Wanted: a return to the thrill of small ads
I have a sentimental attachment to the role of luck and industry in ferreting out obscure opportunities among old-fashioned classifieds, writes Luke Johnson
Sales people must get smart
The old concept of the hard-toiling, road-warrior salesman has lost all relevance, writes Stefan Stern
'Uptitling' gains stature in troubled times
With pay rises scarce, many executives are prepared to accept a more impressive job description in the hope that it will lead to advancement.
CFOs peer into bleak future
A series on managing in a downturn looks at the importance of the finance role
North-east's new take on recession
Being your own boss was once unusual in the region, but a lot has changed
Leadership lessons from 1955
Some old officer training notes offer clear, purposeful and persuasive thoughts, writes Stefan Stern
Helping workers manage bad news
Therapeutic consultancies are seeing increased interest in their services as the gloom deepens
What did the ancient Greeks do for us?
Academics can help companies to think better about problems ? and business can give academia fresh ideas
Let's meet when it's over
Executives need to act now to forge a recession survival strategy.The first in a four-part series by Stefan Stern on managing in a downturn
Bosses need courage to survive this turmoil
It is not easy being a corporate cheerleader when the economy is having a heart attack. And yet there is no choice but to soldier on, writes Luke Johnson
Go short on letters to investors
I would like to know whether hedge funds' letters to their investors have calmed their recipients by distracting them ? or made them even crosser, writes Lucy Kellaway
Far-flung friends face to face
'Telepresence' systems have met with a surge in popularity
Play the name game to treat a crisis
Managers need to ask whether the original label still fits as the company expands or enters new markets
Defence groups enter green zone
Qinetiq, Raytheon and others are mobilising their specialist skills in the battle against climate change
Why thugs must not be allowed to prevail
If corporate cowardice spreads, boardrooms will become a weak underbelly, inspiring every lunatic sect simply to aim at the executive suite, writes Luke Johnson


whereby her coaching strategies help children to feel confident speaking up where before they might have not. She is aware that if a child is a confident speaker, would-be victimizers will often shy away.

“Children need to be in touch with their own thoughts and feelings to the degree that should a situation arise where an adult a child knows and trusts, attempts to harm them, that they can speak up until they are heard,” said Blackmon. “People who intend harm toward a child...look for children who may not appear as confident. If a child has been harmed, resulting in low confidence, there are more obstacles for a child to overcome in the journey for success; but it can be done.”

Meredith Larson, Ph.D. Literacy, supports Blackmon's approach, as well as her willingness to point out risks and fears involved in speaking up or out, even for adults.

“Leanna's E-book is a wonderful, easy to utilize guide for parents and other adults who interact with children. She clearly provides the background for understanding public speaking, and offers suggestions to help children become proficient, competent public speakers,” said Larson, who practices in Santa Maria, California.

Blackmon also realizes the importance of speech in the classroom, and the learning standards and objectives that are part of the curriculum for children at each grade level. She draws from years of teaching at the Kindergarten though university level. She can also speak as a parent, as she herself is a single mother.

“As parents are the primary teachers of their children, I felt it was important to help empower them to empower their children,” she said. “Often times, adults themselves fear public speaking and have experienced how it has limited their potential personally or professionally. It is essential for parents to recognize the need to apply these core coaching concepts, in a natural progression, that bridges informal and formal speaking settings.

Topics covered in Blackmon's E-book, include Speaking Up, Public Speaking, Expectations and the Ability to do so. It also includes References at the end. Endorsers of the E-book have ranged from professors, therapists, and authors, to Jack Zufelt, international speaker and author of www.DNAofsuccess.com. The e-book, which lists testimonials and additional information can be purchased at www.LeannaBlackmon.com.

Johanna Munoz, is a former newspaper reporter with The Fresno Bee and is awaiting the publication of her first book.


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