3 Reasons to Update Your Resume and How to Do it in Less than 30 Minutes

When was the last time you updated your resume?

If you’ve been happily employed at the same job for several years, there’s a good chance your resume has been collecting cobwebs.

Don’t let this happen to you!

3 Reasons YOU Need to

Update Your Resume

#1:  You May Want to Pick Up Some Side Work

Even if you’re not looking for a new, full time job, you may decide to pick up some part time or PRN work. If a great opportunity presents itself, you’ll be confident your resume is up to snuff and you won’t be scrambling to get it together.

Don’t find yourself in a pinch; keep an updated file of your resume ready to go. By having an updated resume on hand, you’ll be able to get your application submitted quick, fast and in a hurry. With a push of a button, you can be first in line for consideration when a perfect opportunity pops up.

#2:  You May Have Secret Admirers

Just because you’re not looking for a new job doesn’t mean someone else isn’t looking for you. Recruiters spend their days actively searching for candidates that will be the perfect fit for a job.  Be ready!  Have an up to date resume detailing all of the impressive things you’ve done recently. 

When you have an updated resume on hand, you are able to show off your experience, work ethic, and enthusiasm for a new position. That always looks good!  They just might extend you an offer you can’t refuse.

 #3:  You May Need a New Job

Unfortunately, no matter how stellar you are, or how much you love your job, a situation may arise where you get laid off or let go. If that does happen, you’re going to have enough to think about without the stress of knowing you need to update your resume as well. 

 Do yourself a favor and regularly update your resume… even when you’re not looking for a job. By keeping your resume current, you’re just a cover letter away from getting back into the job searching market.

 How to Update Your Resume

in 30 Minutes or Less

You can bring new life to your resume  in 30 minutes or less when you use a resume building tool.  Resume-now.com is an excellent tool for creating or updating your resume.  Choose a template, enter your information and format it to perfection.  Voila! 

Keeping your resume updated doesn’t have to take a huge amount of time, especially if you’re doing it regularly. In just 15 minutes you can give your resume the polishing-up it needs. Maybe it's time for something altogether new?  In less than 30 minutes, you can build a professional looking resume from scratch! You won't believe how easy it is!

Professional Help Is Available

When it comes to job hunting, it’s a jungle out there! A polished resume will help you get your foot in the door, but it’s just the beginning. If you want to make an outstanding first impression during a job interview, a professional speech coach can help you be thoroughly prepared.

Contact the experts at Spontaneous Speech Coach today.  We will teach you the skills you need to improve your communication in a way that helps you stand out from the crowd and keeps you the front runner for the opportunity or position you desire. 

Call us 361-271-1700…we’ll be happy to chat or answer any questions you may have.

Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.
Confucius 

10 Essential Reasons Dementia Caregivers Need to Follow a Daily Schedule...NOW!

Proven Ways to Manage Boredom, Anxiety and Irritability

 in People with Dementia

For most of us, following a schedule has been the part of everyday life for as long as we can remember.  Parents quickly move into action to help their newborns establish a sleeping schedule. Toddlers thrive on predictability and routines when it comes to eating and napping.  

To prevent problems and unnecessary struggle, parents realize school aged children need schedules for homework, bathing and bedtime. Teens and young adults require schedules in order to keep up with the demands of school, sports and extra curricular activities, not to mention part time jobs. 

Adults of all ages deal with schedules and routines at home and at work. So, why is it then, would we think a schedule isn't important after a diagnosis of dementia?  We wouldn't! It's as important as ever!

Here are ten essential reasons dementia caregivers need to get life under control by following a schedule...starting NOW:






#1:  Schedules makes sure everything gets done
Life for dementia caregivers can be chaotic, but when things are done according to schedule, it's likely nothing is over looked. Write down your plan for the day and put it in a place where it is highly visible. Cross off activities as they are completed so that everyone can enjoy a sense of accomplishment as they get things done.


#2:  Schedules promote predictability and routine
It's not uncommon for a person with dementia to have resistance to showers. Schedules help them anticipate the need to bathe.  By following a daily routine, grooming, hygiene and clothing changes are less of a struggle. "We always get dressed after breakfast." or "Today is Wednesday. You always take a shower on Wednesday."


#3:  Schedules provide structure
Schedules give a framework for planning activities morning, noon and night, seven days a week, twenty four hours a day.  Use enlarged print and simple words to make the schedule. Give just enough detail to explain activities or events that will take place.


#4:  Schedules eliminate guess work
When caregivers create a written schedule or daily agenda, persons with dementia are less anxious about what's going to happen. Because the schedule is posted in a highly visible location, it can serve as a reference throughout the day. It is always assuring to know there is a plan for getting through the day.


#5:  Schedules give us something to look forward to
Be sure to work some fun into your day. Schedules provide an easy way to eliminate struggles and they remind the person with dementia of what's coming next. "We're going to work in the garden just as soon as we clean the kitchen." or "After lunch, we're going to take a nap."  


#6:  Schedules allow variety
Don't just plan to do the same thing every day...variety is the spice of life, so rotate activities throughout the week.  Let's be honest, eventually, everyone gets tired of watching TV.  Mix things up a little to keep everyone looking forward to a new day.


#7:  Schedules decrease undesirable behaviors
You can significantly reduce pacing, wandering and repetitive questioning just by providing structure to your day. Caregivers have fewer behavioral issues to deal with and persons with dementia are calm but engaged.  Additionally, tense situations can often be solved with the redirection of attention: "Hey, look! It's time to start making dinner. I need your help in the kitchen."


#8:  Schedules eliminate boredom
When people are busy, there's no time to be bored.  While there should be some down time built into every day, a schedule of activities keeps activity levels high.  Schedules can reduce undesirable behaviors often associated with boredom such as pacing and wandering. Anger and anxiety are less likely when a person with dementia is engaged in activity.


#9:  Schedules allow creativity
Think outside the box as you plan your days and weeks. Try a new craft or game, work a puzzle, spend some time outside, work on a project or invite a friend over.  Activities that promote creativity are like exercise for the brain, and everyone can benefit from that. Remember, All work and no play makes Jack a very dull boy.


#10:  Schedules promote as sense of togetherness
No one wants to be an onlooker in life, so have  the person with dementia assist with daily chores such as dusting, folding clothes, stirring and chopping. Being involved in daily activities gives the person with dementia a sense of contribution and purpose.  Because you work on a task together, they feel independent but supported and have the assurance of your presence.


How will you spend your time today?


If you need help planning a daily schedule for a person with dementia, contact the experts at Spontaneous Speech.  We can develop a unique program just for you!  Give us a call at 361-271-1700.  We'll be happy to chat with you or answer any questions you may have.



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You'll never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secrets of your success are found in your daily routine.
John Maxwell

Struggling to Cope With Confusion? 10 Simple Tips for Caregivers

How to Save Your Sanity

 When Dealing With a Confused Person

Confusion is a change in mental status in which a person is not able to think with his or her usual level of clarity. It may appear suddenly or gradually develop over time.  Confusion has many causes including:   injuries,  medical conditions,   medications,  environmental factors and substance abuse.

Often times, confusion leads to disorientation, agitation, inability to focus, memory problems and changes in perception.

Considering its many consequences, caregivers and family members often find it difficult to care for a person that is confused. A few new good habits and some simple adjustments can make it easier if you are coping with confusion.

10 Simple Ways to Manage Confusion

1.  An easy to read digital clock and an enlarged print calendar will help improve orientation to time, day, date, month and year; record upcoming appointments on the calendar; make sure wrist watches are accurately set  to the correct time and/or date

2.  Create a log or journal with a daily agenda to keep track up upcoming activities and events; refer back to the daily entries to verify what happened and when; use the agenda as a reference when dealing with repetitive questions

3.  Discuss current events to increase  awareness of reality; ask about opinions (“What do you think of that?”) rather than asking about memories (“Don’t you remember?”)

4.  As much as possible, decrease distractions:  turn off the television while eating a meal, adjust the blinds, lower the volume of music during conversation

5.  Encourage plenty of rest and promote opportunities for relaxation throughout the day- this helps to decrease over stimulation which may increase confusion or irritability

6.  Engage in peaceful, quiet activities that stimulate the mind: cards, puzzles, painting, reading, watching television

7.  Provide adequate lighting throughout the home making sure to avoid extreme brightness and/or dimness

8.  Maintain a comfortable temperature within the home; dress in layers; have blankets available

9.  Provide good nutrition and adequate hydration; consider the addition of “brain foods” such as banana, avocado, salmon, dark chocolate, dark leafy greens, a rainbow of fruits of vegetables

10.  Help to maintain dignity; despite confusion, care should be taken to respect emotional and physical privacy, to listen to concerns, to ask for opinions, and to speak in a manner and tone that is appropriate when interacting with an adult 

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In the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.

Max Ehrmann

You Need a Piece of Gum...Now!

Dentists, orthodontists and pediatricians everywhere are going to cringe when they hear this, but the truth cannot be denied…

chewing gum is good for you!

Ready for Zero posted a blog highlighting five ways in which chewing gum can be beneficial to you, and I just had to share. While it is understood that gum has sugar and that can give you cavities (which is not good for you), there are actually...

7 Reasons You Should Be Chewing Gum

#1:  Chewing gum is good exercise!

Ever wondered if chewing gum is good exercise? I mean, how many calories does it really burn?  Well, wonder no more, the answer is 11 calories/hour. Now that may not seem like a lot, but consider this: If you chew gum 1 hour a day every day of the week, you’ll have spent 4015 calories in the whole year! That comes out to about 1.15 lbs worth of calories at 3500 calories per lb. Okay, so maybe that’s still not much… but it’s certainly something.

#2:  Chewing gum makes you smarter!

No, really, it does! In a study done at Baylor College of Medicine, researchers took 108 8th grade math students, divided them into two groups, and followed them for 14 weeks. One group chewed sugarless gum while doing homework and taking tests, the other did not. Well guess what, the gum chewers had a whopping 3% increase in their standardized tests. Now, that may not seem like much, but if chewing gum gives you a free extra boost in your ability to concentrate, then count us in!

#3:  Chewing gum helps you eat healthier!

Turns out that chewing gum helps you curb your craving for high-calorie and sweet foods. Yep, there’s another study that backs that statement. Participants of this study who chewed gum three times hourly after lunch had fewer cravings for bad snacks. Move over Jenny Craig, it’s time for the new Dentyne Ice diet.

#4:  Chewing gum cleans your teeth!

Who needs tooth brush and tooth paste when you’ve got chewing gum? These days, many chewing gums contain xylitol, a chemical known to stimulate saliva flow and clean the surface of your teeth. So says a study funded by Wrigley, a gum company that has xylitol in its gum… hmmm. They swear it’s not biased! In any case, your mouth sure does feel cleaner, doesn’t it? If you need to floss, however, you’re on your own.

#5:  Chewing gum helps you make friends!

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to get on someone’s good side, offer them some gum! It makes you appear thoughtful, generous and friendly. It can also be a great conversation starter or ice-breaker, especially if you offer some interesting flavors like green apple mint, or watermelon kiwi.

But wait, there’s more!

Speech language pathologists suggest two additional reasons chewing gum is good for you.

#6:  Chewing gum strengthens your muscles!

Muscles of the jaw are strengthened when you chew gum and that can be helpful when overcoming weakness, especially when it comes time to eat. Strong jaw muscles can enable a person to safely prepare and swallow advanced textures in their diet (meats, crunchy vegetables, fresh fruits, etc). Also, chewing gum can increase a person’s endurance for chewing food during a meal, making it less likely to experience fatigue while dining.

Additionally, tongue muscles are exercised when gum is transferred from one side of the mouth to the other. What’s more, lip muscles are strengthened as they challenged to maintain good lip seal while chewing and blowing bubbles can exercise muscles of the lips, tongue and cheeks.   

#7:  Chewing gum alleviates dry mouth!

People undergoing radiation treatments to the head or neck and those who are not able to eat or drink by mouth (NPO) often suffer from chronic dry mouth (xerostomia).  It can be miserably uncomfortable.  The process of chewing increases the production of saliva which can minimize the discomfort of an extremely dry mouth.  Add in the xylitol (mentioned above) and the juicy goodness of the gum itself, and voila, relief!

Considering all of the evidence, it is clear to see that chewing gum is good for you.  To enjoy all of the benefits it has to offer, it is recommended you spend 10-15 minutes chewing sugarless gum.

 Please share this information with someone you know.

If you have any questions about dry mouth, oral weakness, diet textures, chewing or swallowing, contact Spontaneous Speech at 361-271-1700. We are always happy to talk with you!

Flattery is like chewing gum. Enjoy it, but don’t swallow it.

Hank Ketchum

Preparing for Court- 3 Critical Strategies You Need Before You Make A Statement

Speech Language Pathologists as Trial Consultants:  
Helping to Prepare Witnesses for Court

If you are going to participate in a significant part of litigation, such as a deposition, mediation, or trial, proper preparation is important.

Your attorney may be exceptional with his speaking skills or know her way around the courtroom with her eyes closed, but what about you, the client? You need to know what to expect, how to behave, and how to respond, and this is where even the best lawyer may blow it…

they don’t tell you about the importance of your communication strategy. 

Wrapped up in other legal preparations, attorneys forget to mention how important clear and concise communication can be in achieving a positive outcome.  For this and many other reasons, attorneys often enlist the help of communication experts. Such professionals prepare clients, witnesses and experts to communicate effectively during all aspects of litigation.

Giving testimony is a scary proposition, so here are three super simple speech strategies you can use when you need to make a statement. 

#1. Be Clear

Whether you are in a deposition room or a courtroom, make sure you use good volume so that your voice projects. Also, use a slower rate of speech as you talk.  

As a witness, you have very valuable information to share.   Mumbling and speed talking can cause you to be misunderstood and make it necessary for you repeat yourself. A small, soft voice may even diminish your credibility.  

From the judge, to the court reporter, to the jury, you need to be heard and you must be understood, so if you want to be more effective, speak up and slow down.

#2. Be Concise

Ideally, witnesses need to give thoughtful responses that concisely answer the questions that were asked- giving not much more and nothing less. In order to be concise, it’s important to think before you speak. 

You obviously can't take 30 seconds to completely organize and edit your thoughts every time you speak, but you can make an effort to not just blurt out whatever is on your mind. Because of that, it's OK to take a few seconds to think about what you really want to say.

First, communicate the main idea, then provide supporting ideas, but don't provide irrelevant or tangential information. In other words, to be concise, keep your responses short and sweet.

#3. Be Compelling

When a person has a passion for what they’re saying, they are compelling. Putting aside drama and theatrics, a speaker is particularly compelling or effective when they use strategic pausing.  

When you’re speaking, adding brief pauses after powerful, information loaded statements allows the people listening to really absorb the details you’re sharing. Those brief moments of silence can have a real impact… and will virtually eliminate the tendency for speed talking.  

Other ways to be more confident and compelling when giving testimony include: paying attention to the tone of your voice, using inflection to add variety and interest, and displaying an appropriate demeanor.

By using this 3 part communication strategy, you will be properly prepared to give your testimony during any and all phases of litigation. 


Spontaneous Speech Coach offers professional, personalized witness preparation services. If you have additional questions or need further assistance, please contact us at 361-271-1700.  We will be happy to schedule an appointment for a private consultation.  


Be clear. Be compelling. Make a statement.


Sometimes a single phrase of testimony can set events in motion that affect someone's life for eternity.
President Dieter Uchtdorf