Why You Should Consider a Guitar Teacher for Your Child.

Why You Should Consider a Guitar Teacher for Your Child. Guitar Lessons Near Me? There are So Many Reasons to Them for Your Child. ChaptersGuitar Classes with Professional TeachersThe Intellectual Benefits of Playing GuitarPersonal Benefits of Guitar ClassesThe Emotional Benefits of Playing GuitarThe Physical Benefits of Playing Guitar for ChildrenThe Cultural Benefits of Learning GuitarTo Recap: Why Your Child Needs a Guitar Teacher.Music has always been considered beneficial for children, and taking guitar lessons will only re-enforce those benefits.Even when a baby is just a few weeks or months old, they can already recognise their parents’ favorite songs by the ones they hear most frequently. And music helps babies relax and also engages them physically and mentally.As a child begins to get older, music will remain important to them, and this comes in handy once they begin learning different styles of music and cultures - particularly if they then consider learning how to play guitar and taking beginner guitar lessons. All that music they have previously heard will help their general musicianship and, if i t's becoming a guitar player that they become interested in, they will be hungry to learn everything from jazz guitar to classical guitar, blues guitar to rock guitar.Once a child is old enough to learn guitar, it's well worth the investment to buy them their first guitar and sign them up for some guitar lessons for beginners. This is the theme of this article - because the best guitar players are those who grew up with a good guitar instructor.And there are so many benefits to taking a guitar lesson - either in a guitar course at a guitar school or in private guitar lessons. Indeed, your child's music teacher may be one of the most important people to them throughout their childhood and beyond.By learning guitar and taking beginner classes, the child is not only socialising, but is sharing their interests and enriching their world. And, obviously, they are learning a skill which brings so much joy: learning to play the guitar!A child can learn very quickly and deeply from a young a ge.Once they’re older, children can easily join a band and begin to play on a stage, or maybe even perform solos in public.By taking guitar classes, your child will have learned the techniques and basics necessary to even begin teaching others and sharing their passion for guitar with a new generation of music students. PeterGuitar Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EdgarGuitar Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PaulGuitar Teacher 5.00 (12) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DanielGuitar Teacher 5.00 (3) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToddGuitar Teacher 4.75 (4) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SamueleGuitar Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KurtGuitar Teacher 5.00 (3) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RyanGuitar Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsGuitar Classes with Professional TeachersYou can sign your child up for guitar classes in a local music store, conservatory, a rec center, or for private lessons at home. You can even have guitar lessons online these days.Classes at an Independent StudioAt music schools, classes are often highly regimented. Teachers follow a specific methodology and curriculum for all the children, that introduces them to music theory and basic chords before teaching them how to read guitar tabs and work on chord progressions. Regimented yes, but the level of knowledge of those who teach guitar in these contexts is usually very high.Students learn to practice guitar in individual and group lessons, which allows them to meet other children and learn from one another, and teaches them that music is a passion that is meant to be shared.Whatever level your child is at, classes at a music school will allow them to join a group of fellow students and learn more about the worlds of guitar and music.Guitar Classes at HomeBy engaging a teacher to come to the house, your child will benefit fro m the best learning environment possible  - they will be at home in an environment that they know and where they are comfortable.The teacher can walk them through the parts of the guitar like the strings, fretboard, and neck, and teach them how to tune it and take care of their new guitar. Then they can move on to other skills, like pentatonic and barred chords, licks and riffs.Security and comfort will help them improve - your child won’t have to go anywhere to take guitar lessons, and you can arrange the classes to better fit their schedule.By taking classes comfortably at home, your child will be able to build a stronger relationship with their teacher.The atmosphere will be more relaxed to practice playing guitar.Firstly, learning guitar, simply, is just great fun!From their point of view, the guitar teacher will be able to adapt lessons to your child’s level, needs, and goals. Guitar instruction  can be tailor-made and adapted.The Intellectual Benefits of Playing GuitarTaki ng guitar lessons can help your child succeed in many areas, especially mentally.In addition to the music itself, there’s the personal enrichment that your child will develop and have for the rest of their lives.Music and Self-EsteemTaking guitar classes requires discipline, and developing this skill will help children succeed at school.Numerous studies have shown that taking music lessons, and more specifically, learning an instrument like guitar, has a strong link to success at school for kids. Learning about C chords and C major, say, will also help your child gain confidence and improve their self esteem, increase their ability to concentrate, and learn to develop a critical appreciation for the arts.Music and Self-ExpressionIf your child decides to take guitar lessons, they will develop their language skills, enrich their vocabulary with words like arpeggio, riff, and progression, increase their attention span and improve their sense of rhythm.All these skills will also impro ve your child’s memory. They will learn to structure their thoughts, begin to associate joy with the effort they put in practicing the guitar, and  naturally develop their memory.Classes with a music professional, like a guitar teacher at a music school or conservatory, will also help your child learn to express their emotions.Music and guitar will become the medium through which your child channels  emotions (sadness, anger, joy, etc), and thanks to this, they will be better able to master their emotions and express themselves to others.Other benefits from taking guitar lessons with a teacher include the fact that music and guitar will improve their hearing and develop their memory for sounds and rhythms. They will refine their hearing to differentiate between a A chord and a G chord, and will know what C major or the E string should sound like.The cognitive skills of the child will also be reinforced - the left side of the brain, the side that is linked to verbal memory, is more developed in musicians and children who play an instrument.Guitar is also a great opportunity for your child to develop their creativity and free their imagination to express themselves in different ways. Once they graduate to jamming and writing their own music, their full artistic sensibilities will be unleashed.Personal Benefits of Guitar ClassesLearning music and guitar will help develop the personality of your child.They will learn to find a balance between their intellect (necessary to learn an instrument like the guitar and deploy perseverance and patience), and their emotions (sensitivity, feelings).Defeat Stage Fright by Playing GuitarIf your child is taking guitar classes, they will eventually play not only for their teacher, but also for people they don’t know and other students and their parents.This situation will shake them in a good way - your child will have to master their emotions to perform and deal with nerves, stage fright, and their shyness and fear of stran gers.Strengthen their Self-Confidence on the GuitarThis will increase their self confidence and they will be more comfortable communicating and expressing themselves.Passing on KnowledgeWhatever their level, once your child has mastered the basics of music theory and playing the guitar, they will be able to tutor others, and pass on their passion for playing to others.They will also be able to play in a band, play on a stage by themselves, jam with their friends, and write their own music - the possibilities are endless once they’ve gotten to the next level and begun perfecting their guitar playing.The more their passion for guitar is encouraged during lessons, the more your child will gain artistic as well as technical expertise. They’ll need both of these skills in order to pass on everything they’ve learned about guitar once they’re older. PeterGuitar Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EdgarGuitar Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PaulGuitar Teacher 5.00 (12) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DanielGuitar Teacher 5.00 (3) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToddGuitar Teacher 4.75 (4) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SamueleGuitar Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KurtGuitar Teacher 5.00 (3) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RyanGuitar Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsThe Emotional Benefits of Playing GuitarChildren, and especially boys, can often have trouble expressing what they feel.Communication isn’t always easy when your child closes up or shuts themselves up in their bedroom.Music and guitar can help provide an emotional outlet for your child, and gives them a way to say what they’re feeling inside.Finding your child a guitar teacher will bring emotional, physical, and cultural benefits.By playing any style of music - blues, rock, hard rock, funk, classical - your child will also be able to explore that facet of their personality.If the music is too loud for your neighbours, you can look at ways to limit the noise from the guitar.The Physical Benefits of Playing Guitar for ChildrenIt may not seem immediately obvious, but playing guitar is somewhat of a sport on its own, and requires children to learn more about their body in order to develop more control.By becoming more conscious of how their bodies work, regulating and work on their breathing, and developing better posture, your child will also gain muscle, especially in their hands, arms and shoulders.Flexibility and StrengthYou need to have both flexibility and strength to play the steel or nylon guitar strings properly and make the sounds you want.Your child’s guitar teacher will make sure that they hold themselves correctly and place their hands and arms properly to play without causing any aches.Health BenefitsLearning guitar and taking lessons will also benefit your child’s health, especially by helping the m learn how to manage their stress and anxiety.Your child’s body will release ‘happy’ hormones (serotonin and dopamine) when they’re in their own world and they can express themselves freely.The Cultural Benefits of Learning GuitarBy taking regular guitar lessons, your child will learn about music, as well as be exposed to culture and the arts more generally.Their teacher will introduce them to the world of music, and expose them to new styles like rock, pop, funk, country, and reggae.Playing Guitar Helps Introduce Children to Different Cultures and the World.Under the aegis of their teacher, your child will discover new cultures and music styles, learn about music history, and gain an appreciation for different styles and trends throughout the ages.In conclusion,  taking guitar classes will give your child  a new set of tools which will help them, not just in the music world, but also throughout their life at school and as an adult.Guitar lessons help teach patience, discip line, and self reflection, and will help your child become a well adjusted adult.To Recap: Why Your Child Needs a Guitar Teacher.Intellectual BenefitsYour child will perform better at school if they learn an instrument. Knowing an instrument also helps them to develop their language skills.Personal BenefitsBy playing an instrument, your child can improve their confidence, combat fear, and pass on knowledge to others.Emotional BenefitsMusic is expressive - and by learning an instrument they can find a new way to express themselves.Cultural BenefitsYour child will learn a lot with a guitar teacher - about the history of music to different genres and cultures today.

A Guide to Marathons Around the World

A Guide to Marathons Around the World Making a Holiday of Your Marathon: All You Need to Know about Where to Go! ChaptersBerlin Marathon, GermanyMidnight Sun Marathon, NorwayHonolulu Marathon, USAParis Marathon, FranceTokyo Marathon, JapanLondon Marathon, UKRome Marathon, ItalyPrague Marathon, Czech RepublicNew York City Marathon, USAPatagonian International Marathon, ChileGreat Wall Marathon, ChinaIt takes a lot of courage and determination to even register to run 26.2 miles, let alone actually cross the finish line!Signing up to run a marathon isn’t just about paying an entry fee and receiving a bib for race day, it’s the first step on a long journey towards the finish line. During your marathon training journey, you will come to learn a lot about your physical and emotional self, as well as becoming physically and mentally more resilient as you learn to cope with longer distances.For many, training for and completing a marathon marks a period of change in lifestyle and even mindset. It’s a major event in many people’s lives that can be remembered with a sense of pride and achievement .So, once you’ve decided to embark on this journey of a lifetime, the next question is ‘where?’.You might be comfortable running your race on home turf, where your family and friends can come to cheer you across the finish line, but why not make a holiday of it?Lots of regular marathoners incorporate their passion for distance running into their travels and sign up to marathons across the globe so that they can take in the sights and experience the culture of the land in which they will be running in the days before the race.If you’re a culture vulture seeking inspiration for your next marathon, or you’re curious to know about what each event has to offer, read on to learn more about marathons around the world!Get to know the quirks of this fascinating city ¦ source: Pixabay - 1552036From the start line, the marathon course takes runners through Prague’s most historic squares, and runners can enjoy plenty of fantastic views along the way. However, like Rome, the streets of Prague have been built with cobbles â€" so be careful if you want to avoid injuries!One great selling point of this race is the elevation: the course is almost completely flat, making it perfect for any first-time marathoner, beginners, and other runners going for a personal best.Start training and find the best personal trainer near you.New York City Marathon, USAAt almost 50 years old, the New York City marathon is one of the oldest marathon events today. As the site which has been much sporting history being made, running the NYC marathon gives athletes the opportunity to be a part of one of the most well-known running events in the world.The NYC Marathon finish line sees over 50,000 runners cross it every year, making this running event the largest marathon in the world.The course for this race passes through every major area of the city, including Brooklyn and Manhattan. As it is centred around the river, the course takes participants on a scenic tour of what New York City has to offer.Patagonian International Marathon, ChileTaking place in Chilean Patagonia, the Patagonian International Marathon is for anyone who wants to run the marathon of a lifetime. As a participant, this truly unique course will show you just what it’s like to fall in love with your surroundings as you run through the tranquil hills.But be warned â€" this race isn’t appropriate for first-time runners nor the faint-hearted. It should come as no surprise that the elevation profile for this course shows an undulating course which takes participants part-way up mountains for their race.You could also find an online personal trainer.Great Wall Marathon, ChinaFamously one of the world’s most difficult marathon courses, if not the most difficult, the Great Wall Marathon course is 26.2 miles of 20,000 stone steps of varying heights, uneven surfaces and even rubble. The course’s elevation gin is 200m, however, the constant up and down of the steps means that runners must be aware of the terrain underfoot and incorporate plenty of steps into their marathon training plan in order to prepare their bodies for the challenge.Get help from a personal trainer to get you ready for a marathon.

Get Creative Get Inspired Fingerstyle Guitar Video

Get Creative Get Inspired Fingerstyle Guitar Video Suzy S. In the age of YouTube, its so easy to find impressive and inspiring videos by artists and musicians. Some artists include visual effects or trick camera work. Others, like fingerstyle guitar player Andy McKee, simply sit in a room and show off pure, raw talent. The video was originally posted back in 2006 an oldie but a goodie and is the perfect example of how sometimes, bending the rules of guitar playing is a great idea. And with that kind of talent, you can make an impression even without other instruments backing you up. McKee has continued on to release six studio albums, create tablature books, and work with artists like Josh Groban and Lee Ritenour. Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher You might also like Videos We Love: Man With No Hands Plays Guitar Watch Now: How to Tune a Guitar Guitar Exercises: Building Finger Strength

Customizing the Tutoring Experience An Example Approach

Customizing the Tutoring Experience An Example Approach Improving Academic Performance Guiding students to a deeper mastery of mathematics, science, or language arts skills is a daunting challenge, since no two students are completely alike and instruction must, therefore, be individualized. However, “the wheel need not be entirely reinvented” for each student: after a diagnostic assessment has been administered, it is possible to view the individual student as aligning with one or another of several basic groups (or demonstrating a need for targeted instruction in multiple areas at once) I work primarily with language arts students, so this article is geared towards that subject. But a similar approach can likely be applied to most other subjects. Different tutors may think of these groups in different terms, depending on the weight they assign to such factors as standardized test scores, grade point averages, the perceived difficulty levels of the schools attended, and so forth. Since I tend to work with high-capacity students accustomed to challenging courses in excellent schools â€" supported by parents for whom college expectations are a driving factor â€" I tend to focus on these clusters: Students whose reading comprehension is impaired. Vocabulary is a root cause, as with a student immersed in a different “first language” before English or someone who has difficulty hearing the “tone” of a reading passage. I have encountered the former most often with teens who, although brought to the U.S. very young or even born here, were basically raised by extended family members (until Kindergarten) as their white-collar parents established professional careers. Such a student may have received limited exposure before age five to English words, especially to the proliferation of prefixes, suffixes, and roots with which we construct words in English. Those whose use of grammar is inconsistent. Since English is a very inconsistent language, this is understandable though regrettable. One has only to look at “families of verbs” to see the problem: irregular verbs (ranging from is and are to catch and caught), for example, or the dizzying variety of phrasal verbs which each demand a specific preposition and no other (you can gaze at something but you cannot gaze to it). Again, the second language learner may well be especially encumbered, but plenty of “cradle English speakers” have similar difficulties. Those who cannot write well. This is an “equal opportunity” deficit which cuts across all strata of students, since it becomes an exercise in logic (thesis, proofs, conclusion), the ability to sequence sentences into paragraphs, and a knack for turning paragraphs into a coherent document (all while keeping the reader engaged). For such students, the college admissions process can be a nightmare: the schools to which bright students want to go demand proof of refined writing abilities via the essay-writing sections of the SAT and ACT (whether technically “optional” or not) and admissions application essays (whether mandated on the Common App or a school’s proprietary application). For better or worse, standardized testing shapes our collective view of Language Arts proficiency. For example, public speaking â€" since not tested on such exams â€" is not something in which I am asked to tutor students except at the graduate school level. Generally speaking, the three “deficit area groups” defined above create a hierarchy: trouble with vocabulary is a bedrock problem, while grammar issues range from the fundamental to the exotic (“Can you end a sentence with a preposition?”) and writing problems anchor the high end of the cognitive scale. Tutoring can make a huge difference, no matter with what group (or with which groups simultaneously) the student can be associated. For example, it is possible to zero in on the exactly vocabulary into which the individual needs to immersed: you can tell a lot by his/her relative performance when presented with passages ranging from fiction (full of nuances and inferences) to physical science (more heavily loaded with “high concept” words and cause-and-effect relationships). Likewise, it is possible to zero in on the level of grammar which needs urgent attention, whether it is using commas or using semicolons, becoming well-grounded in verb tenses or introducing dependent clauses, or getting the knack of using pronouns or parallel sentence structure correctly. Solid vocabulary and grammar skills converge in good writing, where sentence variety, smooth transitions, interesting contrasts and comparisons, and “building a case” for a particular point of view all meld. Here, too, a baseline assessment allows us to tap accumulated wisdom about “where to begin” â€" usually with the need for the writer to make his/her thesis completely clear before layering on facts, figures, and quotes. The job of the Language Arts tutor, then, is to have enough accumulated experience to see students in the broad context of written communications â€" without losing sight of them as individuals. Every student is “going somewhere,” and our job is to help them get there with as much confidence as they can muster. For the individual student, that means knowing the right word, knowing the correct grammar, and being able to write without dreading it. All of these are achievable with practice and patience. Paul Foxworth, Blogger at EducationalOutcomes.com

Establishing a Good After-School Routine

Establishing a Good After-School Routine When it comes to homework and studying, having a plan helps students maximize their time and get more done. After a long day at school, many children want nothing more than to come home and toss the backpack aside, but Ray Huntington of the Huntington Learning Center says that parents should encourage children to embrace a routine to minimize stress. Having a set schedule after school sounds rigid, but really, it prevents students from unknowingly wasting their time, Huntington says. With a reliable routine, students are more productive overall and they also learn to take ownership of their schedules. Huntington offers these suggestions for parents who want to help their child establish a successful after-school routine: Have your child take the lead. One of the biggest benefits of creating a routine is that it empowers children to take responsibility for their daily to-dos. Sit down together to develop an after-school schedule that your child finds workable and in tune to his or her preferences (of when to study and when to enjoy downtime, for example). Design with your child in mind. A routine will be more effective if it is created with your childs input. Think about things like when your child is the most focused and what type of environment works best for your child to study (with siblings or alone? In his or her room or in the kitchen?). Pay attention to what works and stick to it. Put the routine on display. Like the teacher does in the classroom, set expectations at home each day. Hang the after-school routine in a visible locationconsider buying a white board for the kitchen or somewhere similarand have your child look at it before leaving for school and as soon as he or she gets home. It should be detailed enough to keep your child on task, but flexible to incorporate free time. For example, a student in elementary school could follow a routine such as: Empty backpack, prep for homework 3:30-3:45 Wash hands, snack 3:45-4:00 Homework 4:00-4:30 Practice piano 4:30-4:45 Basketball practice 5:00-6:00 Dinner, cleanup 6:00-7:00 Reading, any other studying 7:00-7:30 Bedtime prep 7:30-8:00 Free time 8:00-8:30 Lights out 8:30 Incorporate organization. At the end of each homework session, your child should take a few minutes to neaten his or her workspace, put away all supplies, check off any completed to-dos and mentally prepare for the next school day. Organization will help your child pick up where he or she left off at the next study session, minimizing ramp-up time and maximizing actual work time. As a parent, your job is to help your child acquire the study skills and independence to be an effective learner. Routines at home teach children to be self-starters, take responsibility for what they have to accomplish and rely on themselves, not others, to make those things happen, says Huntington. By encouraging and upholding a routine and system of organization at home, youre ingraining those essentials into your child, which will benefit him or her over the long term. About Huntington Huntington is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntingtons mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn how Huntington can help at www.huntingtonhelps.com. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. 2016 Huntington Mark, LLC. Huntington Learning Center, the three-leaf logo, and 1 800 CAN LEARN are registered trademarks of Huntington Mark, LLC. Each franchised Huntington Learning Center is operated under a franchise agreement with Huntington Learning Centers, Inc.

GenFKD Rolls Out Its Latest Financial Literacy Curriculum

GenFKD Rolls Out Its Latest Financial Literacy Curriculum pexels.com “We offer students more tools to succeed, while advocating for changing a higher education system that is clearly behind the times,”  said co-founder and newly appointed Executive Director, Justin Dent, in the press release. “I grew up in a community where people believed in the power of education,” Dent said. “There were too many people like me who fell through the cracks finding academic and career opportunities, and its mission to change that dynamic through educational reform From cost-of-living calculators to on-campus speakers who are winners of ABC’s ‘Shark Tank’ contestants, we try to bring the role of business, entrepreneurship, economic and tax policy and true career preparation to the forefront, not the plot of Hollywood movies.” GenFKD, founded in 2014, has representatives at 26 campuses nationally who run financial literacy education programs, develop a formal curriculum for in-class or on-campus instruction, and address entrepreneurship, self-employment, economic policy and pocketbook economics. Visit GenFKD.org  or contact  david@genfkd.org  for more information or interview requests with GenFKD’s leadership or any of the student fellows on the 26 campuses nationwide.

Mansplaining The Art of Talking Down to People

Mansplaining The Art of Talking Down to People Image credit: someecards Man-what? you say.   Mansplaining, as defined by urbandictionary.com, is “to explain in a patronizing manner, assuming total ignorance on the part of those listening.”  Generally, a male does the mansplaining and a woman is on the receiving end, although either gender can fulfill either role.    The term caught fire this past year as memes took over the world and a ring of rape-apologist politicians inspired single-topic blogs such as Mansplaining Paul Ryan. However, the “I know best, sweetie” response is nothing new: mansplaining has been happening for centuries.   Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, seventeenth-century Mexican poet and all-around brilliant scholar, was told by a Sor Filotea that her literary endeavors and worldly curiosity compromised her holiness as a nun.  (Spoiler alert: Sor Filotea was actually a pseudonym of the Bishop, who had allowed her to publish her critique, only to then viciously attack her with a false name.  Jerk.) The concept of mansplaining was popularized by a 2008 L.A. Times article by author Rebecca Solnit that described an experience of hers: a man, all puffed-up and proud with literary knowledge, described to Solnit a book he’d read recently. He refused to entertain the possibility that Solnit herself might be the author, which she was.   (And yes, he knew she’d written a book on that subject the  very same year.) To be fair, the fencing incident might not have been motived by pure sexism; considering my performance that night, I wonder if I just put out a general air of incompetence unrelated to my gender.   If the man had introduced himself, I would have probably said something like “Hi, I’m Kelly, I fence for Tufts,” and there would have been less of a misunderstanding.  Perhaps the man was just trying to make me feel welcome and included.  Even so, his behavior still fits the basic definition of mansplaining: the mansplainer assumes a position of expertise and talks to the, mansplainee under the assumption that he or she is an idiot.  Mansplaining is not necessarily synonymous with evil, but in every case, its insulting, hurtful, and perpetuates the idea that one group or individual deserves more respect and intellectual credit than the other. By the way, splaining isnt just about gender inequity; the suffix is used to refer to people who speak with the assumption that they are superior to others based on a difference in class, race, or other difference-denoting quality.  Take a look here.

Control, Alt, Meet Working A Room In The Tech Age

Control, Alt, Meet Working A Room In The Tech Age Photo by LoyolaNOLA via Flickr. Take a deep breath; this is a networking opportunity, and although you may feel like the only nerve-rattled individual in the room, trust in the fact that you’re not, by a long shot. Most employers and job-seekers commonly experience this type of anxiety before speaking to groups of strangers at networking events. Luckily, there are several tips and suggestions that can assist you, and even some of the shyest individuals out there, in working a room like a professional. Embrace Nonverbal Communication While modern networking has largely become a figment of social media, there are still certain benefits of face-to-face interaction with professional contacts that, believe it or not, are worth the few hours of nervousness. Dan Klamm, Outreach Marketing Coordinator at Syracuse University Career Services, wrote in an article on social networking that “in-person meetings allow you to build stronger relationships than back-and-forth messaging online. Things like body language, eye contact, and tone of voice are all essential in helping to establish rapport and build a bond,” Klamm said. Klamm is correct in stating that body language plays an important role in the networking process, considering the fact that nonverbal language constitutes nearly 55 percent of our communications. There are several basic movements to consider while approaching and conversing with others, with some of the most important falling on eye contact and arm placement. Eye Contact According to Conversation Aid, eye contact should follow the 50/70 Rule, which states an individual should maintain eye contact 50 percent of the time while speaking, and 70 percent of the time while listening, and to also be mindful of glancing habits. when you do make eye contact, maintain it for four to five seconds, slowly glance to the side, and then look back again. This will break the illusion of staring. Remember to move your eyes slowly, and always to the side. If your eyes dart away quickly it makes you looks shy or nervous. If you look down it gives the appearance that you lack confidence. Arm Movements and Stance As with eye contact, arm movements dictate your level of interest in the conversation. Typically, folded arms give a do-not-approach, bored signal, while hands clasped behind the back indicate interest. The same is true of your stance; leaning or slouching is a sign of disinterest, while standing tall with shoulders back signals interest and confidence. Being aware of others stances at these events also comes in handy, especially when you are making the rounds of the roomlook for small groups of two to three individuals who are standing slightly facing outward toward the room, which is a sign that they are open and are welcoming more people to join. Keep Moving and Have a Goal Set a goal for yourself, such as having one solid conversation or asking for one introduction, and create a game plan with concrete steps to get you there,” said  Nancy Ancowitz, USA-based author of Self-Promotion for Introverts: The Quiet Guide to Getting Ahead. This also helps to take your mind off of the fact that youre meeting important people, and instead turns your focus to accomplishing something. This then allows for less awkward moments, as youre moving around often and building solid conversations based on your goals before you go. By remaining with one person or group for only about 10 to 12 minutes apiece, you also take desperation out of the equation. A confident individual meets and greets everyone with the same amount of kindness and interest, but does not linger in hopes of an offer or to try to sell themselves. Neediness will only drive a wedge between you and the other person. Dont Make Everything About You This is a common mistake made by many at networking events, and it is one easily fallen into, since networking is supposed to be about showing what you have to offer to potential contacts and employers, right? Wrong. While it is important, as mentioned above, to have a goal in place while making the rounds, it is equally important to not make that goal about simply selling yourself. Howard Adamsky, author of  Hiring and Retaining Top IT Professionals/The Guide for Savvy Hiring Managers and Job Hunters Alike, said he developed an elevator speech that lasts thirty to forty seconds at the most. When asked, I tell people I am a writer, consultant, and public speaker who works with organizations to support growth in different areas, Adamsky said. If they want more, I answer their questions, but I never give them a 30-minute lecture. Neither should you. With that being said, it is beneficial to ask the other person questions about themselves, and even to stray away from strict vocational talk if the conversation allows. I, for one, am a fanatic motorcyclist, and this has generated more interest than the new book I just wrote, Adamsky said. Remember, relationships are more important than trying to tell everyone in the room what you do. This also plants you as an avid listener in your contacts mind, and since true listeners are very rare individuals nowadays, you will be remembered as someone who made him or her feel special someone who wasnt just there to get a job. Follow Up Youve shook hands, swapped business cards, offered to refill drinks and now youre wondering what to do with all your newfound connections. This is where those conversations you had regarding everything but a job for yourself come in handy: your contact is more likely to remember your conversation due to the fact that it was outside of the endless business conversations they had that night. Bring up, as Adamsky mentioned, your conversation on your lives as motorcyclists or a shared interest in German Shepherds anything from your conversation that will remind the person it is you, the confident listener, that is now emailing them. Social networking behind the computer has its benefits: you can connect in your pajamas and proactively escape web pages with one click. However, in implementing these tips, you may find yourself unplugging for a while, and possibly even find meeting potential employers face-to-face not as daunting as you once thought. Heck, you may even let up on the mental delete key.