Update: I've been a member of my speaking group for one year. There's a lot of love, encouragement and support within the assembly. It feels like family. Everyone who wants to succeed does so by receiving from, and also contributing to the collective.

This may include expanding our minds, bodies and voices. Or giving a complimentary consultation, a place for a party, or a much-needed hug. Sometimes it may just be sharing a victory over coffee. It's true: Good relatonships are the core to success.

Feature Article: Political Sales Pitch

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Subhuman Species...

A lawyer friend in San Francisco told me armed robbery has risen sharply in the City by the Bay. And across the bay Oakland's mayor is asking for help from the Guardian Angels to curb that city's rash of restaurant robberies. Is this the sign of the times?

With the US economy approaching rigor mortis, companies with questionable motives are oozing out of the woodwork. They're focused on cashing in on your money, hoping you won't lift a finger against them. They're banking that you won't even question if a disputed item belongs to you. The latest moneymaking practice bordering on unethical that's making headlines is the collection of Zombie Debt.

That's when debt you thought was taken care of in the past, whether you were a victim of fraud or not, suddenly appears when a collection agency sends you an intent to collect letter. Whether you owe any debt or not, or whether you've already paid up isn't the point. These debts can reappear because they are sold and resold from agency to agency and the records of your past settlements may no longer be on file.

Your editor received one such letter. It had my name on a photocopied printout but with Bronx, New York as the billing address. And after a conversation with the collection agency rep, I concluded that some subhuman species used my personal information to open a cellular phone account.

Yes, I am a victim of identity theft. I'm supposed to pay it off or else I get a nasty note on my credit report. If you or anyone you know is facing this predicament visit: How Stuff Works. Then go to the FTC's Identity Theft Site.

Political Sales Pitch

Dear Associate,

If you had the chance to watch the showcase of speakers at the 2008 Democratic National Convention you'd probably agree they are a talented assembly of orators led by Senator Barack Obama, Senator Hillary Clinton and former president Bill Clinton. I'd also praise their speechwriters for their fantastic contribution. Yet it takes a great communicator to energize the written word to life with passion, meaning and a persuasiveness that drives the message home and into people's hearts.

Not long ago autism expert Chantal Sicile-Kira gave our speaking group seven quick tips on political speaking. These tips will benefit you if you're thinking about giving politically speeches or running for office. I've included my take on her tips.

Take it away Chantal:

1) Be yourself. That means being genuine, authentic and natural. It's really not appropriate to model someone else's style. If you're sad, show your sadness. If you're happy, show your enthusiasm. Avoid projecting a frozen face. It reeks of insincerity.

2) Don't be afraid. That means be confident. Use powerful gestures. If your audience detects any signs of nervousness, stuttering or uneasiness — that's a sign of weakness and people may assume you don't believe what you're saying.

3) Establish a connection. That means look at your audience. Give them some attention. They want to connect with you. They also want to hear a message that's designed with them in mind. And not only about you or your party's accomplishments.

4) Be grounded with your audience. That means your speech has to sink in with the majority of your audience. If you talk about one specific topic, and you stay there, you may risk neutralizing or even polarizing the rest of your crowd.

5) Breathe deeply. This is critically important. If you want to project your voice, stimulate the crowd with vocal modulation, and punctuate certain words or phrases you may want to use deep breathing. You get power and punch from a deep breath. Great speaking begins with a great breath.

6) Show how much you care. Your campaign message usually hinges on moving the masses from darkness to light. On offering hope. But if you can't show how much you care, how much you believe in your message, or how crucial it is to become partners for a better world — it will fall on deaf ears.

7) Dressing snazzy with jewelry. I'm sure Chantal was trying to be humorous stating that if you (as a female political speaker) mess up — at least you're still able to look nice. I don't believe there's room for taking this type of chance in politics. Darker business attire is best because it helps people, especially the TV and big screen audiences, focus on your face and eyes.

Are you ready to hit the political trail? The important point to remember is we won't believe your message unless you believe your message. So how badly do you want our votes?

Warm regards,