Music, Language & Misc

In my shop, I talk to a lot of people on a daily basis. Judgments are made quickly, so confidence, sincerity and good diction are all important. Like a lot of people, no one ever taught me how to stand my ground and speak clearly and concisely. As a musician, I often played the “silent” role of the bassist; stand back, be quiet, and keep the bottom end intact. The only time one is noticed is when where not there! Step by step, I would sing a harmony in a song or accompany myself on songs I was writing. Next thing I know, I am in a band singing twenty songs a night. Learning to stand up and be confident has been a gradual step by step process. But the results are the same, whether it happened over night or very slowly.

Certainly I have been told by many naysayers “you will never…” and/or “keep your mouth shut”! While they were busy no-noing, I have been busy do-doing. One can go to school and get a Ph.D., but still have a tough time living with oneself. I believe that the universe is not about to implode. This feeling of certainty is a great place to start and developing confidence. Thank you the blessings we presently enjoy. To say there are none, or life is merely something to be endured is a false delusion.

To paraphrase Walt Whitman, poet, “who makes much of a miracle? To me everything is a miracle”. So, here are some fun tongue twisters to exercise the mouth and mind and develop clarity in speaking. Do each one at least ten times, gradually increasing velocity without losing accuracy. Let the good times roll off your tongue:

Ike ships ice chips in ice chip ships

Lemon lime liniment

Any noise annoys a noisy oyster

Keenly cleaning copper kettles

The sea ceaseth seething

Rigid rugged rubber baby buggy bumpers

Peace!