EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

So what is effective communication?  Is it using the right words?  Is it having the right tone of voice or is it body posture, facial expressions and gestures?

Well you might be surprised to know that the impact of your communication is focused more on how you look than what you actually say!

The reality is, that only 7% of your impact is based upon the words that you use.  Yes that’s just 7%!  55% of your impact is related to your facial expressions, body posture and gestures and 38% is voice tone.  So, that old saying “it’s not what you say but the way that you say it”, is more true than you realized!

So what can you do to improve your communication skills?  Well, perhaps the best place to start is with first impressions.  Your first impression is your first opportunity to communicate with someone.  If you arrive late, flustered and poorly organized, what are you communicating?  If you mumble or whisper, how do you come across?  If you want to get your first opportunity to communicate right, arrive on time and properly prepared.  Look directly and confidently at the person/people you are communicating with.  You are your message!  All parts of you need to be working in harmony; words, pictures and sounds.  If you don’t look as if you believe what you’re saying, why should anyone else believe you?  Sincerity is communicated with voice tone and appreciation of other’s feelings, not just in words.  How often have we heard someone say ‘sorry’ and know that they don’t mean it at all!

Ensure that you are taking a genuine interest in what the other person is saying to you.  Look at them when they are talking to you, pick up on key words and phrases and build them into your own responses, this lets the other person know that you have really listened to what they have said.  Mirror their body posture as this creates rapport.  If they cross their legs, cross your legs, if they nod and smile, you nod and smile.  Identify their breathing pace and breath unison with them.

In any communication situation, engage your brain before your mouth!  Before you speak, think about the result that you want and tailor your speech and behavior towards achieving that outcome.  Sometimes you may have to lose a battle to win the war!

Final word of warning!

Ensure your intent is good one!  Although you should tailor your behavior to create a better chance of achieving your outcome, this should be based upon a good intent.  Check in with yourself to check your intent is in fact good otherwise you could be perceived as selfish, self serving and manipulative!  There is a fine line between utilizing your communication skills in the most effective way to achieve a positive outcome and being manipulative!

What is a Virtual Mind (Gastric) Band?

A Virtual Mind Band is a hypnotic phenomenon that's used to help people lose weight. It works by convincing your subconscious mind that you've had virtual gastric band surgery but without the need for actual surgery. Virtual surgery creates a feeling of fullness more quickly when eating, resulting in a reduction in food intake and typically, subsequent weight loss.

The main advantages of a virtual procedure is that it is non-invasive and therefore carries none of the risks of actual surgery and that it is a fraction of the cost!

What is involved? Prior to treatment, an assessment of your suitability for treatment takes place. This includes completing an assessment form and providing health and statistical information about yourself. If you are a suitable candidate, your treatment consists of four therapy sessions. Three sessions take place prior to the placement of the Virtual Mind Band and one session is for the virtual gastric band surgery itself.

Can anyone have a Virtual Mind Band? As with the surgical procedure, Virtual Mind Band treatment is for those who are looking to lose a significant amount of weight (approximately 2 stone +). Your BMI is likely to be 30 or above (placing you in the obese or clinically obese category). For those people wishing to lose 2 stone or less, regular hypnotherapy for weight loss is an alternative approach.

Find out more at www.halotherapies.com

TOP 10 TIPS FOR GETTING A JOB!!

1. Ensure your CV is interesting. Give enough information to tempt the company to want to find out more about you, but not so much they feel there’s no point interviewing you.

2. Detail your skills clearly especially any specialist skills, such as IT, Marketing, Management, Sales etc. Include any special achievements and awards you may have.

3. Tailor your CV to focus on the skills relevant to the role that you are applying for. You may therefore have more than one CV appropriately tailored for different types of jobs.

4. Produce a covering letter explaining to employers why you are interested in the role and how your skills will benefit the company and specifically how they will contribute to making the company more efficient and effective.

5. Utilise every possible route of finding a job: responding to press adverts, online job boards such as monster.com, recruitment agencies and personal contacts. Also identify companies that are likely to have the sort of job you are looking for and contact them directly enquiring about potential job vacancies. Endeavour to make contact with the decision maker so that you can impress them directly as they will be the one who is likely to offer you the job!

6. Once you have got as far as the interview, you need to prove you are the best person for the job! Be proactive and ask questions about the company, perhaps offer to do a work placement to show your interest and commitment. This provides an opportunity for both you and the company to see if your skills are a good fit for the Company.

7. Research the company to enable you to ask relevant questions and to demonstrate to the potential employer that you have taken the time to find out about the company. Know who the Company’s competitors are and how well the company has been performing in their market area.

8. You only have one chance to make a first impression, so make sure it is a good one! An interview is when you are likely to have made most effort with your presentation. Research what dress code and presentation style the company usually adopts so that you ‘fit in’ to the image they are looking to portray.

9. The more senior the role you are applying for, the more likely the company is to do some research on you! Ensure that any networking sites, blogs or other accessible information reflect what you want them to!

10. BE CALM AND CONFIDENT! (Even if you have to bluff it!!) Smile, look as if you are pleased to be there, use deliberate uncomplicated movements and talk as if you have already got the job ie “when I start”, “will I get the opportunity to meet the people I will be working with” etc. EXPECT SUCCESS – you never know you might even get it!!

What is the truth about hypnosis and weight loss?

Perhaps you are tired of diets and want to find a new, more effective way of losing weight and importantly maintaining a healthy weight?

Research has shown that hypnosis really is a very effective way of achieving this. In a study by; Bolocofsy, D. N., Spinler, D. & Coulthard-Morris, L (1985). “Effectiveness of hypnosis as an adjunct to behavioural weight management ” Journal of clinical Psychology, 41 (1), 35-41, individuals were divided into 2 groups. One group was treated with changes in diet and exercise habits without any hypnosis and the other group were given the same diet and exercise treatment and in addition also had hypnosis for reinforcement. After 9 weeks, both groups lost weight, however, what was most surprising was the sustainability of the weight loss. At an 8 month and 2 year review it was found that the group that did not have hypnosis did not lose any more weight and in fact, most of the group had gained their weight back. Those individuals that had hypnotherapy, continued to lose weight during the entire period demonstrating that hypnosis not only helps you achieve weight loss, but helps you maintain it.

In a further study by; Cochrane, G. and Friesen, J. (1986). “Hypnotherapy in weight loss treatment” Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 54, 489-492, a group of 60 females,at least 20% overweight, were split into 2 groups, one given weight loss behavioural treatments and counselling and the other receiving the same treatment and addition they had hypnosis. Results showed that the hypnosis group lost on average 17 lbs at the 6 month follow up whereas the non-hypnosis group only lost ½ lb!

In a third study by; Kirch and Irving (1996). “Hypnotic enhancement of cognitive-behavioural weight loss treatements” Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 64 (3), 517-519, in a meta analysis of studies (the correlation of results from multiple studies) it was found that the average short term weight loss for those not using hypnosis was 6 lbs versus 11.83 lbs for those using hypnosis. More importantly, over a long term period, those not using hypnosis remained at a weight loss of 6 lbs, whereas those who had had hypnosis increased to 14.88 lbs which would indicate that hypnosis would appear to support long term weight loss.
In summary therefore, research would indicate that individuals using hypnosis to aid weight loss lose between 2 and 16 ½ times more weight that those who don’t use hypnosis!!!

ARE YOU OVERWEIGHT?

Obesity is responsible for 9,000 premature deaths each year in England, and reduces life expectancy by, on average, 9 years. Obese people are more likely to suffer from social and psychological problems, such as depression, prejudice, discrimination, stigmatization and low self-esteem. No matter how much excess weight or fat you have, if you want to lose weight permanently, your diet program should be directed toward a gradual, steady weight loss. According to official government dietary guidelines, unless your doctor feels your particular health condition would benefit from more rapid weight loss, you should expect to lose about 2 lbs of fat a week, although initial loss (mainly water) may be greater. Losing more weight is no guarantee that weight loss is likely to be permanent. To greatly reduce the risk of heart disease you need to aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity at least five times a week.

When watching your weight, you also have to plan the amounts of food you eat. It’s not just the quality - the quantity matters too. Although everyone is different, as a rule, most people will lose weight if they eat or drink between1,500 and 1,800 calories a day. Women tend to need less than men, so if you’re female, choose 1,500 calories. If you’re male, choose 1,800 calories.

Hypnotherapy can be one of the most effective methods of helping to lose weight. If you have more than 2 stone to lose, a 'Virtual Mind (Gastric) Band' might be right for you. Find out more about a 'Virtual Mind (Gastric) Band' at www.halotherapies.com

COPING WITH STRESS

Stress can be an indicator of an overloaded brain. We all experience stress at some time in our lives and it may be the ‘push’ that we need to make us address an issue that we’ve put off dealing with. Sometimes however, the overwhelming feelings that can be associated with stress can lead to psychological paralysis i.e. we want to ignore the issue because we just can face dealing with it. If that sounds familiar, here are some steps to help get you on the road to successfully dealing with your worries:

1. Question yourself. Try to identify the foundation of your worries. At this point you are not looking for solutions, you are seeking to understand what the issues are. Some people find it helpful to write things down, others find that talking helps clarify things.

2. Identify what you can actually influence. Often we spend time worrying about issues that we have absolutely no control over. This distracts our attention from dealing with the things that we can change.

3. Picture how things will look and feel when the situation is resolved. This is a great starting point for creating your plan for change.

4. Decide upon your first step towards resolving the situation. You’ll be surprised at the momentum created once you’ve taken that first step. You don’t have to know all the steps before you start, you’ll find that the steps become clearer as you move through your journey of change.

5. Review your plan. Sometimes things change and the original plan needs adapting. This way you ensure your plan is always up to date.

6. Reward yourself! When you’ve done something that’s taken time and effort and you’ve achieved a successful outcome a reward is something to look forward to.

And finally……. keep listening to your own inner thoughts and feelings. They are the best indicator of when you need to make some changes!!


Andrea Lindsay, HALO Therapies. www.halotherapies.com. 7 January 2011

LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR BEST NEW YEAR YET!

Another year, another set of New Year’s resolutions! So how can you make them stick?

1. Set yourself realistic goals. Make sure your resolutions are attainable. Saying that you will never eat chocolate again is perhaps a stretch too far! Set a target that is both realistic and achievable.

2. Plan ahead. Decide upon your goals well in advance of New Year’s Eve. This ensures that your resolve is set well before the day and your brain is geared up for the change!

3. Plan for temptation or weakness. There are always times when it seems easier to give in than to stay strong. Plan ahead for how you will manage this. What will you do if temptation creeps into your mind e.g. keep photos of the slim you and the larger you to hand to remind yourself why you set your goal.

4. Spread the word! Tell family and friends about your goal. Enlist their help. By telling everyone who is important to you, you increase your chances of success!

5. Monitor your progress. Set small goals, as these are easier to manage and help you maintain your motivation towards achieving your long-term goal.

6. Reward success! When we change our habits or behaviours in some way, it can feel like hard work and for some it can even feel like a loss. Reward your achievements in a healthy positive way i.e. treat yourself to a massage or facial. Go to the cinema with a friend or book a show or a trip somewhere.

7. Watch out for “oh blow it!” mode. Sometimes one small slip results in “oh blow it, I’ve failed so I might just as well forget it!” This is the most common cause of failing to achieve a goal. One small slip does not have to result in failure – it’s all up to you!