1. Bento

Bento boxes hold Japanese lunches in an organized and compartmentalized way. Similarly, the Bento app organizes contacts, events, projects and other items into neat virtual compartments. When downloaded, it has a pre-loaded set of database templates, but these can be customized to meet anyone’s needs. They also can integrate with other apps, so people can access contacts, view websites and pull up maps through other apps from a single app. This sells for $4.99.

2. FedEx Mobile

With FedEx Mobile, people can manage their shipping needs from their iPhones. It can access FedEx.com address books and track shipments. Users can even create shipping labels with this app.

3. IThoughts

IThoughts can be used to take notes and set goals, but its strength lies in brainstorming. It is a mind-mapping tool that helps people brainstorm ideas in an organized fashion. As creativity is arranged into a structured format, efficiency is increased and ideas can be more clearly stated. Anything recorded can be exported as a PDF or PNG file. At $7.99, this is a valuable and unique app.

4. Mint Personal Finance

Mint is a free personal finance service that many people use. Automatically tracking expenses, creating budgets and accessing bank accounts, Mint helps people become financially organized. The free app allows people to access almost all the services found on Mint.com from their iPhones.

5. ReQall

ReQall is a specialized note-taking app. It is designed to transcribe audio notes into text documents. Busy professionals and students will both appreciate this app.

6. Simplenote

Simplenote is a basic, free note-taking app. In the midst of many fancy apps, this app performs the basic function of note taking. People might want to try it, because it does not have the distractions that other apps do. Its notes can by synced with a computer.

7. TripDeck

Travelers no longer need to print hardcopies of their documents when on the road. Plane tickets, hotel reservations and rental car confirmations can all be electronically presented. TripDeck is a free app that will keep all of these documents in a single app.

8. Timewerks Mobile Billing

Timewerks Mobile Billing helps freelancers and professionals accurately track their time and expenses, so clients can be accurately billed. Bills and estimates can be sent as PDFs to clients from an iPhone. The full version costs $2.99, while a lite, trial version is free

9. 2Do

2Do is a customizable to-do list keeping app. Lists in this app can be customized, so people can tailor them exactly how they want them. It is also compatible with Toodledo.com.

10. 1Password

1Password is a free password-protection app. In the midst of many password-keeping apps, this free one will keep passwords, usernames and PINs securely stored. They can be accessed by a single password, which is much easier to remember than multiple accounts’ access information.

The iPhone is more than a generic organizational tool. With these apps, it can become a complete, virtual personal assistant. In addition to general budgeting, note-taking and to-do list apps, there are ones for traveling, password protection, billing and shipping.

About the Author: Ethan S. writes for Oasys Software, a software development company that specializes in Outlook Filer and bridge design software.

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Set Up An Office Space – By clearing defining your work environment, you can start to differentiate between being at ‘work’ and being at ‘home’ even though you are in the same place. Setting up an area that is comfortable and designated for work will help you to get into the mindset of work and also to separate you from the household. It is a good idea to let your family know that when you are in this office space, you are at work and not to be disturbed.

Set Up Office Hours – It is very easy to sit back and wait for inspiration to hit before you settle down and actually start working at home, there are many other little domestic jobs that you think you can do quickly before you sit down and start on your work. The easiest way to combat this is to set yourself office hours and define times when you should be at your desk and doing work rather that dealing with household issues. Of course, working from home will allow you the freedom to be more flexible and adapt hours to suit your schedule, but setting yourself work hours which suit you best will increase your productivity and help you to plan and structure your day.

Remove Unnecessary Distractions – It is very easy to be distracted by the goings on of everyday life when you are working from a home office. Turning off the television, radio, social networking sites and turning off your mobile phone will all help to keep you focused and working on the job at hand. Try to keep a separate phone line for work related calls and don’t answer the home phone during your ‘office hours’. By spending time purely focusing all your attention on your work you will be surprised to find how quickly and easily you can get things done and how many more accomplishments you can achieve without unnecessary distractions.

These are just some basic tips on different ways that you are able to increase productivity and limit distractions when working from a home office. It is not easy to change your mind set to adapt to different tasks while at working at home and it takes a lot of discipline and self control to make a home business successful. By applying these simple tips you should find that you are able to enjoy your work, home life and social life while creating a blossoming home business.

About the Author: Naomi Chamberlain currently works for howtotradecommodities.co.uk which provides information and advice for people looking to learn about trading commodities.

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1. Choose a System

There are many different systems people use to track finances: the envelope system, spreadsheets, paid computer programs and free online web sites.  Each different system has its own strengths and weaknesses.

Often, the lack of a specific feature is used as an excuse to not implement a financial management system.  No program has every feature, but this should not keep people from using a method.  Any system is better than no system.  Without one, there is little hope of organization. With one, any one’s finances can be organized.

2. Simplify

Any financial management system is easier to use if the data to track is simplified.  Daily, floods of receipts, credit card offers and junk mail barrage systems.  Simplifying saves time and makes keeping track of personal assets easier.  There are several ways people can simplify their financial lives.

Use Automated Transactions

Tracking bills and purchases is one of the biggest burdens people need to monitor.  Bills pile up on desks, and every purchase has a receipt.  One of the easiest ways to simplify paperwork is by going digital.  Most bills can be placed on automated payments that are directly debited from an account.  Instead of depositing paychecks manually, people can be paid via direct deposit.  Electronic programs can monitor card purchases over the internet, so those receipts can be crafted into paper airplanes.

Stop Credit Card Offers

In addition to being annoying, pre-approved credit card offers pose serious identity theft risks.  These can be stopped by opting out of the pre-approval program.

Stem Junk Mail

Junk mail cannot be fully stopped, but the pile of papers can be greatly reduced by using the Direct Marketing Association’s preference system.  Through this, people can choose not to receive many advertisements.

3. Consolidate

The concept of consolidation is similar to that of simplification.  It is easier to track one account than five.  Consolidating makes managing accounts easier, which saves time and reduces mistakes.  There are several steps to consolidating accounts.

Close Unused Accounts*

Any account, whether it is a checking account, savings account or credit card, that is no longer used should be closed.  These accounts only provide more documents, which cause clutter.

*People should note that closing accounts can temporarily ding their credit score.  Over time, closing an account has no impact on a person’s credit score.  However, people who are taking out a loan or mortgage in the near future should wait until after the papers are signed to close any accounts.

Merge Accounts

When it is possible, accounts should be merged.  Following one account is easier than monitoring two.  If it is practical, having all accounts with a single financial institution further simplifies complicated systems.

Consolidate Paperwork

Even in this digital age, some paperwork is still required.  By keeping documents in a single location, important papers are less likely to be lost.

4. Regularly Process

Once a financial system has been chosen, and everything is simplified and consolidated, any one can become financially organized.  The key to maintaining order is regularly processing paychecks, bills and purchases.  If transactions are ignored, they quickly pile up.  Staying on top of them keeps the amount manageable.

Becoming financially organized is the first step to reaching financial goals. Finances can be intimidating, but through these four easy steps, people can become organized.  Choose a system, simplify, consolidate, and then use it.

About the Author: E. Steadman writes for TotallyMoney, an outstanding resource for those looking to smooth out their personal finances, or even find loans for bad credit.

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• What productivity lessons can be learnt from the past?
• Does anything apply to today’s modern workplace?

Machiavelli

One of the things about trade is that it is often subject to a Machiavellian attitude. The current world climate of a divided East and West – where China produces cheaper goods, all dipped of suspicions about workers rights, intellectual property theft and other issues and the West panders about nodding its head in disdain, yet still with its finger in the pie, is not ideal. As past conflicts have shown us, either you take a country onside and embrace it or don’t trade with it.

The Western world needs to embrace China and set aside all its fears, or do the opposite. Unfortunately the UK, Europe and America cannot compete with China in terms of manpower or production because of  employment laws and wages, driven up through bureaucratic production methods among other things. However, it is through innovation that West offers the answer to its problems.

• Keep innovating and learning from others
• Embrace other cultures and ways of working

It’s the Economy, Dude!

There is a certain fear of risk taking in the Western world at the moment. We live in near stagnant economic times – very similar to the 1940s. One thing we can learn from this similarity is that fear is not an option and risks need to be taken. Look at the period of creativity, change and investment the USA’s risks of the 1950s and 1960s heralded. The huge investments in science, the space race and other spectacular projects saw living expectations rise, medicine improve and an overall rise in wealth, health and life. All done by running a Keynesian deficit.

Private industry doesn’t necessarily do what is right for the long term – however it was with the attitude of exploration and creation for their own sakes that saw the enormous economic growth of the 1960s. This national investment created technologies no private company could create itself. It was the investment in the space race and other government led risky ventures that changed the world.

• Never stand still and stagnate
• Prepare to take risks, but make sure they are calculated

Lessons of the Past

The West needs to learn from this brave, somewhat haphazard attitude and research and invest in new and exciting products on the cusp of capability. Unlike China, Europe and America have the fundamentals for enormous  potential to delve into such audacious projects. This attitude will see creations, inventions, wonderment, which all trickles down to the consumer eventually. This then leads to increased wealth, increased production of consumer technology, an increased circular flow of income and all the benefits that come with this.

• Always push forwards

Golden Years

The sense of wonderment is also encouraged and people have more of a feel good attitude. This fostering of team spirit – just like we saw in the 1960s, is one that will encourage the Western world onwards and back to the fore of innovations, economics and out of a recession.

Such production methods and such spirit takes an audacious attitude , but offers exciting potential. In production methods and in government the West needs to be brave. It is the 1950s and 1960s we should look to for inspiration, these methods of production, the fearless attitude and the public investment in technology that seemed on the edge all created the world we know – with great bravery comes with a great reward.

About the author: Cormac Reynolds currently works for British Antique Replicas who produce a range of reproduction furniture including bookcases, office desks and replica sideboards.

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For you to be at your optimum level at work a good night’s sleep is imperative and any kind of disruption can lead to a decline in the quantity and quality of your output. It is therefore of vital importance to look at the affect sleep deprivation has upon your mind and body and find the necessary solutions.

The Effects of Sleep Deprivation

1. Lack of coordination is one of the major issues of sleep deprivation: The actions initiated by the brain become confused, as the required response become slow and uncoordinated. Lack of sleep greatly impairs the natural functions of the brain, leading to a reduction in alertness and also cognitive performance.

2. Emotional effects of sleep deprivation can result in abnormal and uncharacteristic behaviour: Lack of sleep can lead to display of extreme emotions by an individual and a tired and exhausted person may laugh and cry at the same time, without having any idea about the kind of extreme emotions they are displaying. This again is due to the impairment of the brain’s cognitive ability, which affects the sufferer’s ability to judge and display emotional reaction to situations within work and at home.

3. Weight can also change during times of sleep deprivation and can both increase and decrease dramatically: A lack of sleep can lead to feelings of extreme hunger, or in some instances individuals can also face a reduction in body weight due to lack of sleep. The changes in hormone levels due to sleep related issues have a direct impact on physiological processes of the body, and may make a person inclined to eat more or turn them off from food completely.

4. The impact on the brain also affects working memory and focus, due to the impairment of the brain’s cognitive abilities: An individual may forget things and cannot perform tasks that may require constant attention. The sum of the problem can then affect the sufferer’s ability to work, which could lead to demotion or even dismissal from their post.

5. The body’s immune system can also suffer greatly due to sleep deprivation: Sleep deprivation can affect blood pressure and lead to hypertension, thereby leading to potential heart related ailments. The weakened immune system then becomes susceptible to all manner of other diseases and time off from work is then needed to give you time to return to a state of health.

How to get a good night’s sleep

The problems above are caused by a lack of sleep, but the reasons behind this sleep deprivation can be numerous and varied. The list below features some of the main causes of sleep deprivation and some helpful tips and lifestyle changes to help you achieve the sleep you need.

1. Snoring: Snoring can vary between quiet, infrequent episodes and loud, constant affairs and can affect both the snorer and their partner. Sleeping on your side, cutting down on your alcohol and coffee consumption before bed and finding natural alternatives to sleep medication can all help control a snoring problem.

However, if your snoring persists you can try a range of over the counter products, such as nasal stripes and mouth-guards. For those who suffer from extreme levels of snoring there are mild medical operations available, which you can discuss with your doctor.

2.Inability to ‘shut off’ before bed: We’ve all been there, lying awake before bed, staring up at the ceiling, trying to quiet down our mind and shut off for the day. This kind of mental stimulation is a common cause of sleep problems, but can be very easy to rectify. Simple actions, such as turning off your computer and television a few hours before you sleep can help your mind ‘shut off’ and ready itself for sleep.

One of the best ways to ease your mind into a deep sleep, while providing entertainment is to read before you go to sleep. The continual movement of your eyes, coupled with a nice warm bed is guaranteed to gradually ease you into a good night’s sleep.

3. Food before bed: If possible it is always advisable to finish eating before 8.30pm, as this means that indigestion and the processing of food can occur a few hours before you sleep and therefore cause no disruption to your natural sleeping pattern.

If you have an irregular working schedule try and take a packed lunch and ask for a break that occurs around the hours of 6pm-7pm.

4.Sleep Apnoea: Sleep apnoea is a condition, which causes a halt to breathing while you sleep, often resulting in a loud snore when breathing returns and instances of sudden waking, which disrupts your sleep. This break from breathing normally occurs for a few seconds, but sleep apnoea can often be fatal if the time of breathless increases.

If you find that you wake up suddenly several times a night, then you may be a sleep apnoea sufferer and it is imperative that you visit your doctor for assessment. If you are found to have sleep apnoea, treatments and breathing devices can then be provided to ensure that you have a safe and complete night’s sleep.

5. General inability to sleep: If you are unable to pinpoint the reason behind your sleep problems and you are only infrequently troubled, there are a number of general sleeping aids and techniques, which can help you on your way to a night of slumber.

• Taking a hot bath two hours before your regular bedtime raises your body’s temperature, which is then decreased, which naturally happens while you sleep. This change in temperature therefore tricks your mind and body into readying itself for bed and eases you gently into sleep.
• Foods and drinks such as bananas and hot milk have been noted for their sleep inducing properties and are good for the health of the body in general.
• Keeping to a regular sleep pattern is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy amount of sleep, as your body will naturally follow its usual daily routine and ease itself into sleep.

While the demands of modern life are stressful and take a toll on the mind and body, a lack of sleep or sleep deprivation can cause even more harm to the human brain and body in the long run. You need at least 6 to 8 hours of sleep daily to function properly and keep your mind and body in the best of health.

Finding the cause of the problem is the first step and there are many treatments available to help you achieve and maintain a health sleeping habits. However, if you are trouble with your sleep and are affected by snoring or sleep apnoea it is always advisable to visit your doctor.

About the Author: Becky is an online writer, with a keen interest in health and lifestyle. For more top tips visit her Twitter page @FreshHealth11 

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1. Take a Walk

Often, drowsiness sets in when you’ve sat motionless at your desk for hours. This can especially become a problem after work when you’re digesting lunch, too. Stand up every 30 minutes and walk around. This doesn’t have to be far – just to the copy room or up and down a few flights of stairs in your building. By breaking the monotony of sitting at a desk and getting your blood moving, you can, hopefully, keep yourself from becoming sluggish.

2. Drink Water

Being dehydrated is an easy way to make you feel tired and grouchy. If you think you haven’t had enough water, this may be the root cause of your intense desire to nap. Even if your body isn’t short on water, drinking cold water perks you up. Keep a glass or water bottle full of ice water on your desk at all times. By constantly drinking, you also ensure that you’ll have to take trips to the restroom – a good leg stretch.

3. Smell Something Rejuvenating

Certain smells are proven to stimulate your senses, thus making you feel more awake. Peppermint and citrus are two of the top smells. Buy a candle in one of these smells and keep it on your desk to light when your eyelids begin to droop. Keeping a jar of peppermints to eat is also a great idea.

4. Do Something Mindless

You could feel distracted or unmotivated because of the task on which you are working. If it’s large or complicated, you may be intimidated, which makes you want to stop working. If this is the situation, switch to a smaller, less daunting task. By doing something routine and mindless, your brain can relax, while you’re still able to be productive.

5. Go Outside

Bright light stimulates your sense and, most importantly, regulates your internal clock. When you’re stuck in an office, especially a small cubicle all day, your body clock can get thrown off. Bright light will make you more alert, so try adding a very bright desk lamp to your space. Most importantly, though, walk outside at least once during the workday. Sunlight will immediately perk you up.

About the Author: Terry Carter, a freelance writer who frequently writes about Bayou Blaster Incense. 

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If you are making purchases online without first visiting bargain hunting websites like Fatwallet.com or Ebates.com, you are missing out on some serious cash. These websites offer cash back on purchases made online. By being routed through their site and making a purchase, you can earn anywhere from 3 percent to 30 percent cash back on items you were going to buy anyway. Different retailers offer a wide range of percentages. Once your account reaches a certain dollar amount, you are able to cash out in the form of a check, gift card or PayPal payment.

In addition to cash back, one can find other money saving incentives. Some bargain hunting websites offer daily deals with certain retailers that provide an especially high percentage cash back for a limited time. These vary from day to day. Members who sign up with these sites have the option of getting daily emails to keep them updated with the daily deals and current promotions. Likewise, search for sites who offer coupon codes for online purchases. Couple that with the cash back offered and the deal becomes even sweeter.

Using your cash back to attain your financial goals is an excellent use for this unexpected, additional income. Instead of cashing out at soon as the threshold amount has been met, consider designating a dollar amount and only request a cash out then. Have a plan for what you will use the extra money for. Here are a few ideas:

• Transfer the money into a savings account.
• Pay off debts.
• Set the money aside for incidentals like dry cleaning, a pricey cup of coffee, etc.
• Establish a rainy day fund.

Now that you know how to be strategic about your online shopping, the question becomes, what will you do with your cash back?

About the Author: Presented by Melissa who works as the editorial coordinator for Fatwallet(dot)com, the ultimate online coupon and deal site. In her spare time, she enjoys learning about finance and current events. 

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But you don’t need to shell out hard earned cash to keep your mind in tip-top condition. Try these five more traditional methods to work on your noodle.

1. Memory

Lots of your brain’s basic activities are linked to memory. The ability to read, to work and to tot up the scores on a dartboard are all affected by being able to register information. There are plenty of simple memory based games you can play every day to keep your mind in prime condition. Think back to a certain part of your life, such as your first day at school or university, and see if you can remember a particular number of factors in your life from that time such as where you lived, who you dated and what you wore.

Or play the ‘band name game’ where you try to remember as many musical groups as possible that begin with a particular letter, then move onto the next in the alphabet. Or wow everyone next time you’re at karaoke by learning all the words from your favorite song and them belting them out unexpectedly.

2. Concentration

The ability to focus on detail and maintain your attention span is a vital element for a healthy mind. Slipping into regular activities or following the same routine every day can lull your grey matter into atrophy. By just shaking up your daily habits, you can keep your mind keenly aware. Reorganise familiar items around your house, such as where you keep keys, cutlery or crockery.

Alter the route you take to get to the shops, to make your brain understand and grapple with the new developments. And try to engage in a number of activities at once. Perhaps have the radio or TV on while cooking or listen to a book on tape while exercising. Multitasking can be an efficient way to improve concentration.

3. Words

Improving your language skills will help your ability to remember words and expand your understanding of new topics. Crossword puzzles may seem like an obvious, old-fashioned method of refining your word knowledge, but nothing beats it. Ensure that any new words you encounter are looked up and digested. And don’t worry about ‘cheating’.

By looking at the solution in the next day’s paper, you’ll learn more about the words you missed than giving up in frustrated fury. Scrabble too, with an investment in a good Scrabble dictionary, is a tremendous way to learn about words you never thought could have existed and broaden your brains horizons.

4. Visual Awareness

To survive and prosper in any given environment, your brain needs to be aware and to recognize the visual stimulation on offer and process the information it encounters. Thinking in pictures is said to exercise the creative and emotional part of the brain. One good technique is to select an object each day completely at random and then quickly make a drawing of it.

Do this every day for a week and then on the final day attempt to draw every object you have seen. Or, when you are walking down the street, attempt to observe and remember everything you saw. Once you’re at the end of the road, try to recall as many things as possible, repeating the exercise regularly.

5. Problem solving

We all need to be able to recognize situations and make decisions relating to those situations. Being able to quickly observe a problem and work out a strategy for its solution is a vital human tool. This doesn’t have to be on the battlefield or in the executive boardroom. A simple conversation needs certain factors to be recognized and the correct response to be offered.

Social interaction is a simple and pleasurable way to work these particular mind muscles. More advanced games such as chess and Sudoku also work excellently in this regard. Even video games, so often criticized for rotting your brain, will exercise that function of your mind as even the most violent ‘shoot-em-ups’ need strategy and problem solving to be conquered.

About the Author: Dale Shaw writes on behalf of Wish.co.uk who provides an exhilarating range of experience days and unique gifts. If you’re looking for great gift ideas, visit their site for some inspiration!

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1. Work Environment

One of the things that sets non-conventional work places apart from traditional companies is that the work environment is not the standard bank of cubicles and – if you are lucky – private offices. Instead, many non-conventional businesses have found a unique way to blend work and fun into their corporate environment. Work space can include open areas for spontaneous games of basketball or other fun activities. At Google, for example, there is a large play area for employees to enjoy. Part of the reasoning behind this area is that Google believes that imagination and creative thinking can happen when the body is otherwise engaged in activities people enjoy. Plus, physical activity is a great way to work off stress and relax, making employees happier to be at work.

Work environment benefits are not limited to play areas. Other common work environment benefits include provision of free snacks and even free gourmet lunches at companies like Google. Google also has a work-place doctor, massage therapists, yoga classes and running trails that run along the shoreline adjacent to their campus.

In many cases, employees are also encouraged to become part of the company culture in which work is considered an activity of passion and joy. Employees are looked at as part of the global culture and a living, breathing entity that is interconnected with the entire world.

2. Employee Appreciation

Another aspect of non-conventional companies and places to work is that there is a great deal of emphasis on employee appreciation. Companies like Zappos and FatWallet encourage their employees to express and explore creative solutions to issues that might arise or tasks they may be challenged with. Team brainstorming and innovative ideas are rewarded, even if they do not pan out to be the ultimate solution.

Employees are provided with tangible evidence of appreciation. For example, Google has regular employee play days at Great America, a local amusement theme park close to their campus. Other employee appreciation rewards can take the form of financial bonuses, stock options, free dinners to local restaurants and other activities, just to name a few.

Probably the most common element of working at non-conventional work places is that there is a true sense of being valued and appreciated as an employee and a contributor to the overall health and success of the company. Employers cannot accomplish their goals without the contributions of their employees. Non-conventional companies see employees who are happy and passionate about their work as a key element to their success. So, you might want to ask yourself, how does your workplace compare to a company like Google or Zappos?

About the Author: Melissa who works as the editorial coordinator for Fatwallet(dot)com, the ultimate online coupon and deal site. In her spare time, she enjoys learning about finance and current events.

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1. Relax

This is both a mental and physical tip. It’s very difficult to relax, especially when you’re about to get in front of a group of co-workers and give a presentation on a certain topic. The stakes may be high, but emanating anxiety will not only affect you, but it’ll also make everyone in the room uncomfortable. Before going up, try breathing exercises to relax you and take some of the tension off by getting to know some people in the room.

Project relaxation by having a relaxed demeanor. That doesn’t necessarily mean slouching or leaning on things, but you shouldn’t lock your knees or have an excessively tense stance.

2. Position yourself in an open and inviting way

If you close your arms while giving a presentation, it gives the appearance that you’re closing yourself off and trying to make yourself small. Instead, stand on both legs and keep your arms uncrossed. Make sure your position is outward rather than inward facing.

3. Eye contact

If you ask anyone what the best thing to do when giving a speech, they’ll likely say eye contact. This is absolutely true. Eye contact helps establish a bond between you and the audience. If you’re talking to a big room, you obviously can’t make eye contact with everyone, but it is possible to look in the general vicinity of people, so they think you’re looking at them. If you’re uncomfortable looking people in the eyes, looking at their face around their nose also gives the perception you’re looking at their eyes.

4. Smile

Smiling is a great friend of the presentation. You obviously don’t want to smile throughout a presentation on the alarming trend of unemployment, but something as easy as a smile at the start of your presentation will warm up the audience. A smile is inviting and engaging.

5. Let your personality shine through

When you give a presentation you don’t want to be someone you’re not. If your co-workers know you, they will automatically think you’re not acting normal and may get distracted by your behavior. Let your personality shine through. If you’re shy don’t feel obligated to be overly gregarious. Instead, use your quiet and sly humor to add more to the presentation. Remember, the more you allow yourself to shine, the more comfortable you’ll be.

About the Author: Tim Martinez is a freelance writer and blogs about a number of subjects, including speeches, waterproof picnic blankets and throwing knives.

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