went through to get there will pale in comparison to the rewards you will get from this achievement.

   In my case, the reward may be that that specific hard to get gig turns out to be a 'bomb'(i.e. the talk is great and it results in sales of our book). And this Nedbank talk was such a gig. It went down very well indeed. The Nedbank Market/A-S Street staff members were lively and full of energy. In addition to the many F-G clap requests from the floor, the poem reading by the house was from the top, top drawer.

                                                   SOME THANK YOU's
- Paul  Mthombeni( the Manager, and a friend.) - For the'Yes'. And for those heartwarming pre-talk and post-talk remarks.
- Ausi Letitia( 2nd in charge) - For organizing the logistics of this gig.
- Nedbank staff members - For the wonderful vibe. And the material support.
- Ausi Boitumelo - For collating those book orders. 

                                         ==========================

Our FEEL GOOD quote of the week:

"While it is important to acknowledge challenges or problems, our
main attention should be on solutions and possibilities. If we continue
to look only at the problems then we will surely find more of them;
clearly if we focus on solutions then they will also have to appear."

Jack Black( from the book - MINDSTORE)

                                           ===========================

THANK YOU UNIVERSE. THANK YOU FOR OUR 'FEEL GOO MOMENTS'.

SO, SOUTH AFRICA AND THE WORLD OUT THERE, WHAT MADE YOU

FEEL GOOD THIS WEEK?


             

FNB, Park Central. The DDCT Tour, Part 37 - Show Up No Matter What

   They say to wreck a reputation takes seconds, but to build it takes years. Something as simple as pitching up for a talk like you have promised, should not be underestimated.

   On this Wednesday of the FNB Park Central talk, it was raining cats and dogs in the true sense here in Johannesburg. This deluge of rain having started the previous night( Tuesday). Under these conditions the traffic going into the Johannesburg CBD is normally a nightmare. There was a real possibility that I would arrive late at my destination. Not only this, but that I would be soaking wet on arrival since I use taxis. All of the above would not help me at all in creating a good impression with my hosts.

So the thought of asking for today's talk to be postponed (or even cancelled) did cross my mind.

   But just as quickly, I dismissed this thought. My reputation for keeping my word was at stake here. Life has to go on despite the obstacles put in our way. I had given my word that I was was going to come, so I must indeed pitch up. Because, frankly, the host does not give a hoot about one having walk through the rain to make the appointment. All they want is the motivational talk that was promised.

   I did make it to Park Central on time almost. Wet shoes and all that. And the talk proceeded smoothly as per plan.

                                                      SOME THANK YOU's

- Ausi Thuli Yende( the Manager) - For the permission. And for buying a copy of our book(Feeling Good). Your plea to your staff for them to support budding local writers was very heartwarming. Much, much appreciated sisi.

- FNB staff( bo-Ausi Esther et al) - For warmly receiving me. Offers of coffee before the talk started were very humbling.

                                                     ====================

Our FEEL GOOD quote of the week:

"...the news in general is far too negative. It is very rarely

positive and when it is, it is usually relegated to a minor 

spot at the end of the broadcast or to precious few column inches.

There is so much good going on, fantastic achievements in every

corner of the world, but we don't hear about or focus on it - instead,

every night you can hear of famine, war, violence and crime."

Jack Black( from the book - MINDSTORE)

                                               ====================

THANK YOU UNIVERSE. THANK YOU FOR OUR 'FEEL GOOD MOMENTS'.

                                                  ===================

SO, SOUTH AFRICA AND THE WORLD OUT THERE, WHAT MADE YOU 

FEEL GOOD THIS WEEK?    

          

                               

Old Mutual, Southgate mall. The DDCT Tour, Part 36 - Grab Attention Early

   How your presentation begins matters a lot. This is the time to take your listeners with you or to lose them.

   When we start off our work day by listening to a speaker give a talk, it is sometimes not easy to give them our full attention. Some of us may have queries that we need to urgently attend to that very morning. Occasionally, we may not have had enough sleep the previous night and therefore a monologue may just send us back to sleep( right there in front of our esteemed guest).

   What works well from the speaker's side, in my opinion, is to get your talk attendees to do something physical right from the start. Make them do something that will shake off whatever remains of the sleep cobwebs, early in the talk.

   In our case, I start off by teaching the audience members the F-G clap. This clap is a light exercise that helps to get the blood moving in the body. I have also found that this clap focuses the listeners' attention. From appearing half interested in the proceedings sometimes, they will suddenly be all ears after doing the F-G clap. In addition, there will be a few smiles in the room, as if to say, "If this guy starts off this well, maybe, just maybe, his talk is worth listening to." 

                                                    SOME THANK YOU's

- Ausi Bessie( the Manager) - For okaying this talk.

- Old Mutual staff(bo-Ausi Elsie et al) - For lending me your ears.

                                              ======================

Our FEEL GOOD quote of the week:

"...there is a tendency for people, for the most part,

to be negative. The inner voice is self-critical, limiting and

is often in the 'I can't' mode, holding most people back. The

task before us is to silence the negative and the 'I can't' and

to build the 'I can'."

Jack Black( from the book - MINDSTORE)

                                                =======================

THANK YOU UNIVERSE. THANK YOU FOR OUR 'FEEL GOOD MOMENTS'.

                                                  ===================

SO, SOUTH AFRICA AND THE WORLD OUT THERE, WHAT MADE YOU 

FEEL GOOD THIS WEEK?    

          

   
        

Standard Bank, Southgate mall. The DDCT Tour, Part 35 - Challenges of a Mixed Audience

   A public speaker here in South Africa at some stage will have to address an audience made up of people from other races in addition to one's own. And because of our country's recent past, this situation adds to the pressure while up there.

   Yours truly so far has been giving these motivational talks( DDCT) to mostly African audiences. And it has been relatively easy to do so because I was speaking to my own kind, so to speak.

   At this Standard bank branch, however, it was a true rainbow nation of staff members. Africans, Indians, Coloureds( of mixed ancestry) and whites were all in the house. In facing such a mixed grouping, I automatically felt an immediate need to do well.  

   And to deal with this added pressure, I  kept telling myself - before the talk started - that if indeed I have done my homework( i.e. I know my material, I have had a good night's sleep etc), I will come across well. Then, it won't matter to the audience if the speaker is African, Coloured, White or Indian. They will be happy because the speaker has delivered.

And I think the audience was in today's case.

                                                      SOME THANK YOU's 

- Mr Robert Thomson( the Manager) - For giving the go ahead.

- Ausi Farida - For organizing the logistics for this talk, and for those kind pre-talk and post-talk words. For buying a copy of our book(Feeling Good), as well.

- Standard bank staff - For that rousing welcoming applause before the talk commenced.

                                                       ===================

Our FEEL GOOD quote of the week:

"It has been my experience that there is one constant underlying
force that is ever-present regardless of status, background or situation.
For me this force explains human existence and all its limitations of
hopelessness and outstanding success: a persons's attitude or, to put 
it another way, the quality of the inner voice."

Jack Black( from the book - MINDSTORE)

                                                 ====================

THANK YOU UNIVERSE. THANK YOU FOR OUR 'FEEL GOOD MOMENTS'.

                                                  ===================

SO, SOUTH AFRICA AND THE WORLD OUT THERE, WHAT MADE YOU 

FEEL GOOD THIS WEEK?    

          

                              

FNB Easy Plan, Southgate mall. The DDCT Tour, Part 34 - Being Topical Does Not Hurt

   We started off by wishing all the ladies in the house a happy St Valentines Day for this coming Friday 14th February. Later, I briefly touched on the upcoming Oscar Pistorius murder trial.

   Th above two topics were weaved into the standard motivational talk that I normally give. The idea was to add some currency and freshness to the talk.

   Your content may be timeless( like we think ours is - LOL!), but adding to it something about a current news item or a subject currently in people's minds is not a bad idea. This will tell your audience that you are aware; that you read and are up to date news wise. You should have seen the smiles on the faces of the ladies when I started off with that Valentines Day wish. And just from these smiles alone, I can safely say this talk was a success.

                                                   SOME THANK YOU's

- Bra Xolani( the Manager) - For the permission.

- FNB staff - For lending me your ears.

                                                =====================

Our FEEL GOOD quote of the week:

"It may seem silly, however under the influence of 

positive words people are even stronger than

 normal, while negative words seem to sap their energy."

Jack Black( from the book - MINDSTORE)

                                                ==================== 

THANK YOU UNIVERSE. THANK YOU FOR OUR 'FEEL GOOD MOMENTS'.

                                                  ===================

SO, SOUTH AFRICA AND THE WORLD OUT THERE, WHAT MADE YOU 

FEEL GOOD THIS WEEK?    

          

                                                        
              

FNB, Dobsonville. The DDCT Tour, Part 33 - Do With What You Have

   It does happen sometimes that there are time constrains when you give a presentation. You may have budgeted to speak for a certain amount of time, but find that you have to do with less.

  This is an opportunity to improvise on your content. Cut out all the non-essentials. The joke that you thought was going to bring the house down, may have to be abandoned because telling it under these circumstances will eat into your core message. The essence of your talk - the 4 Steps Plus 1, in my case - is not negotiable. It must come out no matter what. 

   Listening with rapt attention by the Dobsie staff members and seeing ex-colleagues( bo-Ausi Faith) are some of the highlights I took from this Dobsonville talk, in addition.

                                                      SOME THANK YOU's 

- Ausi Yonela and Ausi Faith( the respective managers) - For the permission.

- Dobsie staff members( bo-Ausi Siphokazi, Amanda, Khosi et al) - For the enthusiastic reception of my message. 

                                                       =================

Our FEEL GOOD quote of the week:

"Many today find that as they become stressed they are

tempted to work harder, to put in extra hours and drive

further, thereby exposing themselves to more and more

stress. This leads to distorted perception, causing them not

to realize what is happening. The end result of course is 

fatigue, exhaustion or even collapse."

Jack Black( from the book - MINDSTORE)

                                            ====================

THANK YOU UNIVERSE. THANK YOU FOR OUR 'FEEL GOOD MOMENTS'.

                                             ===================

SO, SOUTH AFRICA AND THE WORLD OUT THERE, WHAT MADE YOU 

FEEL GOOD THIS WEEK?