R0n D@ng3r0)$

Headbutt!: What professional Wrestling can teach us about Public Speaking.

2009-12-10T22:40:00.007-05:00

When most people think of professional wrestling, the mind begins to conjure up many and various images. Many of us see huge hulking people throwing themselves around in a square elevated cage; but we do not typically think of public speaking. We might imagine great hair, greasy hair, wet hair, dreadlocked hair and no hair; but we do not typically imagine public speaking. We might even visualize these gigantic athletes in spandex that is, at minimum, three sizes too small (I shudder at the thought); but we do not typically visualize public speaking.

Oddly enough, it was from watching professional wrestling that I began to develop sense of awareness about public speaking as well. The connection was not immediately clear since I watched professional wrestling as a child. Now that I am older, I can see a direct correlation.

I was typically intrigued by the dichotomy that existed between a wrestler’s public personality and his private persona. On camera they were oozing with machismo and bravado. I would then pick up a wrestling magazine and read the articles and find these men to be mostly humble and down to earth. One of my favorite wrestlers was Brett “The Hitman” Hart. During his numerous public interviews Brett would typically leave his fans with the following: “I am the best there was, the best there is and the best there ever will be.” Talk about self-confidence!

Now at this point you may be wondering, “What is the connection between professional wrestling and public speaking?!” Before we explore this link let us take a look at the 3 main types of communication.

The first type of communication is “Interpersonal Communication.” Interpersonal communication is our daily conversations. Perhaps we chat with our spouse; maybe we have a short talk with our co-workers; how about the witty banter we have with our close friends; conceivably you may have to do a presentation to one of your favorite organizations that focuses on self-development via public speaking (TI anyone?). We are honing our interpersonal communication skills at Toastmasters.

Do you ever talk to animals? No, not the way Dr. Doolittle does! Have you ever had a conversation with any of your plants? I cannot speak for you, but on more than one occasion I have had to have a heartfelt tête-à-tête with my car. Most of these one sided tirades take place when the temperature is well below zero degrees and I am running late for work. “Please just start this one time. I promise I will fill you up next time with the premium gasoline.” Surely, I am the only one that has gone through this! All of that is an example of our second type of communication, “Extrapersonal Communication.” Simply put, it is us communication with inanimate objects (teenagers not included).

Our final type of communication is "Interpersonal Communication." This is how we communicate with ourselves. These are the thoughts that permeate our minds when all around us is still. In addition, an unknown author once said:

Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.

~Author Unknown

How powerful then are our own thoughts? If you believe that, you are going to fail—then guess what you are probably right. If you think that when you have to get behind the podium and speak to your fellow Toastmasters that you are going to stumble and sprinkle superfluous “ahs” and “ums” throughout your speech like confetti at a Yankees ticker tape parade—then guess what, you will.

How about for a change, before we go to deliver our next speech or table topic, we instead of think of all of the ‘bad’ things that can happen we instead focus on all the good that will come from it. Focus on being able to clearly convey your point about leading an overscheduled life. Focus on sharing your message on how small changes can have a great impact during this recession. Focus on the fact that your funny, lighthearted speech will bring a smile to someone that had a rough day at work.

All of this begins with how we talk to ourselves—our interpersonal communication. Personally, I do not use this exclusively at Toastmasters; this is a part of my daily being. I wake up and begin thinking powerful thoughts, giving myself positive reinforcement.

Sometimes we may have to step outside of ourselves much as if professional wrestlers do. Wrestlers have their private selves and their public personas, which they are and the character the television wants them to be. Periodically, we have to separate who we are from who we want to be.

Before I get up to speak I like to remind myself, “I am the best there is, the best there was, the best there ever will be.” That statement is as powerful as being hit by a headbutt and not nearly as embarrassing as being hit by a butthead!

Therefore, when it comes to the three types of communication interpersonal, extrapersonal and intrapersonal we have to continue to perfect our interpersonal and extrapersonal communication skills. I also believe that our intrapersonal communication skills are just as important as those I mentioned earlier.

Is that 2 go?

2009-11-25T20:13:00.001-05:00

RonDangerous.BlogSpot.com

Ok, here's the scenario. The fam and I are away on vacation. But it's not just us my in-laws are there as well. There are tons of adults and mad kids running around, not sure why I agreed but I did.

With so many people the nights last longer and the days come quicker. On one of these swiftly arriving mornings I go out to grab breakfast.

I have two options:
(1) I can go around and get orders from all 6 adults and 6 kids—knowing this will take approximately 2 hours; thereby rendering breakfast useless since it will be lunch time once I get out.
(2) Just head out, order a variety of food, bring it back and let everyone fight it out.

I go with option two. Not only is it less stressful for me but honestly; who doesn’t like to see people fight over food?!

I head out to McDonald’s alone to minimize any issues. I go inside to place my order and it was surprisingly empty for a weekend morning. I forget what I ordered exactly, but let’s just say I stuck to the Dollar Menu and I still ended up with about $45 worth of stuff. I’m talking biscuits, McMuffins, hash browns, juice the whole nine.

The young lady taking my order reads the order back to me. It takes her approximately 2 mins. to read finish it.

She asks the obligatory “Would you like anything else?”

I ponder the question for a second and reply “No, I think that’s enough.”

She then asks “Is that here or to go?”

Yes, you read that correctly…“Is that here or to go?”

I could not help but laugh, and heartily I might add. Granted I’m about 2 biscuits shy of 200lbs. but I’m a svelte 200lbs. And besides I wear it well. How dare she insult me by asking if I want to eat this right now or maybe eat it ALL later by myself? Perhaps she was hoping to watch me down it all and maybe go into a diabetic coma—I don’t know.

Man of my word

2009-11-23T19:21:00.000-05:00

Your verbal contract isn't worth the paper it's written on.

RonDangerous.BlogSpot.com

Working Man

2009-11-20T19:18:00.000-05:00

The work day seems SOOOOO much longer when you arrive on time.

RonDangerous.BlogSpot.com

Animal Lover

2009-11-15T19:16:00.000-05:00

My favorite animal is steak...

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Stop me...

2009-11-11T19:09:00.001-05:00

RonDangerous.BlogSpot.com

Stop me if you've heard this one before:
"A man walked into Target...and missed!"

Stone Cold

2009-10-28T08:04:00.000-04:00

Someone did about $249 worth of damage to my car the other day...yeah, they stole it. I talked to my grandmother a few days later and she told me she had her cataracts removed. I was like, "Yeah Granny, they took my car too."

Wipeout Watch--Week 7

2009-10-21T21:51:00.003-04:00

Alright, it is now WEEK 7 for "Wipeout Watch." If I haven't mentioned it before, I'm getting pretty desperate over here. I was told by my S-I-L that I need some sort of publicity stunt.

I thought about an extravagant funeral, but I figured some other more notable stars already beat me to it. I thought about getting a Nobel Prize, but I think Kanye would cut me off and say Obama's Nobel was better! So what's a guy to do?

How about if I send one of my kids up in a homemade balloon shaped like the Big Red Balls from Wipeout--surely that would garner some attention, right? So which kid should I send up so that we can shut down airports and needlessly preoccupy law enforcement?

Oh, no chuckles; what, too soon to joke about that??

Deal or No Deal

2009-10-12T23:29:00.000-04:00

While at the library (just because I’m Dangerous doesn’t mean I’m illiterate) when I was approached by a man, as I browsed the DVD selection (some people like books on CD I like books on DVD). He came up and greeted me as if I knew him. Now this is an awkward time for me because I’m frequently approached by people, while out and about, that I *should* know and I don’t. This is due mainly to my work and other community activities.

I was only after he launches into his sob story that this feeling of discomfort begins to pass and makes way for one of skepticism. He tells me this story of how his he and his fiancée are at the courthouse about to get married. Actually, he surprised her and brought her there after work (which on this day was about 2ish) because it was something they’d talked about for years but never done. This was his time to show that he was a hopeless romantic. Picked her up, took her on a picnic, then to the courthouse to exchange their nuptials. Well, there was one minor detail this modern-day Cyrano overlooked; this person called a witness.

Seems they can’t be married unless they have a witness sign the license saying “you know us and we’re good people” (his words not mine). His mission was to go out and find this witness. At the same time his fiancée was participating in the same scavenger hunt. I let him tell his touching, poignant story and politely declined. He left.

After this interaction I could not help but wonder if I had somehow pooh-poohed all over this poor man’s romantic, storybook wedding. I could have been a permanent fixture for anniversary stories that he and his wife would share with others. “Without Ron we could have never gotten married.” I would have been invited over for their first anniversary, I could have worked my way to being God-father to their nearly grown kids—my goodness what have I done?!

I eventually, if not quickly go over those feelings. I then began to look for the cameras. I now believe this was some sort of game show. “If you can get 2 strangers to act as witness to your fake wedding I will give you not 1, not 2, not even 3 but 5 crisp one-hundred dollar bills!!” Alas, I saw no cameras.

So tell me, same situation, what would you have done?

Ron Dangerous @ RonDangerous.blogspot.com

Wipeout Watch--Week 5

2009-10-06T02:00:00.001-04:00

Ok, so it's been about 5 weeks since I applied to be on Wipeout. Nothing. Nada. Nunca. Not a sniff, not a whiff, not even a "Thank you, but you suck" email. I'm beginning to get worried!

What should I do? I must admit that being on Wipeout has been a dream of mine for my entire life--that is, of course, if you assume my life started a year and a half ago.

So I'm taking it to you, the people. What should I do? How can I get on Wipeout?

Post your comments with your suggestions.

I need help!!

RonDangerous.BlogSpot.com

The Booze Brothers

2009-10-02T14:50:00.003-04:00

RonDangerous.BlogSpot.com

A day or two ago I was watching one of my favorite shows on TV—“Pardon The Interruption.” Before you click that back button or move on to the next webpage, this is not a post discussing the finer points of PTI, the apparent love between the two stars or the all too frequent appearances of the of guest hosts…that will be later.

They were discussing the baseball playoffs. One of the teams the LA Angels has actually clinched a spot in this year’s playoffs. Many felt they would have a difficult time doing so. However, just like so many other sports stories the team prevailed to so many heartbreaks, disappointments and a long, difficult season.

Once again this is not a baseball story. One of the difficulties the team had to overcome was the death of one of their young teammates. Their young teammate, Nick Adenhart, was a promising pitcher from the Silver Springs, MD area. For anyone who follows baseball you know how extremely difficult it is to make it to the big leagues. There are SO many minor league stops that one can make that you could actually be a paid baseball player for 20 years or more and NEVER make it to the big leagues. With the talent that Nick had he was able to make it at the ripe old age of 22. At 24 years old his life was quickly and tragically snuffed out.

Just like any well scripted Hollywood screenplay the team dedicates their season to their fallen teammate. His memory is inextricably stitched to their uniforms for the season. His likeness is placed on an outfield wall. This team then goes on to earn a playoff spot. All is right with the world…

Cameras follow the team into the clubhouse to capture their celebration on film (or at least the equivalent of film—high capacity Hard Disc Drive). The guys are wildly celebrating like young boys pouring beer and champagne on each other. They then grab the jersey of their slain teammate doing the same; dousing it with beer and champagne. More beer and champagne is taken to his picture on the outfield wall and it is sprayed with beer and champagne.

This is the Hollywood ending any producer would be proud of. For me, there is but one problem…young Nick Adenhart was killed by an alleged drunk driver. How ironic is it that the very elixir that took the life of Nick is the name thing that is being used to celebrate a successful season AND to honor the memory of a deceased teammate?

I don’t drink and I don’t knock anyone who does—it is your body who am I to tell you what to do and how to maintain it? I do have a problem with people that drink and drive because now your decisions DIRECTLY affect any other drivers that are on the road with you. Death at the hands of a drunk driver is SO completely avoidable if the person drinking was even the slightest bit concerned about the welfare of others. Drink at home. Get a designated driver. Sleep it off before climbing behind the wheel. Call a cab.

Unfortunately, many cases that involve a drunk driver end in the death of the person NOT drinking. Someone maybe on their way home from work; a child riding their bike near their home; a pedestrian crossing the street; numerous episodes where a person’s life was ended because of the negligence of someone who decided it was better to drink and drive than to have someone drive them home.

Coincidence or Providence?

2009-09-30T23:28:00.000-04:00

"Smooth seas do not make a skillful sailor."

-- African proverb

Things happen to us for a reason.  We may not understand them as we navigate through the
storm, but they are definitely not haphazard events.

Some will call it coincidence, I know it is Divine Providence.  We are being sharpened,
via fire and flame, to be stronger for His will.

How can you really appreciate the sunshine if you've never been through the rain?

We all get 1,440

2009-09-30T05:02:00.000-04:00

We all get 1,440 minutes in a day.

"It has been my observation that most people get ahead during the time that others waste."
-- Henry Ford: Founder, Ford Motor Company

Are you wasting yours?**

**Reading this blog does not count as a waste!

B.A. (Bad Attitude)

2009-09-23T23:36:00.000-04:00

"Ability:    What you're capable of doing. 
 Motivation:  What you do. 
 Attitude:    How well you do it."

-- Raymond Chandler

Raw & Uncut

2009-09-16T22:25:00.005-04:00

Thanks to this great invention, the Digital Video Recorder (DVR), I can now watch shows when I want, where I want on my own time. One drawback to that is I sometimes watch shows that aired 2 or 3 days earlier. When this happens I’m a bit confused when co-workers talk about the happenings the night before. I have had a chance to watch it. I therefore, run from my office fingers firmly planted in each ear yelling “La, La, La, I can’t hear you!!”

That being said I DVR’d (yes, I took an abbreviation and made it a verb) the induction ceremonies for the NBA Hall of Fame.
_____________________________________

Sidebar: “Nah, nah, Kanye, gimme back my keyboard! Imma finish NOW!”

_____________________________________

Sorry about that, I was rudely interrupted; now where was I? So I settle down to watch the ceremonies. I must admit I watched the last speech with bated breath. I’d seen on FB, MSN, ESPN, etc. many people talking about the acceptance speech by Michael Jordan and how ‘bitter’ he sounded. He took shots at his high school coach, his college coach (a legend), Byron Russell (an decent NBA’er, but no star by any stretch of the imagination), the guy who took the final roster spot on his high school team (which he did not make) and even his own children saying something along the lines of--you’ve got a heavy burden to carry, I wouldn’t want to be you—that was kinda crazy in my eyes.

My problem wasn’t with the speech. My problem came when I read/heard the criticism he received for delivering a less than gracious address. Some said he was rude, arrogant, egomaniacal, bitter, etc.

In a world with a 24hr news cycle, it is understandable why athletes are relatively conservative when a mic is shoved in their face. We are flooded with the same clichés: “I gave 110%,” “Take one for the team,” “It’s going to be a war out there,” etc. I really get tired of hearing these over and over, listening to athletes with their sanitized statements that provide no further insight into the game than your typical no-nothing uncle. Granted there are those that should not be allowed to speak, but that’s a different story for a different time.

Here we have Jordan taking jabs at everyone that he felt crossed him throughout his career and really telling us how he feels. I imagine this is how many athletes speak when they are with each other and no cameras and recorders around. The guys that I play sports with talk trash about EVERY aspect of the game. Who scored the most points, who made the most catches, whose socks are the cleanest (I usually lose this one, the NC in me sometimes dictate that I go shoeless), you name it we quantify it and talk smack about it. And this is from a bunch of guys who barely played at the high school level. So what is said in the locker rooms and club houses at the highest level? This my friend, I would venture to guess, is THE real Michael Jordan

I can deal with that…

Ron Dangerous @ RonDangerous.blogspot.com

Wipeout--Wk 1

2009-09-15T23:33:00.001-04:00

I did it, I applied to be on the show "Wipeout."

I will now sit patiently next to my cell phone should they decide to text me.

I will also sit patiently next to my high speed internet connection should they choose to contact me via email.

I will sit patiently by my home phone waiting for their call, should they try to contact me this way.

I will do all of these things patiently at my Post Office should they decide to contact me via snail mail.

And these things will be done near a huge window in the event they send smoke signals.

The longer I wait the less tech savvy I become.

Ron Dangerous @ RonDangerous.blogspot.com

Waffle House

2009-09-13T01:16:00.000-04:00

In the meantime, I visited NC over the weekend and went out to grab a bit REALLY late on Sat. night (11:30p IS late by Whiteville standards). We don't have diners in NC like NJ. There also is a alarmingly discouraging shortage of IHOPs there as well.

So where does a fella go, at 11:30p, to get something to eat? I think I hear you all saying it outloud..."Waffle House!" Apparently, there is some sort of gentleman's agreement between Waffle House and IHOP. One dominates the Northeast while the other handles the Southeast. Who handles the West--Mid, South and otherwise?

I had forgotten how much I do like a good Belgian Waffle. I get back to NJ, made my usual run to Costco and in the morning..."I'm making waffles!"

Big Swoll's Calendar

2009-09-10T23:33:00.000-04:00

In my constant quest to fight the hands of time that ravage my body, I’ve pretty much conceded that I have to exercise. I think the “Smiths” put it best in their song “Suicide is Painless” (better known as the instrumental theme song to M*A*S*H):

“The sword of time will pierce our skins
It doesn't hurt when it begins
But as it works its way on in
The pain grows stronger...watch it grin, but... “

Well I can really feel the sword of time working its way on in. With that being said, I have to do something strenuous for as long as possible as often as possible.

The Mrs. put me onto a website dontbreatkthechain.com that is helping me reach my goals. Simply put in order for something to become a habit many experts feel you have to do that something at least 18 times for it to go from random occurrence to habit. Once something becomes a habit, if you don’t do it then you (and your body) feel strange not doing it.

When a sculptor is carving figures in their stone, it’s not the 100^th strike that makes the most impact it’s the 99 preceding, incremental strikes that are impactful. To make a change, first determine what you want to change. Develop a plan as to how to get there. Work on that plan EVERY day; no matter how small the tasks are.

In the right navigation pane, you’ll see “Big Swoll’s Calendar.” Big Swoll is my exercise alter ego. Everytime Big Swoll works out for 45 mins. or more another day is checked off on Big Swoll’s Calendar. The more days he can string together the better he’ll be for both himself and his family.

Big Swoll is taking his calendar to the masses (or at least the 3 people that regularly read this blog) so you can help hold him accountable. If you see that I’ve missed a day (or more) you have permission to inquire as to what the problem was/is.

As I work towards other goals you may find additional calendars added.

Ron Dangerous @ RonDangerous.blogspot.com

Wipeout--Wk 1

2009-09-09T23:08:00.002-04:00

As you may have seen, I applied to be on "Wipeout" about a week ago. It has been 7 days, 2 hours, 9 minutes and 45 seconds since I officially sent in my application.

I have yet to hear ANYTHING from ANYBODY. Once I get the good news, I will let you know.

Failure 2 Launch

2009-09-08T23:29:00.000-04:00

Ok, people it has been a WHILE. Ron Dangerous is back!! I’m looking at the posts and it has been, well, let’s just say a minute since I last shared my thoughts.

My goal is to post more and be more consistent with said posts. Many people have told me my blog was the lone bright spot in their lives. Can you believe that?! After I suggested a counselor (and meds) for them, I decided it was time for the world to hear my voice. As one of my favorite sites despair.com puts it “Never before have so many people with so little to say said so much to so few.”

I’m re-launching the blog, some things will be different some things will still be the same. As new things appear, I’ll let you know.

I hope you enjoy reading more than I loathe writing it!

Ron Dangerous @ RonDangerous.blogspot.com

Wipeout Casting

2009-09-01T23:41:00.006-04:00

I applied to be on "Wipeout" today. Below is the personal letter they sent to me, can you believe it? Little old me?!?

==========================

Wipeout Casting:

If you want to audition for the hit TV Series Wipeout please go to

www.mysticartpictures.com

Fill out the registration and profile, upload a photo, and make sure
you click to receive the newsletter. You will be called and notified
of upcoming projects and to receive more information on upcoming open calls
for Wipeout.

We appreciate your taking the time to fill this information out and
you have a much higher chance of getting called in if this information
is complete.

Thank you,

Tim Safford
Director Casting and Production
MysticArt Pictures

==========================

All for your boy!

Ron Dangerous @ RonDangerous.blogspot.com

Let's Get D@ng3r0)$!!

2009-09-01T02:59:00.000-04:00

Whatca gonna do when the R0n gets all D@ng3r0)$ on YOU!?!?

Coming Fall 2k9.

RonDangerous.BlogSpot.com

Ron Dangerous

2009-08-25T16:37:00.004-04:00

Are you ready?

Well...are you?!?

RonDangerous.BlogSpot.com