by Michele Goodrich

Of all the books I read over a year’s period of time, few remain with me longer than a few days let alone several months.  One that has lingered with me for nearly a year now is entitled The Art of Racing in the Rain, by Garth Stein.

This novel imparts a clever and insightful look at life through the eyes of its unconventional narrator, a dog named Enzo.  Enzo is a keen observer and philosopher (who is obsessed with not being able to talk and his lack of opposable thumbs).  His perspectives on life have been shaped by paying close attention to his owner and master, a promising race car driver, as they watch and analyze videos of his races together.

When his family goes through an extremely difficult period, Enzo uses the lessons he has learned from watching races with his master to help him understand the complexities of human relationships.  Life, like racing, isn’t just about going fast.

By applying the techniques of racing in the worst conditions, Enzo sheds light on the absurdities of life and techniques to help navigate through them.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes from Enzo:

“There is no dishonor in losing the race.  There is only dishonor in not racing because you are afraid to lose.”

“I cannot talk, so I listen very well.  I never deflect the course of the conversation with a comment of my own.  People, if you pay attention to them, change the direction of one another’s conversations constantly.  It’s like being a passenger in your car who suddenly grabs the steering wheel and turns you down a side street.”

The book is laugh-out-loud funny at times and heart wrenching at others.

I recently learned that the author has written a version of the book for younger readers so they too can enjoy the wit and wisdom of Enzo.

Oh yes, and last month it was announced that Patrick Dempsey (Dr. McDreamy) has been cast to play the race car driver and Enzo’s beloved master in the film version of the book.  No word yet on who will be cast to play the endearing Enzo.

By Jon Simons

I have three confessions:

1) I have never tasted coffee.
2) I did not eat a banana until I was 23 years old.
3) I LOVE public speaking!

Not sure if it’s the lack of caffeine or potassium that has something to do with my passion for public speaking, but I feel much better now that I have confessed.

In my ongoing quest to improve my communication – specifically public speaking – skills I read “Communicating for a Change: Seven Keys to Irresistible Communication” by Andy Stanley and Lane Jones.  (These guys also do an awesome Leadership podcast).  I was so excited to find this book because I not only enjoy Andy’s messages (live, in books and via podcasts), but I love his speaking style.  I am clearly not alone because he wrote this particular book after so many requests from folks who wanted to learn to speak like him.

In the book there is one simple, but important, takeaway for anyone brave enough to get up in front of a group and try to deliver a message:  Have only one point.

Many speakers pack way too much information into a presentation.  Not only is it hard to manage for the speaker, but it’s nearly impossible for the audience to follow.  Andy writes that you need to have just one central point and drive it home again and again.

The best way to get your audience to hear – and remember – your message is to make your ONE point clear and concise.

As a pastor in a very large multi-site church, Andy challenges himself (and us) with a simple but important question:  “Which concerns you more, how you did on Sunday or what your people are doing on Monday?”

What a great challenge for all of us!  See you at the podium.

Bruce Berglund

Recently, we talked about the importance of “cutting through the noise” that surrounds donors.  There are a lot of messages competing for the attention of your supporters.  Many worthy organizations are sending them direct mail, e-blasts and phone calls, just like you.

One way to cut through the noise?  Add a personal touch to your communications.

We’ve challenged our clients to send out five notes each month in 2012.  Just five handwritten notes – be they of thanks, recognition or a follow-up.  Five people who will get something in the mail that doesn’t have their name followed by a bar code.

Get in the habit of saying thanks and see what it can do to make you stand out from the crowd.

PS – Have you already discovered the power of a handwritten note?  Share your thoughts in the comments!