Tonya Bergen
Account Manager
Phone: (807) 624-1750
E-mail: tbergen@tbayins.ca

Clare Kempe
Account Manager
Phone: (807) 346-3648
E-mail: ckempe@tbayins.ca

Kaitlyn Morrison
Account Manager
Phone: (807) 345-3611 ext. 3622
E-mail: kmmorrison@tbayins.ca

These ladies have already greatly contributed to Thunder Bay Insurance and we know they will continue to do a fantastic job as they continue in their careers with us.  Welcome aboard ladies!

It’s that day to day noise, that you thought you were paying people to look after that keeps you from following through on “larger picture” projects, and developing “strategic relationships” that can only be accomplished at your level, that when managed by you will result in your business flourishing to the success you always wanted it to be at.

What is noise? How can it be controlled or better yet, made to go away?

The answer to these questions are found within the Noise Reduction System™.   This 10 month course assists a business owner, and their second in command to build the trust relationship that needs to exist between them.  Trust is a word over used and not fully understood.  Before trust can exist or imposed as a description, both parties involved must be trustworthy.  Webster defines trustworthy as, “a charge or duty imposed in faith or confidence or as a condition of some relationship.”

The Noise Reduction System ™ will lay the ground work of trustworthiness between the business owner and their second in command.  It systematically identifies areas of concern and drills down with the end in mind until mutual understanding and consensus has been attained.   The process is not an easy one, but as the saying states, nothing worthwhile is easy.

If you are a business owner longing for that “floater day”, or to have the ability to truly delegate, you first have to commit to making a change to what you are presently doing.  Once you have committed, enroll yourself and your second in command into my course. I will guarantee that after the first class the noise in your world will lose volume, and within 1 year your noise will be completely controlled if not muted.

The next Noise Reduction Course starts in the fall so register today by e-mailing: noisereduction@tbayins.ca

Melanie Albanese is Sales Manager and Partner of Thunder Bay Insurance.  She is also a Noise Reduction™ Facilitator and teaches the Noise Reduction System™ in 10 sessions, engaging both First and Second in Commands throughout the course.

To register contact Ashleigh Quarrell by May 27, 2011
(346-3649 or aaquarrell@tbayins.ca)

The attendees of this event were treated by great presenters including: Mayor Keith Hobbs, Diversity Thunder Bay Representative Rebecca Johnson, Student Union of Confederation College Representative Thomas Russell, the Sir Winston Churchill Gay Straight Alliance, and Co-President of the Regional Multicultural Youth Council Gurleen Chahal.  The summit concluded with key note speaker, Jessica Yee, an awarded and acclaimed anti-discrimination activist that offered her unique and frank style to the morning’s discussion. Her presentation entitled Racism: The Role of YOUth in Creating Change brought forth her message of accountability, healing, and progression resonated throughout the crowd of over 300 people. Many of her points, although controversial, we’re met with great applause. It’s apparent that she stands up for her beliefs without apology, nor should she. The combination of her in-your-face style, stubbornness, and intensity shed some light on the brutal facts that discrimination happens on a daily basis, and it is up to YOU to be always vigilant.

Keith Anderson is an Insurance Advisor – Personal Sales at Thunder Bay Insurance.

A lot has been said lately about being vigilant- watching our surroundings and making a special effort to notice people or packages that are not part of the “normal” landscape. Other than the obvious profiling everybody is hearing about, what are we suppose to be looking for? Whether it is a concern for homeland security or your own personal safety on the street, it is important to know what the body signs are saying by those who are around us.

PACKAGES

Packages – we see them around us every day. Some large, some small, different colors, different shapes and sizes, from the beginning of our day to the end of our day we see them around us constantly. Often, we try to determine what’s in these packages. Could it contain a threat to public safety or some other form of contraband?  How can we tell what’s inside all of these packages?

It’s not the package we need to know about.  It’s understanding the person who is carrying the package. We can’t read minds, but we can read and understand the body gestures of the person who has the package. Reading the gestures of the person carrying the package helps us determine the contents of the package.

Carrying contraband or carrying something hazardous to public safety will be different than how a person carries routine items or packages. The differences are very clear and very obvious once you know what you are looking for.

Think back for a second – every day you see how people handle things they carry. Think about a supermarket. Think about a person reaching into a cooler area and taking out a container of eggs. How do they handle the eggs? Is it different than how they handle a case of soft drinks? Of course there is a difference. Everyone handles different contents in a different way. We need to look closely at the body gestures of the person handling the contents.

You do not have to know the contents of a package to see how the package is being handled. Our basic instincts are what cause us to handle a sack of potatoes differently than the way we handle a box of eggs. It is human nature. It is just the way we are. It is the body gestures being displayed by the person who does know what is in the package that are important. How the package is being picked up, carried around, and put down will tell us what is in it.

Carrying contraband or carrying something hazardous to public safety will be different than how a person carries routine items or packages. The differences we look for are very clear and very obvious once you know what they are.

A common way contraband is carried is called “dissociation.” In other words, the suspect is going to carry the package as if they don’t want the package to be part of them. They are not comfortable or at ease with the idea of handling it. They’re walking and moving with the package uncomfortably away from their body. It’s like setting a powerful, spring loaded trap and holding it in the palm of your hand. You wouldn’t carry this device close to your body. You’d carry it out and away from yourself in case it snapped. It is the same way the person will be carrying this package. It’s not a bag or a box swinging at their side.

You will also notice that when they put the package down they carefully place it down with a high level of caution. Many times as they set it down they will look at their surroundings and not look at the package. You will see their body posture leaning away from the package as they set it down. You will also see how they maintain distance away from other people and the package. When people walk near their package they will stand between the strangers and the package or even move the package away from others. If they are in an open area they may stand over the package to guard it but not touch it. As they are dissociative with the package, they also want others to be physically dissociative with the package.

Another common way suspicious packages are carried is “parental gestures.” This is being literally wrapped around the package. You will observe the suspect’s body posture curve protectively around the package as if it is a child or small pet. This item is of great importance to them. They aren’t just holding it at their side as they walk. They have it up in their arms and are holding it against their chest or stomach, shielding it from the world around them. Whatever they are doing, you will notice that they do not relinquish their hold on this package. It constantly remains in their parental type of control. If you are standing near them or approach them, you will notice that they hold the package even tighter and closer. If that package is so important to them then it should also be of great importance to you!

Another type of body gestures an individual with packages can exhibit is “mechanical.” With mechanical body gestures the suspect’s appearance is stiff and almost mechanized. They appear to move very deliberately in an almost robotic method. They turn, then they walk forward. Their movements are stiff and lack flexibility. All of their motion appears to be under total control at all times. The eye gestures are also very robotic. When the head turns left the eyes look left. When the head turns right the eyes look right. The head turns and moves with the movement of the body in a very rigid format. All of the body gestures become literally “locked” together. They will have the appearance of being devoid of emotion and of being more of a transport device than a human being. They will exhibit stiff rigid posture and will walk consistently at one speed. Their voice will be an emotionless monotone.

One very interesting thing about all three types of “carriers” is that before they have the package or after they relinquish control of the package they exhibit normal body signs. Look for the difference! Look for the changes that package causes the suspect to exhibit.

Remember that body gestures and knowing their meaning is like understanding a language. One body sign is just a few words and a compound gesture becomes a sentence. This means that the more you observe, the more you will understand of this language. The more body signs and gestures you are able to compile, the more accurate your understanding of the person will be.

APPAREL

A person can conceal weapons or contraband anywhere on their body. They are not going to tell us verbally where they have put these weapons or contraband but when we watch their body gestures it is a matter of simply “listening” to what they are saying. They tell us through large gestures and some very discrete gestures where the illegal item is. What is a tremendous advantage to us is that most of the time they do not even realize that this language exists. All they know is that they have put something in a concealed area and now they are going to continue with their activities without even realizing that their body gestures will be giving them away. It is a tremendous advantage to us and it is easy to use against them.

Watch for clothing that is inappropriate for the day or the surrounding conditions. If a suspect is carrying a heavy overcoat over one arm on a warm day it could be so they can conceal something illegal under the coat. Watch for people wearing raincoats or carrying umbrellas when there are clear skies and no rain is predicted. Watch for loose fitting sweaters and vests. Extra layers of clothing allow for more “hiding places”.  Watch for items of clothing that are being worn unevenly – a shirt that is tucked in on one side but out on the other side to help cover a pocket. Light weight material should follow the body’s natural shape. Be aware of any type of clothing that is not being worn the way it was designed to be worn.

Gravity can help us determine where a suspect has hidden contraband on themselves. If they put an item that has any discernable weight in a pocket there will be a noticeable change in the appearance of their apparel. Most individuals that carry a gun illegally are not going to take the time to purchase a holster for that gun. They are going to purchase or steal the weapon, and then they are simply going to put it in their pocket. If they are carrying any extra ammunition they will put that into a pocket as well. But don’t just check the pockets – check the pant legs! The bottom of the pant leg on the side where the object has been “stuffed” will hang down noticeably lower.  When a heavy item is in a coat pocket the collar will be pulled down on that side. There can even be a shift or “pulling down” on the side of a jacket or coat if the hidden item has enough weight. Both uneven cuffs and uneven jacket edges are signals for you to look further into the situation.

There is another type of “gravity” that comes into play when you are dealing with people and illegal items. That is the gravity that weighs on the person’s mind, their emotions, and sometimes, their guilt. This causes major changes in the person’s body gestures. Their hand or arm will stay close or even repeatedly touch the area of concealment to tell us that they are concerned with that pocket or part of their apparel. They will cover that area with their arm or hand. They will walk differently; they will move differently.

They will swing the arm on the concealed weapon side much less than on the other side causing a very unequal gait in their body movement.  A professional will have a means of holding a weapon securely. These suspects will have to be careful that their “contraband” doesn’t fall out of its hiding spot. Just like you can tell when a scale is off balance, with a little bit of practice, you will be able to tell when an individual is “off balance” because they are trying to hide something in their clothing.

We don’t want to draw opinions from a very short story, and we don’t want to draw conclusions from only one or two body signs. We need to watch, and gather in as many body signs as possible so that this “language” breaks down into many paragraphs, which will lead us to a clearer and better understanding of what we are seeing happening in front of us on every shift, and every assignment.

Click here for more information about “The Unspoken Dialogue” workshop.  Registration deadline is March 30, 2011 and seats are running out fast so reserve your spot today.

Dr. Robert Rail is the recognized as one of the foremost experts in managing interpersonal relations.  He has taught his “understanding body language” techniques and methods to people from more than 60 countries.  He is the author of four books: The Unspoken Dialogue, Defense Without Damage, Custodial Cuffing & Restraint, and Reactive Handcuffing Tactics.

It all starts with someone asking a “yes or no” question. The most difficult question for a liar to respond to is a “yes or no” question because it does not allow them any room to evade the question or its limited response options. You can literally watch them break out into a rash when confronted with having to utter the truth.

Their alternative to telling the truth is to…

• Verbalize with “uh uh uh” as a “getting their thoughts together” stall and at the same time repeatedly use a gesture such as a waving backhand (brushing aside the question) or displayed palm hand (stop the question). If they then look up, they are quite likely trying to create an excuse and/or comment. If they look down, they are quite likely trying to remember a past comment or question, or even some notes  they once were reading on that topic that are now not there.

• Attack the person who asked the question or attack the question.  They will display a narrow eyed gaze, leaning forward and palm down pointing

• Misdirect the conversation to a different topic, and hope to argue about the new topic to avoid going back and being confronted with the “yes or no” question again.  They will have palm up displays with neutral or leaning back posture and open eye gaze.

• Monopolize the conversation for their own defense.  They will use a bold display of hand and facial expressions like a child at “story time”.  The longer they talk the less time will be left to ask them another question.

Next time you find yourself in a question-asking situation, pay attention to both verbal and non-verbal cues so you can spot a liar.

Click here for more information about “The Unspoken Dialogue” workshop.  Registration deadline is March 30, 2011 and seats are running out fast so reserve your spot today.

Dr. Robert Rail is the recognized as one of the foremost experts in managing interpersonal relations.  He has taught his “understanding body language” techniques and methods to people from more than 60 countries.  He is the author of four books: The Unspoken Dialogue, Defense Without Damage, Custodial Cuffing & Restraint, and Reactive Handcuffing Tactics.

“The Unspoken Dialogue” is a book that was written to help people understand the body language of others. It is simple and easy to learn. Watching other people’s gestures has never been easier for us than it has been the last year because of all the television coverage of politicians and their campaigns.

During the campaign we saw many politicians making promises and talking about how they were going to get things done. Even though these statements were stated as fact, they were said while the person was making “palm-up” gestures. They were telling you something with their mouth but their body gesture was asking you for something – your vote! When reporters asked them a question they would look at the voters when they answered. Their eyes were wide open, showing they were willing to accept your input.

Now that they have been elected, these same politicians have a totally different message. They are saying almost the same words but the meaning has changed. The hands have turned to a “palm-down and chin up” compound gesture, showing total authority and little to no interaction. They are now aggressively taking control when they speak. Their eyes have narrowed. They are no longer looking at the crowd. They are looking at one person at a time, almost daring them to blink. They no longer want your input on anything. They have the power to do what they want and their gestures show it. Some have even resorted to pointing – the ultimate, palm-down intimidation gesture.

Another issue to consider beyond the gesture itself is the strength at which the gesture is displayed. A military salute is a good example of this. When a soldier salutes a superior officer it is done with crisp, clear movements. This shows respect for not only the person but for the position that individual holds. When the salute is returned you can clearly see the level of respect the superior has for the saluting officer and even the entire military. Officers who have “come up through the ranks” will look at the soldier and return a salute that is strong and clear. Individuals who return the salute because they feel obliged to do so will return a salute that is weak and unstructured. Many times it looks more like they are wiping dust off their sleeve than acknowledging the sacrifice the military has made for all of us.

A good politician knows how to play to the audience. Smiles and gentle movements are made going into a meeting or conference. They are open and ready for compromise. They will consider anyone’s ideas. Then, the door shuts. People sit down and the smiles disappear. While speaking, they are pointing, palm-down, to the papers on the desk in front of them. They are leaning forward, showing they are ready to battle for what they believe to be important. The gestures have changed, showing you the true intent of the individual.

People’s words can and do deceive but gestures give us that special insight to the truth.

Click here for more information about “The Unspoken Dialogue” workshop.  Registration deadline is March 30, 2011 and seats are limited to reserve your spot today.

Dr. Robert Rail is the recognized as one of the foremost experts in managing interpersonal relations.  He has taught his “understanding body language” techniques and methods to people from more than 60 countries.  He is the author of four books: The Unspoken Dialogue, Defense Without Damage, Custodial Cuffing & Restraint, and Reactive Handcuffing Tactics.

Registration & payment deadline is March 30, 2011 and seats are limited so register today by contacting Ashleigh Quarrell
(346-3649 or aaquarrell@tbayins.ca)

• Practice
• Stay Awake
• Soak of the Sun
• Darken your Evenings
• Exercise
• Take it Easy

Click here for the full article, including drill down on the above coping strategies they provide.