Finding The Right Baby Presents

There are so many potential baby presents on the market today that it’s often hard to choose what would be a perfect gift for the mother-to-be. It’s not uncommon for showers associated with this celebration to be held not only before the baby is born, but after. Although there are many similarities between the two types of parties, great gifts can be quite different.

Babies grow so fast that clothing is always a good option. The problem for those attending a shower prior to the birth of the baby is knowing exactly what size to get as well as what the gender of the baby will be. Not only can size of the baby range significantly when it comes to birth weight, but their growth rate limits the amount of time they can wear that adorable 0 to 3 months size. As a rule of thumb, finding a cute outfit that ranges between nine months and 18 months is often a better choice since the baby can wear it at a later point in their life.

There are many styles, patterns, and colors available today that are appropriate regardless of gender. This has made it much easier for gift givers to find stylish and unique items that the parents may not be able to afford themselves. However, buying an expensive designer outfit is not required in order to make your gift stand out from others.

For those who are able to sew, knit, or crochet, this is the perfect opportunity to put on your designer cap. By selecting materials carefully, some of the cutest outfits can be handmade. It’s important to remember in this case, however, that the materials used as well as the finishing touches are what often make an outfit unique. If a new baby’s name is known, adding the initials or the name itself on the outfit will show how special the child is to you.

One of the problems many new moms have is duplication of gifts. Although blankets are needed and can be personalized, only so many can be used over the course of the baby’s first couple of years. Fortunately today, baby registries are available through various stores. This allows parents to identify their needs, which is especially important if this is not the first baby. Coordinating gift choices with family and friends is also a good idea.

What has become more common is the concept of baskets. This provides an opportunity for individuals to help parents pick up the products they need that they may not think of initially. Taking a crib sheet and filling it with items such as lotions, powders, baby bath soap then pulling ends together and tying it up with a pretty ribbon can be a pleasant surprise for any new mom.

Baby presents provide an opportunity to share in the joy of a new baby’s birth. As such, they should be memorable, special, of most of all needed. There are many options on the market today. However, by ensuring gifts are functional, thoughtful, and creative one can be sure that their gift will stand out from the crowd and be a pleasant reminder to parents of how much you care.

Deception in Life and Negotiation

Deception is to winning wars as wars are to securing peace. Thus, does deception lead to peace? Even though war and peace don’t exist simultaneously, they rely on each other for the other’s existence. So to what degree should we use deception to establish peace when we’re at odds with another? The answer lies in the degree we wish to establish calm for the purpose of peace, versus self-exultation, self-efficacy, or some form of selfishness.

There are times we feel deceived due to someone not abiding by their commitment to us, or when we deceive ourselves because we refuse to accept the reality of what is, or what’s coming; in the latter, we do so to create the peace within us that’s required to deal with a pending situation. In the former, we do so because of the naiveté we possessed that allowed us to be duped.

Regardless of the meaning you give a situation, understand the source of motivation that led you to such actions. Take note of how you felt as you entered into a situation, what occurred during and while you were engaged in it, and its outcome. By making note of such milestones, you’ll be creating historical markers from which to compare and adjust your future actions. You’ll be more aware of the cloak in which deceit might disguise itself and you’ll have new tools to uncover and combat it.

When your world is filled with war accept it for what it is, knowing that peace will surely follow. If you have the fortitude, you can survive almost anything. Don’t let a setback prevent you from experiencing the setup for a comeback.

What does this have to do with negotiations?

In negotiations, deceit is an integral part of the negotiation. You may give the appearance of feigning left when your intent is to move right, ask for more than you need in hopes of getting what you really want, etc. In reality, everyone’s negotiation strategy contain aspects of deceit. So, don’t get upset with the opposing negotiator because you feel he’s deceived you. Instead, plan for the inevitable, which means accounting for some form of deceit, in his efforts to maximize his outcome. After all, you’re doing the exact same thing, attempting to maximize your negotiation efforts and outcome. Account for this in your negotiations and you won’t be distraught when it occurs. In so doing you’ll be better prepared mentally to negotiate… and everything will be right with the world.

Remember, you’re always negotiating!

Presentations: The Mystery of the Microphone

The main purpose of a microphone (mike) is straightforward – to amplify your voice. But that’s not the only reason for using one. An important reason is to prevent vocal strain. It’s surprising how often people shout into a microphone, when turning up the volume would have a more pleasing effect.

Effective use of a microphone requires some basic knowledge, awareness and experience. Unfortunately, too often these factors are not simultaneously in play when a microphone is in use. I’ve heard speakers, unfamiliar with the use of a mike use it incorrectly thereby detracting from their delivery or simply become flustered with the technology. Microphones are not complicated, but unfamiliarity with their operation can create problems for a presenter and embarrassment for, or harassment of the audience!

Firstly, when do you need one? There are 3 main determining factors – the size of the audience, the size of the room and the strength of your voice. Other factors include the length of your presentation, the room’s acoustics and background noise like air-conditioning. Logically, for an audience of 40 or less people in a small room a microphone may be unnecessary. If this is the case there is no point in using one. The bigger the room, the larger the audience and the longer the presentation the more need there will be for a microphone.

However, not all mike’s are created equal. Although there are some good deals around, price is a reasonable benchmark of quality. The same can be said for amplifiers or public address systems. No matter how good your voice is, it is unlikely to sound like much on a poor sound system. You should also consider the different microphone configurations – hand held (wired and cordless), on a mike stand (limiting your movement) or a headset. For example, a pickup is used to amplify a string instrument from a location very close to the strings. Comedians prefer hand held mike’s because they accommodate vocal variations which are part of a comedy act. Singer-guitarists may prefer a mike on a stand (or a headset) so that they can play the guitar and sing simultaneously. Speakers who use body language and gestures as part of their act like the headset, as it allows freedom of movement and consistently remains the same distance from the mouth. The same would apply to a singer pianist.

But the microphone provided at your event may not suit your presentation style. This possibility begs the question: Should you invest in your own?

I’ve been surprised to find that, in contrast to professional singers, most professional speakers I’ve met do not own a microphone. When one is needed, I almost always have mine with me because then at least I know that the front part of the system is top quality and I know exactly how it works. I use a Countryman headset with a Shure receiver and transmitter. It’s never, ever let me down. You may also invest in a battery tester. Only ever go on stage with fully charged batteries. There are few things more annoying for everyone than a sharp drop in volume due to instant power loss.

Experienced presenters and musicians will never use a microphone without a sound check. This confirms the overall sound, the desired volume settings and the compatibility of the microphone with the amplifier. This requires turning up early. If a receiver is part of the microphone kit, you will want to decide where to wear it so that it remains secure and does not create an embarrassing bulge on your person.

When coughing or clearing your throat, be careful not to do so directly into the mike or you’ll blast your audience clean out of their chairs. Practice speaking in a normal voice during the sound check. It’s not necessary to over project or shout – the mike is there to create amplification for you.

If you perform or speak to audiences regularly, microphones are an essential item in your kit, not optional. Get your own quality mike and learn to use it properly. You’ll look and sound more professional, and you’ll save your voice for the next day. Besides, the peace of mind you’ll have from using your own gear is priceless.