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How Texting Could Save America's Youth

How texting could save America's youth
While flying home from a speech in Ohio this week I read the article, “How Texting Could Save America’s Youth.” It is an interesting study which entails basically sending texts to teenagers to remind them to be nice. If they’re going to be checking their phones, it would be great if the messages are positive ones, rather than Kim Kardashian looks great in that dress. 
Kaitlyn Chantry, Reviewed.com10:05 a.m. EDT March 31, 2015
(Photo: HopeLab)

Smartphones in the classroom, smartphones at the dinner table, smartphones behind the wheel — today's parents and educators are waging a war against the texting teen, and most of them probably feel like they're losing.
New research, however, suggests that there may be a way to use texting to stimulate personal growth. Sara Konrath, Director of the Interdisciplinary Program for Empathy and Altruism Research (iPEAR) at Indiana University, is conducting research into ways that new SMS tools can increase empathy in America's youth.
Konrath's study, conducted in collaboration with HopeLab and funded by the John Templeton Foundation, sends participants recurring text messages that reinforce more empathic behavior. According to Janxin Leu, Director for Product Innovation at HopeLab, "The messages prompt people to imagine others' feelings and experiences, and do small kind acts every day."
Some of the text messages are thought exercises: "Think of a close family member. Think about what you like about them." Others are activity prompts: "The next time you see someone, no matter who they are, give them a real smile."
The program, called Text to Connect, is still in its early stages and the pilot study has yet to be published. However, the early findings are promising. Konrath reports that, after just two weeks, participants "have less aggressive beliefs — especially men — and they are more likely to help."
Konrath is optimistic about these pilot results, despite some pessimistic findings about society at large. In 2008, she co-authored a study showing that, since 1980, narcissism has risen in college students by 30%. In a 2011 study, she found that empathic concern decreased by 48% during the same time period.
While there are likely myriad causes for such a shift, Konrath admits that some share of the blame may lie with technology. Citing screened calls, inadvertent insensitivity and general distraction, she observes that "cellphones can be used to disconnect us and distance us from each other, but at the same time they're a major global force for keeping us connected."
With Text to Connect, Konrath and HopeLab are attempting to balance the harmful nature of mobile technology with its potential to improve how we relate to each other — all by inspiring young people to help, support and better understand each other.
If Text to Connect continues to generate positive results, the goal is to make that impact on a larger scale. According to Leu, "If we find evidence that this program is effective, we'll seek out partners to help with broader dissemination." That increased reach could include at-risk teens and high-stress demographics like medical students and new parents.
One small pilot study is hardly proof that text messages can transform teenagers into better human beings, but there is room for hope. If Text to Connect takes hold, it could mean an end to the war on texting — and a kinder, more empathic generation of Americans.
To find out more about Text to Connect, or to volunteer to participate, head tohttp://www.texttoconnect.org/.


Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at www.PattiWood.net. Check out Patti's website for her new book "SNAP, Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language and Charisma" at www.snapfirstimpressions.com. Also check out Patti's YouTube channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.

Clip from a great movie, "I'll See You In My Dreams" My favorite movie at the Atlanta Film Festival



A Movie Review of  "I'll See You In My Dreams" 
It is a rare treat to see a movie about nice people. A movie with the title character that is a woman of depth and not just over 25 but over 70! It's rare to see a great film that is about friendship, love, and loss, and not about a murderer, druggie, weird loner, sex addict, immature loser, or narcissist. A movie starring a single woman that does not make her deceased husband or the guy she is dating a jerk! Thank God for this funny, and touching movie that lets me know that we can still find a movie about tenderness. I saw a row of 20 year old guys and 40 year old lighting engineers laugh really hard during this movie, so don't mistake it for a chick flick. It was written and directed by the 30 year old Brett Haley, (yes a guy). Brett shared with us at Q&A after the film at the Atlanta Film Festival that they did the whole film in 18 days on a budget of $450,000. That is absolutely amazing! Note the final song sung in the film written by the sound guy on the movie, its absolutely perfect. The film will be in limited release in theaters in May of 2015.

The body language and other nonverbal communication is wonderful in this clip. Notice Sam's eye contact. His eyes linger on her and he smiles. He truly sees her. Notice how she touches her clothing in self comfort as she asks if she is dressed appropriately.

If you see the movie in its entirety notice the silences. There are very few movies these days that are comfortable having characters interact in a long intimate sometimes exquisitely comfortable or painfully awkward silence. (Unless one of the characters has a gun and is hunting the other one!)
When I taught body language at Florida State each semester I had my students write a one page paper on how silence was used to communicate in one of their relationships. I read 100 fascinating papers each semester!  Think about how you or your loved ones and or work mates use silence to communicate.


Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at www.PattiWood.net. Check out Patti's website for her new book "SNAP, Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language and Charisma" at www.snapfirstimpressions.com. Also check out Patti's YouTube channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.

Great Version of Boom Clap That I am Obsessed With Today!



Just saw Lennon & Maisy on the View and I am obsessed with their cover of "Boom Clap." Notice the way they sweetly look at each other, as it shows true, kind and loving body language.

Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at www.PattiWood.net. Check out Patti's website for her new book "SNAP, Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language and Charisma" at www.snapfirstimpressions.com. Also check out Patti's YouTube channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.

The 5 Best Dating Tips for Short Guys

Patti was interviewed by Men's Health Magazine on dating tips for short guys.  Please see Patti's tips highlighted in yellow below.  At the end of the article is the link to the actual article in Men's Health.
The 5 Best Dating Tips for Short Guys
Don’t let your height hold you back. Use these simple strategies to impress every woman you meet
BY SARAH JACOBSSON PUREWALMARCH 26, 2015
IMAGES BY THINKSTOCK









Coming up short in the dating world? Ladies prefer men who are a whopping 8 inches taller than they are, according to a recent Dutch study. With the average American female standing at 5’5”, that puts the bar at 6’1”. 

Why does she prefer a Blake Griffin over a Tom Cruise? Blame evolution—not her, says Tracy Thomas, Ph.D., a San Francisco-based relationship therapist. Taller men would have made better protectors back in caveman days, so women evolved a taste for them, Thomas says. (Primal attraction works both ways: 
It’s Why You’re an Ass Man, too.) 

But don’t fret: Not only are there some major
Scientific, but you also can get a leg up with these smart dating tips.  
Add inches—in the right places—with your wardrobe.
The wrong clothing can make you look pint-sized, but the right rags can lengthen your look, says Brock McGoff of short-guy style blog The Modest Man. The first rule: Get your pants hemmed and your sleeves shortened, McGoff says. Bunched fabric around your wrists and ankles will only draw attention to your smaller stature.
Next, avoid wearing anything that breaks up your frame visually. A streamlined look from top to bottom can help elongate your body, says McGoff. If your pants will stay put, lose the belt—or wear a slim one that’s the same color as your pants. Go for monochromatic color schemes like dark jeans and a dark shirt instead of dark jeans and a white shirt.
 
Don’t let your insecurity get the best of you.
Confidence is key to making a good first impression, says Beverly Hills-based psychiatrist Carole Lieberman, M.D. If you assume right off the bat that she won’t like you because of your height, she probably will be turned off—by your insecurity, Dr. Lieberman says. To feel more confident, remember the qualities that make you a catch and draw her focus to them, advises Dr. Lieberman. Are you a graphic artist who designs his own T-shirts? Wear your creation. Caring family man? Tie on that friendship bracelet your niece made you. MVP of your softball league? Don your team cap.  
Flirt without saying a word.
Too much eye contact can scare off women—it’s usually a menacing gesture, says Patti Wood, author of SNAP: Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language, and Charisma. But shorter guys can get away with it because their height makes them less threatening, Wood says.
Holding her gaze for longer than 3 seconds—without towering over her—reads as pure attraction, Wood says. “She’ll think, ‘Wow, this guy is really into me,’” she says.
 It can be intense to stare right into someone’s eyes, so you may want to practice in non-romantic situations like with waiters or cashiers, Wood suggests. But remember: The goal is to show your interest—not creep her out. Don’t pry your eyes open wide like an owl. Keep it natural.  
You get an extra half-inch, but that’s it.
As tempting as it may be, don’t fudge your height in your online dating profile, says Julie Spira, author of The Perils of Cyber-Dating: Confessions of a Hopeful Romantic Looking for Love Online. Think about it: You wouldn’t want her to blatantly lie about her weight, would you? It’s okay to ditch decimals and round up to the nearest inch, Spira says, but don’t fib more than that. Your ultimate mission is to meet your match in person, and you don’t want her looking for the 5’9” guy you claimed to be on your profile if you’re only 5’5”. She’ll notice. And your dishonesty will make you seem insecure, Spira says. 
Speak her body language.
Men tend to stand side by side when getting to know each other. That’s because when a guy faces you head-on, it’s intimidating, Wood says. But women bond face to face because they don’t have to worry about seeming like a threat. Here’s where your less imposing stature comes in handy: Wood says shorter guys can get away with addressing women head-on and not intimidate them like taller men would.  Next time you flirt, stand face to face. It’s a subtle change, but it’ll make her more comfortable opening up because that’s how she’s used to bonding, Wood says.




Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at www.PattiWood.net. Check out Patti's website for her new book "SNAP, Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language and Charisma" at www.snapfirstimpressions.com. Also check out Patti's YouTube channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.

Testimonials From Patti Wood's Clients

Testimonials from Clients of Patti Wood, Speaker, Trainer and Body Language Expert


Your Evaluations were Outstanding and Filled with Superlatives
“The comments from your keynote evaluations where outstanding and filled with superlatives including  repeated comments such as , “ Awesome, Fascinating, Energetic, Informative, Highly Recommend, Amazing, Very Dynamic, Exceeded Expectations, Captivating, Fantastic, Very Engaging, Fun, Energizing, Just Terrific, Loved the interaction, Wonderful, Great information, Very Entertaining.”  There was even one of our favorites, “…so honored to learn from the best of the best!“
Stephanie Gunner
National Alliance for Grieving Children
Program and Communications Coordinator

Fantastic Presentation…
“It' been almost a week since your presentation and the team is still buzzing.  Your presentation was fantastic.  We've received great feedback from all levels of Management, our Account Executives and support staff that was in attendance.  I was very pleased to see the long line at your book signing and the multiple questions that came with it. We were also extremely pleased with the way you seamlessly incorporated our objectives and theme into your presentation.  It was like you were working with us for weeks.    I've been in the business world almost 30 years and never quite knew the proper protocol on how, when or how long to shake a woman's hand.  I now can confidently do this.”
Scott Bloom
Director, Optimum Business Sales Operations
Cablevision

Fresh, Motivating and Funny…highly recommend Patti...
“…one month later I am still getting comments from satisfied members who attended her body language symposium.  She was fresh, motivating, and funny.  She has a knack for making her point in a way you won’t forget.  Her simple tools to enhance the first impression you give are invaluable.  I walked into a member office the other day and laughed as two of the attendees to Patti’s class were standing there talking about one of Patti’s techniques!” “We enjoyed all of our speakers, but few stay with you like Patti does!  We highly recommend using Patti Wood as your next speaker.”
Libby Sheard, E-PRO
Little Rock REALTORS® Association

Absolutely Fantastic…A Joy to Watch in Action…
“I just wanted to thank you so much for coming and speaking to our members.  You were absolutely fantastic and a joy to watch in action. We hope to have you back very soon…. 
Dana Earl
Operations Administrator
Greater Albuquerque Association of REALTORS
®

An Ultimate Professional
“I am writing to say that I have had the privilege of working with Patti Wood on two separate occasions for our GFOA-PA Annual Conferences.  I have never before seen an audience on their feet within 5 minutes after the speaker took the microphone!
Patti has an amazing knack for involving every single attendee.  And they have such a great time!  She has people who have never met before sharing information, learning about and from each other. 
The first time I worked with Patti, she was virtually an unknown to our group.  Within 30 minutes after Patti ended her presentation, I was told by the committee that we had to have her return again the next year.  When Patti is on the Agenda, I know that my attendance is going to increase. 
Patti is the ultimate professional who takes time to learn about her audience and their professional needs so that she can customize her remarks to assure that the audience can relate.
I am happy to entertain any questions and will happily offer personal recommendations to anyone who may be considering working with Patti Wood.  I can assure you, it is a win-win situation.”
R. Keith McNally
GFOA-PA Program Coordinator

I Don’t Think I’ve Seen Our Group Laugh So Much!
 “On behalf of the New Mexico Court Reporters Association, I would like to sincerely thank you for a wonderfully entertaining and engaging show! Everyone truly enjoyed your spirited presentation on body language. I don't think I've ever seen our group laugh so much! Thank you so much for sharing your expertise with us!”
Vanessa Arrieta,
NM CCR, RPR Past President NMCRA

Incredible Energy…
“Thank you so much for bringing your incredible energy and wonderful knowledge to us. I’ve been sharing some of your stories all week with co-workers! “
Susan Y. Shen Deloitte Consulting LLP 

Hired Patti Over 40 Times!
"I have hired Patti Wood over forty times to kick-off my seminars around the country and plan to use her six more times this year. She gets my audiences energized, focused and she teaches them skills that they can incorporate in their work life immediately. The first thing my audience members ask me when they're deciding on whether to register is, 'Is Patti going to be there?'" Yes she is!
Jeff Justice Seminars

Awesome Job…
You did an awesome job! An entire day of you giving keynotes in a studio for us. I think we have enough information captured to truly give us what we need for your videos. Now begins the edit process. We have so much great information from you that it will be difficult to decide what stays and what goes. We reported out to Richard and Ashley yesterday, and everyone felt that you showed up great on camera and delivered (as usual). I’m looking forward to April as well (When you are live with us again). Take care Patti, and rest easy knowing you did a great job for us!
Kenny Simon
Emersonhc.com

The Best Conference because of You…
“….I heard …. our participants saying this years “Gathering of Eagles Conference”  was the best and that’s because of YOU!”
Dr. Penelope Schmidt
Executive Director of Advancement & Foundation South
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College

Outstanding Keynote…
“Thank you for your outstanding keynote presentation to kick off our Credit Insurer's Association meeting. The participants said you were excellent. You built up interest and momentum from your high energy session which carried throughout our meeting. The two days were abuzz with comments that showed how much fun they had and how much they learned such as "Did you see him put his hands in his pockets!" and "I cross my arms to think but, I'm not ADD." You really made a lasting impression. People came up to me and said they wanted more of you and “we could listen to Patti all day. “ I really appreciate you motivating our group. We are hoping we can have you back some time in the future so check your calendar.”
Beth Kastigar
Credit Insurers Association

Incredibly interesting…
“Great to listen to you and soak up so many great and valuable pointers on people and interactions. It was incredibly interesting. I thank you for presenting so masterfully and sincerely.”.
Kate Carpenter
Stowe Kitchen Bath and Linens

We Could Have Listened to You For Several Hours More!
On behalf of my entire Builder 20 group I would like to thank you for a wonderful presentation Friday morning. It was very informative and we could have easily listened to you for several more hours.
Brian Builder 20 Group

You Have a Wonderful Way About You!
Didn't want this day to end without telling you how much the group and I enjoyed listening to you, learning from you and watching that body language! You have a wonderful way about you.
Mary Jo IHG

Best Presentation …
“I just wanted to say thank you for an excellent presentation at last week's entrepreneur expo. It was easily one of the best presentations and information sessions I have ever seen. I learned a lot about body language and the funny thing was that you start to see examples of it everywhere. From being at a bar talking with some friends to working with potential clients, it was just eye-opening to see how accurate your information was…”
Billy Gallagher
Florida Web Presence, LLC

Engaging…Enthusiastic and Insightful…
“Thank you so much for such an engaging program last night” “We were treated to an intimate, captivating gathering.” I wish I'd taken your program years ago and over and above anything else paid attention to my own 'gut'. Thank you for your enthusiasm and insights about so much.”
Lynn Cromer

Awesome…
“I thought your training was awesome! I will pass your information on to our Top Directors and Nationals at our next meeting and suggest they schedule an event for you to come in and talk to all of us.”
Linda Morris Future Director Mary Kay Cosmetics

You’re fantastic…
I have never been to a more delightful or interesting presentation. I started practicing what I learned and I just can't believe the difference it has made in such a short time. I am so glad you will be back next year; I am bringing friends to hear you speak. Thank you for the book, I have already started reading it. It really reinforces your presentation and makes a great reference manual too! Good luck and thank you.”
Patty Griffin
San Antonio Program

Patti is a rare individual…
“Patti is a rare individual…warm, funny, and so knowledgeable….you can really learn from her. Her programs are A1.”
Vickie Okoro 
Patti’s Audience Members Rave
About her Body Language Keynotes and Deception Detection Training

Excellent & informative Presentation…
“Thank you so much for such an excellent and informative presentation! Your enthusiasm about the subject is contagious….Thanks again for such an awesome presentation!”
Susan Meyer
UCB Pharm Group

You were Superb…
“You were superb!!!!! Thank you for the insight and the wonderful suggestions.”
Lynne A. Harper RN C COHN Manager
The Coca Cola Company

Amazing…
“Patti's workshop on Deception was amazing. The next day I looked at video clips of the politicians she mentioned. Then I stopped people in the locker room and at book group to tell them about Patti and her insights. Can't wait to use her tips with eHarmony matches! I'm getting a group together togo to Patti's workshop on Body Language.”
Marilyn Harris
Detecting Deception Class 

What Participants said about Patti Wood’s Presentation Skills Training

Hold on to Your Seats…
“Hold on to your seats! If you want to improve your presentation skills, Patti Ann Wood is the person to help. She will teach you how to grab your audience. Patti Wood is Excellent! You were the top rated speaker at our conference.
Denise Crowe
CSPA

Patti is the Person to Help You…
If you need to be a better speaker Patti Wood is the person to help you. She will teach you how to grab your audience with tricks to hold your audience and help you build your presentation. Don't book her for just half a day, or one day as the audience wants to interact with her. Patti will WOW you!!”
Ana Woerner RN BS COHN-S
AAOHN Program 

·         Excellent!  Has boosted my self-confidence 100 %.
·         The seminar was excellent!  I noticed a big change in everyone's presentation skills     between the first and second day.
·         The best seminar I have ever attended.  The class exceeded my expectations, gave me effective and valuable tools to use, and increased my confidence in handling future presentations.
·         Outstanding course!  I've never had so much fun while learning so much.
·         Everyone no matter how experienced needs this class!
·         It was great to hear you speak today, and you made a fantastic first impression on all of us!
·         I feel like I will definitely be a better speaker following this class.
·         This course was very beneficial.  It helped to give me great confidence in doing future presentations.  I will greatly recommend this class to all my peers.  I especially enjoyed the body language section.
·         The Easy Speaking class has given me hot tips for future presentations.  Please note that this class was very beneficial.  Going forward--I have gained more confidence by coming to this class.
·          I expected to be bored and scared instead the course was interesting, well presented, informative and fun.  I will use the ideas for years to come.
·         What an enjoyable experience! Even though I came to the class both days “under the weather” (I have the flu), you made the days exciting and kept my energy level up. I learned things about presenting I never realized – I always thought “Power Point – less” presentations would be dry.  In fact, I know now the exact opposite is true! I am certain that I will surprise the people I present to from now on (especially those who have heard me before!)
·         After years of feeling my presentations were boring, I feel that I can now make my executive presentations dynamic!
·         Great program.  I liked your use of various activities to keep the audience stimulated and focused. 
·         Patti's enthusiasm for her subject matter is contagious!  Her memory will be etched in me based on her memorable stories and speaking experience.
·         I never saw a speech presented in so novel and unique a way – which met me in my primitive brain and it lodged in the hemispheres.
·         Fantastic enthusiasm and knowledge of subject.  I would highly recommend your seminar to other groups.
·         It was the best “two days” of training I’ve seen – in fact, I got more out of it than other longer classes.
·         I cannot possibly make any suggestions for improvement! My head is still spinning from all of the great information I learned in two days.  More importantly, you proved that it is not a very difficult task to do a good speech.  This was the best training class I’ve ever attended – regardless of the discipline! Thanks a million!!!
·         I am looking forward to my next opportunity to speak in front of a group, so I can try out all of these great lessons!  Two days ago, I wouldn’t believe I’d ever say that!
·         This was the best instructional class I’ve ever had.
·         I have to be honest and tell you when I got the email to be in class from 8:30-6:00, my first thought was OH MY GOD, what a long day.  But you do a great job of making learning fun, easy, energetic and the time just flew.
·         You are really good at what you do and you enjoy it and it shows! Thank you very much for the useful tips and tricks.  I’ll use them in my future training classes.



Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at www.PattiWood.net. Check out Patti's website for her new book "SNAP, Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language and Charisma" at www.snapfirstimpressions.com. Also check out Patti's YouTube channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.