The dishonesty and suffering as a result of the MMR Scandal

I fully understand how upsetting it must be for parents to see their children 'change', and how they could attribute these changest to the MMR jab. I also understand how they could latch onto and believe the findings of Andrew Wakefield.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/7094081/Andrew--Wakefield-was-dishonest-and-irresponsible-in-MMR-research.html

However, as a parent of a 10 year old, I experienced first hand the hysteria which resulted from his deeply flawed investigations. Despite having a dear friend who has a child of an identical age, who, as a pharmacist had all the research available about the MMR, I still didn't sleep the night before my son had the MMR. I investigated the possibility of single jabs, but discovered from my friend that one of the vaccines was not pure and therefore not available in the UK for health reasons. Some of my friends believed all of the hype and 'research' on the internet; paid to go to an unregistered "doctor"- without investigating him, for single jabs, and found their child had to have the MMR at a later date due to the poor vaccine.
Parents also put their children's health at risk by refusing to have the MMR vaccination. This was all due to Andrew Wakefield and the parents he was representing. Their motivation was to sue the Government for their children's 'illness' - i.e. autism, and they needed to have proof that the MMR caused this. There is NO evidence that there is any connection, but there is evidence that their VERY vocal voice and the unprofessional behaviour of Andrew Wakefield has led to many children's health being risked.

I am very pleased that he is being struck off. What a scandal.

Has the art of the hand shake gone out of fashion?

Today I read in the Daily Mail that hand shaking was going out of fashion; that 'the young' preferred 'Air kissing'.

Here's the article:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1246424/Modern-youngsters-air-kiss-goodbye-handshake-etiquette-faces-killed-off.html

Well, of course the Daily Mail has it's own twist on this (and it is worthwhile reading the readers' comments for added value). And it's worth remembering when we were 'young': did we consider the formal handshake to be, well, rather old fashioned?

However, it is an interesting idea to think about. For 100s of years, we have used the handshake
as a form of greeting. Apparently it was brought to the Western World when Sir Walter Raleigh used it in Elizabeth I's court.

A firm handshake (not a hand crusher) accompanied by eye contact, gives the impression of a confident person engaging with another person. A floppy, or sweaty (yuck) handshake, gives a negative image! The Masons, of course, have their own handshake where they're able to identify and reveal their membership to each other.

As a universally understood greeting, the handshake goes a long way as an acceptable greeting.

If we consider air kissing: and yes, I am partial to this myself; it does have its drawbacks. I never know "Which way the other person is going to kiss first..."; there can be a clashing of noses; a possible snog accident, or plain embarrassment. In addition to this, there is the "How many kisses do we give?" anxiety. I'm not sure how hygienic it is; if you are worried about hygiene when shaking hands, a good antiseptic gel will clear any bugs on your hands, but this won't work when you're breathing in some one's germs.

In December, I ran a workshop at Hertfordshire University, and we practised a good handshake and eye engagement to develop a positive greeting at interviews. The feedback I had from the students was that they felt empowered by a strong handshake, and that they had engaged the other person. Interesting....
Of course, greeting a friend or close acquaintance with an air kiss is friendly, BUT, your boss?? Your client?? Competitor?? For me there is a line between using the handshake and air kiss. The former is for business relationships and people you don't know, and the air kiss for friends; acquaintances and very good business relationships.

My advice is: get it right!!

Tense jaws - and what an impact they make on customers!

When I first came to London, aged 22, I responded to an advert for a flatshare. The person answering the phone went "Hello" in a perfect Monty Python voice. My response was to put the phone down; I couldn't have shared a flat with this bloke!!

I now know that he had a very tense jaw; it impacted on the quality of his voice. It also affects the non-verbal messages you give to others, as it closes your face to other people.

In addition to this, a tense jaw could create headaches; and not only are these unpleasant, but you might reduce your communication - engagement with others on the phone; face to face etc.

So; here are a couple of tips for relaxing your jaw. Remember not to force any movement.

1. Very gently move your jaw from side to side.

Be aware of background noises when you telephone

Today I received a phone call from one of my regular clients; she is always an absolute pleasure to speak to. She is a successful headmistress of an award winning school, and is such an inspirational person.

She mentioned that she is fed up with 'Government Officials' who call her throughout the day, asking for information; figures and checking she has received 'Urgent' information. She believes she has enough to do, without constantly speaking to them on the phone.

Last week, she had to cover a class, due to staff absenteeim, when the school secretary came into the class asking her to come to the phone "It is an urgent call and it can't wait". The secretary had explained that my friend was teaching, but this was not considered relevant; the caller had to speak to her NOW.

The headmistress was therefore surprised that in the background "The Teletubbies" was audible, and on several occasions during this 'important' telephone conversation, the caller stopped and said "Drop that", "Leave it" and other commands to a child who called out. It neither endeared my friend to the caller, or made her appear professional.

We all understand that there are emergencies when childcare is an issue, but there is always a choice of when important phone calls are made - and they certainly don't take place with children's TV (or infact a football match!) audible in the background. If you want to make a good impression and be taken seriously, either move to another room; do a call at another time or switch the TV to mute!

More information from http://www.executivevoice.co.uk

Blonde women born to be warrior princesses - Times Online

Oh let's have a go at blonds again..... However, I rather like the concept of being a 'Warrior Princess'. Finally, I could drop the "English Rose" approach...

Blonde women born to be warrior princesses - Times Online

Why we must treasure our regional accents -Times Online

Further to my last blog, I've had a response. Yes; other people agree that grammatical errors devalue the speaker's message; their trustworthiness and unfortunately their intelligence. One reader mentioned the habit of inflections at the end of phrases, so that every sentence sounds like a question. "I'm going to the gym" - with an upward inflection. Also the "I went to the shops, and it was, like, SOO busy." - complete with rolling eyes and flicky hair.

I've come across another article promoting regional accents.
Why we must treasure our regional accents -Times Online

My message is still to treasure regional variety, but to be aware of your use of grammar; speak clearly and don't go up at the end of every sentence unless it's a question!!

Regional accents thrive against the odds in Britain - Times Online

I am a great fan of regional accents: well some; I have difficulty with the Estuary glottal stop and some Scouse accents, for the reason I am unable to understand them. Regional accents and a variety in the way we speak is music to the ears. I was therefore delighted to read the following article.

Regional accents thrive against the odds in Britain - Times Online

My only comment is to keep speaking in a regional accent. However, remember your grammar. Remember Alesha Dixon as a judge. She had a strong Southern accent, but it was her lack of basic grammar that annoyed people, and devalued what she said.

More information from http://www.executivevoice.co.uk

How you react to the snow and what it shows your clients

Yes: it's snowing and schools and businesses are closed. Yes: the roads are dangerous and we are wise to remain at home, unless you can walk to the shops and have suitable footwear.
My dearest brother walked 6 miles to his school; only to find it was closed. However, he was able to advise parents that it was shut.
On the other hand, I have just heard a TA from my son's school had made an 'executive decision' not to come into school; yet was shopping at Tescos (round the corner from the school), in order that her husband's business had enough food to serve today. Goodness me; she's committed.
I know of people: including my husband; who had taken the time to plan his work today, so that he could complete it from home. Other businesses have had 'snow plans' in place; where execs have stayed in hotels close to their offices to avoid important meetings being cancelled, or they have provided access to the company website in order that they can work from home.
Small businesses that we have had dealings with have been in touch today, to say that their services aren't available today, due to staff not being able to come in, or that the premises haven't been opened. At least they have been professional enough to contact us.

So what does that tell me about your business if you aren't open, or are not communicating? What does it tell me about individuals who will not go the extra mile (i.e. by suggesting they work from home or plan their workload so they can complete it at home and be in touch by phone)?
Certainly I understand that it is impossible for some businesses to be open. I am, however, really pleased when the Pilates teacher calls to say that the lesson is cancelled and that I will be refunded. I am disillusioned by the TA who can't be bothered to come into school, yet is available to work at her husband's cafe. (The school was going to open, but people like her saying they couldn't come in, forced the head to change her decision). It is the 'duvet day' type people that give an organisation a really poor image and we wish to avoid this if we are a valuable organisation.

So... How do we communicate with our customers and clients that we ARE a professional company?

• Have an automated email message, stating you are open
• Redirect phone numbers to a home phone (you will have needed to do this before if you aren't in the office)
• If necessary, email or phone clients
• If you have to close or are not able to offer a particular service; let your customers know.
• Don't give in by appearing wimpy; keep going!

Good luck.