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Success in Speaking

Laurenzo Thomas • July 21, 2021

Success in Speaking

In one's journey to success, an important aspect of this odyssey is professional development and personal growth. There are many layers to that as one would imagine, and over time we will discuss many. But one specific area I want to focus on briefly is public speaking.

Most of us know that public speaking is one of man's greatest fears. Just the thought of it paralyzes individuals. Others may not truly appreciate the importance of it especially in the modern technology/internet age. But the reality is, developing solid public speaking and presentation skills is necessary if one wants to grow professionally and even advance in their career. It can also help you personally flourish and build admirable qualities. Is public speaking that valuable?  Consider and reflect on just a few points.

Just about everyone will have to engage in public speaking at some point. Understanding this and taking the opportunity to develop, improve, and practice this skill will give you advantage over others especially on the job but even when it comes to social situations. It will allow you to share your thoughts and passions with the world (or at least your friends and family). Everyone has something valuable to say or a story to tell that will benefit someone. If you are not effective at public speaking or general communication, how will you be able to do that?

When it comes to your career specifically, public speaking is a verified career booster. Think about it, all other things being equal, if you prove yourself willing and able to take on speaking engagements, make presentations, engage clients, who do you think current or prospective employers will focus on and eventually promote or hire? Studies have shown public speaking and oral communication skills are one of the top relevant skills that can ensure secular success.

One of the most essential qualities any of us can have in striving to succeed in any area of life is self-confidence! Learning how to effectively speak in public will build that confidence and enable you to overcome any fear or apprehension. Self-confidence is powerful and grows each time you are able to use your voice in a purposeful way.

These are just a few examples of just why public speaking is so important. Whether you are just learning to appreciate the value of this skill or have mastered the "art", continue to take the time to develop this vital component of professional and personal growth.  It will serve you and those you talk to well! 

Success The Right Way

By Laurenzo Thomas May 19, 2024
Hello to all! It has been awhile since I posted to my blog but this post is special to me and I hope others will be inspired by it. Today, May 18th, 2024 marks the 5th anniversary since I started on my plant-based journey. Yes, that means FIVE YEARS of no meat, no dairy, no eggs and 5 years of none of my wife's red beans and rice and classic spaghetti, my mom's gumbo and sweet potato pie, and other staples of the first 49 years of my life. It also meant no fried chicken strips from Ezell's, no Jones's BBQ, no teriyaki, no burgers from Dick's. You get it! I mention all of this to just highlight that it has not been easy and there are times I may crave fried chicken, a nice steak, or a juicy burger. But I resolved in my heart to to forge ahead on this path because it literally SAVED MY LIFE! So yes, May 18th is a special day for me. There have been struggles and setbacks but I am proud to say I have never touched meat, dairy, or eggs from day one. In the process of exploring the world of veganism and particularly, whole food plant based eating, I have learned so much about myself and the lifestyle. I have lost 85 lbs but it has come with many challenges. Over the last two months I did a 60-day personal challenge as I looked forward to my anniversary. Over the next few weeks I will share details of what that entailed as well as other things I have gleaned over the last 5 years. Stay tuned!
By Laurenzo Thomas June 2, 2022
There is absolutely no question that a plant-based diet and lifestyle has captured the minds and hearts of people everywhere. Whether it's for health reasons, for ethical reasons, or just a change from the ordinary, adopting a plant-based lifestyle is certainly a popular trend right now. But for those who truly see the amazing benefits it is definitely not just a trend. They recognize the tremendous impact it can have on one not just physically but mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually. Because of this many have made the decision to embark on the journey; they are in it for the long haul! Perhaps you also have made a conscientious decision to do the same. But are you ready? What does going plant-based really mean? In essence a plant-based diet involves centering your meal choices around plants, plant centric as it were. What do we mean by plants? That would include vegetables, fruits, legumes (i.e. lentils, beans, chickpeas, peas), tubers (i.e. potatoes, yams), root vegetables (i.e. carrots, beets), nuts, and seeds. Particularly, you should strive to have at least half your plate consist of vegetables especially green veggies like kale, collards. or broccoli. Now here at PREAM Nutrition, we emphasize a no meat, no eggs, no dairy diet. In other words, nothing with a mother as Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn would say. Because of this some would label that veganism and it's true sometimes the terms could be interchangeable. We will address that in a later blog, but suffice to say a plant-based diet may allow for meat, processed foods, fried foods , etc... However, if your goal is optimal health as you travel on this journey, you will definitely want to consider avoiding meat altogether as well as processed foods, and what some would term vegan junk foods (do you hear me Doritos and Oreo cookies?) Other obvious factors in this journey are your goals. Are you trying to lose weight? Do you want to prevent or perhaps reverse certain health conditions? Is your aim to lower your carbon footprint? Whatever your goals are, they should be clearly stated so you can keep them in focus as you pursue this plant-based adventure. Having support along the way is paramount to success as well and PREAM Nutrition is here to travel with you, support you, and guide you along the way! So are you ready for this plant-based journey? Take it one step at a time, one day at a time, brace yourself for the inevitable challenges along the way, and you can be sure of reaching your destination and finding success!
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