Problem: Article: Don't speak too softly or too loudly either. Speak at a volume that can be heard easily, and suggests confidence but never shows aggression. Remember to adjust the volume of your voice to suit the surrounding environment. If possible, speak at the same volume and tone as people in your immediate environment. If you find that you speak quickly because you're nervous or anxious, try speaking at about a third of your normal speed. This trick is called slow talk, and it not only helps you speak clearly, it can also help you feel calmer. You can begin by saying something that is generally or universally true, rather than overly personal because that might seem to be insulting or offensive to some. Comment on the weather, or maybe some current event you heard about in the news recently. You could compliment someone on what they are wearing or the way they have done their hair. Small talk is not always easy though; since it can often be difficult to think of exactly what to say. Here a few examples: "That's a nice hat, where did you buy it"? "What's with this crazy weather?" "I just love the view from here." "Isn't Professor James' class fascinating?" After speaking about general issues such as current events, try bringing up more intimate or a more relatable topic. Asking questions that delve a little deeper below the surface. For example, asking polite questions about their family, employment, or hobbies can lengthen a conversation and make it more meaningful. Remember that a conversation takes two people, so avoid speaking too little or vice versa. Try as much as possible to ask open-ended questions; in other words, start with a "How," a "Why," or a "What," instead of those questions to which there can only be a plain and simple "Yes" or "No" answer. That doesn't encourage the person you're speaking to speak more. Here are some ways to lengthen conversations and give them depth: "So, what you do for a living?" "Tell me a little more about your family?" "How do you know the host of the party?" "How long have you been attending / been a member of weight watchers?" "What are your plans for the weekend?" When interacting with a person you don't know all too well, there are some subjects you should steer clear of. In general, these would include controversial subjects like religion, politics, or the persons ethnicity/race etc. For instance: While it appears appropriate to ask someone a question about an upcoming election, it might be offensive to ask someone who they plan to vote for. While it seems okay to ask someone about their religious affiliation generally, it might be a bad idea to ask just about anyone about the church's views on sexuality. Instead of abruptly cutting them off and walking away, try to be polite about it. Tell them in a sweet, non-offensive way that that you have to take their leave, and give them the impression that you enjoyed the interaction. Try concluding with positive statements such as: "I've got to run, but I hope we meet again soon." "Well, I have a bank appointment, but it's been fun chatting with you." "I can see that you're busy, so I'll let you go. It was nice talking to you."
Summary: Be aware of the volume and tone of your voice. Learn the right manner in which to initiate a conversations. Find ways to extend conversations. Steer clear of inflammatory topics. End conversations courteously.

Problem: Article: Once you have lowered your flag and properly folded it, you will want to find a private place to dispose of the flag. The preferred method of disposal is to burn your flag in a large fire. Make sure that it is big enough to properly destroy the flag, but not so large that it is a safety hazard. Once the flag is destroyed, bury the ashes. Be sure to check with local burn bans before you dispose of your flag. Because many modern flags are treated with chemicals that can burn explosively and give off toxic fumes, burning your flag may cause an accident. If you are unable or do not wish to burn your flag, you can also cut it into pieces. Once a flag has been cut up, it is no longer an official U.S. flag and can be disposed of in various methods. When cutting up the flag, you will want to ensure that you do not cut into the blue star field. This section should remain whole, but you can cut the rest of the flag as you see fit. Once the flag is properly cut up, you can dispose of it however you want. Use scissors or a knife to cut the flag. Avoid tearing the flag. This can be considered disrespectful. The blue star field represents the unity of the U.S. states, and cutting into that section is considered a symbolic attempt to disrupt that unity. Some may consider this method less ceremonial or disrespectful. Use your discretion, or talk to someone with experience disposing of flags, before you cut up a flag. Once a flag is worn, you can fold it up, place it in a box and bury it. As long as you are respectful about how you bury the flag, this is a good alternative to burning. Be sure to place the flag in a box. Letting the soil touch the flag is considered disrespectful, even if you disposing of a flag. This method could also be considered disrespectful or improper. Considering that flags are coated in various chemicals to preserve them, this might be a less environmentally friendly option. Unlike flags made from natural fibers like cotton that decompose quickly, modern flags are typically made from synthetic materials that breakdown over a much longer period of time. Groups like the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Girls Scouts, and the Boy Scouts will take your old flags and properly dispose of them. The old flags are typically burned during disposal ceremonies, which are held at different times throughout the year. If you are unsure about the best method of disposing of your U.S. flag, this may be a good option. The American Legion holds a flag disposal ceremony on Flag Day each year. If you are concerned about limiting your flag's environmental impact, you might want to consider sending it to a company that specializes in recycling old flags. They will ensure that the flag is disposed of in an environmentally conscious way. The company may also use materials from the old flag to make a new one. Depending on the company, you may be asked to give a donation for the service. However, there are some who recycle the flags for free.
Summary: Burn the flag discreetly. Cut up the flag. Bury the flag. Give the flag to a qualified organization. Recycle old flags.

Problem: Article: Search online for pricing information, and ask experienced DJs if they wouldn't mind telling you what they charge. Then offer to DJ at a fraction of that price, such as 50%, for your initial engagements. It might be tempting to go after a huge gig early on, but avoid that temptation. Big gigs will be available when you're ready for them. You don't want to get discouraged, harm your reputation, or burn any bridges by biting off more than you can chew. If you are doing only parties, for example, offer to do weddings, too, or bar/bat mitzvahs, retirements, birthdays, anniversaries, school dances, and other functions. You could specialize in a certain type of music or event, or incorporate a karaoke machine. A lot of customers request videos at their events. These could include slideshows or graphics that complement your music. This can increase your customer base and open up new avenues for work. Think of advertising online, for example, or in trade outlets for the types of events you want to host. These might include bridal outlets or event production media. Send out your own e-newsletter and/or email blasts to venues where you'd like to DJ. Highlight your experience and the type of gigs you do. Emphasize that you're flexible and can accommodate the host's musical preferences. Include clear contact information, and offer free, individual estimates over the phone, not online. See if you can get a guest post or column on blogs and other media. Seek out DJ publications for this purpose, and look at niche or trade outlets for the types of events and activities you want to DJ.
Summary:
Offer to DJ events at a discounted price. Don't pursue a once-in-a-lifetime event when you are under-qualified. Expand your business into new territories. Design a unique business proposal that makes you different from other disc jockeys. Advertise your business. Fashion a cool website. Contribute content to other sites.