Blog #5: High Concept Organization and "Table Topics"
Friends,
One of my favorite aptitudes to talk about is "Concept Organization." According to the Highlands Company, this is "the ability to mentally arrange ideas, information, or things in logical linear order." It is also a "deductive, verbal, problem solving ability, moving from the general to the specific."
Although those definitions may do the aptitude justice, let me give a personal example. Every week I meet with my Toastmasters club, part of an international organization dedicated to developing communication and leadership skills (http://www.FOCUSEDPURSUIT.com/fellow_toastmasters.html). One part of the meeting is called "table topics." At this time, an individual is chosen at random to give a 1-2 minute impromptu speech on a topic given by a moderator. The individual is challenged to immediately give a mini-speech, while attempting to refrain from the normal hiccups faced in a formal speech (i.e. um's, ah's, pauses, etc.).
What separates the best table topics speakers from the rest is their ability to internalize the topic and come up with a solid, organized speech within seconds. I call it "thinking in outline form." Right when the topic is uttered, the speaker's brain has already begun the process of creating the thesis, two or three main points, and a conclusion. It isn't that the person himself is confident by nature, but rather he truly is ready to give a worthwhile speech. He has high Concept Organization.
On the other hand, someone with lower Concept Organization has to force herself to think about what she will discuss; and in the process, may fumble with her words, stutter, or pause incessantly. This person may learn how to become a better impromptu speaker, but she will never have the innate ability to quickly and naturally "think in outline form" in a moment's notice.
Are YOU talented thinking on your feet, or does it seem like it takes precious time to organize your thoughts? When we know for sure where we are on this continuum, it can make a world of difference.
Feel free to call or email me with any questions regarding how you can learn about YOUR inner giftings, such as Concept Organization, and how taking the Highlands Ability Battery will benefit you.
This week, I challenge you to think - but don't think TOO hard!
Yours truly,
Mike Meier, MBA
President & Founder
FOCUSED PURSUIT, LLC
Website: http://www.FOCUSEDPURSUIT.com
Email: mike@FOCUSEDPURSUIT.com
One of my favorite aptitudes to talk about is "Concept Organization." According to the Highlands Company, this is "the ability to mentally arrange ideas, information, or things in logical linear order." It is also a "deductive, verbal, problem solving ability, moving from the general to the specific."
Although those definitions may do the aptitude justice, let me give a personal example. Every week I meet with my Toastmasters club, part of an international organization dedicated to developing communication and leadership skills (http://www.FOCUSEDPURSUIT.com/fellow_toastmasters.html). One part of the meeting is called "table topics." At this time, an individual is chosen at random to give a 1-2 minute impromptu speech on a topic given by a moderator. The individual is challenged to immediately give a mini-speech, while attempting to refrain from the normal hiccups faced in a formal speech (i.e. um's, ah's, pauses, etc.).
What separates the best table topics speakers from the rest is their ability to internalize the topic and come up with a solid, organized speech within seconds. I call it "thinking in outline form." Right when the topic is uttered, the speaker's brain has already begun the process of creating the thesis, two or three main points, and a conclusion. It isn't that the person himself is confident by nature, but rather he truly is ready to give a worthwhile speech. He has high Concept Organization.
On the other hand, someone with lower Concept Organization has to force herself to think about what she will discuss; and in the process, may fumble with her words, stutter, or pause incessantly. This person may learn how to become a better impromptu speaker, but she will never have the innate ability to quickly and naturally "think in outline form" in a moment's notice.
Are YOU talented thinking on your feet, or does it seem like it takes precious time to organize your thoughts? When we know for sure where we are on this continuum, it can make a world of difference.
Feel free to call or email me with any questions regarding how you can learn about YOUR inner giftings, such as Concept Organization, and how taking the Highlands Ability Battery will benefit you.
This week, I challenge you to think - but don't think TOO hard!
Yours truly,
Mike Meier, MBA
President & Founder
FOCUSED PURSUIT, LLC
Website: http://www.FOCUSEDPURSUIT.com
Email: mike@FOCUSEDPURSUIT.com
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