4th November 2002 Reading Time: 4 minutes   If you're one of those people who has forwarded our newsletter to your friends and colleagues - Thanks! We now have so many members outside Barcelona, we're removing the 'social events' section from this newsletter and putting it in a separate email exclusively for Barcelona residents. Of course, you'll still be able to find the latest news about cinema trips and drinks on the community section of our website. I hope these changes help you get the most out of our monthly newsletter. Until next time, keep the good feedback coming in... Warm Regards,      Lydia's Top Tips Question: "I find it difficult to stand still when I am giving a presentation. Is that a problem?" Answer: One of the most common problems, even with experienced presenters, is that they don't seem to be able to stand still. It is very distracting to try to listen to someone who is moving around while they speak. When you decide to move, you should move at least three steps, in a particular direction, and... Read More Question: "What's the strongest way to start my presentation?" Answer: Whether you are speaking to inspire, educate, or motivate, you have one primary goal, to convince your listeners to agree with your point of view. The most effective way to accomplish this goal is to open your presentation with a strong compelling opening statement. However before you begin, you must establish your credibility, that is, to tell your listeners who you are and what you, an authority on the subject, plan to discuss. In other words, what gives you the right to... Read More A little English humour... Here's proof that everyone says something stupid once in a while. These excerpts are taken from customer support centers in the UK: Customer: "I deleted a file from my PC last week and I have just realized that I need it. If I turn my system clock back two weeks will I have my file back again?". ----------------------------------------------------------------- Customer: "I've been calling 0700-2300 for two days and can't get through to enquiries, can you help?". Operator: "Where did you get that number from, sir?". Customer: "It was on the door to the Travel Centre". Operator: "They are our opening hours, Sir". ----------------------------------------------------------------- Customer: "I'd like the Fire Service, please". Operator: "Where are you calling from?". Customer: "The Kitchen". ----------------------------------------------------------------- Customer: "Can you give me the telephone number for Jack?". Operator: "I'm sorry, sir, I don't understand who you are talking about". Customer: "On page 1, section 5, of the user guide it clearly states that I need to unplug the fax machine from the AC wall socket and telephone Jack before cleaning. Now, can you give me the number for Jack?". Operator: "I think you mean the telephone jack on the wall". If you have any good jokes that you'd like to suggest for next month's newsletter, drop me an email with your suggestion and we'll publish the winning entry. Upcoming Programs Our first 1-Day Skills Seminar was a great success. One delegate, François Gérardin (Marketing & Sales Director, Beiersdorf) said "Very positive! A good balance of structure, theory and practice". These highly successful specialist seminars are being offered in association with the British Chamber of Commerce and are aimed at people like you who have to work in English now and then. Communicating confidently on the phone, by email and in reports, thus avoiding common errors (Personal Assistants - 7 November). Negotiating (21 November) in a win-win world. Making contacts with foreign colleagues or clients at Trade Fairs (22 November) and getting a visible return on investment. Mastering protocol in Meetings (5 December) with culturally-diverse and cross-functional teams. To learn more about our programs, take a look at the full listing on our website, send us an email or give us a call at 93 238 7140. Advance Communication provides professional and personal development programs to executives and companies in Spain. These programs include specialised programs for departments or teams (presentations, meetings, negotiations etc), Business English certification (with the British Chamber of Commerce), and one-on-one executive development. PRIVACY: We do NOT distribute your email address to any 3rd parties. Advance Communication, Via Augusta 2, 5º, 08006 Barcelona, Spain. Phone: 93 238 71 40 | Fax: 93 415 04 62 | Web: www.advancecommunication.biz Copyright © 2002 Advance Communication, S.L. All rights reserved.