Hello from beautiful Montana:

Do you speak the same language as your spouse, children, boss and co-workers?  You may very well be  nodding your head and saying; “Of course, we all speak English or Spanish or French.” You may  understand the words others speak, but do you always get the message they intended? Do others sometimes miss what you are trying to convey in words?

There is a much more universal language and that is the language of love and friendship. Sometimes the words spoken and verbal languages are the least important part of communication.

Body Language

Spoken words are the communication of information and are only integrated and believed about 20% of the time.  Body language is the communication of relationships  and is accepted and believed 80% of the time. If a choice comes between what you say and what you do, people will always believe what you do and how you make them feel.

It is the unspoken facial expression of delight when someone you love comes into view. It is the pat on the back for the teenager to indicate you are on his side. It is warm handshake for a business client. It is smiling at the grocery clerk who is obviously stressed and overwhelmed.

Relationships Need Communication to Grow

For all of us, our communication skills directly relate to how successful we’ll be in the inner personal relationships, both personal and professional.  Learning to respect others unconditionally will help us to connect on a spiritual level.

You don’t need to like what others say and do, but you do need to respect their right to be who they are.  Our souls are all connected, and by communicating with the language of love, we will be able to understand those who are struggling to speak “our language of love.”

Your friend and supporter,

Judy Helm Wright aka Auntie Artichoke, family relationship author and keynote motivational speaker

http://www.ArtichokePress.com

Hello from beautiful Montana:

Tell your new friends about a great place to hike in Montana.

If you knew you were entering a room of strangers at work, church, meeting or even a store, what do you feel in your body?  Does your stomach muscles tighten, shoulders come up, hands get sweaty and the area in the back of your neck tighten up?  My body used to do all that plus get a rapid heartbeat I was sure the people on the next street could hear.

Yeah, there is help for shy, anxious and nervous people

Once I get to know and trust people I can relax and have fun. Sometimes that would take the whole party or activity.  Then gradually, I found shortcuts and tricks to help ease the anxiety and raise the confidence.

One of the first things I did was to watch how others made friends and influenced people (I also read the book and so should you).  It was amazing to see three tricks that were automatic for those who appeared comfortable and at ease;

• They smile with their whole face. Their eyes light up when they see you.They lean slightly toward you in a body language signal that they are glad to connect.
• They introduce themselves and put out their hand right to shake. they ask questions about you and then they listen to what you have to say. They don’t try to monopolize the conversation or interrupt what you are saying to make a point of their own.
• Their posture is erect and their shoulders are back in an approachable position.  their hands are free to shake hands, hold a drink or gesture in the conversation.

Just these three little techniques can assist you in having more fun when you are with other people.  Building confidence is a skill and like every other skill, it takes time, effort and consistent practice in order to have it become automatic action.

There is plenty of help for shy, anxious and nervous people and I suggest you check out http://www.useencouragingwords.com You will be glad you did.

Blessings,

Judy H. Wright aka Auntie Artichoke, family relationship author and motivational speaker

Hello from beautiful Montana:

When we talk about the ability to make friends, there is one quality

As adults model kindness, friendships follow for our children

that attracts others to you as a bee to a flower.  That quality is the the decision you make to practice kindness to everyone you see.

Just as with any other behavior or skill the deciding factor is the consistency of the practice. Many people want to play the piano, but not many dedicate themselves to practicing the scales daily. However, after a while the practice of anything, piano or building friendships, becomes automatic action and does not require conscious decision. It just is.

Make Others Comfortable

The word kindness has a soft and gently feel to it, and yet it is one of the most powerful forces for good in the world today.  Going out of your way to make other people comfortable and feel good about themselves has a ripple effect on the workplace, family, neighborhood, community and world.

When we practice kindness, we will easily make friends and build a support system.  The mere act of truly listening to others as they speak, of being aware of those who need assistance or encouragement, and of looking beyond our own needs, is empowering.

Friends Are a Resource And Strength

You will find that as your network of  true friends and acquaintances grow, so will your confidence and self esteem.  Knowing that you have built a network of people who care about you just as you care about them will give you courage to try new things and be open to new opportunities.

As you practice kindness each day do it with the goal of simply being a kind person.  The side effect of making friends will be an added bonus. People can tell if they are being manipulated or used, just as you can.  Make friends comfortable being around you, so they know they can trust your motivation is to help them, not use them.

If your child is having problems on the playground or has a hard time making friends click here:
http://www.TheLeftOutChild.com

You will be glad you did.

In gratitude,

Judy Helm Wright, aka Auntie Artichoke, family relationship author and motivational speaker

Hello from beautiful Montana;

How do you manage social situations?  Do you know what to say when networking in the work place? Would your co-workers say you are well liked?  There is a power of likability that some have naturally, but most need to work on.

Friendship Foundation

The root and base of every relationship is friendship.This springboard of friendship with self and then others takes us to love and trust.  How we communicate and interact with others is indicative of how we treat those we live with as well as complete strangers.

If we give only surface attention to the needs of others, it will reflect on our friendships but also on our bottom line.

Respect, Kindness and Understanding

If we treat ourselves and others with respect, kindness and understanding, friendship will grow and develop naturally. Our body language is the communication of relationships, so stand tall and look people in the eye. Smile often and really listen to what others have to say.

People Like To Do Business With People They Know, Like and Trust

In the world of business, if all things are equal, people will do business with a friend.  If things are unequal, they will still do business with a friend.  Those who are giving you their money want to know that you know what you are doing and they want to trust you.

Your likability is the critical factor in  helping customers make a buying decision.  If they like you, they are more likely to trust you.  If you have indicated that you like them and want to help them solve their problems they will believe you more readily. If you show confidence in yourself and products, your customers will want to do business with you.

Be Confident to Be Well Liked

Building Confidence is a skill and just like any other skill, it can be learned. It takes a guide or mentor, basic directions, practicing on a consistent basis and  WOW, there you are.

You will send out positive vibrations which will tell others that you are a likable person and they will be drawn to your power of likability.

The power of likability cannot be underestimated. It is the connection between you and others.

I have confidence in your ability to find solutions to situations that are not working in your life right now.  Please let me be your guide and mentor in this journey of life.

http://www.EncourageSelfConfidence.com is a wonderful program that can assist you in your goal of being more likeable and successful in your life.

Your friend,

Judy H. Wright aka Auntie Artichoke, family relationship author and speaker

Hello from chilly Montana:

If you are a male born between 1961 and 1980, and you have children, you are called a generation X Dad.  You are building connections with kids who are born between 1981 and 2002 and are part of the Generation Y.

Huh? What? Whatsup? No Way

Have you ever wondered if you and your teen or tween were speaking a different language.  The answer is yes.  You each come from a different part of history,  different learning styles and especially different expectations of self and others.

Differences in Generation X and Generation Y

Generation X:

• Skeptical outlook – but don’t mind change
• Balanced work ethic, like time off for fun
• Unimpressed by authority or titles
• Most likely to start their own business
• Reluctant to commit, want to be self reliant

Generation Y:

• They generally have an optimistic outlook
• They are committed to working at a variety of jobs to earn a living
• Much more respectful of diversity
• They will follow an individual or a dream, but not necessarily an organization
• Don’t automatically trust and respect leaders, must be earned
• Hungry for tradition and family roots
• They are more empowered by their own confidence
• Want to be thought of as Problem Solvers – don’t like orders

Connections Between Generation X and Y

No matter what label society puts on us, we all want the same things from life;

1. Acceptance
2. Approval
3. Appreciation

If  Generation X dads are serious about building connections with kids, it is as simple as following the the 3 “A”s listed above.

You can do it.  I have confidence in your ability to use your influence as a father, teacher, mentor or grandfather to build lasting connections with kids.

If you would like the words to say, please claim a free eBook called Use Encouraging Words to Motivate Positive Action You will find it at:

http://www.UseEncouragingWords.com

Fondly,

Judy H. Wright aka Auntie Artichoke, family relationship author and keynote speaker

Hello from beautiful Montana:

What constitutes respect?  Do you have to like someone to be considerate, kind and courteous?

How do you work in a relationship where there is an uneven balance of power?

Several years ago there was a study done of 100 self made millionaires.  They ranged in age from young 19 to well over 70.  Their educational experiences extended from grade school to the Ph.D level. They differed in almost all characteristics, except they were all found to be respectful of other people.

They had determined early in their careers that everyone had something to teach and to share. They built respectful relationships by learning from others.

We tend to treat people like we see them. If we see them as arrogant, snooty or even shy, we tend to treat them in that manner.  I just did a radio show recently about a second chance at making a good first impression.  You will want to listen to that one, if you haven’t already.

Once you find the good or ability in other people you treat him or her better and thus they perform better.  We all tend to live up to the expectations of other people.

If we see people worthy of respect, then we will treat them that way.  Even when they do not demonstrate their respect for us, we can still treat them with courtesy.

A quote that I love says “If you take a man as he is, you make him worse than he was, but if you see him as being the best person possible, then he, in fact, become the best person possible.”

Encouragement is giving someone the courage to keep trying, to move forward and to fulfill their destiny.  By giving respect and understanding to others in our relationship, we will all move forward.

Be sure to go to

http://www.artichokepress.com for a complete listing of books, reports, articles and videos by Judy H. Wright aka Auntie Artichoke

You will also want to go to http://www.encourageselfconfidence.com for a workbook and bonus items that will assist you in building confidence in the future and courage today.

Thanks for sharing.

Judy H. Wright aka Auntie Artichoke, family relationship author and keynote speaker

Relationships are the basis for all of life. We are all interdependent on each other. This means that we rely on others for mutual assistance, support, cooperation or interaction. When we meet someone for the first time we disclose much about who and what we are.

First impressions form the basis for the relationship. Verbally and non-verbally we tell others who we are through our dress, gestures, expressions and manner of speaking.  The other person makes a judgment in the first three seconds on whether to build a relationship with you or avoid you in the future.

First Impressions Give Clues to Personality

When two people come together in a personal or professional relationship, they are constantly trying to prove or disprove their first impression.  If their initial reaction is that you are sloppy, uncouth and a little rude, you will have your work cut out for you to prove that you just came from painting a widow’s home and you were tired and grouchy because you had not eaten.

Second Chance at First Impression

If you recognize you gave a false first impression and you want to build the relationships of those you have come in contact with, simply apologize and ask for a second chance.  It is amazing, but everyone wants to help the person who acknowledges a mistake and asks for another chance.

People with deep and lasting relationships may be introverts, extroverts, young, old, smart, dull but the one characteristic they have in common is the ability to be open and honest.

WUSIWYG

It is called transparency and has been in the news a lot lately, but what it really means is; What you see is what you get. In order to develop this transparency and to be a vital part of an on going interdependent relationship with another person, just be yourself.

And if you screw up the first time, try it again.

I have confidence in you.

If you would like to have more confidence in yourself and overcome social anxiety, you will want to go to http://www.EncourageSelfConfidence.com

You will be glad you did.

Fondly,

Judy H. Wright aka Auntie Artichoke, family relationship author and keynote speaker

Don't be anxious or afraid at a party. Just ask questions and listen to people and you will gain confidence.

Are you nervous about social situations?  When there is going to be people you do not know, how does your stomach or neck feel?  Tight and choking? Do you regard yourself as too quiet or too uptight to relax in groups?  Are you concerned that others will expect you to be witty and sophisticated?

If you feel that you are shy or suffer from social anxiety, this is the article for you.

You don’t have to be witty, or smart or a sparkling conversationalist in order to make friends and influence people.  All you really need is to understand the art of listening.

People Don’t Care How Much You Know, Until They Know How Much You Care

We will be talking about how to be more comfortable in social situations.  We will also share about what makes a good listener and the five qualities to develop if you want to be popular and make lasting friendships.

1. Body language of acceptance – Non verbal or body language is the communication of relationships. When people first meet you they are receiving lots of messages about interested you are in them. Smile with your eyes and look directly at the person, or if that makes you uncomfortable, look at their right ear.

2. Ask questions and don’t give advice – When people come to you with a problem, it may appear they want your opinion.  But more often than not, they really just need someone to listen to their story.  By asking small questions or nodding your head, you are giving them permission to get the problem out, so they can see the issues in a new light and make their own decisions.

3. Never break a confidence or gossip about others – Even though it may be tempting to share a “tidbit of news” it will always backfire on you.  One of the signs of deepening friendships is that people will trust you with secrets. If someone gossips with you, you can be assured they will also gossip about you.

4. Complete the loop of conversation – Just as you don’t give unwanted advice, you do want to make sure what the other person needs from you.  Sometimes our words can be taken out of context or misunderstood, so it is best to clarify our message. If someone says; “Do you like baseball?” Don’t just say yes and drop it.  Ask open ended questions and give clarifying comebacks. For instance; “Yes, I do.  Would you like to go to a game sometime?”  Then be sure that you give a phone number or way to contact you if they are interested.

5. Show appreciation and gratitude – Shake hands warmly and say you were glad to meet them. Perhaps you could say something like; “I am grateful I had the opportunity to spend some time with you, your ideas will give me something to think about this week.”

The Secret to Being Interesting is to be Interested

To overcome social anxiety and gain confidence in life is to ask questions the other person will enjoy answering.  As you encourage strangers to talk about themselves, they will soon turn into friends.  Since so few people really go to the effort of listening to other people and making them feel comfortable, if you do, you will be successful.