Tag Archives: great

How did I do?

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How did I do?

Each time I give a speech, I ask my wife “How did I do? Was I OK?”

For the most part, she pretty much says  “I did OK.”   But this time she said “I was really great!”

Did I hear that correctly? Could she be describing somebody else????  No….she was describing me!  I guess that month of preparing was the right thing to do.

This Tuesday, I will ask the clients’ opinion. If the client liked it, it can open up new doors for me. Wish me luck!

OK, I know what you are thinking….you don’t believe in wishing somebody “good luck”. Either do I; it is just a nice thing to say when you are stuck for something to say.  We all make our own luck…. with consistent effort….each day.  Luck doesn’t  just happen.

Stress!!!

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Stress!!!

Stress…this is the way I feel sometimes!

I posted a picture of me at Costco getting my hearing aids worked on and a few people wrote to me and asked me what I was doing.

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Here it is: I thought hearing aides were worn by “old” people. Now I reaching the age of “old”.  But these aren’t the kind of hearing aids senior citizens wear…these are way BETTER!  Check it out…

IMG_0115 (1)Audeo-60

 

 

 

 

 

I know what your thinking: Your bald, don’t hear, you can’t see, your right arm is weak, and  you can’t walk on your hands.  Wow…what a catch!

I wondered what Jill thought of all this. I asked Jill if she thought less of me or if I still bring her joy.  I honestly wanted to know since I am NOT the man she fell in love with 25 years ago.  The good news:  it won’t change my view of things because I don’t get mad.  So I brought up the question to Jill.

Jill thought about it for a second , smiled and kissed me.  That said it all!  Isn’t she the best!!!  I found a keeper.

Another result is in….

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The results of the CAHU in Denver, CO are in!  In looking the other speakers numbers, I guess I did GREAT.  They ranged from 10% to 58%; I was the highest at 69%.

But even better, were the direct quotes. These were 3 of my favorites:

“This story and message was exceptional.  I appreciate the opportunity to hear it and be inspired by it.  Excellent choice.  I have already read to book.”

 

“I truly appreciated his speech – my husband and I are business partners as well – and we have just applied for Disability Insurance!  I truly appreciated his message, delivery and the book is fabulous!”

 

“Gordon and his spouse were the highlight of the day. Incredibly moving and everyone in attendance either left completely inspired or needing to check their pulse!” 

And of course, there was the negative:

“I did not see why this speaker was invited.”

At first, I was disappointed. But as I read his quotes about the other speakers, I felt pretty good!  Someone once said “a speech isn’t any good unless you have a negative comment”…or something like that.

 

I now have hearing aids!

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First, I wasn’t to say THANK YOU for all the positive responses I received from the Stroke Walk I attended on Saturday.  We had over 9000 people in attendance!

Second: I can’t believe I am writing this. I though hearing aides were worn by “old” people. Now I reaching the age of “old”.  But these aren’t the kind of hearing aids senior citizens wear…these are way BETTER!  Check it out…

IMG_0115 (1)Audeo-60I know what your thinking: Your bald, don’t hear, you can’t see, your right arm is weak, and  you can’t walk on your hands.  Wow…what a catch!

I wondered what Jill thought of all this. I asked Jill if she thought less of me or if I still bring her joy.  I honestly wanted to know since I am NOT the man she fell in love with 25 years ago.  The good news:  it won’t change my view of things because I don’t get mad.  So I brought up the question to Jill.

Jill thought about it for a second , smiled and kissed me.  That said it all!  Isn’t she the best!!!  I found a keeper.

Good tips for stroke survivors!

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Publications for stroke survivors and care partners

Below is a list of the resources to support your recovery, developed by the Heart and Stroke Foundation

Post-Stroke Checklist

A series of questions to help survivors and their care partners assess their recovery.

  • Use at the time of hospital discharge, and during follow-up healthcare visits.
  • Available to download (PDF).

Your Stroke Journey: A guide for people living with stroke

A comprehensive guide (110 pages) to help you understand the effects of stroke and manage your recovery.

Useful right after a stroke and over the course of your recovery.Download entire book: Your Stroke Journey (whole book, 110 pages, PDF)

Source: Heart & Stroke Foundation

This was even BETTER!

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IMG_14191-1Ok…it didn’t look like that, but it was fantastic.  Since I was a hero with my vegetarian dinner on Valentines Day, I got to select a dinner WITH meat, chicken or fish.  I once again, scanned my cookbooks and selected this one:Screen Shot 2015-02-17 at 6.39.06 PM

It took me a long time, but I finally found it.  Jill made it for me before, so I knew it was good.  And boy, was it speculator!

IMG_0571

Make this recipe and you wife/groom/husband/boyfriend/significant other will think you are amazing.   I know...I think my wife made the best dish ever!  You have to taste it. Jill HATES salmon, so she just had the gnocchi…and it was amazing.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_4_9?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=mccormick+%26+schmick's+seafood+restaurant+cookbook&sprefix=mccormick%2Cstripbooks%2C197&rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Amccormick+%26+schmick's+seafood+restaurant+cookbookNow, I have to get on my treadmill and walk off some extra pounds. ( I will tell you about that next time.)

The #1 question is….

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“Is it SCARY getting up in front of people???”

When I tell people Gordon and I are inspirational speakers, that is the very first question people ask.  It isn’t.  In fact, it is actually a lot of fun.

Perhaps it isn’t scary because we talk about a subject we know so well… us!   My speaking career began answering questions at the end of Gordon’s speech.  That was fun, meaningful, interactive, AND I didn’t have to prepare anything!

After every speech we have given, Gordon and I talk about what a great experience it was and how nice the people were.  Hearing our story of hope, faith, marriage, and family seems to bring out the best in people.  Perhaps getting up in front of people isn’t scary because the audience embraces our story and therefore embraces us.  We all share a moment of vulnerability and for that moment, we all feel like family.  And that isn’t scary at all.

Jill Viggiano

YES…4 more speeches this month!

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Sure…I guess this is ok.

Naturally, I want it to be more.  I am ALWAYS wanting more.  But I have to stay calm and BUILD my business.  The problem is that I hate it when I am NOT building my business.  Everyday I should be making phone calls, meeting with people, networking, etc.

The problem is that I don’t talk very well.  See the dilemma?

Sometimes I tape record the calls.  I have had meetings when I thought I was spectacular and I couldn’t wait to hear how I sounded.  I turn on the tape and each time I am stunned. I can’t believe what I am hearing.  I THINK I am doing a good job, but when I hear myself speak, I realize that all the people AROUND me are the ones being kind. I am terrible…even after 6.5 years.

When I talk…and read from a script, I do great.  But when I try to improvise, that is where I fall down. I am thinking about scripting MORE of my calls.   What do you think?