http://www.2-progress.com/brian-tracy-workshop/
Reputable personality development programs?
Can you recommend personality development programs with value for money?
Can you comment on the following programs? Which is the best in your opinion?
1. Dale Carnegie Course in Effective Communications and Human Relations
2. Stephen Covey Leadership Workshop
3. John Robert Powers Image Enhancement Workshop
4. Brian Tracy Seminars
5. John Maxwell Seminars
6. Toastmasters International
7. International Training in Communication
Personality development programs are generally short-term courses designed to boost the self-esteem, improve the professional behavior, and expand the social network of the participants.
The Dale Carnegie Course is one of the oldest (if not the oldest) and reputable programs of this type. The Dale Carnegie Course in Effective Communications and Human Relations addresses three basic concerns: self-confidence (including communication and presentation skills); social skills (interpersonal relationships); and stress management. The program is largely based on the books written by the late American self-help writer and motivational speaker, Dale Carnegie.
The Stephen Covey Leadership Workshop, among other seminars offered by the Franklin Covey Group, is a general leadership or supervisory development course. It seeks to harness the leadership potentials of each participant. The program is based on books written by the American leadership guru, Stephen Covey.
John Robert Powers is a modeling school and talent agency. Their image enhancement workshops generally address the needs of potential actors, models, and others in the entertainment, fashion, advertising, and public relations fields. Courses emphasize poise, image projection, social graces, proper grooming, and fashion styling.
Brian Tracy seminars include sales training, leadership, team-building, and other organization development workshops usually catering to the needs of insurance agents, stock brokers, real estate agents, sales and marketing professionals, customer service representatives, and others dealing with internal and external clients. Courses are based on several books, videos, and audio recordings of the Canadian author, Brian Tracy.
John Maxwell seminars follow closely the format of Stephen Covey, but adding lessons on morality, sprituality, and biblical teachings. Courses are based on self-help books written by the American pastor John Maxwell.
Toastmasters International is a volunteer organization of public speakers. The group regularly conduct workshops and sessions to improve the public speaking and presentation skills of the members. Membership is open in many countries.
International Training in Communication is also a volunteer group of public speakers. The group has a formal system of assessing the public speaking skills of the members. Membership is open in several countries. The membership base is not as large as that of Toastmasters International.
Similar personality development programs include courses offered by the Ancilla Enterprise Development Consulting in Makati City, Philippines; the Wilma Cruz-Tapalla Academe of Speech and Personality in Manila, Philippines; the Anthony Robbins Firewalk Challenge; International Training Institute in Australia; American Society for Training and Development; the Speakers Bureau; the Society for Accelerated Learning and Teaching in the U.S.; the English Speaking Union in London; the Harriet Teacher Training and Language School in Singapore; and the Spencer Institute in California.
The “best program” and “value for money” are concepts which are subjective and relative to each individual. Program costs and actual values can only be determined upon assessing the program content and delivery; the needs and expectations of the participant; the venue, duration, and other demands of the program; the program mentor/s; and other factors which necessarily contribute in the computation of the total investment fee (a.k.a. course tuition).
A less expensive but informal way to develop one’s personality would be to join and actively participate in the projects of sociocivic groups such as the Rotary Clubs of the Rotary International, the Jaycees of the Junior Chamber International, the International Red Cross, the Habitat for Humanity, Greenpeace International, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), World Wildlife Fund, and other cause-oriented groups.
Taking an active role in any of these groups would potentially improve an individual’s personality, boost his self-confidence, expand his social network, and enhance his communication and interpersonal skills.
However, the shorter route to self-improvement would have to be the formal courses mentioned above. The longer but less expensive (and potentially more fulfilling) route would be the sociocivic groups. Whichever route leads to the same destination.
