The Official Magazine of the 2010 AICI-SAS Chapter Education Conference September 2010

Build a timeless work wardrobe

Boost your presentation skills

Test your e-mail netiquette

Look gorgeous(even up close!)

anewyou24 & 25 September 2010

Makati City, Philippines

Salvation for the fashion-confused man is at hand. The best and well-loved brand, Dockers® Global (Note: is this how we refer to the brand now? Dockers® Global?), the one brand that made Khaki pants the universal fashion staple, has a mission. Launching a bold and irreverent campaign, the brand’s latest line of signature khakis is aimed to redefine the new and modern masculinity.

It is a call to manhood, with the command “Wear the Pants” again. The global approach is to create a decidedly masculine and modern collection of khakis. It is a marriage of the old and the new, with classic designs merged with modern style sensibilities. Rooted in military heritage, The Dockers® brand orders the men to wear the pants again and embody the ideal man who is capable of changing tires as well as changing diapers.

“The objective is to make room for khakis in a modern man’s closet next to his trusty denim,” said Asean Dockers® Brand Director Bobet Romualdo. “By providing our clientele with a wide array of styles, fits, colors and washes, the modern man can fashion khakis from work to play.”

THE REVIVAL OF THE REAL MAN

Dockers® Spring/Summer Collection for 2010 marks a turning point in Men’s fashion history as it showcases a current, tailored design with classic vibes which encapsulates the traits of what it is to be a man in this day and age. Dockers® universal and ubiquitous khaki pants offer a new and grown-up image, which espouses the modern man to embody strength, ambition, courage and a drive for success. “We are on a mission to bring khaki back,” explains Dockers Philippines Marketing Manager Grace Ibsernas. “We will make men love their khakis again.”

True to its philosophy of innovation, the Dockers® new line of khakis employs new fabrics, like soft khakis that include a collection of washed and color khakis and also top-of-the-line reproductions of K1 which is the authentic 1940s military pants.

Be grounded, balanced and particular with quality by wearing Dockers® bottoms. Wear the pants, and present yourself to the world as the ideal modern man.

The current vogue in Men’s fashion is diverse and overwhelming. The modern man is defined stylish if his style aesthetics fall under a current trend. With ever-changing trends, is a man’s self-identity still reflected by what he wears?

Address: 136 Gloria Diaz St., BF Resort Village Las Piñas City Philippines: (02) 872 1173 Website: www.joycepenaspilarsky.yolasite.com Mobile no: (+63915) 4859655 / (+63915) 8696078E-mail: jpilarsky@yahoo.com Germany : +004971727623806Fax no: +0049721493124London / England : +00447880817564

JPP Fashion and Accessories by Joyce Peñas Pilarsky

…dare to be different…

president’smessage

Image consultants teach people how to appear, behave and communicate in a way that supports how they or their company want to be seen. Corporate image, personal branding, social and business etiquette, civility, body language, grooming, deportment, dress, colour, body-line, style, wardrobe, make-up, clothing psychology and personal shopping are some areas a consultant may specialise in.

Working with individuals, businesses and government agencies, image consultants augment technical ability and academic qualification with soft skills training. They enhance corporate image and customer service by improving professional conduct and presentation, and bring empowerment and confidence to individuals by developing their social skills and appearance.

The Association of Image Consultants International, the leading global network of image consultants serves the industry by providing professional education, development, certification and philanthropic activities to bring standards of excellence to our members’ clients.

a warm welcomeImage consulting is a fast growing industry in Asia. With Asia’s developing economies demanding global interpersonal skills, social know-how and beauty, professional image consultants are in high demand.

Denise NgAICI President

speakers’profiles

Pioneering & Furthering Image & Grooming Programs Internationally

Sheila Wong, AICI CIPMalaysia+603 2096 9169 +603 5635 6113www.swet.com.my info@swet.com.my

To make you outstanding inside out

Pang Li Kin, AICI CIPAICI Success Coach, Professional Speaker, Trainer, Author AICI Rising Star Award 2008 AICI Chapter Member of the Year 2009 Singapore+65 6599 0868 contact@potenxia.com www.potenxia.com

Two Certified Masters; best of East and West; Asia’s only high-level Foundation and Advanced Image Training. AICI approved.

Lynne Marks, AICI CIMLondon Image InstituteUK/ASIA/USA+1404 255 0009lynne@londonimageinstitute.comwww.londonimageinstitute.com

Absolute Image Training Institute teaches the art and science of colour and style in small classes to ensure your success.

Imogen Lamport, B.A. Comm., AICI CIPAustralia+61 413 416 954imogen@bsoluteimagetraininginstitute.comwww.absoluteimagetraininginstitute.com

Consulting helping people and organizations to be the icon

Miselle P. Bergonia, AICI FLC Philippines+632 7433694 miselle@iic.com.ph www.iic.com.ph

Unveil your sense of style. Maximise your image potential at Maximum Effect – a global personal and corporate image consultancy.

Lata Goenka, AICI FLCSingapore / India+91 98360 60191info@themaximumeffect.comwww.themaximumeffect.com

AIM’s mission is to promote professional image consulting through the mastery of best practices in the business of image consulting that creates joy from transformed lives. Christina Ong, AICI CIMSingaporewww.imagemasteryacademy.org (65) 64723052

QML International specializes in providing image consultancy and training programs that are tailored to support individuals and organizations in their quest for excellence.

Catherine Ong, AICI FLCSingapore+65-67466456enquiry@qml-intl.comwww.qml-intl.com

fashionmaven

What you wear speaks volumes on your behalf-- whether you are aware of it or not. In the workplace, where public perception can have a significant impact on your career, you need to ensure that your work wardrobe says only good things about you.

dre

ss fo

r A GUIDE TO TIMELESS AND TASTEFUL WORK WARDROBE BASICS

“ Pay attention to how a majority of your colleagues dress to get a better idea of what types of clothes to pursue and which to avoid.”

These days, fashion trends can come and go in a blink of an eye. What was once considered hip and trendy could easily become stale in a matter of months. The challenge is to know how to choose timeless and fashionable pieces that can serve as the foundation of your wardrobe repertoire.

Here are some guiding principles to consider:

• Fit above all The right outfit in the perfect color and style is still a flop unless it fits well. After purchasing something, take time to have it altered, if necessary, to ensure that fit is optimal. It is not often that clothes bought off the rack fit perfectly. For blazers and long sleeved shirts, pay particular attention to how long the sleeves are. To test the fit, wear the blazer and try to bend and pretend to tie your shoe. You may also try raising your arms. The blazer should hug your figure but still allow for freedom of movement.

• Pay attention to cuts that flatter your bodyIt is not enough to select the right size of clothes, what can make a significant difference is determining the clothing styles and cuts that work best with your body type. Aim to project a proportionate look. Take note of your body type and dress accordingly.

a) Apple: tend to have large shoulders or bust and narrower hips.

b) Pear: characterized by wide hips and narrower bust and shouldersc) Hourglass: where bust and hips are proportional with a defined waist

d) Rectangular: straight figure with very minimal differentiation between measurement of hips, bust and waist. • Choose clothes that fit your industry and company cultureCertain industries such as banking and finance tend to have more conservative dress codes than industries such as advertising and the arts. Pay attention to how a majority of your colleagues dress to get a better idea of what types of clothes to pursue and which to avoid.

Timeless Wardrobe Pieces

• Black trousers: Invest in a good pair of well fitting black trousers. Aside from being figure flattering, this neutral is perfectly versatile, easy to match and unlikely to go out of style. Opt to purchase a straight leg cut over trendier cuts for maximum wear.

• A-line skirt in black or charcoalThis silhouette is appealing for all body types so invest in this timeless basic. It cinches on the waist and hides

majority of women’s problem areas (tummy, hips and thighs). Ideally, choose a skirt that is knee length so it’s perfect for the office.

• Classic suit Although you may not be required to wear this to work daily, you should have at least one flattering suit in your wardrobe repertoire for the occasional interview etc. Choose one in a classic cut and an appropriate fabric. Lightweight wool is an ideal fabric choice for tropical countries as it absorbs sweat to keep you cool. Remember to select suits in neutral colors such black, navy or charcoal. Double check suit stitching, buttons and pocket flaps to ensure that they are not too trendy and will not look dated over time.

For maximum versatility, you may opt to wear the suit blazer with a dress or the bottom with a dressy top.

• White topsJust like black trousers, white tops can be mixed and matched with practically anything. It can be worn under a blazer or on its own. Choose a button down top in a classic silhouette with no particularly trendy details. Ideally, select one in a wrinkle-proof cotton fabric. Look as well for a dressy white blouse which is formal enough for the office and still appropriate for an after-office get together.

• Classic pumpsAvoid wearing stilettos or flats in the office. Instead, invest in a sturdy and comfortable pair of black pumps. Opt for a two inch heel so as to get to the benefits of the added height without being overly uncomfortable.

• Versatile dress A well fitting versatile dress in a classic silhouette is another wardrobe staple. It can be worn to work underneath a blazer or cardigan. Select one in a solid neutral for easy matching. Create interest by throwing on accessories which can easily take you from day to night.

Remember that these classic pieces are merely the foundation of your wardrobe and are meant to mixed and matched with other pieces. Feel free to add a modern edge to these by jazzing them up with accessories or brightening them up with pops of color (in the form of colorful bags or pumps). Just make sure not to overdo it.

Look at yourself from top to toe in the mirror after pulling together an outfit to ensure that your overall look is professional and polished. Remember, a timeless wardrobe is only further enhanced when worn with confidence.

Today’s professionals aim to compete with the best that the world has to offer. These days, all industries strive to upgrade quality of services to one that is globally competitive.

However, professional image can easily make or break global standards. One’s professional image can significantly be affected by personal appearance, behavior, and communication.

“Your image direction is your message of success to the world,” Karen Agustin-Ostrea, a certified Image Consultant explains. “In our trainings, we make sure that your image represents not only your current level of success, but also the level of success you desire.”

As an Image Consultant, Karen aligns herself with the goals of her clients. She re-creates her clients’

Developing your image towards global successprofessional image towards what will move them forward in achieving global success. Her holistic approach not only encourages clients to aim high, but drives them to take initiative in their personal change process.

With her global experience in etiquette, beauty and image training, she has conducted image enhancement workshops for some of the biggest corporations in the Philippines. She has assisted thousands in their total personal and professional development throughout the country.

For more information on developing a global image, get in touch with Karen Loren Agustin-Ostrea, AICI FLC. Check Karen’s website at www. globalimagemanagement.com. She can be contacted through +632-

3479350, +63919-2544466 or emailed at karenloren_agustin@yahoo.com.

beautymaven

face

However, flawless skin is not solely dependent on the regular usage of cosmetics and skin care products. Beautiful skin is also the outcome of a healthy lifestyle.

Internal Skin Care1. Maintain a balanced diet.Healthy skin can be attained by maintaining a varied and healthy diet. Make sure your diet includes plenty of vegetables, fruits, fish and whole grain products. To keep your body functioning at

its best, also eat food rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, B, C and E. These nutrients will help the skin rejuvenate, moisturize and produce collagen.

Being conscious of the food you eat has a major influence on the youthfulness of your skin. Eat oily, spicy and fried foods in moderation. As much as possible, select natural or organic food and limit the intake of anything processed.

forward

Women will do almost anything to keep their skin fresh, radiant and youthful looking. They will try anything from natural homemade remedies to expensive beauty treatments.

JUDE HIPOLITO and ROSE VELASCOUnivers Phyto Salon by Kaizen5th Level Rustan’s Ayala CenterMakati City

For appointments, callmobile: 0920 904 4645telephone: 893 5008

“Learn to manage your stress levels. Practice time management and learn to make time for yourself. Learn deep-breathing techniques and exercises. ”

2. Keep yourself hydrated.Drink a generous amount of water and fresh fruit juices in order to ensure the skin’s elasticity. If you are indoors, drink at least 8-10 glasses of water or fruit juice a day. If you are outdoors, double or triple your intake depending on the humidity and your exposure to the sun. 3. Exercise regularly.Regular physical exercise can greatly impact one’s skin complexion. Exercise improves your body’s digestion and circulation, as well as helps you achieve a healthier emotional outlook.

4. Get enough sleep.One must get at least 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night in order to maintain a healthy complexion. Getting little sleep makes you feel and look tired. Reduce caffeine intake during the day and avoid eating meals two hours before bedtime. Begin a sleeping routine and go to bed at the same time each night.

5. Manage your stress levels.Long-term stress can have intense effects on the skin. Stress alters one’s breathing, reducing the amount of oxygen carried in the bloodstream and supplied to the skin. Your skin may lack a glow, and even appear gray or pasty. Stress hormones also cause blood vessels to constrict, leading to poor circulation. This will leave your skin flaky, dry and prone to irritation.

Learn to manage your stress levels. Practice time management and learn to make time for yourself. Learn deep-breathing techniques and exercises.

6. Quit smoking.Smoking is not only extremely harmful to your skin, but to your overall health. It destroys collagen and elastin, both of which are necessary to maintain firm and youthful skin.

7. Reduce alcohol and caffeine intake.Alcoholic and caffeinated beverages dehdrates

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Known for her specialty of creating the flawless face, Laura Mercier is a world-renowned makeup artist and creator of Laura Mercier Cosmetics, Skincare, Body & Bath, and Fragrance. As the personal makeup artist to celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Julia Roberts, and Juliette Binoche, and as a contributor to cover designs and editorial shoots, Laura Mercier creates looks that are both flawless and accentuate one’s natural beauty.

Raised in Provence, Laura began her training at age 17 when she entered painting school in Paris. After deciding to shift her talents from the canvas to the face, Laura attended the Carita School where she specialized in makeup application. Subsequently she represented Carita as a makeup artist and makeup teacher, working closely with Thibault Vabre.

In 1985, Laura moved to New York when she was asked to join the team to launch American Elle. She immediately began working on advertising campaigns for Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s, Clairol, as well as editorial spreads for magazines including Elle, Vanity Fair, Glamour, Seventeen, and several other publications. She began working with clients such as L’Oreal, Maybelline, Victoria’s Secret, Gap, Banana Republic, and many other cosmetic and clothing companies, while working with Madonna on her looks for print, television and film. Subsequently Laura entered into a four-year contract with Elizabeth Arden, designing the makeup looks for all of their advertising campaigns, and also worked with Chanel on the company’s beauty advertising campaigns in France.

In 1996, Laura developed Laura Mercier Cosmetics to benefit women of all ages and skin types. She personally created the colors to satisfy the needs

laura mercier Makeup artistCreator of the Laura Mercier Line of Cosmetics, Skincare, Body & Bath and Fragrance

of her clients, based on a classic and always-current palette, rather than seasonal trends only. The line, now in its thirteenth year, is now available in almost 853 stores in 26 countries at stores including Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Sephora and many others.

The Laura Mercier line has received numerous accolades from customers and magazine editors. Her Tinted Moisturizer is repeatedly being named in magazine ‘Best Of’ awards. InStyle’s 2009 Best Beauty Buys included Tinted Moisturizer, Oil Free Foundation and Secret Camouflage. The 2007 and 2008 Best Beauty Buys also included Tinted Moisturizer. InStyle’s 2004 Best Beauty Buys included the Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage, Tinted Moisturizer and Lip Kisses, Allure’s 2003 Best Beauty Award for Courtisane Lip Colour and Cosmopolitan’s 2003 Best for Eye Paints. In addition, Laura has received numerous awards for her involvement in the campaigns on behalf of Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Valentino, and Alberta Ferretti, as well as her cover designs for Vogue (working with photographer Steven Meisel for ten years), Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire and Allure, for her cosmetics. In addition to Sarah Jessica Parker and Julia Roberts, Laura’s current clients include Madonna, Susan Sarandon, Isabella Rosellini, Brooke Shields, Ellen Barkin, Celine Dion, Meg Ryan, Ashley Judd, Meryl Streep and Julia Ormond.

When she is not traveling with clients or for photo shoots, Mercier divides her time between New York City and Paris.

skin. They deplete essential skin nutrients and cause your skin to appear dull. Only drink alcholic and caffeinated beverages on occasion and always counter it with a glass of water.

External Skin Care1. Determine your skin type.Make time for a professional consultation to determine whether you have normal, oily, dry or combination skin. Purchase products that are appropriate for your skin type.

2. Have a cleansing routine. A basic skin care regimen is composed of three things: cleansing, exfoliating and toning. Maintain a basic skin care routine and you will quickly see visible improvements.

The first thing you should do before applying anything on your face is to wash your hands. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, with your fingers moving in a circular motion. Make upward and outward strokes. After one or two minutes, rinse your face thoroughly and pat dry with a towel. Clean your face at least twice a day.

Exfoliating is a process that removes dead skin cells. Choose an exfoliant that is friendly to your skin. If you have normal or dry skin, you should exfoliate once a week. If you have oily or combination skin, exfoliate twice a week.

Toner closes the pores and tightens the skin. It brings back the moisture that was lost from cleansing and exfoliating. Toner may be applied daily.

3. Use moisturizer.The skin ages quickly if it is not properly moisturized. Moisturizer helps hydrate your skin further. Many women believe that since they have oily skin, they no longer need to apply moisturizer. This is an incorrect notion. If you have oily skin, simply use water-based moisturizers instead of oil-based products. Apply moisturizer twice a day.

4. Apply sunscreen.It is important to be protected from the harmful UV rays penetrating into your skin. Sunscreen protects your skin from premature wrinkles, aging, skin cancer and sun damage. Make it a daily habit to apply sunscreen, whether you will be staying indoors or outdoors.

5. Take off the makeup.Makeup clogs your pores and can create a breeding ground for bacteria if left for an extended period of time. If you wear makeup on a regular basis, try going at least one day a week without it. Give your skin a chance to breathe.

Having clear, healthy and beautiful skin is important for aeshetic reasons, as it affects how others perceive you. More importantly, however, healthy skin also boosts your self-esteem, self-confidence and overall attitude.

The youthfulness of your skin depends on the things that you do or fail to do. Caring for your complexion does not mean you have to spend thousands on products and treatments. It simply means that you need to follow a lifestyle that practices consideration for your skin.

“Moisturizer helps hydrate your skin further. Many women believe that since they have oily skin, they no longer need to apply moisturizer.”

A great presentation consists of three elements: content, design and delivery. Each element affects the other. Your content may be fascinating, but your message will not get across if your delivery is unpolished or if your design is weak.

ContentThe first thing you should do is analyze your audience. Familiarize yourself with their demographics—their age, gender, culture and even their language. Gauge their interest level. Is their attendance required or voluntary? Your audience will dictate the approach you should follow.

Determine the needs of your audience, as well the level of their knowledge. Take into consideration what your audience might already know about your subject matter. Identify what you want them to gain from your presentation.

Next, gather information and data that is factual, interesting and relevant. Collect more material than you can possibly use. If you use the Internet for your research, verify your information using respectable sources. Look for appropriate quotations, anecdotes and stories from reputable magazines and newspapers.

the art of presentations

trainingmaven

The thought of public speaking and making presentations can instantly cause a person to freeze up or feel anxious. However, giving presentations are an inevitable part of everyday life, whether your audience is composed of a small team or of hundreds. Do yourself a favor take the time to refine your skills in order for you to deliver an engaging and effective presentation.

Once you have gathered your data, convert your data into an outline. Every presentation should have a clear introduction, body and conclusion. Your outline should be systematic and well structured.

The introduction should capture the interest and attention of the audience. Examples of effective openings are startling questions, fascinating statistics and interesting stories. Discuss the objectives and goals of your presentation in the first few minutes. If necessary, include an overview or recap of a specific situation or organization.

The manner in which you discuss the main body of your presentation depends on your outline format. There are several types of outlines. A chronological outline, for example, presents events in the order that they occur. A problem-solution outline states a problem, which eventually leads to a solution. A topical outline discusses a main topic and divides it into several subtopics. Decide on the outline format best suited for your subject and stick to it.

As you wind down your presentation, briefly review or summarize your main points. Your presentation should provide closure and leave a strong impression. You may choose to conclude with recommendations or a call to action.

Keep in mind factors such as the size of the venue, what time of day your presentation is, and how much time you are being given to speak. These factors also play a major role in deciding the content of your presentation and the manner in which you deliver it.

DesignVisual aids are an extremely important part of a presentation because they serve the needs of the audience, not the speaker. They enhance one’s understanding of a particular subject. If visual aids are used poorly, it becomes ineffective and simply becomes a distraction.

When creating your presentation on PowerPoint, focus on only one concept per slide. Too many thoughts in one page can overwhelm or confuse your audience. When possible, utilize graphs, diagrams and photographs instead of text. Avoid unnecessary slides and use your slides sparingly.

When using bullet points, make sure that you use key words and phrases. Avoid putting every word of your presentation in your slides. Keep your text simple and short, including titles. Don’t be afraid to leave empty space on your visual aids.

Pay attention to your design elements. Font styles and sizes should be consistent throughout your presentation.

As much as possible, try to use a maximum of only two legible typefaces. The colors you use should have a sense of harmony and be contrasting in order to be legible. As much as possible, use no more than four colors. Be consistent with your slide layouts. Double-check your capitalization, spelling and grammar.

DeliveryNot everyone has the ability to deliver presentations with confidence and competence. Factors such as your voice, body language and your use of space can greatly affect the overall outcome of your presentation. You must keep in mind that your audience is not only listening to you, but watching you, as well.

Develop your volume, intonation and pacing. You need to speak loudly enough to reach every single member of the audience. You will bore your audience by speaking in monotone. Change your intonation in order to liven up your presentation. You also need to take note of your pace. Being overly nervous or excited can cause you to speak too slowly or too quickly.

“As you wind down your presentation, briefly review or summarize your main points. Your presentation should provide closure and leave a strong impression.”

1. Reading everything on the slidesUnfortunately, some speakers prefer to read every single thing on their slides. Speak to the audience and not your slides. Rehearsing ahead of time will give you more confidence and will allow you familiarize yourself with the contents of your presentation.

2. Too much informationYou know a lot about the subject matter, but there’s no need to discuss everything you’ve learned. Focus on what your audience needs to know. Your audience is more likely to retain information if you stick to three main points and simply expound on them. Identify these three main points early on and structure your presentation them.

3. Poorly chosen design theme or template Be consistent with the background or template that you use. Select a design that is appropriate for your audience. Use a clean, simple and professional-looking template if you are making a business presentation. If you are presenting to a younger audience, choose a template or design that has a bit more color.a bit more color.

4. Poorly chosen fonts When selecting fonts to use, keep in mind the people sitting at the back row of the room. Use a font color that contrasts with the color of your background. Using several fonts and font sizes at a time can also make your slide difficult to read. Stick to two different typefaces—one font for headings and titles, another font for your content. For electronic presentations, use sans serif fonts such as Arial or Helvetica instead of serif fonts.

5. Excess animationsUsing too many animations and sounds will slow down your presentation and possibly frustrate your audience, as well. If your text comes out letter-by-letter or word-by-word, your audience will instantly lose interest. Your visuals will only be effective if they are wisely used. Use animations and sounds only to heighten interest at certain points.

TOP FIVE PRESENTATION ERRORS

The team of opticians and eyewear fashion consultants at eyes@work believe eyewear should be be individual and attractive. Possessing a well-developed sense for fashion, an eye for individuality and an appreciation for quality and detailing, the eyes@workers clothe your face with eyewear that highlights you. Create a personal statement and express yourself through eyewear with eyes@work.

9 Raffles Boulevard #01-38 Millenia Walk Singapore 039596 Tel: +65 6333 9938 Fax: +65 6333 9238Email: eyesatwork@singnet.com.sg

Harris & Barnes Image Consult-ing was borne out of Ms. Sonya S. Barnes’ passion for style development and solid knowl-edge of the design industry. This, coupled with her exten-sive experience working with Fortune 500 companies and organizational communication and negotiation skills, resulted in the company’s unique ap-proach of hands-on experience. It was after years of working with many high profile executives in the corporate world that Ms. Barnes de-veloped a particular interest in business development and menswear.

In its 10 years in the industry, Harris & Barnes Image Consulting has trained hundreds of consultants from all over the world on how to develop a profitable busi-ness and niche marketing training in menswear. Soon

the company will be launching a menswear program which has been developed from a perspective of personal experience, current industry trends and savvy business skills. They have created a unique learning expe-rience that has never before been offered in the industry.

For more information about the programs on offer, please contact Ms. Sonya S. Barnes at sonya@harris-barnes.com or

through +(1)704-607-4300.

Harris & Barnes Image Consulting is located in 7625 British Gardens Lane Charlotte NC 28277 USA

Sonya S. Barnes, AICI CIP, Founding Member of AICI Atlanta, GA, Master Trainer at London Image In-stitute, immediate past VP Education, international board AICI

Harris & Barnes Image Consulting

of your presentation in order to keep your mind from going blank.

Practice makes perfect. Use a voice recorder or video camera to tape your rehearsals so you can listen to yourself. Rehearse in front of a mirror or better yet, in front of your spouse, family or friends so you can get their feedback. By doing so, you will learn how to control your nerves, as well as handle yourself with confidence and poise in front of a group.

It takes time to learn the art of presentations, but it is a skill that can be developed. Take advantage of every opportunity you can to speak in front of an audience. The more you do it, the better you will become.

It is inevitable that you will encounter tough situations during your presentation. Here are some of those situations and ideas on how to deal with them:

The room is practically empty.Unfortunately, it is possible to spend weeks preparing for a presentation only to face a room with few attendees. Address the challenge right away. Ask the audience to move closer to the front. Use the opportunity to be interactive with the audience and to make the setting more personal.

You are giving your presentation after lunch.Everyone knows that it is extremely tough to keep an audience alert and awake after having a big lunch. Prepare a few icebreakers that will get everyone on their feet. Begin with a game, a teambuilding exercise or a role-playing activity.

The participants feel like they know more on the subject than you do.Know-it-alls can be especially difficult to deal with. Involve them in your presentation rather than allow them to disrupt you. Allow them to share their insights and contribute information. Doing so will get more information out of your presentation and even show how confident you are.

Your equipment fails.Apologize to the audience and make the most of your situation. If you have a chalkboard or a flipchart available, use them. Remember that you are the main attraction and not your PowerPoint presentation. In the future, always have a backup plan. Print out a copy of your notes and always carry a copy of your presentation on a USB flash drive.

The length of the presentation has been changed.If you suddenly have less time to make your presentation, talking quickly is not the answer. Go over your material and see if there are sections that can be completely omitted. Keep an eye on the clock and limit the amount of time you discuss each key point of your presentation.

Your body language is something you should be aware of at all times. Remember to make good eye contact. The rule of thumb is three to five seconds of eye contact per person. Maintain proper posture. Stand straight, but refrain from looking stiff. Use appropriate facial expressions and gestures. Avoid keeping your hands in your pockets or hidden behind your back.

Another thing to watch out for is how to use the space given to you. Make sure that everyone in the audience can see you from where you are standing. If you move around the room, do so with purpose—not because you are nervous. Movement changes the dynamics of your delivery and is a great way to maintain the attention of your audience.

Speakers are usually most nervous at the beginning of their speeches. You may want to try memorizing the first two to three minutes

HOW TO HANDLE DIFFICULT SITUATIONS

“Speakers are usually most nervous at the beginning of their speeches. You may want to try memorizing the first two to three minutes of your presentation to keep your mind from going blank.”

Greetings!

fromPast Preside

nt

Palmy Layug & spouse Nini

Rotary Club Forbes Par

k

1. Why shouldn’t you type your messages in ALL CAPS?a) ALL CAPS implies that I am shouting or yelling.b) It causes a strain on your eyes and makes reading more difficult.c) It makes the writer look lazy and uneducated.d) All of the above.

2. The most important thing to do with every e-mail message is:a) Spell check, use full sentences and proper grammar.b) Use proper paragraphs and leave a space between paragraphs.c) Make sure the e-mail address is correct.d) All of the above.

3. You should only forward an e-mail when:a) You feel it is importantb) You know the other person should have the information.c) You include a personal comment about why you are forwarding this message to this specific persond) The topic is commendable and important for other people to read.

4. When replying to e-mails you should down-edit your reply by:a) Spell checking the sender’s previous e-mail.b) Removing previous signature files.c) Removing the oldest two e-mails in the sequence.d) Removing everything that’s not essential to the ongoing conversation.

5. If you can’t reply to a message straight away, what should you do? a) Send a brief acknowledgment and say you’ll reply as soon as possible.b) Carry on with your other work; you’ll get round to it later.c) Put it in a special ‘KIV’ or ‘pending’ folder.d) Delete it.

TEST YOURE-MAIL IQ

6. When is it all right to contact people by e-mail about your business?a) When I know they really need my service.b) Anytime at all— after all, lots of companies do ‘cold calling’ on the telephone.c) Only when they call or e-mail me and ask me for information.d) When I know I can save them money.

7. A good way to check the user-friendliness of your message is to:a) Use lots of abbreviations so my message is short and simple.b) Run a spell check because that finds all the errors.c) Write it all in one paragraph so the message is not too long.d) Read it out aloud with proper tone as if I am speaking to the recipient.

8. A good subject line is:a) Lengthy, to give as much information as possible.b) Specific, meaningful, appropriate, relevant and thoughtful.c) One or two words only.d) You don’t always need to use a subject line.

9. When you receive a spam e-mail message, the best thing to do is:a) Read it just in case it’s interesting.b) Delete it.c) Forward it to my friends.d) Reply with an angry, abusive message telling them to stop spamming.

10. You can create good rapport with clients by:a) Always using e-mail instead of picking up the phone.b) Using standard phrases and corporate templates.c) Using friendly language and a chatty style, as if having a conversation.d) Being very serious and formal in all my e-mails.

ANSWERS ON THE NEXT SPREAD

TAKEN FROM THE BOOK “E-MAIL ETIQUETTE” BY SHIRLEY TAYLOR

TEST YOURE-MAIL IQ

1. The correct answer is (d). Capitals mean much more than shouting and aggression. Aside from being seen as rude and annoying , using capitals for any part an email message makes it more difficult to read. Unless it is your intention to STRESS a very important point, like, “do NOT send a copy to...”, use this method sparingly, if at all, to keep its effectivity.

2. Did you answer (d)? All these things are important. Spell checking, using full sentences and proper use of grammar and paragraphs are critical. When messages are abbreviated they are difficult to understand. On the other hand, improper paragraphing makes a message hard to read, especially from a small screen device like a Blackberry. Bad grammar, spelling and punctuation hints at sloppiness and lowers your credibility and that of your organization.

3. It is always good to know why you are receiving a specific email, so please follow the advice in (c). Don’t just forward a message without a note. Also, it’s very important to let the sender know where you have forwarded their message and the address of the person they should contact in the future.

4. (d) is the correct answer here. Cut away any part of the sender’s email that is not necessary to the clarity of the ongoing conversation, and then intersperse your comments with those of the sender. It helps to put your comments in italics, or perhaps in bold or a different color, so your comments are easy to distinguish from those of the sender.

5. It is good manners to send a brief acknowledgement, so (a) is the correct answer here. This is true for both messages that require a simple, straightforward response as well as those that require more thought and research. For the latter, it is courteous to send a quick reply to first acknowledge the message then inform the sender that you will get back to them soon.

6. Please don’t spam. The correct answer is (c). Spamming is sending an unsolicited email to people who have neither asked for it nor particularly want to receive it. It is considered by most people as annoying and wasteful because not only does it waste the reader’s time, it is inconsiderate.

7. The golden rule of writing an email is to write as if you are speaking, so I do hope you answered (d). In every message you write, just think ABC-- Accurate, Brief and Clear. Accuracy just means that your message should be factually correct in every detail. Make sure you double-check dates, times, names and numbers. Brevity means being direct and to the point. Save the recipient’s time by keeping sentences short and simple. To ensure clarity, use everyday language that the reader will understand. Avoid fancy words and elaborate phrases.

8. A good subject line is SMART – so the answer is (b). Specific: means avoiding vague or generic subject lines like “Information” or “Inquiry”. Meaningful: just means having an explicit subject line. A message with the heading “Help needed” is as good as having no heading at all. Appropriate: keep your subject line concise and to the point. Your subject line should be a brief summary of what the message is about, not an extract from it. Relevant: Hit the nail on the head so that the reader is completely clear what you are writing about. Thoughtful: your subject line should indicate the context of the message at a glance. It is a good idea to limit your subject line to 35-40 characters.

9. Whatever you do, don’t reply. Just hit “Delete”, so (b) is the answer. Some examples of spam are get rich quick schemes, chain letters, hoaxes, jokes and cartoons. Utilize spam filters to help you identify these.

10. You will create a good rapport with everyone with a conversational style. Using an active voice rather than a passive one will make the tone of your email livelier. Here’s an example: instead of saying “Your order was received by us today”, you can say, “Thank you for your order, which we received today”. Adopting a positive attitude in the tone of your messages will give the reader a better impression of you and ultimately help you achieve better results.

HOW DID YOU DO?

ANSWERS

TO THE

E-MAIL

IQ QUIZ

REVEALED!

ANSWER KEY ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK “EMAIL ETIQUETTE” BY SHIRLEY TAYLOR

Denise NgFounder, Managing Image ConsultantU.S. and U.K. certified 15 years international experiencePresident, Association of Image Consultants International,South Asia –Singapore Chapter

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BEFORE AFTER

Due to developments in technology, much of the way we communicate with others has evolved. Rather than writing a letter or picking up the telephone, majority now use laptops and mobile phones. Through these gadgets, keeping in touch or getting our point across is just a keystroke away.

Emily Post, an acknowledged expert on good manners and right conduct, was quoted as saying, “Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others”. In the use of these new gadgets, proper etiquette should be guided by the same underlying sensitivity which used to govern the rules of conduct for an earlier age.

technologymaven

e-tiquetteEtiquette is defined by Merriam Webster as “the conduct or procedure required by good breeding or prescribed by authority to be observed in social or official life”.

Here are some guidelines on the proper etiquette for two of the most commonly used gadgets –computers and mobile phones.

Mobile PhonesWhen receiving a call on your phone, the rule of thumb is not to offend or inconvenience those who are in your general vicinity. Thus, the tone and volume of your voice are major considerations.

• When in a meeting or social get together, keep your phone on silent mode or turn it off. Sometimes we are more considerate of the person on the other end of the line rather than those who are presently around us. Should you be expecting an urgent call during the meeting, inform everyone and apologize in advance for the interruption. Upon receiving the call, move away from the meeting to take your call.

• Never take a call while driving. For your own safety and that of others, pull over on the side of the road if absolutely necessary for you to make or take a call.

• Watch what you say and how you say it. Sometimes it is unavoidable to take a call in a crowded place, within earshot of others. Make sure to lower the volume of your voice as much as you can and watch the language you use. No one wants to hear about you or your friend’s personal problems so as much as possible avoid talking about such in a public place. If physically possible, move 10-feet away from other people so you can take your call in private.

• Keep your ring tone subtle. Adjust the volume of your ring tone. It should be loud enough for you to hear it when it’s in your bag but not blaringly loud that everyone in your general vicinity would know each time you receive a call.

• Avoid using too many text abbreviations. Never assume that the person you’re texting understands what LOL means. When texting a professional colleague, text complete words so as not to be misunderstood or labelled as unprofessional.

• Texting is not meant to be a replacement for face-to-face conversation. Texting should be used when it is urgent to get a message across and one is unable to meet another face-to-face. However, whole conversations were not meant to be conducted through text. Make a call or schedule a face-to-face meeting instead.

• Don’t text anything that’s confidential or potentially embarrassing. Messages are mistakenly sent to the wrong numbers many times so don’t even risk texting something private or potentially embarrassing to any of your contacts. Same goes for photos or videos sent via phone.

ComputersThe same respect and consideration you would apply to the non-virtual world, should govern your online communications.

“Whole conversations were not meant to be conducted through text.”

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Le Vigne organises wine talks and etiquette training for private and corporate events, personalised or group training that offer intense guidance for top executives or management trainees alike. We conduct wine trainings for the F&B industry in Singapore and Malaysia as well as consult for restaurants on wine & food pairings.

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Net-iquette• Double check before sending. Although emails may seem less formal than memos and other professional documents, always proofread your emails before sending them to ensure that spelling and grammar are correct. This is especially true for emails sent to colleagues at work. Also double check to ensure that your message is easy to understand. Avoid using sarcasm and ambiguous copy as these can be easily misunderstood when read through email.

• Ensure message appropriateness.Always keep in mind the people who will be receiving your messages. If they are work colleagues, ensure that message content is appropriately professional. Avoid sending spam or messages which are overtly religious, political or pornographic especially in the work setting.

• Always fill in the Subject lineA filled in subject line gives the email recipient an advanced inkling of what your email is about and allows for prioritization so never keep the recipient wondering by leaving it blank.

• Email address updates When moving to a new company or going on vacation where you will not be able to check your email regularly, be sure that the relevant contact people are informed accordingly and referred to the person they should be communicating with.

Admittedly, new gadgets make our lives more convenient by allowing us online access 24/7 to friends and colleagues across great distances and time zones. However, what gains we have achieved in technology should always be complemented by the use of proper etiquette to ensure that we continue to evolve for the better.

Social networkingno-no’s

In social networking sites, as in all other online communications, common decency and the Golden Rule applies.

• Do not make public the photos of others without asking permission first. Respect that other people may have privacy issues, so always ask permission before posting pictures. This is particularly true when photos of other people’s children are involved.

• No posting of comments that may negatively affect another’s reputation.Your online comments may affect your friend’s reputation. If a comment is not something you would like said of yourself in public then refrain from posting it on someone else’s site lest it be viewed by colleagues, parents and head hunters.

• No improper profile pictures please. Nowadays, head hunters are known to look into social networking sites when considering candidates so consider well your profile picture. Although your photo doesn’t have to be too professional, it has to be neutral. Make sure it’s not too sexy or overly made up and consider well the context where the photo is taken especially when a good part of the background will be evident.

• Avoid spamming other people. Spam is spam, whether it comes in the form of chain mail or various other re-posting requests so avoid bombarding your entire network with it.

• No sharing of private information To address safety concerns, avoid posting highly private information such as contact numbers, addresses and the like. This applies to your personal information as well as those of friends.

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The Jefferson Awards are a prestigious national recognition system honouring community and public service in America. Considered as the Nobel Prize for public service and volunteerism, the Jefferson Awards marked its 38th year this 2010.

In the course of her Washington visit, Jan met US Vice President Joe Biden, a number of US Senators, one of which was oldest serving Republican Senator, Richard Lugar. Senator Lugar is recognized for his “steadfast friendship with the Philippines and his determined advocacy for a strong Philippine-American alliance; for his principled and consistent support for Philippine freedom, which was invaluable in securing the return of democracy to the Philippines in 1986.”

A personal highlight of her trip was being able to meet a member of the Kennedy clan, considered American royalty.

The historic Mayflower Hotel played host to the meeting where Jan spoke about the Philippine brand of volunteerism,

specifically, the People Power Story—from the 1986 Non-Violent Revolution to Heroes in Action to electing a President.

To prepare for the presentation, Jan left no detail to chance. Apart from preparing a well-thought out presentation, she made sure that she was appropriately dressed despite the extremely hot DC temperature. With the help of the proper hairstyle, make-up, clothes, footwear and accessories, she was able to deliver her presentation confidently.

Jan Chavez-Arceo with US Senator Richard Lugar and Jefferson Awards Board Member Kathleen Kennedy Townsend

Jan Chavez-Arceo wears many hats. Apart from being a mother of three, she is also Managing Director and Chief Creative Officer of a brand activation company. As Consulting Partner of Impact Solutions Institute, a development management consulting group and a member of the Why Not Forum, a social enterprise, Jan is able to do the social development work that she is passionate about . Last June, Jan was invited to be the only non-American speaker/panelist and delegate to the Jefferson Awards National Ceremonies in Washington, DC.

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Phone: (852) 2159-9135Fax: (852) 2159-9688

20th Floor Central Tower, 28 Queens Road Central Hong Kong, SAR China

jeffrey.jones@humanfactorinternational.com

The Academy of Image Mastery (AIM) has as its cornerstones the mastery of image consulting know-how and experience. AIM’s vision is to be the world’s acclaimed image academy with an Asian focus, forged together by global thought-leaders and a diverse alumni that transforms lives.

AIM is unique in the following ways:

Industry top experts as your teachers. At AIM, you will find the best that the west and east has to offer in the field of educational training for image consultants through a diverse faculty of top players and experts in their re-spective fields, including Lynne Marks, AICI CIM, Carla Mathis, AICI CIM, Peter Post of the Emily Post Institute, Amy Chow, a highly sought after makeup artist in Sin-gapore and founder trainer Christina Ong, AICI CIM. AIM invites experienced masters to teach aspiring image consultants in pursuit of mastery.

Quality assurance through external accreditation. We believe in developing your fullest potential in-line with the highest international standards of professionalism for image consultants regulated by the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) following adult learning guidelines instituted by the International Association of Continuing Education and Training (IACET). This offers you a quality assurance through internationally recog-nized standards of external accreditation.

Diverse learning environment. AIM attracts students from more than 15 countries, primarily from the emerging markets in Asia but also as far as from Canada, USA and the Middle East. The group dynamics of learning within a diversity of cultures is a unique value added benefit that

enriches learning as well as networking opportunities.

Freedom to create your own business brand and flourish as an independent image consultant. AIM encourages students to be active members of AICI where meaningful friendships and cooperation offer ample opportunities for leadership and industry contribution and professional growth.

Most importantly, we are especially proud of the passion, talent and dedication shown by our graduates. They leave AIM inspired, equipped and empowered to create and make a difference in their markets. Not only are they business owners, they also contribute back to the indus-try of image consultants through AICI. 50% are serving on AICI South Asia Singapore, Beijing, Hong Kong and Malaysia Chapters and are active community leaders in their countries.

New graduate events aimed at increasing opportunities and exposure for active AIM alumni. This began with a first-of-its-kind international speaking opportunity where six AIM Alumni graduates presented a panel session en-titled “Appreciation for diversity of East West etiquette” at the AICI Annual Conference General Session in Vancou-ver (May 23rd 2010). Graduates can expect to see more AIM innovative initiatives aimed at increasing the profile and opportunities for its growing alumni of graduate im-age consultants.

To find out more about our unique training programs, contact Valencia Kuo (Academy Manager) at (65) 64723052 or check out our website at www. Imagemasteryacademy.org.

AIM is located in 237 Alexandra Road, #06-17 The Alexcier, Singapore 159929

Graduates of ImageAsia™ Training at AIM Singapore in alliance with London Image Institute AIM Pro Makeup Makeover™

Master Trainer Amy Chow, finalist at the Shu Uemura Beauty & Art Makeup Contest 2009.

AIM alliance trainer Peter Post of Emily Post Institute in Singapore for Business Etiquette Train-the-Trainer Programme 2010.

Dr. Leonido Naranja of the University of the Philippines in Los Baños, and the man behind the concept farming design of La Huerta Farm Estates, introduced the land development project as a new-found, cure-all drug.

La Huerta Farm Estates is a 50-hectare Sta. Lucia Land Inc. (SLLI) in Calamba, Laguna that offers homeowners an opportunity to cultivate their own farms and enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle right in their own backyard.

La Huerta features four concept farm design clusters, namely: El Sol (The Sun); El Cielo (The Sky); La Luna (The Moon); and La Lluvia (The Rain), each featuring a differ-ent edible landscaping to promote health and wellness in an expertly maintained natural environment.

Dr. Naranja continued that farming is only seen today as a source of sustenance. But in the olden times, it was the way of life of many peoples and communities as their whole life revolves around farming and nature.

Farming, as an activity, gives the body a total workout—carrying of loads, walking, body bending and twist-ing—that will help the body break a good sweat. Those who do traditional farming appear to be lean and strong because they manually attend to their lands and thus, shed the “sweat of the earth”.

According to Exequiel D. Robles , President of Sta. Lucia Land, Inc., “At La Huerta Farm Estates, with good-sized farm lots, ranging from 700 sqm that is fit for a backyard gardener or hobbyist, to as big as 3,000 sqm for agricul-tural entrepreneurs, a farm lot owner can have an “agri-cultural gym” while enjoying his or her farm.” Moreover, the fresh produce from the same farm can be a good source of natural nourishment. This benefits a person’s health as the freshness of food retains most of the nutrients that are lost in food processing; and all these coming from one’s own backyard.

The dynamism of the whole farming process, on the other hand, poses a good challenge to keep the mind active. One needs mental focus and a keen eye for

Healing the self and the Earth at La Huerta Farm Estates

details, such as weather and atmospheric changes, soil condition, and others, to be able to manage the entire activity.

“Learning the business and technical sides of agriculture need not be issues for La Huerta buyers. La Huerta lot owners will be assisted in

both area through in-house technical and agri-business training,” Tomas P. Lorenzo, Lapanday Properties presi-dent, said.

Dr. Naranja added that La Huerta garden management professionals and horticulturists will provide farm lot owners with technical support and training seminars on crop production and processing, organic farming, hydro-ponics, composting and other earth-friendly agricultural practices.

Earth-friendly farming is the backbone of La Huerta’s farming clusters. The El Sol cluster features plants and trees with medicinal and therapeutic benefits while El Cielo includes an ostrich farm, organic vegetable and herb gardens, and pili nut farms. The La Luna cluster, on the other hand, is where coffee and cacao, together with Bignay and other fruit wines, are grown; whereas tropical palms and flower farms thrive in the La Lluvia cluster.

“This is La Huerta Farm Estates’ contribution to healing the Earth. We hope that other land developers will take this cue and be more creative in their realty develop-ment projects by advocating a healthier environment and lifestyle for all of us,” said Eduardo U. Tirona, president of Orchard Property Marketing Corporation (OPMC), the marketing arm of SLLI.

A degenerating lifestyle and climate change are two nagging social problems that need immediate solutions. La Huerta Farm Estates may not the cure-all answer but certainly, it promises its farm owners that they are making a good contribution to a collective remedy.

La Huerta’s exclusive marketing network, Orchard Property Marketing Corporation, with contact details 4703794 or 09153193143 and emlontok@opmc.ph , handles marketing and sales for the realty development.

“Farming has an innate ability to heal.”

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In a world where time is a crucial commodity, an awareness of how we ourselves are predisposed to perceive and manage our time is the first step to understanding why we work a certain way and how we can make improvements.

Monochrons vs. PolychronsThere are two very distinct types of time sense and all of us are bound to know people who are either Polychrons or Monochrons. Determining how one views time is essential to understanding why one does things in a certain fashion or why one tends to always be on time or perennially late. As Polychrons and Monochrons both have positive and negative points, there is much that one can hope to learn from the other.

Polychrons view time as continuous and never ending with no structure and thus, are much freer in their use of it while Monochrons see it as something that is divided into fixed and very exact elements. As a result, Polychrons usually tend to be late while Monochrons are rigorously on time. In terms of working style, the former prefers to keep their time unstructured, switching from one activity to another, while the latter makes it a point to organize their time with lists, preferring to work on one task at a time until completion. With two very opposing views and ways of accomplishing tasks, one can only imagine the challenges that face Monochrons and Polychrons when they are required to work together.

In the professional arena, there is always value in determining the degree of polychronicity of oneself as well as one’s working team in order to come up with the best strategy in tackling project tasks.

Cultural Predispositions on Time By now, knowing the difference between Polychrons and Monochrons, you would have an inkling on which one you or other people

you work with are. In 1959, Edward Hall, an anthropologist, first used the term “monochronic” and “polychronic” to describe predispositions of different cultures. In a monochronic culture, people tended to be less tolerant to lateness and interruptions while in a polychronic culture, interpersonal relationships took precedence over punctuality so interrupting someone who was busy was not something to take offense at.

It is important to remember that having a monochronic culture is not necessarily better than having one which is polychronic. However, there are disadvantages and advantages to having a different time sense from one’s culture. A polychron working in a monochronic culture may have a difficult time adjusting with his monochronic colleagues but at the same time, he or she benefits from the efficiencies and structure that these same colleagues provide to ensure that things are done on time and in a certain way.

Monochronic predispositions to time can be found in the cultures of the United States, Canada or Northern Europe whereas those living in Latin America, the Arab part of the Middle East sub-Sahara Africa are polychronic. The Japanese, on the other hand, are able to exercise both types of time senses as befits particular areas of their lives. For societies that need to move away from chronic polychronicity, awareness that such a predisposition exists is already a step in the right direction.

Although day-to-day interactions are affected by a persons’ time sense, an awareness that there are two very different ways of viewing and managing time is already a step in the right direction. This awareness makes one more conscious of the instances where greater flexibility (for the monochrons) or a more rigorous sense of order (for the polychrons) needs to be exercised.

Many of us may think that nothing is more straightforward than time. Everywhere in the world, time will always be measured in the same amount of hours, minutes and seconds. However, unbeknownst to many, ones’ time sense is in part influenced by one’s culture and geographic location.

Many of us may think that nothing is more straightforward than time. Everywhere in the world, time will always be measured in the same amount of hours, minutes and seconds. However, unbeknownst to many, ones’ time sense is in part influenced by one’s culture and geographic location.