Saturday 14 May 2016

“Tips to Come out of Your Visa Interview Successfully” ―Professor M.S.Rao





"Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength of the nation." ― John F. Kennedy


Indians show keen interest to pursue higher education abroad. The number of Indian students pursuing higher education in America, Australia and Britain is high from the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamilnadu. It is amazing to see an immense enthusiasm in Indian students for overseas education!

The overseas education especially in America, Australia, Britain and Canada is qualitative, practical and employment-oriented. There are immense opportunities to network with others globally to grow as global leaders. Additionally, there are immense employment opportunities. There is more money and a better standard of living. Hence, Indians show keen interest to pursue higher education and settle down there.

The host countries conduct interview to grant permission for visa which is popularly known as ‘visa interview’.  Many students are scared of visa interview.  But the fact is that visa interview is like any other employment interview with the only difference of questions about the university, course and study destination. Here are some tips to attend your visa interview confidently to come out with flying colors:  
  • Be punctual to the interview.
  • Be calm and composed when you respond to Visa Officer's questions.
  • Demonstrate positive attitude, commitment and enthusiasm to pursue higher education.
  • Don’t express your intentions to settle down after completion of your course.  
  • Communicate clearly that the quality of education is amazing in host countries with an emphasis on empowerment and enlightenment.  
  • Express your intension to pursue higher education in host country and return your home country after completion of your course successfully.
  • Be honest and straight forward.
  • Be cheerful and maintain positive body language.
  • Don’t parrot the answers. Be spontaneous and natural while responding.
  • Speak to the point without beating around the bush.
  • Thank the Visa Officer for giving you opportunity and exit from interview with etiquette.


Commonly Asked Visa Interview Questions

Here are some commonly asked visa interview questions for students:
Why are you thinking about studying abroad?
Where are you going?
What is your specialization?
Tell me something about your past?
How many admissions did you get?
Why did you choose this university?
Why did you choose this country for your higher studies?
Who will finance your studies?
What will you do on your return?
What are your entrance tests score?
What is the annual income of your father/mother?
What do you plan to do after you graduate?
How do I know that you are not planning to stay abroad after your education?
What will you do if I do not issue a visa to you?

Every country has its own parameters to grant visa. Hence, identify them to create compatibility. Usually questions are asked about the choice of college, course and the reasons for choosing the study destination. Carry all your documents for your interview to avoid seeking another visa appointment. Keep all your documents in order. Read them in advance to enable you to clarify any questions asked during interview.


Conclusion

After successful completion of your visa interview, connect with other students who have already pursued their education or still pursuing education from the university you chose. Keep funds and financial reserves ready. Put your best efforts to acquire education and network with the students of other countries for better career opportunities. Good luck!


“The foundation of every state is the education of its youth.” ― Diogenes Laertius




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Life is great!

Professor M.S.Rao, India
Founder of MSR Leadership Consultants India
Recipient of 10th International Prestigious Sardar Patel Award―2015




Thanks for reading!

Kindly share your thoughts and comments below, I’m sure someone out there will find your story useful.



Copyright©2016 MSR Leadership Consultants India. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

This is a nonprofit blog to share Professor M.S.Rao’s passion and vision to build one million students as global leaders by 2030. Please don't cut articles from my blog and redistribute by email or post to the web. The use of this material is free provided copyright is acknowledged and reference or link is made to the Blog http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.in.  This material may not be sold, or published in any form, or used in the provision of business services to a third party without permission.

Friday 13 May 2016

“Older Employees versus Younger Employees: Bridging the Great Divide in Global Organizations!” ―Professor M.S.Rao










“The error of youth is to believe that intelligence is a substitute for experience, while the error of age is to believe experience is a substitute for intelligence.” ―Ernest Hemingway


In global organizations, there is often a controversy whether younger workers deliver goods better than older workers. In fact, there is a great divide between older and younger workers in some global organizations. There is also a conflict between older and younger workers resulting in poor performance and productivity. Hence, we will address this issue.   


Older versus Younger Workers

Older workers have social skills while younger workers have technology skills. Older workers have experience and patience, and are loyal to their organizations. In contrast, the younger workers are intelligent, impatient and dynamic. The job-hopping is higher in younger workers. The older workers are physically weak while the younger workers are physically strong. The older workers are wise, and are highly focused while the younger workers are smart but lack in focus. The older workers have less flexibility while the younger workers have high adaptability.  The older workers crave for employment while the younger workers crave for employability. The older workers come with experience while the younger workers come with intelligence.

The younger workers can be molded while the older workers cannot be molded easily. You have to invest a lot of time in training the younger workers than in older workers. The older workers come with ego issues while the younger workers come with attitudinal issues.

There is often a myth that the older workers fall sick, and are less productive. With increased life expectancy due to health care facilities, the older workers don’t fall sick quickly.


Conclusion

“Share our similarities, celebrate our differences.” ― M. Scott Peck

The way gender differences are talked about currently, the generational differences are also talked about globally.  It is the law of the nature that old water must be replaced by fresh water. Similarly, the older employees must be replaced by younger employees in organizations. But it must be in a phased and systematic manner without hurting organizational performance and productivity. 

Both older and younger workers have their strengths and weaknesses. It is essential to find a common ground between them to leverage their competencies and capabilities to enhance organizational performance and productivity. Adopting soft leadership helps bridge the gap between older and younger workers. To conclude, instead of competing with each other, both older and younger workers must collaborate to achieve organizational excellence and effectiveness.


“Strength lies in differences, not in similarities.” ―Stephen Covey



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Life is great!

Professor M.S.Rao, India
Founder of MSR Leadership Consultants India
Recipient of 10th International Prestigious Sardar Patel Award―2015




Thanks for reading!

Kindly share your thoughts and comments below, I’m sure someone out there will find your story useful.



Copyright©2016 MSR Leadership Consultants India. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

This is a nonprofit blog to share Professor M.S.Rao’s passion and vision to build one million students as global leaders by 2030. Please don't cut articles from my blog and redistribute by email or post to the web. The use of this material is free provided copyright is acknowledged and reference or link is made to the Blog http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.in.  This material may not be sold, or published in any form, or used in the provision of business services to a third party without permission.


Monday 2 May 2016

Free Chapter―Professor M.S. Rao’s Book “Secrets of Successful Public Speaking: How to Become a Great Speaker”







Dear friends,

Here is the free chapter of my award-winning book, “Secrets of Successful Public Speaking: How to Become a Great Speaker.” You may share your thoughts about this book on social media channels including Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. 


Introduction

"Of all the talents bestowed upon men, none is so precious as the gift of oratory. He who enjoys it wields a power more durable than that of a great king. He is an independent force in the world. Abandoned by his party, betrayed by his friends, stripped of his offices, whoever can command this power is still formidable." ―Winston Churchill

Welcome to Secrets of Successful Public Speaking: How to Become a Great Speaker.  Basically, I author books on executive education, coaching, and leadership. But this book is on public speaking skills to deliver your presentations successfully without any anxiety.  As an international keynote speaker, I have been thinking to author a book on this topic for many years but I was preoccupied with other commitments that include training, research, and consultancy. In fact, speaking is different from writing. Additionally, to author a book on public speaking skills requires a lot of time and above all, passion. Since I am on a sabbatical currently, I have authored this on it to cater to educators, entrepreneurs, learners, and leaders to improve their public speaking skills.

I am mostly self-taught because I don’t have any mentor or guru. During my 38 years of diversified experience that includes military, teaching, training, research, and consultancy, I observed several speakers. Additionally, I have learned public speaking from my successes and failures and, of course, more from my failures.  Hence, I share with you my successes and failures to enable you to adopt my successful practices and learn lessons from my failures to become a great speaker and presenter.


Is Public Speaking an Art or Craft?

Most people are afraid of speaking in public places. Study shows that people are scared of two things—first on death and second on public speaking. It is basically the fear that they might make mistakes or others might make fun of them if their speeches go wrong. Hence, people hesitate to speak in public places. Of course, there are many other reasons why people are apprehensive to speak in public places. Several thinkers have doubts about whether public speaking is an art or craft. The fact is that public speaking is both an art and craft.  


Is Public Speaking a Talent or Skill?

Several people have doubts about whether public speaking is a skill or talent. It is certainly a skill, not a talent. Skills can be acquired from training, reading, observation, practice, and experience. In contrast, talent is something people are blessed with.  They acquire from their parents by birth. If people are blessed with public speaking, it is a boon. Otherwise, people can hone this skill by reading various books, observing other speakers and practicing it. Hence, public speaking is a skill. There are several internationally renowned speakers who had their reservations when they started to speak but improved and finally to become great orators.


Presentation versus Public Speaking Skills

People often use “presentation” and “public speaking” interchangeably. In fact, there is often confusion between them. Public speaking is general in nature while the presentation is specific in nature. Presentation often involves usage of slides while public speaking involves usage of spoken communication skills. Presentation involves a small audience while public speaking involves a huge audience. There is intimacy with the audiences in presentation while there is no such intimacy in public speaking.  Therefore, public speakers will have lesser interaction than the presenters. Despite these differences in presentation and public speaking, the challenges remain more or less the same for the presenters and speakers at the core level while getting their messages across to their audiences. 


Advantages of Public Speaking Skills

As a public speaker, you organize your thoughts and speak clearly, logically and analytically. You learn to focus on what is required leaving the unwanted to the trash.  You enhance your interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and spontaneity. You build your confidence and equip with competence. You become a good listener, speaker, and leader. You will be able to inspire others and make a difference.

As a public speaker, you increase your visibility in the workplace professionally. You build more connections. You develop interpersonal skills to handle various people. You can handle office bullies and difficult people. You will become more assertive. You will be able to communicate effectively with others and avert any conflicts and miscommunication. You can mentor or coach your colleagues. You can make your presence felt within your industry or sector. You get offers to deliver seminars and keynote conferences. Your market value goes up rapidly.  You can grow as a celebrity. You will be surrounded by more people. You can grow as a thought leader. To summarize, you build your credibility, enhance your visibility and build your leadership brand. You will be more marketable with ample employment opportunities. You can strengthen your CV. You can become a successful educator, entrepreneur, and leader with your public speaking skills.


Learn Leadership and Public Speaking by Practice

As you learn leadership by practice, you learn public speaking skills by practice. It requires immense passion to excel as a leader and speaker. When you look at most leaders, they are orators. They utilize public speaking skills to grow as great leaders. When you look at Winston Churchill, he played a crucial role during the Second World War. He provided a ray of hope when the entire world was beset with war clouds. He took the world out of war clouds. Hence, public speaking skill is an asset. You may be betrayed by everybody including your friends and well-wishers but the command on your public speaking will not let you down. It is more than a friend and will stand by you forever. Hence, acquire the public speaking skill to survive during tough times and thrive during your great times. 


Tools to Improve Your Public Speaking Skills

Here are some tools to improve your public speaking skills.  
  • Attend training programs to observe the presentation styles of various speakers. Find out what makes each speaker stand out from others. Ask questions at the end of the session to overcome your apprehensions.  
  • Maintain a journal and jot down their ideas and insights. You can read them during your free time to understand and absorb the content.
  • Observe videos of eminent speakers to find out how they inspire others. How each speaker begins her/his presentation? How each speaker connects with audience members? How each speaker responds to the question and answer session? 
  • When you observe various speakers speak, you evolve your own style of speaking.
  • Practice presenting in front of small groups until you become more comfortable and confident. Gradually go in front of huge audiences to speak.
  • Be confident about your content.
  • Take feedback from your audiences to find out your strengths and weaknesses. Consolidate your strengths and concentrate on your concerns to overcome.
  • Practice regularly.
  • Hire a public speaking coach, if possible. You can overcome your anxieties and acquire public speaking skill within a short span.

If you want to learn swimming, you must practice. If you want to learn driving, you must practice. Similarly, if you want to learn public speaking, you must practice. Therefore, everything boils down to practice. The practice is the key to excellence and perfection. Hence, learn the art and craft of public speaking to grow as a great speaker and orator.


Public Speaking is a Lucrative Career

Presentation skills are pivotal for all professionals to convey their ideas and insights and to market their products and services to their customers. These skills are required from top to bottom of a corporate ladder either to communicate within the organization or outside the organization. They are imperative in the workplace, and in social life to present your ideas, insights, and viewpoints. It helps you showcase your strengths in the presence of all members.  There are many people who have huge potential and knowledge but are scared of delivering their speeches in public places.  It is for this reason several professional courses are offered to train and groom you as presenters and speakers.  The presentation skills are an integral part of business communication as businesses must constantly communicate with their stakeholders including customers, suppliers, financial institutions, government agencies, and employees. 

Most managers and leaders are aware that public speaking is crucial to their career success. But they have innumerable apprehensions and anxieties. If they are persuaded that public speaking is like a simple speaking with only a difference of more people viewing them, listening to them and questioning them, it is easy to overcome their anxieties and apprehensions.

Some senior leaders and CEOs hire coaches to acquire public speaking skills. When you look at Mark Zuckerburg, the CEO of Facebook, he had inhibitions to speak in public places initially. Gradually he improved because he understood the significance of hiring a coach to improve his behavior. Similarly, many leaders understand the importance of acquiring public speaking skills to enhance their career prospects.

Most companies understand the importance of public speaking skills and conduct training programs regularly to enable their executives to communicate effectively with others. For instance, John Chambers Cisco CEO emphasizes public speaking and encourages their executives to ensure smooth communication within the organization. Ron Ricci, Cisco’s Vice President of Customer Experience Services explains, “The world is changing so fast that your ability to keep up as a communicator requires constant reinforcement and feedback. For John Chambers, a big part of feedback is not just how the presentation is delivered, but how the content is received. It’s a barometer of whether we’re sticking to our ‘True North’ of being a customer-centric company.”

If you want to succeed in your career, you must know how to write and speak well. They are the deciding factors in the current corporate world. Hence, acquire both writing and speaking skills to stand out from others.

Public speaking is a transferable a skill that can be applied in any industry and sector irrespective of its size. Treat learning public speaking skills as an investment, not an expense. Acquire this art and craft to fast-track your career, earn great money and build your leadership brand. You can thrive in any industry. Remember, public speaking is a lucrative career!

References



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Life is great!

Professor M.S. Rao
Founder of MSR Leadership Consultants India



Thanks for reading!

Kindly share your thoughts and comments below, I’m sure someone out there will find your story useful.



Copyright©2018 MSR Leadership Consultants India. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

This is a nonprofit blog to share Professor M.S. Rao’s passion and vision to build one million students as global leaders by 2030. Please don't cut articles from my blog and redistribute by email or post to the web. The use of this material is free provided copyright is acknowledged and reference or link is made to the Blog http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.in.  This material may not be sold, or published in any form, or used in the provision of business services to a third party without permission.