Ease your nerves before your next presentation If you're nervous before a presentation, remind yourself that you've done it before and that even a 30-minute presentation represents a very small slice of your life, writes Kindra Hall. You may also be able to relax if you remember that your presentation isn't about yourself, but about what the audience can learn. Inc. online (8/23)How to interrupt someone without being rude If you feel like you must interrupt someone to keep a discussion on topic or provide important information, it's best to acknowledge the act by saying, "Can I interrupt for a moment?" Another good transition is "While we're on that topic," which allows you to give relevant input and keep the conversation moving, writes Kat Boogaard. The Muse (8/23)
Look to your peers, not just your former managers, to serve as references. Managers can speak to your reliability and experience, while peers can provide information on how well you handle stress, listen and help others, according to research. Harvard Business Review online (tiered subscription model) (8/21)
Your Next Challenge
Find the right job for your personality type Introverts will find that a tendency toward shyness won't hold them back in careers such as human resource management or computer programming, writes Makeda Waterman. Meanwhile, extroverts are likely to succeed in project management, interior design or sales. Glassdoor (8/23)
Balancing Yourself
Spend a few minutes a day on mindfulness exercises Two-minute routines such as deep breathing or mental exercises are a good way to incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine, says author Martyn Newman. You can eventually work your way up to longer meditation routines. Fast Company online (8/18)
Take the opportunity to learn from your mistakes: Find the cause of your problem and eliminate it. Don't try to be perfect; just be an excellent example of being human.
