TipDeck.com » Communication http://tipdeck.com Home of the how to videos and instructions Wed, 24 Aug 2011 01:01:45 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 How to Make a Table in APA Formathttp://tipdeck.com/how-to-make-a-table-in-apa-format http://tipdeck.com/how-to-make-a-table-in-apa-format#comments Sun, 28 Nov 2010 19:00:57 +0000 Sofi http://tipdeck.com/?p=5956 How to Make a Table in APA Format How to Make a Table in APA FormatAmerican Psychological Association (APA) is a set of standard set of guidelines commonly used to format manuscripts. This standard is adopted by a large number of disciplines which are out of the coverage of the scope of psychology. The standard prescribes guidelines for most of the instructions included in a reference document like in-text citation references, pagination, references lists, margins, running heads, and hierarchy of subheadings. This is also a standard which is being updated continuously with the advancement in technology. People use tables in their essay to present a huge amount of information and statistics in a clear, concise, and easily readable format. Tables also help the readers in simultaneously viewing and comparing the details. But in APA format, the tables are used exclusively to describe statistical and analytical results and quantitative data of similar nature. The tables cannot be used for any other purpose, even though the information contains some amount of numeric data in large or small proportion.

Instructions

  1. When you are using a number of tables in your essay, you have to number each of the tables. For instance, the first table should be numbered as Table 1 and the other tables will contain a number gradually increasing with the placing of the table. Further, each of these tables has to be titled individually and the title has to be presented in an italicized and each word in capitalized format.
  2. If there are multiple tables in your essay, you should start the individual tables on a separated space. In other words, you cannot include more than one table on a single page.
  3. The information written inside the table should be double spaced and separated by using horizontal lines only. As per the APA guidelines, vertical lines cannot be used for separating or making the information clear.
  4. Each of the tables has to be referenced in the text contents of your essay. While preparing the appendices and reference list, the tables should appear at the last of other listings.
  5. Along with the spacing, the APA format also requires each of the table to have a heading. The heading of the essay has to be located at the flush right.
  6. You have to give a descriptive heading for specific column of the table carrying some content of a particular category. Also, you have to capitalize the first letter of each heading.
  7. You are not required to mention explanation for abbreviations for some of the standardized terms like M and SD. However, for each uncommon abbreviation or description, you have to include an explanation. The explanation will appear as a note in the essay and the note will be spaced below the concerned table.
  8. You can space similar notes below the table for any additional explanation describing the information contained inside the table. The notes used in the APS format may be general, specific, or probable. A general note is used for referring to some common aspect of the entire table; where as specific notes are used to refer a specific row or column. At the same time, a probability note is used to indicate the probability-level of the content.

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]]> http://tipdeck.com/how-to-make-a-table-in-apa-format/feed How to Write a Testimonial Speechhttp://tipdeck.com/how-to-write-a-testimonial-speech http://tipdeck.com/how-to-write-a-testimonial-speech#comments Sat, 30 Oct 2010 19:00:16 +0000 Sofi http://tipdeck.com/?p=5486 How to Write a Testimonial Speech How to Write a Testimonial SpeechTestimonials are usually written and said about a person whom you admire and idolize. It is for this reason that the testimonial must sound positive and cheerful. The one very important fact that must be taken into consideration while writing a testimonial is honesty. Make sure that whatever you write down on the paper in honor of the person comes from deep within your heart. Only then can a testimonial touch the hearts of many who would be listening to it. There is no rocket science involved in writing a good testimonial once you incorporate honesty into it. Since one might be apprehensive of the fact that the audience might find the speech boring, you must make sure that you do not over stretch. There are certain rules which when followed while writing a testimonial can turn it into a great speech. Have a look at the following points to have a better understanding of the method of writing a testimonial speech:

  1. Every testimonial speech must be written taking into consideration the acceptance of the audience that you are targeting. Ensure that the words mentioned in your speech do not offend the sentiments of the audience in any manner. You must preplan the content of your speech well in advance. This will give you time to rehearse and edit any content that might spark off a controversy.
  2. Speeches usually have a notion around them of being boring. It is therefore very essential on your part to write the beginning of your speech in such a manner that it arrests the attention of the audience from the start only. You can take the help of a witty quote or a small short story in the beginning of the speech that will make the audience sit back and listen to you in attention and awe. Incase you find that the inclusion of quotes or stories is out of context for the testimonial that you are writing, you can include some memorable incidents about the person in whose honor the testimonial is written.
  3. After you are satisfied with the start of your testimonial speech, you can proceed onto the main context of the speech. Since the speech is a testimonial, you have to include the positive qualities of the person in question. Make sure that you narrate the features in such a manner that the audience enjoys every word of your speech. Without over stretching the testimonial speech, include the qualities and attributes of the person by narrating short stories that have a funny side to them. Remember that in a testimonial you must mention the reason(s) for which you admire the person. Keep it short and crisp so that the audience is interested to listen more about the person.
  4. All speeches are directed towards an audience that comprises of common people. Therefore do not use any difficult words or sentences that might seem incomprehensible to the audience. The main motive of your testimonial speech is to let the audience know about your admiration for a particular person and this objective can be achieved with the use of small sentences and easy words. This will make the audience get involved in your speech.
  5. The most important thing to do after having written the testimonial speech is to go through it over and over again. This will make the mistakes and grammatical errors more visible and you can correct them in time. Make sure that you make a friend read your speech before you actually narrate it in front of the audience. By doing this you can get an idea about the acceptance of the speech by a third person.
  6. Last but not the least, practice the speech as many times as you can. It will make you confident to face the audience. Keep your speech short and crisp so that the audience can connect with the testimonial.

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]]> http://tipdeck.com/how-to-write-a-testimonial-speech/feed How to Spell a Word Phoneticallyhttp://tipdeck.com/how-to-spell-a-word-phonetically http://tipdeck.com/how-to-spell-a-word-phonetically#comments Wed, 13 Oct 2010 11:00:37 +0000 Sofi http://tipdeck.com/?p=5221 How to Spell a Word Phonetically1 How to Spell a Word PhoneticallyPhonetics is Greek for the word “sound”. It basically refers to the sound created by the human voice due to the utterances of spellings in our spoken language. Learning how to spell a word phonetically is extremely important for kids in their growing stage. This helps them in getting a grasp of the language at an early age. Spelling phonetically involves the representation of sounds heard in a word along with their corresponding alphabets. Many of us are not aware of the fact that the English language does not follow a stringent correspondence of letters and sounds and hence is not attributed as a phonetic language. However there are exceptions in this language and it needs to be remembered that phonetic spelling is important for those who are in their learning stage of the particular language. In this article we shall deal with the process of spelling a word phonetically:

  • One must learn the sounds that are generally created by each of the letters of the alphabet. Here one thing has to be kept in mind that, any letter which has more than one sound to its pronunciation also has to be considered. In short, each and every sound that is created from the utterance of a particular letter must be emphasized upon. This is the most fundamental step in learning how to spell phonetically. Every word can be broken up into certain parts and portions. Incase there are some problems in identifying the vowels present in the word, then make sure that you break the word and then point out the vowels and their sounds. Sometimes uttering a word slowly also helps in identifying the sounds corresponding to the vowels in the word.
  • The next most important step in learning how to spell a word phonetically is to write down the word. After having written the word down, you shall have to make the kid repeat the word again and again until the sound that the letters are creating becomes distinct enough. There are certain letters and their corresponding sounds which are very confusing to the child who is trying to learn the language. An example here can be “O” and “V”. These two letters are often confused when associated with other letters in their pronunciation. It is because of this reason why many preschoolers are seen writing “ov” instead of “of”. Since these two letters are so close in their sounds, children might need some practice in this regard for being able to identify them.
  • Understand that spellings are made for the reason to be able to communicate more easily with one another and hence as long as this goal is achieved, the spelling is acceptable. Phonetics is basically considered as a medium of making the communication reach its destination properly and correctly. One should efficiently be able to make the reader understand what the writer is trying to communicate. One must develop one’s phonetic spelling properly so that his/her communication skills reach an advanced degree of clarity. This can be considered as the very basis and foundation of the language which must be completed to be able to move on to other difficult aspects.
  • After one has understood the basic skills of learning phonetics, one can graduate to other aspects like rules of spellings, other difficult sounds etc. Make sure that while you are teaching your kid the basics of phonetics, the whole activity is fun oriented and not too stressful.

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]]> http://tipdeck.com/how-to-spell-a-word-phonetically/feed How to Speak Frenchhttp://tipdeck.com/how-to-speak-french http://tipdeck.com/how-to-speak-french#comments Tue, 07 Sep 2010 11:00:09 +0000 Sofi http://tipdeck.com/?p=4830 How to speak French How to Speak FrenchAre you intrigued by the way out authors and writers use French in their writing? There are so many good French phrases that we find in books which capture our fancy and we always desire to learn this soft and classy language. However, learning a new language is always a challenge. And if you want to learn a foreign language, it is all the more difficult. But the love for a language can help you grasp the intricacies of a language faster than ever. Speaking French with fluency however can be different than when you learn to write it. While writing can come easy to you keeping in mind the few words that almost give the feeling of being easy, speaking it the way French people do can take a lot more time and practice. Remember it’s a new language and you are going to remember words that do not come to your mind naturally. So you have to work on getting these words come easily when you go about speaking in French. The best way to do this is, by starting to think in French to yourself. Once your convert your thoughts into this language, you can learn it better.

If you have decided to learn French and do not exactly know how to begin it, then here is some help for you. These simple tips would guide you to speak French with fluency.

To start with

Before you begin learning to speak French, you must understand the requirement you have in hand. Whether you are going to France for a vacation and you want to find your way through speaking bits of French so that you get the native taste of it or you want to reside in French for sometime or you want to learn it professionally, i.e., you have got a job offer there. In all these three cases, you would have to learn French to different levels and the difficult in each case would be different. Once you have decided why and how much you need to learn, you can begin to speak French.

Learn Pronunciation

When you start learning a language, you must be able to pronounce the words perfectly to send the meaning across. French words and sentences sound as if they are sliding onto each other. This may make you speak words are come immediately after each other unlike English where you put emphasis on each word. For better understanding of how you should go about pronouncing French words you can refer the BBC website.

Join some French classes

In case you want to learn French for professional purposes, you may join a French class. This way your study won’t be monotonous and you can speak and interact with students who have come for the same purpose. This way your inhibitions with French words and sentence constructions would also disperse. Here you may learn the basic grammar of French which would allow you to independently construct sentences rather than learning already available popular phrases or sentences.

Online video tutorial

You can even go for online video tutorial to learn French. This is also an effective way to hear the way French words are pronounced and you can follow by hearing and imitating. You can practice French speaking lessons at the liberty of your home and with some family member with same interest.

These are some of the ways you can go about learning to speak French. But you must understand that you have to practice French regularly so that you are able to speak more fluently.

Watch a video instruction on how to speak french

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]]> http://tipdeck.com/how-to-speak-french/feed 1 How to Calculate Interesthttp://tipdeck.com/how-to-calculate-interest http://tipdeck.com/how-to-calculate-interest#comments Sun, 08 Aug 2010 11:00:57 +0000 Sofi http://tipdeck.com/?p=4454 How to Calculate Interest How to Calculate InterestThis is the commerce oriented world and money is the driving force. Therefore it is of utmost importance that we must know the petty calculation and the basics to solve our purpose. The very fundamental calculation we face is during banking like calculating the amount left, interest on the amount occurred, etc. Follow the steps below to find out the interest that you need to pay or the bank will pay you.
Step # 1: Knowing the Basics: The very fundamental step in calculating the interests is to know the basic terms and their meanings.
Principle: It is the basic amount of money that you either deposit or take from the bank as loan. It is on this amount that the interest is calculated.
Simple Interest: It is the extra amount of money that you get with the principle after investing certain time on it.
Amount: It is the sum total of the principal and the interest incurred on it.
Rate of Interest: It is the percent of money you will get extra with the principle per year.
Time Period: It is amount of time for which the principle is kept. Greater is time period; greater is the return you get on the principle.
Compound Interest: Generally the total interest is calculated on the principle that is deposited at the beginning of the first year but there are special cases where the interest is calculated on the amount accumulated at the end of each year. In such cases the interest is called compound interest.
Variable Interest: There are also special cases where the rate of interest is not constant and is different for different time periods. In such cases the interest is called variable interest.
Recurring Deposits: There are many offers and packages provide by the banks where you need to deposit a fixed amount of money at regular intervals and get the whole amount as lump sums. The fixed amount of money paid in those cases is called the recurring deposits.
Fixed Deposits: Fixed deposits are the schemes where you need to deposit a bigger lump of money at once and get double or triple amount of money as return after a fixed number of years.
Break Even: Break Even is the time where the total investment on project is retrieved back. It is the state of no loss and no gain.
Sinking Funds: Sinking funds are the amount of money you need repay at regular intervals in order to repay back a larger sum of money taken from the bank. They are also referred to as the EMI or easy monthly installments.
Step # 2: Calculating Simple Interest:
Simple interest can be calculated by the formula S.I = P * T * R/100, where S.I is the Simple Interest, P is the Principle, T is the time Time Period in years and R is the rate of interest per annum.
Step # 3: Calculating Compound Interest: Compound Interest can be calculated by the formula the formula C.I = P*((1+R/100)^T – 1).
Voila! Now you can calculate interest easily and effectively.

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]]> http://tipdeck.com/how-to-calculate-interest/feed 1 How to Write MLA Styled Reference Paperhttp://tipdeck.com/how-to-write-mla-styled-reference-paper http://tipdeck.com/how-to-write-mla-styled-reference-paper#comments Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:10:31 +0000 Sofi http://tipdeck.com/?p=1647 How to Write MLA Styled Reference Paper How to Write MLA Styled Reference PaperWriting a reference paper in the MLA style is not that difficult. You just have to follow certain basics and you can become a master of using MLA style.

First let us see how to set up a page:

  • You shall have to title the fresh page as “Works Cited”. Bring it to the center near the top of the page. Now you have to hit the “return” or “enter” button 4 times to double space all the lines from there on.
  • Use the left alignment and proceed to add entries. Now you have to arrange the references in alphabetical order by author, title, date of publication etc. Make sure that the most recent comes first. You will also have to indent the second and the following lines of any reference entry by 5 spaces.
  • Remember to use abbreviations for all the months of publications. But use the full month names for May, June and July.

We have to now focus our attention on the type of reference cited. The different formats are given below:

For a Book:

  • You shall have to type in the author’s name first. Remember to write the last name first. End the name with a period.
  • The title of the book has to be underlined and closed with a period.
  • Type in the place of publication and then insert a colon. Then write down the publisher’s name and put in a comma after that. Now you have to follow this with the year of publication and end it with a period.
  • For example: California: Nonesuch, 2008.

For an article:

  • Type the name of the author beginning with the last name. End this name with a full stop.
  • Write the name of the article and end it with a period. Remember to give quotation marks around the title and make sure that the period is inside the quotation marks.
  • Type in the name of the publication i.e. the source of the article. Underline this name and remember not to close it with a period.
  • Write the volume number of the publication.
  • After this you will have to put in the date of publication which should be enclosed in parentheses and followed by a colon. Example: (Jan 2008):
  • Just after the colon mark, type the page number(s) where the article was found and then end the total reference with a period.

Watch a video instruction on how to write MLA styled reference paper

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]]> http://tipdeck.com/how-to-write-mla-styled-reference-paper/feed How to Make a Business Cardhttp://tipdeck.com/how-to-make-a-business-card http://tipdeck.com/how-to-make-a-business-card#comments Sat, 14 Nov 2009 04:07:19 +0000 Sofi http://tipdeck.com/?p=1589 You can make a simple business card or something with a fancy design, logo and graphics. You have a lot of choice when it comes to creating business cards. It just depends upon your imagination. Here goes the basic way to create a business card quickly.

  1. Click on file menu in Microsoft word and choose new.How to Make a Business Card How to Make a Business Card
  2. Now click on the Tools menu and choose Envelopes and Labels. Click on options.
  3. Check if the Avery standard is selected in the Product Type menu.
  4. Now choose 3612 – Business card in the Product Number menu, and click Okay.
  5. Next click on New Document. A new label template will appear with the correct margins of a business card.
  6. Now you can select a picture you want or a logo after browsing in the pictures folder or wherever you have saved your pictures.
  7. Adjust the graphic to the size you require.
  8. Now choose a font that you want and type your name and address and your designation. You can give information like your email and website address.
  9. Do not forget your phone number, cell number and fax number.
  10. Copy and Paste your design into the right spaces on the card.
  11. Now print preview to check how the card will look after printing.
  12. Once you are satisfied save your design.
  13. Put your print paper in the printer. Once ready give the print command.
  14. See your printed business cards shooting out. Give them a finishing touch if there are any rough edges.

Your business cards are ready for circulation and all credit goes to you for designing them.

Watch a video instruction on how to make a business card

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]]> http://tipdeck.com/how-to-make-a-business-card/feed How to Write a Post Cardhttp://tipdeck.com/how-to-write-a-post-card http://tipdeck.com/how-to-write-a-post-card#comments Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:22:03 +0000 Sofi http://tipdeck.com/?p=1574 It is quite difficult to write to the same friend or family you almost talk everyday when writing about your visit to another place. You may have so much to say but do not know where to begin and how. You might just be stuck at how to put your thoughts into words.

Here’s some help on how to write post card and write it well too.

  1. Consider the place you are visiting.How to Write a Post Card How to Write a Post Card
  2. Buy a nice picturesque post card.
  3. Begin by a nice warm greeting and ask the friend how he or she is doing.
  4. Start off by saying as you can see in the picture this place I am visiting is very interesting.
  5. Write about the details of the post card picture. How you felt when you saw it. How does it appear at night? How did you travel till there. Tell your friend if you have bought any souvenirs and how you wished your friend could be with you so you wouldn’t be writing this post card. (Just kidding)
  6. Tell about how your overall stay is working out and a bit about the weather.
  7. Do not get into very small details or nitty gritties. Keep your tone happy.
  8. Smile as you write. It will reflect in your writing.
  9. Avoid repetition.
  10. End with a nice sign off and some warm wishes.
  11. Inform when you would be returning.

So here’s some basic but important help on how to write a post card. You can write one everyday or two to three to the same friend. They will be happier to see you write more often than see the postcards. All the best!

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]]> http://tipdeck.com/how-to-write-a-post-card/feed How to Write an Acknowledgementhttp://tipdeck.com/how-to-write-an-acknowledgement http://tipdeck.com/how-to-write-an-acknowledgement#comments Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:18:22 +0000 Sofi http://tipdeck.com/?p=1557 How to Write an Acknowledgement How to Write an AcknowledgementIt is a wonderful feeling when you complete a book, or a research document or dissertation. You have researched the topic well and you have received guidance from the experts or taken the help of assistants to compile your work. Also there are different people who give you a lending hand at the various phases of your writing. They touch your writing in singular ways and some even do a lot of sacrifices to support your work like your family members who go out of their way to accommodate your priorities of writing or researching. Once you complete your work, you need to acknowledge the sources and people who literally help you through out the time.

Usually, an acknowledgement is written at the end of a literary work. As it is only an issue of showing your gratefulness to the people who have helped you and has nothing to do with the actual topic, you may choose not to include an acknowledgement in your literary work. However, mostly none leaves this part as a matter of etiquette. As it is more of a personal choice and style, it doesn’t have a fixed style of writing or needs to follow certain specific pattern about it.

Acknowledgement can be written in a personal tone and use simple meaningful words to express your gratitude to the people associated with you. Though it is very easy to write an acknowledgement, you may find it tricky when you actually pen it down. Talking about the various important sections in the book or research paper or thesis, these are abstract, table of contents, body, bibliography, references, and the acknowledgement. Though it is considered at the end of the loop, it is placed after the cover page.

Here are a few simple tips for you to write a meaningful acknowledgement.

  • You can begin your acknowledge straight away with a simple note, for example “I owe….” or “My sincere thanks…” and such a sentence that you use to thank the people who helped you.
  • You may wish to thank your seniors or superiors who provide guidance and support you to get out of dead-ends at times. These people play an important role in the completion of your work. So, you must add in a line or two to show your gratitude
  • You may need to decide who to thank and what to thank for. Some people assist you in your work as a profession but among these numerous people, some actually go ahead of their way and provide more help than usual. You must not forget to add a line for these people and show your appreciation.
  • In case you took help from people who are not directly involved in the work but they have lent their hands in your work in a subtle yet important manner.
  • You can also add the names of your family members who have given you much emotional support.

Finally, it all depends on you to show your gratitude and appreciation in such a manner that you make the people involved feel special.

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]]> http://tipdeck.com/how-to-write-an-acknowledgement/feed 3 How to Prepare For a College Interviewhttp://tipdeck.com/how-to-prepare-for-a-college-interview http://tipdeck.com/how-to-prepare-for-a-college-interview#comments Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:05:42 +0000 Sofi http://tipdeck.com/?p=1525 How to Prepare For a College Interview How to Prepare For a College InterviewInterviews are often associated with stress and nervousness to be the best among all. However, it is this stress and tension of competing with others which often makes us fare poorly in interviews. Generally, we attend interviews when we are applying for a new job or changing the old one for a better and promising new job. But in today’s modern and competitive world there are also some colleges which rely on interviews for screening good candidates for their courses. It is therefore very necessary to be confident and smart enough to crack these interviews to get admitted into the college of your choice. So just relax and follow these simple tips given below which can help you immensely in preparing for a college interview.

  1. First and foremost is to know everything about the college that you are applying for. Make sure that you have all the necessary details regarding the courses and programs of that college. You will also need to have an idea about the faculty and professors who teach in that college. Gather all the possible information about the colleges’ inception and foundation. You might also be asked the reason behind your choosing that particular college for your course. Keep all the answers ready and read everything about its classes and programs.How to Prepare For a College Interview1 How to Prepare For a College Interview
  2. List down all your academic accomplishments and awards. You can also talk about any community and volunteering work that you have been involved with. Keep in mind that you have to stand out from the rest. Therefore do not leave anything out from your talks with the interviewer that can emphasize you in a positive way.
  3. It is very important to have a resume handy incase the panel asks for it. A resume is a list of all academic and professional experiences. Prepare a well written resume and make sure that it does not leave out any important detail of your accomplishments and academics. Incase you do not know how to write a proper resume, you can always seek the help of a counselor in your school for this matter.
  4. Practice and rehearse for the interview in advance. Ask probable questions to yourself and observe how well you are answering them. Standing in front of a mirror while rehearsing for an interview always helps positively. It improves your confidence and your body language to a large extent.
  5. Deciding what to wear for an interview is a crucial matter. It is therefore advised to prepare for it in advance. This will help you in saving time on the day of your interview and you will also have time to repair it incase it doesn’t fit you. Always choose conservative professional business attire and this is applicable to both men and women. Do not go overboard with accessories. Remember to look smart and confident on the day of your interview.
  6. Check the address of the interview by asking its directions and routes beforehand. Campuses can be confusing and therefore it is best if you have the layout of the college with you in advance. Remember to be punctual for your interview. It always counts.

Watch a video instruction on how to prepare for a college interview

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