erichudon.ca

"Praise the God of all, drink the wine, and let the world be the world."

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 23:27:06 -0500

“Praise the God of all, drink the wine, and let the world be the world.”

- French Proverb

ACB-3 (prise 2): Un appel qui côute cher… [English version...

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 11:28:45 -0500

ACB-3 (prise 2): Un appel qui côute cher…

[English version follows]

Ceci est mon 3e projet Toastmasters de niveau avancé (bronze). Comme je n’ai pas atteint les objectifs la première fois, j’ai dû le reprendre.

Les objectifs du projet sont de :

Répondre à des critiques verbales sur un mode non défensif.
Suivre la méthode préconisée en cinq étapes pour identifier le problème, déarmorcer les attaques et trouver une solution.

J’ai fais ce projet le 13 octobre 2011. Vous pouvez voir la rétroaction que j’ai reçu ici. Ne vous gêner pas pour donner votre propre évaluation ou opinion dans la zone de commentaire ci-dessous.

[English]

This is my 3rd avanced toastmasters project (bronze). Since I did not attain the objectives the first time, I had to do it again.

The aims for this project are to:

React to verbal critics in a non-defensive mode
Follow the prescribed method in five steps to find the problem and disengage attacks and find a solution.

I delivered this project on October 13th, 2011. See the feedback I received for this speech here. Please feel free to provide your own feedback in the comment section below.

Insights from Steve

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 18:11:00 -0400

Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes… the ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules… You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things… they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do. - Steve Jobs

Yesterday I finished listening to the audiobook of Steve Jobs’ biography. The unabridged audiobook is 25 hours long and cost 30$ in iTunes. I have been a long time fan of Apple and Jobs, working myself in the software industry.

I thought I knew a lot about this guy, but I was sometime shocked sometimes delighted by was I learned. In this post I won’t emphasis on his frequent mood swings or drug usage but rather on what I will remember from him.

1. Be yourself no matter what.

Don’t try to please other just to be liked. There is a lot of people that did not like him at all. So don’t try to please all… Leave that to politicians.

2. See the big picture, but pay attention to details.

This guy had vision and always had close control on what was going on. The details are everything. He could see the company’s future as well as being able to choose a font type for a particular product.

3. Don’t be in business to make money.

It’s a paradox as Apple became to most valuable company in the history of business. Not because they wanted to squeeze every penny from the customer, but to create great products, as well as a company that can endure.

Thanks Steve!

"Freedom is a state of mind."

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 17:42:00 -0400

“Freedom is a state of mind.”

- Unknown

ACB-3: Anniversaire de mariage… [English version...

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 10:12:00 -0400

ACB-3: Anniversaire de mariage…

[English version follows]

Ceci est mon 3e projet Toastmasters de niveau avancé (bronze). Les objectifs du projet sont de :

Répondre à des critiques verbales sur un mode non défensif.
Suivre la méthode préconisée en cinq étapes pour identifier le problème, déarmorcer les attaques et trouver une solution.

J’ai fais ce projet le 6 octobre 2011. Vous pouvez voir la rétroaction que j’ai reçu ici. Ne vous gêner pas pour donner votre propre évaluation ou opinion dans la zone de commentaire ci-dessous.

Je n’ai pas réussi à accomplir les objectifs du projet selon mon évaluateur, mais nous avons bien rigolé néanmoins. Je dois dire que j’avais une partenaire très expérimentée et je lui avais expressément demandée de ne pas me ménager. Je mets quand même la vidéo en ligne pour être complètement transparent dans la documentation de mon expérience Toastmasters.

[English]

This is my 3rd avanced toastmasters project (bronze). The aims for this project are to:

React to verbal critics in a non-defensive mode
Follow the prescribed method in five steps to find the problem and disengage attacks and find a solution.

I delivered this project on October 6th, 2011. See the feedback I received for this speech here. Please feel free to provide your own feedback in the comment section below.

I did not reach the objectives for this project according to my evaluator, but we had a good laugh. I must admit that I had a very experienced partner and I asked her to not go easy on me. I put the video online in order to be transparent in documenting by Toastmasters experience.

ACB-2: Savoir Négocier [English version follows] Ceci est mon 2e...

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 17:24:00 -0400

ACB-2: Savoir Négocier

[English version follows]

Ceci est mon 2e projet toastmasters de niveau avancé (bronze). Les objectifs du projet sont de :

Utiliser des statégies de négociation “gagnant-gagnant” pour atteindre votre but.
Tirer pleinement avantage de la situation “gagnant-gagnant”.

J’ai fais ce projet le 22 septembre 2011. Vous pouvez voir la rétroaction que j’ai reçu ici. Ne vous gêner pas pour donner votre propre évaluation ou opinion dans la zone de commentaire ci-dessous.

Je peux dire que ce projet n’est pas une réussite… Le temps alloué pour le projet était de 14 minutes, mais j’en ai pris 22. À ma défense, je peux dire n’avoir jamais vu aucun cartons du chronométreur. Néanmoins, pour un toastmaster, le temps est très important et j’ai échoué sur ce point. Aussi, je n’ai pas mis en pratiques ce que je pronais moi-même lors de mon discours. (Voir jeu du rôle dans le vidéo).

Pour finir, c’était la première fois que j’utilisais le Flip (un caméscope HD) , car normalement j’utilise le iPhone pour enregistrer mes projets. Résultat, un vidéo très mal cadré. (Il manque ma tête la plupart du temps).

[English]

This is my 2nd avanced toastmasters project (bronze). The aims for this project are to:

Use “win-win” strategies to reach my negociation outcomes.
Take advantage of a “win-win” approach.

I delivered this project on August 18th, 2011. See the feedback I received for this speech here. Please feel free to provide your own feedback in the comment section below.

I cannot say that this project was a success, far from it. The time allowed for this project was 14 minutes, I took 22. To my defense, I can say that I never saw any flags from the time keeper. Nevertheless, time is really important for a toastmaster, so I failed on that particular issue. I did not applied what I was advising during the first part of my speech.

Finally, I was using a Flip (a HD camcorder) for the first time. Usually I use my iPhone to record my projects. The result is a poorly framed video. (My head was cut, most of the time).

ACB-1: L’art de la conversation [English version...

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 17:58:00 -0400

ACB-1: L’art de la conversation

[English version follows]

Ceci est mon premier projet de niveau avancé (bronze). Les objectifs du projet sont de :

Savoir identifier les différents niveaux dans une conversation.
Savoir entamer une conversation avec un inconnu.
Utiliser des questions ouvertes pour obtenir les informations qui nourriront la conversation.

J’ai fais ce projet le 18 août 2011. J’étais nerveux comme d’habitude, car contrairement aux projets du programme régulier celui-ci nécessite plus d’interactions. Vous pouvez voir la rétroaction que j’ai reçu ici. Ne vous gêner pas pour donner votre propre évaluation ou opinion dans la zone de commentaire ci-dessous.

[English]

This is my first avanced project (bronze). The aims for this project are to:

Identify the differents levels of a conversation.
Known how to initiate a conversation. with a stranger.
Use open questions to gather information to keep the conversation going.

I delivered this project on August 18th, 2011. I was nervous as usual, because this project is different from the regular program, as it requires more iterations.

See the feedback I received for this speech here. Please feel free to provide your own feedback in the comment section below.

Sorry Google Apps Users. No Google+ For You!

Sat, 13 Aug 2011 10:53:00 -0400

Ah Google+! The new kid on the block. Everyone is talking about it. Many people are switching from facebook to embrace it. Personally, I don’t like facebook. Never had, never will. So I saw big potential in google+.

But, Google marketing strategists are making a BIG mistake! Obviously, they have not read The Tipping Point from Malcolm Gladwell and are not aware of the concept of “mavens”.

A maven is someone that is always looking for new things and talking about them. Mavens spread the word create new trends, companies should pay attention to what they are saying and doing.

I consider myself a Google maven. I have been their products and spreading the word about them. Most of my cloud based solution is based on their products. I even have Google Apps, and that’s exactly my problem.

Google is punishing Google Apps users by not letting them use Google+. Why? I don’t understand. Why google don’t let their hardcode users and fans use it? That’s not a very smart marketing strategy if you want my opinion.

Oh well, I guess I’ll have to wait and be late to the party… But hey! I’m a big Google fan, or I should say I was. :(

5 Reasons Why I Am An Early Riser

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 12:25:00 -0400

“Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise” – Benjamin Franklin

When I tell people that I get up at 4:30 AM in the morning, the “normal” reaction I usually get from people is that they look at me like a “weirdo”. That does not bother me anymore, since about 10% of the overall population “suffers” from this.

I always have been like that. Even when I was a kid I woke up early, even though my parents were not early risers themselves. People always ask why I get up so early. So here are the reasons why I get up so early.

1. I Can Plan My Day

As a GTDer, I look at what I have to do for the day. I try to visualize how I will get my work done. Furthermore, I take that time to meditate and exercise. Most people as soon as they get up, are in a rush to get to work, not me.

2. I Avoid Traffic Jams

Thank God, I have the chance to have a job with flexible hours. That does not mean that I can start later, on the contrary. I start earlier than anybody. So I have a shorter commute time than most of people, since there is no traffic.

3. I Can Work Without Being Interrupted

I get at the office between 6 AM and 6:30AM. I my most productive work before other people get in, because I don’t get interrupted. Also, my mind is sharp and clear, so I can attack work that requires more concentration.

4. I Don’t Have To Wait In Lines When Shopping

I’m far from being patient. I don’t like to wait in lines at the groceries store or in any lines for that matter. Shopping when the stores just open, gives me the opportunity to take my time, instead of being in a rush and surrounded by stressed people.

5. I Get More Free Time

I get most of my afternoons and evenings free to work on personal projects and/or having time to spent with friends.

See, in the end, being an early riser makes sense. I can be more productive and I gain a few hours each day that I can use to work on whatever I please. Hours, that would be lost if I would not be a ~~“weirdo”~~, I mean an early riser.

"If you’re going through hell, keep going."

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 19:57:46 -0400

“If you’re going through hell, keep going.”

- Winston Churchill

CC-10: Vous êtes plus près de vos rêves que vous le...

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:23:00 -0400

CC-10: Vous êtes plus près de vos rêves que vous le croyez

[English version follows]

Les objectifs de ce discours sont d’inspirer les gens et/ou d’élever leur niveau de conscience. Le discours doit être fait sans avoir recours aux notes.

J’ai donné ce discours le 23 juin 2011. Pour être franc, le sujet de ce discours n’était pas ma première idée. La maitresse des improvisations à choisi le thème l’effet papillon une semaine avant mon discours. J’ai changé mon sujet pour ne pas avoir l’air d’un copieur. Néanmoins, j’y ai été avec un autre sujet qui m’inspire.

Vous pouvez voir la rétroaction que j’ai reçu ici. Ne vous gêner pas pour donner votre propre évaluation ou opinion dans la zone de commentaire ci-dessous.

[English]

The aims for this speech is to inspire people as well as elevate their level of consciousness. The speech must be given without relying to notes.

I gave this speech on June 23th, 2011. To be honest, the topic for this speech was not my first idea. I wanted to give a speech on the butterfly effect, but the table topic leader chose that topic a week before I gave this speech. So I would have end up looking like a copycat. Nonetheless, I went with another topic that inspires me.

See the feedback I received for this speech here. Please feel free to provide your own feedback in the comment section below.

CC-9: Work On Improving Your Natural Strengths The aims for this...

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:19:40 -0400

CC-9: Work On Improving Your Natural Strengths

The aims for this speech are to be persuasive. You have to convince people to change their mind or take action.

I gave this speech on June 9th, 2011. Finding the subject for this one was really easy. I had just taken a strength assessment and I was inspired to talk about our natural strengths. Unfortunately, it ended up being one of my worst speech in this series. I only have me to blame, since I almost did not prepare for that one.

See the feedback I received for this speech here. Please feel free to provide your own feedback in the comment section below.

CC-8: How Geeks Can Save The Mothership The aims for this speech...

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:17:01 -0400

CC-8: How Geeks Can Save The Mothership

The aims for this speech are to use visual aids such as props and/or slides to support your core message.

I gave this speech on May 25th, 2011. I must say I had a lot of fun with this one. Actually, this speech is a derived form of my podcast episode The Modern Swiss Army Knife. I adapted my podcast episode to fit the requirements for this speech.

See the feedback I received for this speech here. Please feel free to provide your own feedback in the comment section below.

CC-7: L’histoire de l’information: De néandertal à...

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:13:40 -0400

CC-7: L’histoire de l’information: De néandertal à internet

[English version follows]

Les objectifs de ce discours sont de choisir un sujet sérieux nécessitant un part de recherche substantielle. Le discours ne doit pas contenir seulement des opinion, mais utiliser des faits vérifiables, provenant de différentes sources.

J’ai donné ce discours le 21 avril 2011. C’était le première discours où j’utilisais des diapos à l’aide du iPad. La plus grande erreur que j’ai fait c’est de me tenir debout devant celles-ci cachant leur contenu. Pour être franc, j’ai eu beaucoup de difficulté à trouver un sujet de discours. J’y ai donc été avec les suggestions mentionnée dans le cahier de projets.

Vous pouvez voir la rétroaction que j’ai reçu ici. Ne vous gênez pas pour donner votre propre évaluation ou opinion dans la zone de commentaire ci-dessous.

[English]

The objectives for this speech project are to conduct appropriate research and then incorporate this research into your speech to provide support for your key arguments.

I gave this speech on April 21st, 2011. It was actually the first speech where I used slides on the iPad. The biggest mistake I made was to stand in the middle of the place hiding the slides. To be honest I had a hard time finding a topic for this speech, I ended up using one the ideas for speech in the Toastmasters projects book.

See the feedback I received for this speech here. Please feel free to provide your own feedback in the comment section below.

CC-6: The Mindfulness Meditation Technique The aims for this...

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:07:43 -0400

CC-6: The Mindfulness Meditation Technique

The aims for this speech project are to use your voice to complement your message by enhancing your: pace, pitch, power, and pauses.

I gave this speech on March 24th, 2011. This speech was also reuse for the first episode of my podcast series. I was inspired by a book about meditation that my ex-girlfriend made me discover.

As always my biggest weakness is that I want to go too fast and I almost forget to breath, thus ending up coughing a couple of times. Nonetheless, this speech interested some, as I went on a discussion about meditation after the meeting.

See the feedback I received for this speech here. Please feel free to provide your own feedback in the comment section below.

"Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still."

Sat, 25 Jun 2011 20:09:51 -0400

“Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still.”

- Chinese Proverb

New Book Underway...

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 06:12:00 -0400

Yup, I’m writing a book. The working title is Untangled, but could change in the future. I give myself 18 month to complete the project and find an editor.

So why not wait until the project is done before talking about it? Well, the first reason is to be publicly accountable for the project and the second is that there are still some things I want to try out before writing about them. I’m writing this book to jumpstart my upcoming business…

The illustration on the cover is me flying away from the flying spaghetti monster (the best depiction of clutter).

CC-5: Cloud Computing The aims for this speech project are to...

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 06:58:00 -0400

CC-5: Cloud Computing

The aims for this speech project are to complement a message with your body during delivery. Specifically:

posture,
body movement,
facial expressions, and
eye contact.

I gave this speech on February 24th 2011. This was not a great speech. As always my main problem is that I choke because I want to go to fast. Nonetheless, some people found the topic really interesting.

I’ve also wrote a blog post titled Cloud Computing & Digital Assets prior to this speech. See the feedback I received for this speech here.

Please feel free to provide your own feedback in the comment section below.

Toronto June 2011, a set on Flickr.This is some photos from a...

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 12:47:49 -0400

Toronto June 2011, a set on Flickr.

This is some photos from a trip to Toronto with some friends in June 2011.

Eric's Podcast About Stuff... Episode #5: Work On Improving Your Natural Strengths

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 06:19:00 -0400

Show Notes

Official Strength Finder Web Site

My Own Strengths Assessment

The Purple Cow

Please leave comments about the episode below, or by e-mail at podcast@erichudon.ca.