For some people, merely thinking about public speaking can cause their palms to sweat. It is one of the most common fears out there. However, there are many ways to overcome your fear and deliver a memorable speech. Here are some useful tips.
#1: DO YOU KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE?
Know the reason why you are asked to talk in a room full of people. Identify your audience. It is important to identify your audience to know what they want or need to take away from your speech. If you are speaking in front of your friends at a wedding, entertain them. If you are speaking in front of your co-workers, inspire them.
#2: HAVE YOU REHEARSED?
Make time to practice your speech. Write down your goals and the content of your speech ahead of time. This will ensure that your muscle memory will work while you deliver your speech. Try practicing despite having different distractions to mimic real-life situations.
#3: WHICH STYLE WORKS FOR YOU?
While others may benefit from having their script memorized, some may perform better with a few notes on a paper. Different events will usually require a different style. Know which style works for you.
#4: HAVE YOU TESTED ALL THE EQUIPMENT?
Nothing is more frustrating than last-minute technical difficulties. Avoid adding more stress to your day by testing all the equipment and audio visual presentations ahead of time. It is best to have backups too.
#5: HOW DID YOU USE YOUR BODY LANGUAGE?
The right physical or non-verbal communication can have a profound impact on how your message is interpreted and received. Be aware of your body language! For instance, you must make eye contact. Face your audience and stand straight. Avoid crossing your arms or putting your hands in your pockets.
#6: DID YOU GRAB ATTENTION?
Grab attention by refraining from starting a speech with what today’s talk is about. Instead, use an interesting anecdote or a shocking statistic to kick things off. Conclude your speech with a summary and a strong statement that your audience will remember.
#7: HAVE YOU TRIED ENJOYING THE EXPERIENCE?
Image credits: unsplash.com
Fake it until you make it. If you look bored, then the audience will think that you not interesting. Exude confidence by adding a little humor (i.e., as long as it is appropriate) and interesting anecdotes. This will help you and your audience relax. Remember to eliminate sentences that does not clearly support your purpose. Remember that it is not about you, it is about your audience.
Slapped with a price tag of about S$2000 for one artificial eye, also known as ocular prosthesis, it gives hope to Singaporeans who have lost one or both of their eyes. This is made proudly by Ms Suriya Abu Waled, the only ocularist in National University Hospital (NUH).
“I love the job because I can help patients to regain their confidence and also to get trust (from others) and lead their normal lives,” she said.
Ms Suriya has 14 years of experience as an ocularist in NUH. While she was previously an imaging specialist with the ophthalmology department, she went for training in India for two months to become an ocularist. All in all, she makes these artificial eyes for about 15 new patients every year.
An art and a science
Image Credits: CNA
According to Ms Suriya, the creation process for the ocular prosthesis is both an art and a science. Each piece takes approximately four days to make and it’s essential to come up with a few models with delicate hand painting to replicate the finer details of the eye.
“They usually want to look their best for them. We understand because as a provider, I want them to be happy and feel comfortable wearing the prosthesis so that when they walk out of my door, they feel happy to meet people and to see themselves (look) so natural. That is our aim,” she remarked.
The process of making an ocular prosthesis
Image Credits: CNA
The patient has to be present for the entire process of making the prosthesis. It usually starts with creating an impression mould. To do so, Ms Suriya injects an alginate solution into the eye socket using a syringe and removes it after it hardens.
Next, some wax is poured into the impression mould and inserted into the patient’s eye after it solidifies. Ms Suriya then makes fine-tunings by placing markings on the wax model to identify the position of the patient’s iris. Adjustments according to the patient’s natural eye movements are also taken into account.
After all the measurements are in place, the crafting of the actual prosthesis takes place. This includes painting the iris button and the building of an acrylic shell around the iris button (as eye whites). Some filing and buffing are also involved.
Once the first version is ready, the patient will attend a fitting session. At this point, Ms Suriya will check on the comfortability and note down any modifications needed.
To ensure it looks as natural as possible, she hand paints the iris to match the patient’s other eye. Thin red threads are also added to imitate the look of blood vessels in the eye whites. Once finishing touches are out of the way, polishing begins.
“If the outcome is nice, is good, and the patient is comfortable and happy with it, of course, it makes you so happy when you see the patient and (you’ve given) them self-confidence,” Ms Suriya said.
Replication of movement of a real eye
Image Credits: unsplash.com
Dr Gangadhara Sundar, head and senior consultant of orbit and oculofacial surgery in NUH’s department of ophthalmology, mentioned that a well-fitted prosthesis in the socket could even replicate some of the movement of a real eye.
“When the eyes are removed, the eye socket is replaced with an implant which is usually attached to the patient’s eye muscles. Thus when the other eye moves, the implant moves, this, in turn, transfers the movement to the eye prosthesis, although not as perfectly or equally as the normal eye,” he sheds light on the issue.
Who needs it?
Image Credits: unsplash.com
People may lose their eyes through reasons like eye cancer, eye injuries, and even failed eye surgeries. When that happens, the removal of eyeballs and replacement with an implant in the eye socket can be a solution.
As Dr Sundar accurately puts it, the placement of ocular prosthesis can restore patients to their structural, aesthetic, and psychosocial status quo. It also helps prevent sunken deformities in the socket area after the eye is removed through enucleation.
A real case scenario
Image Credits: CNA
10-year-old Claire Lim is one who has benefited from the works of Ms Suriya. While she was in pre-school, she was diagnosed with persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous. It’s a condition where a random or sporadic developmental abnormality usually appears in just one eye.
Dr Sundar stated that Claire’s condition could result in other complications if not treated early and aggressively. Since it was not easy to restore her vision, the doctors at NUH settled for an artificial eye.
Narrating her experience of getting fitted with a prosthesis by Ms Suriya, Claire said, “It was really painful when she had to push the eye in. It feels like stepping on Lego. A few hours later, it was ok, but it was painful for a few minutes later. And I cried.”
Claire also added that the artificial eye drops out at times, and she has to use eyedrops three times a day.
While observing his daughter’s condition, Mr Lim Sze Liat shares that the fake eye had improved Claire’s confidence. Before she had the prosthesis, stares from classmates and teachers were common.
“But when she got her prosthesis and walked about in school, people found that Claire looks normal. So everybody tried to play with her. Teachers also noticed she was more confident (after that) in kindergarten, which was where she suffered the most,” he commented.
Stating that this year has been filled with surprises is an understatement. As 2020 ends, our Yuletide experience is expected to look different. Online shopping has been more popular than ever. Furthermore, more and more shops have imposed strict COVID-19 guidelines.
Whether you are purchasing your holiday gifts online or offline, it is important to stick to a strict budget. We are all experiencing financial set-backs during these uncertain times. On that note, here are some holiday shopping tips to keep you safe during the pandemic.
#1: CHOOSE A STORE WITH FREE RETURNS
Shopping online is challenging because you cannot see the items in person. To make things easier for you and its recipient, choose stores that offer free online returns. This will allow you to avoid wasteful purchases.
#2: OPT FOR USEFUL GIFTS
Many people find value in receiving gifts that meet their current needs. People are spending most of their time at home. Think about the gifts that can help your friends and relatives relax. You can search for silk pillowcases, fancy candles, and a fragrant bath bomb set. Treat your loved ones to something that makes their home feel peaceful and bright.
#3: DO NOT SKIP ON THE PACKAGING
My mother recently bought ribbons and paper bags from Daiso. She does not want to forget about the gift’s packaging and presentation. The exterior packaging of a gift is usually the first thing they will see. Choose a fun packaging that will make the recipient feel special.
#4: ADD MEANING TO YOUR GIFTS
Buy a gift that makes the person hope and plan for the future. For instance, a 2021 goal planner has been popular among my circle of friends. Pair a meaningful gift with a heartwarming card. Even a classic tie can be more personal when paired with a fancy dinner date. Take time to think about a gift that can add meaning to the recipient’s life.
#5: SIGN-UP FOR SALE ALERTS
Snag the best deals by signing up for sale alerts from popular retailers. Many shoppers go back to a store to reap the benefits of deals on kitchen appliances, home décor, furniture, and more.
#6: GET CASH BACK FOR PURCHASES
Some credit cards have a higher percentage of cash-back rewards than others. Be mindful of that. You will find great deals at popular retailers when you pay with the right card. Shop and save this holiday season!
#7: SHOP LOCALLY
You will be able to save more money and help more people when you shop at small, local stores. Support small businesses. You can tailor your gift to the person’s personality. It is another way of making your gift personal and special.
American Express (‘Amex’) and Singapore Airlines (‘SIA’), 2 giants in their respective fields, share a rich and deep history. This relationship started as early as the 1980s, where Amex encouraged Card Members that it was “A Great Way To Fly Around the World with the Card” on SIA.
Source: Advertisement published in 1983
Besides that, in 1983, the Campaign on “Don’t leave on SQ without it” where Card Members can shop in-flight on SIA with Amex Card quickly struck a deep chord with both SIA and Amex’s customers.
Source: Advertisement published in 1983
Besides promoting each other’s products, the relationship deepened into an official partnership with the launch of frequent flyer credit cards.
SIA’s First Cobrand Card Launched in 2000
The start of the millennium marked the launch of the first American Express Singapore Airlines Cobrand Card, The American Express® Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Gold Credit Card and the beginning of the 20 years card partnership between the two companies known for its exceptional service.
Its success led to subsequent launches in the following years:
2005- The American Express® Singapore Airlines PPS Club Platinum Credit Card
(Exclusively for Singapore Airlines PPS Club Members only – for the premium or business travellers who would like to enhance their travel benefits as they fly with Singapore Airlines.)
2009- The American Express® Singapore Airlines Solitaire PPS Credit Card
(Exclusively for Singapore Airlines Solitaire PPS Club Members only– for the premium or business travellers who would like to enhance their travel benefits as they fly with Singapore Airlines.)
2013- The American Express® Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card
For the miles chaser who enjoys added travel privileges like airport lounge access and complimentary hotel stays.
This suite of American Express Singapore Airlines Credit Cards caters to every consumer from the premium traveller to the millennial adventurer, reaching Singaporeans across all segments of society.
A Major Refresh in 2016
In 2016, SIA and Amex enhanced their 4 credit card products to provide additional exclusive benefits and improve mileage earn rates, offering card members new and faster ways to earn and redeem KrisFlyer rewards.
In 2016, the American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Gold Credit Card was renamed to American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card with a refreshed Card Face. This is a great Card for Millennials who just stepped into the workforce and would like to start on their KrisFlyer miles collection journey.
This refresh was testament to Amex and SIA’s longstanding commitment to continually enhance the benefits of the Cobrand Cards to better cater to Cobrand Card Member’s needs.
A Card for Small Businesses in 2019
Taking their partnership further, SIA and Amex addressed a gap in the market when they launched the American Express® Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card in 2019. It was the first SME business travel card in Singapore and exclusive Business Card with SIA, providing Small & Medium Enterprise owners with access to credit terms, greater savings with HighFlyer and travel benefits to support their business ambitions.
A Lucky Draw to celebrate 20 Amazing Years
To celebrate the milestone of reaching 20 years of partnership, Amex and SIA are holding “The Perfect Vacation at Home Draw”. 20 lucky card members will win a 2D1N themed staycation at Shangri-La Hotel Singapore or The Barracks Hotel, 20,000 KrisFlyer miles, and a welcome bag filled with Amex and SIA merchandise to bring home^.
Besides applying for a personal Amex-SIA Cobrand Credit Card, earn chances when you make eligible spend and successfully refer a friend. There is no need to register for this draw as enrolment is automatic. You could be one of the lucky 20 winners on 5 March 2021*!
*All winners will receive a call on 5 March 2021 or within 7 business days for more details on how to redeem The Perfect Vacation at Home Prize. Card members can also revisit this site to see if you have won.
Especially for parents and guardians who are already worried about the school reopening in about two weeks, this article would be a lifesaver. Also for those who might be called back to the office more often in phase three, following the further reopening of other activities, it’s about time you start thinking about waking up early.
I recall having a little cold water splashed onto my face when I was a kid refusing to get up. Sometimes, my parents would even resort to putting ice cubes on my neck. Just the mere thought of it is enough to give me goosebumps. If you’re tempted to do the same to your child or a loved one, I urge you to think twice.
Since everybody’s system is wired differently, it might take some trial and error to find the right way to wake someone up appropriately. Here are some ways you can consider to help safely stir a deep sleeper, including yourself.
Useful ways to wake up a deep sleeper
#1: Music
Image Credits: today.com
According to a recent study this year, people were found to be more receptive to be roused from their sleep by musical sounds than compared to the standard alarm clock ringtones.
We believe that most people would have undergone sensations of sleep inertia in their lifetime. In short, it’s a state of grogginess and disorientation you feel upon opening your eyes. That heavy feeling is definitely not a pleasant experience.
With that said, if you frequently suffer from sleep inertia, using the right tunes may aid you in reducing it. Even if it doesn’t, at least you wouldn’t be awakened annoyed or surprised by the default sounds of your alarm clock.
#2: Wake-up lights
Image Credits: sunnyclocks.com
Those who’ve been to several camps would understand how it feels to be woken up by a sudden surge of bright light. Thanks to the senseless camp committee members on the morning shift, you will have to snap out from sleep immediately.
Having wake-up lights can assist your body to bring you out of sleep slowly. The main idea here is that instead of an instant rush of unwelcoming blazing light, you can program smart light bulbs to get brighter gradually based on the time you set.
For those who prefer more money-saving strategies, make full use of the natural sun rays to get you going in the morning. Opt for translucent curtains instead of room darkening shades to allow the body to be aware when morning comes. Alternatively, one can also choose to leave a little opening on your blinds or your curtains to let the light in when it’s due.
Research has shown that the morning sunlight suppresses the sleep-facilitating hormone, melatonin, and increases your serotonin levels, a natural mood stabiliser to regulate your emotions and support body functions.
#4: Mental stimulation
Image Credits: apkonline.net
When your brain is engaged, you’re seldom sleepy. Deep sleepers who can appreciate stimulating mental activities should go for this method. Set your alarm to wake up to a news radio station to grab your attention and break you away from the sleepy state.
Math enthusiasts who find pleasure solving problem sums no matter the time of the day can download alarm apps like the Mathe Alarm Clock to revive your sleepy head. Want to shut off the alarm? Work your brain in solving multiple-choice math puzzles before you’re allowed to.
Another app called Alarmy is also an option to try. It promises various fun missions which require you to take a photo, solve a math problem, shake your phone up to 999 times, and more! More premium features are included if you’ve exhausted the free ones and need a fresh coat of paint to switch things up.
#5: Keep to a sleep schedule
Image Credits: eatthis.com
We’re sure you’re well aware of a term called “body clock”. Based on a study conducted, having constant variableness in the time you hit the sack and waking up can lead to inadequate sleep. In more severe cases, it may also result in other poor lifestyle behaviours.
If you want to wake up on time without fail, keeping to a consistent sleep schedule is vital. When you have a structured sleep-wake routine, your body’s internal clock can function at its peak. Over time, you will find it a breeze as your body gets accustomed to the process.
All in all, it will take some time before you can find the best strategy to wake up a deep sleeper. With some experiments and try-outs, you will realise them in no time!
Bonus tips for approaching a sleepwalker
Image Credits: LA Times
Unless you are a sleep expert, it’s rather hard to be exactly sure on how to approach a sleepwalker. This is very different from dealing with a sound sleeper.
Do you know that sleepwalking happens in the deep non-rapid eye movement (NREM) stage of sleep? It is a condition where a person can sit up in bed, walk around, eat, or even enter a car for a drive. Some sleepwalkers may even speak, though what they say can make no sense.
As sleepwalkers may unintentionally harm others or themselves, you must return them to bed or wake them up. But to avoid frightening them, you want to do so gently. One way is to direct the person back to their room using as little physical contact as possible. Minimising contact will lessen the possibility of triggering an angry reaction.
Should you try and fail, make a loud noise from a distance to arouse the sleepwalker from their state. Clapping your hands is the quickest way to produce a sound. Presuming that the person wakes up disoriented, softly tell them that they were sleepwalking and accompany them back to the bedroom.
Before you go, we would like to take this chance to strongly encourage anyone who’s struggling with sleepwalking to see a doctor, get a proper diagnosis, and receive treatment.
