Four Agreements..

agreement 1

Be impeccable with your word - Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

agreement 2

Don't take anything personally - Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.

agreement 3

Don't make assumptions - Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

agreement 4

Always do your best - Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.

Want to improve your listening skills.

Etiquette and polish, both in personal and business settings, are linked to how well we communicate.

Most people think communication is all about speaking and devalue the importance of listening. And many others don't realise what a vast difference there is between simply hearing what is being said and really listening. People who know how to listen learn more, care more, and end up being the ones we want to be around socially as well as professionally. Want to improve your listening skills? Understand why you need to listen and remember to practise these tips the next time you conduct a conversation.

Are your eyes listening?

Your eyes are a dead giveaway if you are not listening. When your mind wanders and you begin thinking of something or someone else, your eyes show your disinterest. And the person speaking to you is well aware that you are not paying attention.

And this is true even if you don't look away. Blank stares don't conceal boredom!

How can you know if you are a bad listener?

A good listener uses his/ her eyes and mind while listening. If you find yourself already formulating your next sentence in your mind while someone is speaking to you, you are doing injustice to the conversation. You will get more out of the conversation if you understand, comprehend and assimilate what is being said BEFORE responding.

Good etiquette = listening!

Do you make these common listening mistakes?

The difference between being a good listener versus a great listener is using your heart in addition to your eyes and mind while listening. Do you do this? ~ If a friend tells you something is wrong, you immediately tend to give advice or criticism. ~ If a friend tells you about something wonderful that has happened, you usually chip in with something similar that you have experienced. Rarely do we share joy or sympathise with pain. Rarely do we just let others speak. To improve your listening skills, practise with those closest to you.

When family members or friends share their thoughts and feelings, curtail the urge to relate what you hear to one of your own experiences.

What if a conversation bores you?

I believe 'interested people are interesting' . Similarly, 'boring people get bored'. You don't need to know a lot about a subject to have a conversation. You just need to have a desire to learn, understand and make things interesting. For example, if someone tells you they are a teacher, instead of saying, "That's nice," and moving on to the next topic, try to find out why they are teaching, how they decided on this profession and what their current thoughts on teaching are.

Dig deep and create meaningful conversations.

How do I get others to listen to me?

i. Listen more intently, question more, and speak with emotion. Build interesting conversations instead of one-way lectures. ii. Engage people while you speak. Ask questions like, "What do you think?" or "Do you agree?" Try not to speak continuously for long periods. People tend to have short attention spans. When you do not listen to what others are saying and only care to listen to your own voice, this is an indication that you really do not care for other people's opinions.

Think about who you really enjoy being around, at work or in your personal life. Usually it is those who really listen and care about you. Are you listening?

The Key to Success..

Think of the most successful person you know. What makes that person appear successful? Is it the amount of money they make and the luxury car they drive when they pull up to the masjid? Is it the amount of friends they have or the power and influence they have in the community? For those of us living in the West, we are automatically programmed to judge people by their appearance, wealth, and power. When it comes to success, are we judging success by the standards of the West or the standards of success set by Allah and His Messenger?

Allah mentions the successful people in the Qur’an over and over again. When we define success in Allah’s terms, we see that the successful people are those who seek nearness to Allah (5.35), who strive with their lives and wealth in Allah’s Cause (9.20), and who are admitted to Paradise (3.185). How many of us actually have conditioned ourselves to view success in this way?

There is one way that we can make ourselves among those who are successful as defined by Allah and that is by gaining knowledge. Knowledge is the one thing that makes one believer more successful than another believer, as Allah ta’ala says in the Qur’an:

“Say: “Are those who know equal to those who know not?"” 39.9

But how many of us are actively seeking knowledge? There are many blessings of seeking knowledge, as related by the Prophet sallahu ‘alayhi wa salaam:

“When Allah wishes good for someone, He bestows upon him the understanding of religion.” [Bukhari, Muslim] “Allah makes the way to Paradise easy for him who treads the path in search of knowledge.” [Muslim] “The world, with all that it contains, is accursed except for the remembrance of Allah, that which pleases Allah and the religious scholars and seekers of knowledge.” [At-Tirmidhi] “The superiority of the learned man over the devout worshipper is like that of the full moon to the rest of the stars. The learned are the heirs of the Prophets who bequeath neither Dinar nor Dirham but only that of knowledge; and he who acquires it, has in fact acquired an abundant portion.” [Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi]

These are just a few of the statements of our Prophet sallahu ‘alayhi wa salaam on the blessings of seeking knowledge and the superiority of the knowledgeable believer.

There is a certain amount of knowledge that is compulsory (fard al-‘ayn) on every individual Muslim to know. Yet, most Muslims aren’t even fulfilling or giving priority to knowing those minimum things that one must know to practice the deen correctly. For example, zakat is one of the pillars of Islam. But how many of us know the rulings of zakat and are sure that we’re giving the proper amount? How many of us know with certainty all the things that invalidate the prayer? If we don’t learn these things, we can not plead ignorance; we will be sinful in the sight of Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala for not learning.

Seeking knowledge is not always easy. In our own communities, there might be few or no opportunities to learn some of these things because of the lack of knowledgeable people. But is our responsibility to change this phenomenon. If we learn, it is our obligation to teach others who don’t know. If we don’t know, it is our obligation to learn. And there are alternatives. There are classes in other cities and through distance learning programs that can teach us the minimums that we need to know about the deen. And for a few, they are able to take a leap and study in-depth overseas for a more comprehensive education.

Yet whether it’s taking distance courses, taking courses or seminars in another city, or studying overseas, there is an incredible lack of support for those people who desire knowledge. That is because, in general, our communities have forgotten the value of knowledge. Yet, it is the very thing that makes a person, and as a result, entire communities of Muslims, successful or not. The problem is we have started to judge success by the standards of the West and not the standards of Allah.

Five Practical Ways to Revive Knowledge

1. Educate others about the importance of seeking knowledge:

People will never be satisfied with their deeds until they realize the value of them. The more people realize the value of knowledge, the more likely it is that this phenomenon of knowledge-less people and communities will end.

2) Start halaqas in your community:

Even if there is no one knowledgeable in your community, choose a book that teaches the basics of Islam and hold classes with discussions so there is an opportunity for every Muslim to learn the basics of their deen.

3) Support the scholars and students of knowledge:

If there is no one knowledgeable in our community, it is our responsibility to try to bring someone in that is. That may mean sponsoring a promising student to go overseas to study for four years or more with the agreement that they will come back and benefit the community. Or it may mean supporting a scholar that has a family and has no means of supporting themselves if they move to your community. So many scholars have come to the West and left because communities failed to support them.

1) Seek knowledge:

Whatever your ability is, remember that success is proportional sacrifice. The more you sacrifice, the more success you will have.

2)Be sincere:

Sincerity is a requirement for all actions. Allah’s Messenger sallahu ‘alayhi wa salam said:

“He who does not acquire knowledge with the sole intention of seeking the Pleasure of Allah but for gaining the frailties of the world, will not smell the fragrance of Paradise on the Day of Judgement.”[Abu Dawud]

May Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala make us among those people who appreciate and seek knowledge and our communities those that are overflowing with knowledge that is beneficial. Ameen. And may we continuously say, “My Lord! Increase me in knowledge.” (20.114)

5 easy steps to successful goal setting

Goals, who needs them?

Well, research indicates that less than 3 per cent of us regularly set written goals. However, those who do invest time in this exercise are overachievers who seem to succeed effortlessly. To them, non-goal-setters appear like dead leaves in the wind, their trails mostly decided not by them but the direction in which the wind blows fastest.

A written set of goals, organised and structured, can help keep us focused in the same way a map helps us find our destination in an unknown city. Corporations spend millions on planning and goal setting. Even at work, employees are often judged by their ability to achieve goals that have been set for them. And yet, in our personal lives, we rarely use the power of setting goals.

Davinder Sachdeva, General Manager (Sales) at one of the five largest software companies in the world, tells us how he does it. "Writing down a goal means it is important to me. Unless I write it down, it is a vague idea floating in my head. When I write it down, I can fit it into my schedule and make it real."

Here's a simple five-step process of setting goals that you can actually achieve, rather than just wish for.

Step 1: Define your goal

This seems simple, but surprisingly isn't. Most people do not clearly know what they want. Defining a goal helps you articulate what you want -- not only to others, but also to yourself. Imagine leaving your home every morning with a vague idea of where you are headed. What are the chances you will get anywhere worthwhile?

So, how do we define specifically what we want? Take a rough sheet of paper and pick an area of your life (career, education, health, relationships, spirituality, personal growth, etc) where you would like to set a goal. Write down around 20 things that you want to see happen. Don't think or analyse too much. Let your thoughts flow.

Now prioritise this list -- rank these 20 in the order of their importance to you. What you are doing is gaining clarity into what is most important. You will find yourself a lot clearer in your head.

Step 2: How will you know you have achieved this goal?:

As an example, let's work on your top three goals. Most often, if we don't have good validation criteria after having set a goal, we will never know if we actually succeed in achieving it. So, ask yourself this significant question: How will I know I have achieved this goal?

This might be straightforward for some goals. If one was 'to get a promotion', or 'get admission into XYZ institute', the for that is straightforward. But, if your goal is 'to become a better manager', that's a little vague. You might want to set the validation criteria as:

1. The attrition rate in my team will drop.

2. Rewards earned by team members will grow.

3. Meetings will be shorter.

4. I will give and take regular feedback from my team.

If these things happen, you will know you have become a better manager. Now, look at your goal and try making your validation criteria as specific as possible. Notice that all four points mentioned above can be measured tangibly.

Step 3: How to go about doing it

Take a good look at your goal and validation criterion. What do you need to do to make these results happen? This is the time to break down your goal into actions and sub-actions. Come up with a list by asking yourself this question.

Step 4: Set a time frame:

Setting a time frame for your goal breathes life into it and also allows you to build it into your schedule. It also helps you create a sense of urgency about your goal. If you are having trouble doing this, refine your goals and make them more specific. The more specific your goals are, the easier it will be to set a time frame around it.

Step 5: Take Nike's advice

Just do it.

Unfortunately, this is what proves to be the most difficult step for most. Inertia, procrastination and laziness hold us back from doing what we know we should be doing. Here's some simple advice on how to get things done:

1. Read your goals, your validation criterion and action steps every single day, more than once if possible.

2. Use a planner and fill in your list of actions. If you see what needs to be done in your planner, you are more likely to do it.

3. Use a reminder service. You can use an online calendar or reminder service to send you a reminder email every day.

The trick is to keep your goals and action list on top of your mind somehow, and keep taking action. If you do not do this, chances are they will meet the same fate as your New Year resolutions.

Finally, if this sounds like too much work, try to spice it up by making it fun. Introduce elements of things you like. For example, I usually do boring things like making monthly budgets and taxes while sitting at my favourite coffee shop. By combining these two activities, I am able to transfer the 'fun' element from one to the other.

Most often, we need to tweak our mindset just a little bit to create huge results in our lives.

-- The author is a corporate trainer.

At Work Learn to be more assertive!

Let's say it's 5 pm on a Friday and you are hurriedly collecting your bag to go home, as you have big plans for the weekend. Suddenly, your boss asks you to report to work on Saturday morning. All you manage to say is a meek "Okay." And, with that, you ruin your entire weekend.

Sounds familiar? It probably does if you are like most people who, at some time or another, exhibit 'unassertive behaviour'. That is, they are not able to stand up for themselves and convey their thoughts or feelings in an appropriate manner.

What is assertiveness?

Assertiveness refers to being able to express your thoughts, beliefs and feelings in a confident, open and honest way. "It increases self-confidence and facilitates the communication of ideas at work. With increasing competition, the importance of being assertive at the workplace is being realized to a greater extent. It's not just seen as a matter of survival, but as an indirect, powerful tool to increase productivity and efficiency," says Gaurav Agarwal, a 28-year old executive in Noida.

Assertiveness, aggressiveness, passiveness:

These are different categories that are part of the behaviour continuum.

Passiveness:

You are uncomfortable expressing yourself honestly. You feel you don't have the right to be heard. You back down easily to avoid conflict.

Aggressiveness: You force your point of view, even at the expense of another's. You always want your way, and use strategies like loud talking, sarcasm, desk pounding and forcefulness.

Assertiveness:

You are comfortable expressing your thoughts and feelings. You can put forth your views without compromising on your own needs or provoking others. You aim for a win-win solution.

Although people interchange the terms

assertiveness and aggressiveness, you can see there is a difference between the two. "Assertive people exhibit a positive, open style of communication that is neither submissive nor aggressive," says Harish Srivastava, a 29-year old sales manager.

When you're being assertive, you are not attacking someone else. You are not being rude. You are simply standing up for your rights.

Being assertive is essential for those who want to learn how to stand up for themselves in different situations, such as responding to putdowns, handling and expressing anger, speaking up to a rude salesperson, asking the boss for a raise, asking for a better table at a restaurant, etc.

"I was not assertive before and didn't feel good about myself, either because I couldn't get things I planned done efficiently, or because I couldn't fulfil everyone else's requests and felt guilty," says Dipti Srivastava, a housewife from Lucknow. "I then made attempts to change myself and can now say I am an assertive woman."

Assertiveness affects your life:

A culture of assertiveness is especially important if you deal with a lot of pressure in your personal life or at work, or if you have direct contact with customers or clients. Not only will you be able to recognise problem behaviours when they occur, you will also be better equipped to deal with them.

Assertiveness helps you plan and carry through difficult encounters more effectively. It helps you make requests, say 'No' effectively, give and receive criticism appropriately, cope with put-downs, communicate effectively, express your feelings (whether positive or negative) in a confident manner, and set self-imposed limits and boundaries so you don't lose out on account of others.

Setting self-imposed limits refers to sometimes having to say 'No' to people. "Sometimes, it is necessary," says 28-year old banker Anupam Misra. "For example, when doing someone else's work may actually result in your own work not being completed in time." Saying 'No' can be very difficult for an unassertive person, since such people find it difficult to even stand up for themselves. They also usually find it hard to ask for what they want, or express their opinions effectively.

Why say Yes when you want to say No?

"One reason is such people want others to like them. They are afraid of losing their friends, or afraid their boss may use their refusal as grounds for negligence. They might also want to be known as the 'go-to' person, who is dependable and can always accomplish the task. It makes them feel wanted and more valuable," says Harish.

Unfortunately, this inability to say 'No' can be harmful. It builds up stress hormones, such as adrenaline. Consequently, your heart will beat faster than normal, your blood pressure will rise and blood vessels will become narrow. According to doctors, these conditions can contribute to your risk of heart attack, stroke, and even cancer.

10 tips that can help

According to Harish, "What employees must learn to inculcate is a confident, open and honest tone of voice that leaves no room for doubt and puts across the intended point in a healthy manner." The following tips can help:

1. When you need to say something, speak clearly and with confidence. Your body language should also give the impression that you are calm and confident.

2. Learn to strike up and carry on conversations with ease. Practice your conversation skills in different social situations. You can also consult books on etiquette.

3. Use "I feel" statements to put across your thoughts. For example, "I feel ____when you ____".

4. Learn to say 'No'. Saying 'yes' to everyone and everything is impossible. Figure out your priorities. If saying 'No' seems too blunt at first, say you'll think about it before answering.

5. Accept compliments with a smile. Simply say 'thank you' instead of making excuses.

6. Express your worries and concerns. Otherwise, they will gnaw into your mind and create tension. Also, tackle minor irritations before your anger builds.

7. Develop self-esteem. Be around positive people who make you feel good about yourself.

8. Don't dilute your words or beat around the bush. "People often make excuses or give long explanations and the person listening gets a mixed message," explains Gaurav. Be concise and direct. Use the first person part-of-speech. For example, 'I feel frustrated when my work is not acknowledged. ' The lesser words you use, the bigger the impact.

9. Do not speak apologetically. Stand your ground if you know you are correct. Ask questions whenever you need clarifications. You shouldn't accept rules or practices without understanding them.

10. Express negative emotions in a healthy manner. For example, if someone has hurt your feelings, let them know without escalating the situation. It doesn't help to take out your aggression or frustration on others. Express valid feelings in time, instead of bottling things up until you explode. Sometimes, it is better to walk away until you feel calmer and more in control.

Make sure your body language is not aggressive. Avoid pointing at people, banging the table, raising your voice, or making other aggressive gestures.

When to say Yes when you mean No:

There are some situations that may actually warrant your saying 'Yes' even when you want to say 'No'. For example, certain entrepreneurs claim they do in fact have to "go out of their way" and say yes when they want to say no, to cultivate new clients and maintain existing ones. "Sometimes, you have to learn to say Yes even when you mean No, just to get clients to go along with you," reveals Rohit Jha, a 27-year old entrepreneur from Pune.

It is also common for employees to do it to survive in the corporate culture, where cutthroat competition exists. Even on the domestic front, it is quite possible that, at some time or another, you will have to carry out family obligations or responsibilities even though you want to refuse.

In effect, whether to say Yes or No in a particular situation is a decision you must use your judgment to make.

Brush up your mobile etiquette.

The 21st century is the age of webcams, laptop computers, iPods and the ubiquitous mobile phone. Nearly everyone owns a cellphone these days. It�s handy, and definitely an asset when you�re on the move. But if you�re the type who forgets to leave the phone on vibrator mode in the middle of a college lecture, movie theatre, or even in the middle of a meeting, you could be in trouble.

�Mobile phone etiquette is something many people don�t adhere to,� says first year Economics Honours student, Jaideep Tripathi. Moreover, it can be really irritating when someone�s cell starts ringing in the middle of a library or a movie. Garima Sharma, a second year English Honours student from Ramjas College agrees.

While mobile phones are critical in keeping you safe and connected, they could prove to be double edged swords and dangerous too. Premilla Thapar admits that she is forever worried about her daughter�s safety. �She�s a law student and is always on the cell. I am so afraid she may meet with an accident while she is driving,� she says.

According to her even �hands-free� sets can be dangerous because conversations too can be distracting.�

Though most colleges allow cellphones in for emergency situations, students generally tend to misuse them. Says Saikat Ghosh, Lecturer, English Dept, Khalsa College, �A lot of students send SMSs and you can�t really tell what they are up to beneath their desks. Cellphones don�t really disturb me if I am teaching with concentration. But, I guess students should be considerate enough and not misuse the facility extended to them.�� Student counsellors advise turning on the vibrator option or the voice-mail.

Apart from the obvious disturbance factor there are other things about cell phones that are just not in keeping with the right etiquette, ringtones and untimed calls for instance. �My girlfriend has one of the most irritating ringtones on her cell,�� says Jaideep, adding, �it�s so loud and raucous that it ruins the mood, the moment and destroys my concentration.�� Some others like Garima complain that many people continue to talk over the cell even if they are with you. �My boyfriend does that and I am forced to listen to whatever he�s saying even when I don�t want to,� complains Garima.

So, has the cellphone turned into some kind of nightmare for those at the receiving end? Most corporate recruiters say that today�s kids multitask: IM-ing, e-mailing and reading, all while chatting on their cellphones or listening to their MP3 players.

Technology, they say has allowed them to blend their school/college work into their personal lives so seamlessly and wirelessly, that they balk at the image of a rigid nine-to-five office routine.

Are there rules that can be followed? Is there any such thing as mobile manners? Yes, is the answer. If you�re in a public place, like an elevator, a classroom or a library, keep your cellphone on vibrator mode and rely on your voicemail to take your calls. �If you receive an important call while driving, pull your car over to the pavement and tell your caller to call back, or that you�ll call back,�� advises Kumar.

Adds Tripathi, �After I heard a friend of mine break up with his girl on the cell, I�ve never been able to have an emotional conversation with my girlfriend on the mobile. Not only is your whole life in the public domain but you may never know who is overhearing your conversation.��

Mind your manners:

* Use an earpiece in noisy locations.

* Tell callers when you�re talking on a mobile, so they can anticipate distractions or disconnections.

* Never take a call while in a public place or place of importance. There are things that are more important than your caller. If it�s urgent, the person will probably call back.

* When you take a call, ensure that you conduct your conversation at a polite distance, and out of earshot, of your companions. Communicate without

attracting attention.

* All conversations on a cell phone should be kept brief and to the point.

Ten Traits for Success

The following ten traits when combined, can turn dreams into reality and make leaders successful in all walks of life. Here they are:

1. How you think is everything: Always be positive. Think success, not failure. Beware of a negative environment.

2. Decide upon your true dreams and goals: Write down your specific goals and develop a plan to reach them.

3. Take action: Goals are nothing without action. Don't be afraid to get started. Just do it.

4. Never stop learning: Read books, Get training and acquire skills.

5. Be persistent and work hard: Success is a marathon, not a sprint. Never give up.

6. Learn to analyze details: Get all the facts, all the input. Learn from your mistakes.

7. Focus your time and money: Don't let other people or things distract you.

8. Don't be afraid to innovate; Be different: Following the herd is a sure way to mediocrity.

9. Deal and communicate with people effectively: No person is an island. Learn to understand and motivate others.

10. Be honest and dependable; Take responsibility.

Telephone Safety

• Never list your address in the phone book.
• Use your first initial and last name in the phone book.
• When not at home, use an answering machine. Have it answer that you cannot come to the phone, not that you are not at home. Turn the ringer down so it cannot be heard from the outside.
• In cases of emergency, know what number to dial (911) and what to say when calling.
• Don't give any personal information out if called about surveys, contests, subscription drives, purchases or deliveries until the source of the call has been verified. Ask for a number they can be called back at and confirm with what is listed in telephone book.
• Never give your name, address, or phone number to someone you don�t know.
• Never give any information to �wrong number� callers, ask for the number they are trying to dial.
• Always give the impression you are not alone.
• If they ask for someone who is not there, say they can�t come to the phone and ask for a name and number.
• When you first realize the caller is obscene or harassing, hang up immediately. Do not listen to them or show any type of emotional response. Report continuing incidents to the telephone company and police.
• A blast from a whistle should not be used to discourage obscene or harassing phone calls.
• If all else fails, change your phone number and have it unlisted.

Thought - Risking It All

To have hope you must take risks. To have hope you must take action. To have any outcome worthwhile you must take risks.

When you really think about it, our every action is at risk because there aren�t any guarantees. What I�ve learned is that the more risks you take, no matter how small, you�ll accumulate enough faith in yourself to plow through most challenges life offers every single day!

Okay. Let�s talk about risk. You will risk an awful lot to act on the things that are most important to you. If someone you love were drowning, you might risk your life to save him or her. Or if you believe strongly in justice, you might risk ridicule to stand up for someone who is being treated unfairly. All risks reaching out, testing yourself, trying new things, accepting challenges- involve putting your values on the line.

Sometimes the greatest risk may not be climbing the steepest mountain or sailing around the world, alone. It may be more risky to tell someone you care about that you are lonely, or to say, I�m sorry. There are many kinds of risks in life, emotional, intellectual and physical. The IMPORTANT ones are those that help you grow and express your values.

The following examples I�ve compiled are risks we should learn to take in order to challenge ourselves and discover who we really are. For example

• To laugh is to risk appearing the fool. (so what!)
• To weep is to risk appearing sentimental. (do it anyway!)
• To reach out for another is to risk involvement. (Go for it!)
• To expose feelings is to risk rejection. (Know where you stand!)
• To place your dreams before the crowd is to risk ridicule. (Who cares Its� your life!)
• To love is to risk not being loved in return. (Its� a two way street!)
• To live is to risk dying. (Its� inevitable!)
• To go forward in the face of overwhelming odds is to risk failure. (Can you imagine if all the great leaders didn't)

PLEASE REMEMBER that risks must be taken because the greatest tragedy in life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing to look forward to, therefore is nothing. Oh yeah, you may avoid some suffering and sorrow, but you can�t learn, feel, change, grow or love.

ONLY a person who risks is free!!!

Public Speaking

Ensure your speech will be captivating to your audience as well as worth their time and attention. Videotape your presentation and analyze it. Emphasize your strong points during your presentation.
Be solemn if your topic is serious. Present the desired image to your audience. Appear relaxed, even if you feel nervous. Establish rapport with your audience. If a microphone is available, adjust and adapt your voice accordingly.
Master the use of presentation software such as PowerPoint well before your presentation. Persuade your audience effectively. Speak loudly and clearly. Sound confident. Maintain sincere eye contact with your audience. If what you have prepared is obviously not getting across to your audience, change your strategy mid-stream if you are well prepared to do so. Allow yourself and your audience a little time to reflect and think. Keep audience interested throughout your entire presentation. Remember that an interesting speech makes time fly, but a boring speech is always too long to endure even if the presentation time is the same.
Check out the location ahead of time to ensure seating arrangements for audience, whiteboard, blackboard, lighting, location of projection screen, sound system, etc. are suitable for your presentation.
Tell audience ahead of time that you will be giving out an outline of your presentation so that they will not waste time taking unnecessary notes during your presentation.
Here are just a few hints, public speaking tips and techniques to help you develop your skills and become far more effective as a public speaker.

Mistakes

Mistakes are all right.Recovering from mistakes makes you appear more human.Good recovery puts your audience at ease - they identify with you more.

How to use the public speaking environment

Try not to get stuck in one place.Use all the space that's available to you.Move around.One way to do this is to leave your notes in one place and move to another.If your space is confined (say a meeting room or even presenting at a table) use stronger body language to convey your message.

Tell stories

Stories make you a real person not just a deliverer of information. Use personal experiences to bring your material to life.No matter how dry your material is, you can always find a way to humanise it.

Technology

Speak to your audience not your slides.Your slides are there to support you not the other way around.Ideally, slides should be graphics and not words (people read faster than they hear and will be impatient for you to get to the next point).If all the technology on offer fails, it's still you they've come to hear.

Humour

Tell jokes if you're good at telling jokes.If you aren't good, best to leave the jokes behind.There' s nothing worse than a punch line that has no punch.Gentle humour is good in place of jokes.Self-deprecat ion is good, but try not to lay it on too thick.

You can learn to enjoy public speaking and become far more effective at standing in front of a group of people and delivering a potent message.
And remember to keep practicing!

Elements of Dance Etiquette

Introduction

Dance etiquette is a set of guidelines that help us navigate the social dimensions of dancing.

Why do we care about dance etiquette? Because it is nice to know how to go about in the dancing circles. It makes the difference between having a happy or unhappy dancing experience, the difference between people wanting, or not wanting to dance with you.

What to Wear?

Protocol:

Dancing has its own culture. If you want to join a group of dancers and enjoy their company, it is a good idea to follow the accepted costums of their dance group. One of the ways you get accepted into a group is by the way you're dressed.

The more formal the dance, the more formal the outfit. For example, if you are invited to a formal charity ball, anything less than a tuxedo for men or ball gown for women would be inappropriate. On the other hand, at a dance lesson at your local studio, there is usually no need to dress formally.

This is not as hard as it may seem; a little common sense goes a long way. Also, if in doubt, follow the crowd! See what others do and follow suit. If all else fails, you can always ask the dance organizers about the dress code.

Below I give a guideline and explanation for dress code, which you may see on invitations and announcements, as well as a general idea of what to wear at different dance venues.

• White tie: White tie is the most formal category of dressing. For the gentleman, it means a black tailcoat with matching trousers trimmed by ribbon of braid or satin on the outside of each trouser leg, a white pique' tie, white pique' single or double-breasted vest, and a wing-collar shirt with a stiff pique' front. White gloves are nice optional accessories for gentlemen. The lady appears in a ball gown, which is an evening dress with a full skirt, possibly with open back and low neck line. Elbow-length gloves are a nice addition for the lady.
• Black tie: Gentlemen in black tuxedo coat, trousers trimmed with satin ribbon along the outside of the legs, cummerband and bow tie. The phrase ``black tie'' does not refer to the color of the tie. In fact colorful ties (with matching cummerbands) are very popular. Ladies appear in ball gowns.

Black tie optional: Same as above, except gentlemen have the option of wearing a regular suit with a tie (bow tie preferred), and ladies wear a cocktail gown or dinner dress. Long to full-length skirts are preferred; short skirts are not recommended.

Formal: Gentlemen in suit and tie (nowadays a sport coat is often an acceptable replacement for a full suit), ladies in cocktail gown or evening dress.

Semi-formal: Gentlemen in dress slacks with dress shirt and tie, jacket is optional. Other options include a vest or a sweater that shows the tie. At the lower end of formality, these events can be attended without a tie, e.g. with a turtleneck and jacket. Ladies in evening dress or dinner dress, but other chic outfits are also acceptable (like flowing pants, etc.)

Dressy Casual: Applies to most practice dances, workshops, and dance lessons. Gentlemen can wear coton slacks with solid color T-shirt, turtleneck, mock turtleneck, or polo shirt. Ladies have a much wider set of clothing options. Use your imagination and sense of fashion. In general this is a conservative and toned-down appearance that has grown increasingly popular on the dance floors. Don't forget your dance shoes!

Country/Western: Country western attire has variations across the country, but generally it is acceptable to go in blue or black jeans (not stone-washed) and cowboy boots. Make sure that the boots will not mark the dance floor. If you wear a hat, it may be a good idea to take it off when going on the floor. Note that country western folks can be very sensitive about their hats. It is improper to touch or otherwise handle someone's hat, even if it sits on a table. For a lady to pick up and put on a gentleman's hat is considered very flirtatious.

Milongas: (Argentine Tango) For both ladies and gentlemen, black or dark themes are preferred.

Latin: This refers to venues that specialize in Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, etc. For gentlemen, any button-up shirt, solid T-shirt or mock turtleneck, dress slacks, and dance shoes. Jackets are nice, but a vest can be even more stylish. Unlike most other dance venues, bright and colorful outfits for gentlemen are acceptable, although dark themes are more common. Ladies can (and often do) wear sexy outfits: both short skirts and longer slit skirts are popular. Low necklines and exposed midriffs are not uncommon.

Swing: There are no strict rules for swing outfits. Both the Gentleman and the Lady wear outfits that are reasonably neat and chic, although often not very formal. Many types of swing are fast-paced and athletic, so wearing suitable clothing is essential. For example, the Lady would be well advised to stay away from short, tight skirts. See also the next section on Comfort and Safety. A cute trend, especially in Lindy Hop circles, is to wear vintage outfits from the 1930's and 40's. But this is not done everywhere and is not at all a requirement.

Comfort and safety:

Wear clothing that makes it easy and enjoyable to dance, both for yourself and your partner.

Regardless of how informal the dance is, always wear dance shoes. Do not wear sneakers or other shoes with rubber or spongy soles. They can stick to the floor during turns and spins and cause ankle and knee injuries.

Avoid sleeveless shirts and strapped dresses, especially for active dancing: It is not pleasant to have to touch the damp skin of a partner.

Sleeves that are baggy or cut low in the armpit are not a good idea, especially in Latin and swing dancing, because dancers need access to partner's back, and hands may get caught in baggy sleeves.

Accessories like big rings, watches, brooches, loose/long necklaces, and big belt buckles can be dangerous. They can catch in partner's clothing, scratch and bruise.

Gentlemen: if you have no place to leave your keys and loose change, carry them in the *left* pocket of your trousers. This makes it less likely to bruise your partner.

Long hair should be put up or tied in a pony tail. It is difficult to get into closed dance position when the lady has long flowing hair (hair gets caught in gentleman's right hand). It is also not fun to be hit in the face with flying hair during turns and spins.

Personal Grooming

Dancing is an activity where two people come in close contact. Before a dance:

• Shower and use a deodorant,
• Brush teeth and use mouthwash or breath mint,
• Abstain from foods that produce strong odors, like those heavy in garlic
• The odor of cigarettes on one's breath or clothing can be very unattractive.

During a dance:

• Check your grooming periodically
• During active dance sessions, freshen up and towel off periodically in the bathroom
• Gentlemen, you can carry an extra shirt with you to the dance, in case you need a change.

Asking for a Dance

When asking for a dance, it is easiest to stay with traditional phrases:

• ``May I have this dance?''
• ``May I have this Waltz/Rumba/ Foxtrot/etc. ''
• ``Would you like to dance?''
• ``Care to dance?''
• ``Shall we dance?''

In the past it has been the tradition that men asked women to dance. But this custom has gradually changed. Today, women should feel equally comfortable asking a partner for a dance, even in a formal setting.

If your desired partner is with a group, be unambiguous and make eye contact when asking for a dance. If you vaguely approach a group, two individuals may think you are asking for a dance. You can imagine that the one not getting the dance is going to be miffed. Let's avoid such awkward moments by a decisive approach and solid eye contact.

What if you want to ask someone to dance, who is enganged at the moment in a conversation? Is it acceptable to interrupt a conversation to ask someone to dance? Some would say that one's presence in a dancing establishment indicates a desire for dancing and everyone is fair game. Others say that interrupting a conversation is rude.

In my opinion, ask someone to dance if you think he/she is ready to dance and will enjoy dancing with you at that moment. This requires you to be a good judge of the moment. Also, if you know someone well enough to know they don't mind being interrupted, then go ahead and ask them.

Perhaps one way to handle this is to walk gently to the edge of your intended partner's "personal space", which is about 3-4 feet (one meter). It will give you an opportunity to ask them to dance. If your presence is not acknowledged, then it may be a good idea to find someone else for that dance.

Exercising common sense and social skills is always a good idea. If someone is sitting closely with their significant other, whispering sweet nothings to each other, then it is probably not a good time to ask either of them for a dance. Now a different scenario: your intended partner is cornered by a bore and being lectured on weather patterns in lower Namibia. You can advance and stand close. Once your intended partner makes eye contact with you, smile and say: ``Dance?'' Usually, that is enough to do the job. If not, it is better to leave him/her to learn about weather patterns in lower Namibia.

Sometimes two individuals simultaneously ask someone for a dance. In that situation, dance etiquette recommends that the object of attention should accept one of the dances, while offering a later dance to the other one.

Whom to Ask

If each person dances with only one or two others, the social dynamics of dancing will be compromised. For that reason, dance etiquette strongly encourages everyone to dance with many different partners. This is to ensure a diversity of partnerships on the floor, and to give everyone a chance to dance. Specifically, dance etiquette rules against asking the same partner for more than two consecutive dances.

One of the common violations of this rule occurs when someone dances most of the night with their escort. The ruling of etiquette in this case is much the same as for the traditional (formal) dinner parties: one never sits down to dinner next to one's spouse. It is assumed that if spouses were interested primarily in talking with one another, they could have stayed home together. By the same token, going to a social dance demonstrates a desire to dance socially. This means dancing with a host of partners, and not just with one or a select few. I have heard a version of this rule that reserves the first and last dance of the evening to be done with one's escort, and other dances with others.

People generally tend to dance with others at their own level, but you should try to dance socially with partners of all levels. Dance etiquette frowns disapprovingly on those who only dance with the best dancers on the floor. Although this is not a terrible offense, it is still bad form. Better dancers are especially advised to ask beginners to dance. Not only does this help the social dynamics of a dance, it also helps the better dancer (although it is outside the scope of this discussion to explain why or how).

Unfortunately, there are some social dancers who consider themselves too good to dance with beginners, who cannot ``keep up'' with their level of dancing. It is often the case that these dancers are not as good as they think. They need good partners because only good partners can compensate for their mistakes, bad technique, or other inadequacies. The truly good dancers often seek the challenge of dancing with those at lower levels, and enjoy it. Good dancers make their partners look good.

Declining a Dance

Being declined is always unpleasant. For beginners and shy individuals it is even harder to take, and may discourage them from social dancing. Dance etiquette requires that one should avoid declining a dance under most circumstances. For example, there is no correct way of refusing an invitation on the basis of preferring to dance with someone else.

According to tradition, the only graceful way of declining a dance is either

(a) you do not know the dance,

(b) you need to take a rest, or

(c) you have promised the dance to someone else.

The last excuse should be used only sparingly. When declining a dance, it is good form to offer another dance instead: ``No, thank you, I'm taking a break. Would you like to do another dance later?'' Also, declining a dance means sitting out the whole song. It is inconsiderate and outright rude to dance a song with anyone after you have declined to dance it with someone else. If you are asked to dance a song before you can ask (or get asked by) your desired partner, that's the luck of the draw. The choices are to dance it with whomever asked first, or to sit out the dance.

Does dance etiquette allow declining a dance outside of the cases mentioned above? The answer is yes, if someone is trying to monopolize you on the dance floor, make inappropriate advances, is unsafe (e.g. collides with others on the floor), or is in other ways unsavory, you are within the bounds of etiquette to politely but firmly decline any more dances. Perhaps the simplest, best way is to say ``No, thank you,'' without further explanation or argument. Dancers are encouraged to use discretion and restraint when exercising this option.

Being Declined

The first thing to do when one is turned down for a dance is to take the excuse at face value. Typical social dance sessions can be as long as three to four hours, and there are few dancers who have the stamina of dancing non-stop. Everyone has to take a break once in a while, and that means possibly turning down one or two people each time one takes a break. The advice to shy dancers and especially beginners is not to get discouraged if they are turned down once or twice.

However, since social dancers are generally nice and polite, being repeatedly declined can be a signal. In that case, it is a good idea to examine one's dancing and social interactions to see if anything is wrong.

On the Dance Floor

Line of Dance:

The dancing on a floor is done along a counter clockwise direction, known as the Line Of Dance. This applies to traveling dances including Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Quickstep, and Viennese Waltz, as well as Polka and two-step in the country western repertoire. Latin and Swing dances are more or less stationary and have no line of dance. Sometimes it is possible to dance more than one type of dance to the same song. For example, some Foxtrots can also be swings, and many Lindy Hop songs are just great for Quickstep. In that case, swing dancers take the middle of the floor, and the moving dancers move along the periphery in the direction of the line of dance.

Getting on the floor:

Some caution should be exercised when getting on the dance floor, especially if the song has already started and couples are dancing on the floor. It is the responsibility of incoming couples to make sure that they stay out of the way of the couples already dancing. Specifically, before getting into dance position, one should always look opposite the line of dance to avoid blocking someone's way, or even worse, causing a collision.

At the end of the dance:

After the dance is finished and before parting, thank your partner. This reminds me of a social partner who, upon being thanked at the end of the dance, would answer: ``You're welcome!'' This always gave me a funny feeling. The proper answer to ``Thank you!'' on the dance floor is: ``Thank you!'' The point is that the thanks is not due to a favor, but to politeness.

If you enjoyed the dance, let your partner know. Compliment your partner on her/his dancing. Be generous, even if he/she is not the greatest of dancers. Be specific about it if you can: ``I really enjoyed that double reverse spin. You led/followed that beautifully! '' If you enjoyed it so much that you would like to have another dance with him/her again, this is a good time to mention it: ``This Waltz went really great! I'd like to try a Cha-Cha with you later.'' Although remember that dancing too many dances with the same partner and booking many dances ahead are both violations of social dance rules.

Leaving the floor:

When a song comes to an end, leave the floor as quickly as it is gracefully possible. Tradition requires that the gentleman give his arm to the lady and take her back to her seat at the end of the dance. While this custom is linked to the outdated tradition requiring the gentlemen to ask ladies for dances, it is still a nice touch, although it may be impractical on the more crowded dance floors. In any case, remember that your partner may want to get the next dance. Don't keep them talking after the dance is over, if they seem ready to break away to look for their next partner.

Leaving entrances free:

Some dance floors, especially in country western dance establishments, have limited access space (most of the periphery is railed). Dancers and onlookers should avoid blocking these entrances. In particular, avoid stopping to chat immediately after exiting the dance floor. Another issue in Country Western dancing regards line dancers, who sometimes share the floor with other dancers. They should avoid blocking entrances from the inside while dancing.

Sharing the floor:

Responsible usage of the floor requires that one stays out of the way of others. Some figures require a momentary movement against line of dance. These figures should be executed with great caution on a social dance floor, and only when there is no danger of collision. Avoid getting too close to other couples, especially less experienced ones. Be prepared to change the directions of your patterns to avoid congested areas. This requires thinking ahead and matching your patterns to the free areas on the floor (floorcraft) . While this may sound complicated to the novice dancer, it gradually becomes second nature.

Sharing the floor sometimes means leaving the floor! For example, if there are too many dancers to fit on the floor, then a considerate dancer would withdraw every few dances to let everyone dance. The same idea applies if there aren't the same number of men and women. Then there is a mismatch and for each song some people will be left without a partner. If there aren't enough partners, it would be nice to voluntarily withdraw every few dances so that everyone gets a chance to dance.

Another aspect of sharing the floor is to match one's speed to that of others. In a recent social dance, a particularly tall and handsome couple caught my eye. They were moving with great speed and skill across the floor, and I began to enjoy watching them dance. But then I noticed they were coming dangerously close to other dancers on the crowded dance floor, and many times other couples came to a stop and moved out of their way. It was easy to see they were unhappy about this couple ``taking over'' the floor.

Aerials and choreography:

The only thing to be said about aerials on the social dance floor is: don't do them. While they may look ``cool,'' the execution of aerials requires training by a qualified instructor. Don't do them by yourself unless you are trained, and certainly don't do them on the social dance floor. Dancers have been badly hurt by either participating in aerials, or unluckily being in the proximity of those who did. In fact, in 1996, a swing dancer died during the execution of an aerial. Aerials can be extremely dangerous, please take this issue seriously.

The same principle applies to other lifts and drops, as well as choreographed patterns that require a large amount of floor space.

No-Fault Dancing

Never blame a partner for missed execution of figures. Once in a social dance I accidentally overheard a novice couple, where the lady said: ``I can do this step with everyone but you!'' The fact that she was wrong (I had seen her other attempts) is irrelevant. The point is that she was unkind and out of line. Even if the gentleman were at fault, she was not to say something like that (more about this in the section: ``dancing to the level of partner.'')

Regardless of who is at fault when a dancing mishap occurs, both parties are supposed to smile and go on. This applies to the better dancer in particular, who bears a greater responsibility. Accepting the blame is especially a nice touch for the gentleman. But at the same time, do not apologize profusely. There is no time for it, and it makes your partner uncomfortable.

My personal preference is the following: whenever something untoward happens, I first see if my partner noticed. Sometimes the partner may not be aware, for example, that a figure was slightly off-time or that a fine point in technique was missed, in which case it is better to let it go. If she has noticed, I just smile and whisper ``sorry...'' and go on, regardless of whose fault it was.

Did Your Partner Enjoy the Dance?

Dancing to the level of partner:

It often happens that the two partners dancing socially are not at the same level. It is important that the more experienced partner dances at the level of the less experienced partner. This is mostly a comment for leaders: when dancing with a new partner, start with simple figures, and gradually work your way up to more complicated patterns. You will discover a comfort level, file it away in memory for the next time you dance with the same partner.

The same principle applies to Latin and Swing followers, although to a lesser degree. Doing extra syncopations, footwork, free spins etc. can be distracting and even intimidating for a less experienced leader. Although I must say that the show-off follower is rather rare; most of the violations of this sort are by leaders who lead inexperienced partners into complicated figures.

Being sensitive to partner's preferences:

Social dancers strive to make their partners comfortable and help them enjoy the dance. This requires sensitivity to the likes and dislikes of the partner. These preferences can take a variety of forms. For example, I remember that one of my West Coast Swing social partners found neck wraps uncomfortable. In the same manner, some dancers don't like spins (or many spins in a row), while others really enjoy them. Some like extended syncopations and others don't. There are many more examples in various dance venues. Be sensitive to your partners. It is not too hard to detect their likes and dislikes, and if in doubt, ask.

Demeanor:

Be personable, smile, and make eye contact with your partner. Try to project a warm and positive image on the dance floor, even if that is not your personal style. Many of us lead hectic lives that include a difficult balance between study, work, family, and other obligations. Having a difficult and tiring day,

however, is not an acceptable excuse for a depressing or otherwise unpleasant demeanor on the dance floor. Because of the setting of a social dance, we do not always dance with our favorite partners. This is also not grounds for a cold treatment of the partner. Once one asks or accepts a dance, it is important to be outwardly positive, even if not feeling exactly enthusiastic.

The social dancer is also well advised to be watchful of an unchecked ego. While a healthy sense of self is helpful in all social interactions, it is more attractive when mixed with an equal dose of modesty. Don't let perceived dancing abilities or physical attractiveness go to your head. It is helpful to remember that overestimating one's dance prowess or attractiveness is quite common.

Teaching on the Floor

There are two aspects to this point of etiquette:

Unsolicited teaching:

This is unfortunately one of the more common breaches of dance etiquette. This often happens when a dancer stops in the middle of a song to correct his or her partner, or tell them how to execute a dance figure. Ironically, this error is often committed by individuals who are not fit to teach! Experienced social dancers dance at the level of their partners. Even for experienced dancers, the social dance floor is not the place to teach or to correct your partner. It is better to concentrate on patterns that both partners can do and enjoy. Unsolicited teaching can be humiliating and takes the fun out of dancing.

Soliciting teaching on the floor:

This is not necessarily a flagrant violation. For many, it is flattering to be consulted about a point of dancing. However, a little care and caution is always a good idea. Consider this hypothetical scenario: A polite dancer is excited when his favorite song comes on, and he asks the closest stranger for the dance. He really wants to dance this song, but she replies: ``I have never done this dance before. Can you please teach me?''

It is debatable how much one can learn, from scratch, in the 2-3 minutes a typical song plays, but that is beside the point. This is a song he really wants to dance to. For this or any other reason, he may not wish to spend time at that moment teaching someone, but she has left him no polite way of getting out. In this situation: (a) She doesn't know him (so cannot justify the imposition based on friendship), (b) she solicits teaching at the time he is asking her to dance, which puts him at a disadvantage, and (c) she does not know anything about the dance, so he cannot say: ``let's just do basic steps.''

Of course it's not always that bad. Dancers can learn quite a bit from each other in social dancing; observing a few simple points will make things enjoyable for all:

Don't say "teach me" the moment someone asks you to dance. If they are shy, they will feel trapped, will spend the next few minutes with you, and then for the rest of the night will avoid you like the plague. If they are not so shy, they will not teach you, and for the rest of the night will avoid you like the plague.

A good approach is the following: when asked to dance, one can say ``I would like to, but I don't know the dance.'' This shows that help would be appreciated, but without any pressure.

The asker in this situation can either offer to take the partner on the floor and do some basic steps, or if s/he is not so inclined, take it as a decline of dance: ``Oh, it would have been fun, perhaps we can do a different dance later?''

It is better to request help from friends, or at least someone you have had a dance or two with already, rather than someone you just met. If anythings, this is a great motivation to make friends in the dance community.

If you want to get pointers from someone, wait until s/he sits out a dance. Then go talk to her/him. This way they are not missing out on a dance by helping you.

Summary

Etiquette is here to ensure everyone has a good time in a social dance setting, so pay attention to it.

Your outfit and accessories should be comfortable, safe, and also reflect the culture and level of formality of the dance group. Most importantly, do not forget your dance shoes.

Ask everyone to dance. Do not monopolize one partner for the whole night.

Today's beginners will be the good dancers of tomorrow, so be nice to them and dance with them.

Do not decline a dance unless you absolutely have to. Having declined a dance, you cannot dance the same song with someone else.

Be considerate of other couples on the floor. Exercise good floorcraft. Do not cut other couples off. No aerials or choreographed steps on the social dance floor!

Stationary dancers (e.g. Swing dancers) stay in the middle, traveling dancers move on the boundary along the line of dance.

Avoid patterns that your partner cannot do: dance to the level of your partner.

Never blame your partner for missteps.

No unsolicited teaching on the floor!

Smile, be warm, be personable, be nice.

7 tips to minimize exam stress.

Raumil, a class XII student, is under pressure. His neighbor, Tirth, scored 91 per cent in the Class XII exams a year ago and Raumil's parents expect him to perform a lot better.
He isn't the only one in such a situation. With less than a month left for most examinations, many students find themselves weighed down by expectations. Comparisons, parental expectations and peer pressure are major concerns for students attempting their board exams. These concerns bog students down, leading to severe examination stress.
The term 'exam stress' can be broadly defined as a feeling of anxiety over one's performance in the exams, the results and reaction of parents and friends; all weigh upon students to create exam stress.
The final exams for Class XII and Class X start on February 21 and March 7 respectively. For those of you who are appearing for these exams, here are tips that can help minimize the stress.
i. Revision tips
Develop a timetable to monitor your progress. Make sure you allocate adequate time for fun and relaxation as well.
While revising a subject, practice writing. This would be an actual simulation of the examination itself. Plan your revision and complete it in time. This will give you a sense of achievement and build your confidence.
While revising, vary subjects and their difficulty so you don't get bored or disheartened. Set realistic targets of what you can achieve in the time available.
Spend as much time on recall as on reading. Practice by writing answers as you would do in the exam. This will help you remember the important points when you answer each paper.
Practice writing answers under exam conditions. Take three hour tests, without a break in between, preferably at the same time as that of the exam. This will help your body clock adjust to the examination time and conditions.
ii. Time out
To prevent mental fatigue, take a short break as soon as you notice your mind is losing concentration. Stick to activities that do not break your study continuum during these breaks. Avoid television and loud music. You will then be able to come back to your revision refreshed.
It is important to relax. Your mind and body perform at their best only if you get adequate rest.

iii. Maintain a regular sleep pattern
A regular seven hours of sleep is mandatory for the body to function well. Also, sleep at a regular time; don't alter your sleeping cycle.

It is not important whether you study late or get up early, as long as you get into the habit of being most alert at the same time as that of the exam.
Try and stop working an hour before bedtime. You will find it helpful to do some muscular relaxation, which is particularly effective in relieving stress.
iv. What to eat
Food rich in vitamins and proteins, such as green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits, are a must.
The nutrients will help your brain stay sharp. Avoid food with high fat content.
Don't drink too much coffee, tea or fizzy drinks. Caffeine will keep you up and reduce the clarity of your thinking.

v. NO distractions
Keep all unimportant issues at bay.
Right now, the board examinations should be your only focus. Stay away from distractions that could cause loss of concentration or unwanted anxiety. Stick to activities that do not break your study continuum.
vi. The power of positive thinking
Spend time with people who have a positive effect. It will rub off on you.
Avoid negative thoughts, such as 'Everyone else seems better organized, while I'm struggling.' Challenge such thoughts with positive thinking; for example, 'I have done well in exams before.'

vii. Practice relaxation techniques
Practice deep breathing, meditation and yoga as forms of relaxation. They help your body relax and reduce stress. Alternately, take a brisk walk in fresh air after your day's revision is over.
If you believe in God, pray before you start studying. Prayer will help you increase confidence reduce your stress as well.

And yes, lots of luck with those exams.