London Olympics

The City of London has been elected to host the 2012 summer Olympics. London fought off  stiff competition from Paris, New York and Moscow to host the event. The final decision came during the 117th session of the full members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Singapore. 


The games in London will be centered around the Olympic Park. The main venue to host the events will be the Olympic stadium which will have a capacity to seat 80,000 spectators. The stadium will be located in the south side of the park in an island. Spectators will reach the stadium through the three bridges built for the purpose. The aquatic center in the park will host the swimming, water polo and diving competitions.


The Velodrome at the park which will host the cycling and track events will be called the Velopark. It will have a seating capacity for 6000 people. A temporary hockey stadium will be constructed at the park and will have two hockey tracks. The handball and basketball arenas in the park will have access through the foot bridges. The Olympic village which will house thousands of athletes and officials will be nearby. 


The Wembley Stadium will be the venue for football and the All England Club at Wimbledon for tennis. The Lord’s cricket ground will host the archery events. The logo of the London Olympiad is the jagged emblem depicting 2012. London will become the first city to host the modern Olympics three times. Several Paralympics events will be held for the physically handicapped people. 

Improving Your Verbal Communication Skills

Your communications skills are extremely important in day to day life. Either in business or any other facet of life, communication skills may be the difference between success and disaster.


Just imagine that you are trying to impress a girl, how you wished that your communication skills were better. The time when you were proposing to your girl, your communication skills were put to extreme test. For the business deal that you are desperately trying to clinch, your ability to convince your customer is of great importance.


It is possible to improve your communication skills. For effective communication it is important to cultivate a modulated voice. If you talk in a high pitched voice, it may be considered as a weakness. Speak in a lower tone, but it should be clearly audible. Try to speak slowly. Fast and furious talking is perceived to be a sign of nervousness.


Open the mouth and enunciate the words clearly. The all important point of talking is to communicate and make the other person understand what you are saying.


Try to pronounce words correctly. Don’t try to use complex words to impress others. Just remember that you are just trying to communicate.
Keeping eye contact with the person you are talking is absolutely essential. If you are looking away when you are talking, you can be taken as shifty and devious.


Always keep smiling. Your smile will add a new dimension to your personality. It does not mean that you should keep smiling at a funeral.


For effective communication your body language is also is very important. Your hand gestures, when you are trying to drive home an important point could be of great help. You should place emphasis on key words.


Humor In conversation is of great value. It is great ice breaker. It will help you to hold your audience captive. Even though some people believe that humor in conversation is a born gift, it is possible for most people to be witty, provided they put in the effort. Think that you are a stage performer. Read humorous books and jokes. Make an effort to use it during your conversation.


Some people have the great gift of being empathetic. They will agree with you to an extent. We are drawn to such people like a magnet. On the other hand some people disagree with every thing you say and are always looking for an argument. A perfect example of what a conversation should not be like. They are the kind of people to avoid, at any cost.


Be a good listener. Just remember listening is more than half the conversation.