Take a look at our newsletter this month.
AUGUST 2021
Legally Brief With Kevin Patrick Automobile accidents | Daycare injuries | wrongful death
The 8th Grade Speech I’ll Never Forget KEVIN’S TOP TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL PUBLIC SPEAKING
When I was in eighth grade, I went to St. Joseph’s, a little parochia school in Marietta, Georgia. It was a fairly standard school, but there was one thing that made St. Joseph’s unique: the speech competition. Every year, all of the seventh- and eighth-graders had to compete to take home the title for the best 3–5-minute speech. There were two rounds. First, you had to give the speech to your entire class. Then, if you were one of the best, you had to stand up and share it in front of the whole school, including kids from kindergarten through eighth grade. I’ll never forget my eighth-grade experience
the way I was raised plays a role in my outlook, but I also think there are a few things everyone can do to make public speaking easier. 1. Pick a topic you’re passionate about. In eighth grade, I got to choose the Georgia state tree as my topic. I’m proud to live in Georgia, so I enjoyed the subject and was happy to speak about it. I think choosing a topic with value and meaning helps the words flow. 2. Embrace the challenge. Public speaking is definitely a challenge. Rather than pretending that it’s easy, I’d suggest
pausing to appreciate the difficulty, then choosing to embrace it anyway. Remember, you have the capacity to tackle hard things. 3. Say ‘no’ to gimmicks. I don’t actually think it helps to picture the audience in silly costumes! 4. Be true to yourself. Whether you’re making a statement in court or speaking to a class at school, your best bet is to be honest, straightforward, and candid in who you are and what you say. As Mark Twain once put it, “If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.” 5. Smile. You’ll be happier, and so will your audience! This year, I’m taking my eighth-grade speech prowess up a notch. Just in time for Professional Speakers Day (Aug. 7), I’ve helped the State Bar of Georgia’s Commission on Professionalism create an offshoot called the Writers’ and Speakers’ Bureau. This fall, I’ll be part of the inaugural team at the bureau to mentor younger lawyers and help them polish their writing and speaking skills. I’m looking forward to the challenge!
in the speech contest. We were allowed to choose our own topics, and I decided to give my speech on the state tree of Georgia. Every night before the contest, I practiced well into the evening, and my mom, who was a school teacher, stood in as my audience and judging panel. I can still remember the speech’s opening lines to this day: “The state tree of Georgia is a live oak tree. Oak trees symbolize strength and sturdiness …” When the time came to give the speech, I sailed through the first round and on to the second! The finals took place in the school’s old gymnasium, and I vividly recall the stares of my classmates and the imposing presence of the panel of judges at the back of the gym. Luckily, parents could watch. It grounded me knowing my mom and dad were cheering me on. I stood up proudly, gave my speech, and took second place! Looking back, my success in that speech contest may have indicated I would make a good lawyer. According to the National Social Anxiety Center, about 73% of people suffer from “glossophobia,” or anxiety around public speaking. I’m fortunate not to be one of them. I get a bit nervous before speeches, including my statements in court today, but it's not crippling. In fact, I think it keeps me from getting complacent! It’s possible
This publication is for informational purposes only, and no legal advice is intended.
KEVINPATRICK.LAW I 404.566.5880 • 1
Published by Newsletter Pro www.NewsletterPro.com
3 Natural Ways to Boost Your Energy Without Caffeine
STRETCH After lying in one position all night, your body may feel stiff and achy. Stretching awakens your muscles and helps you break out of that groggy morning feeling. Start with your back and do some slow core twists. Then, sit on the floor and lay your legs out in front of you. Stretch forward, then sit back up. Next, position your right foot on the opposite side of your left knee. Keeping your hips centered, turn your torso toward your right foot so that your right arm is on your right knee. Switch to the other side and repeat as needed. Finally, pull your head toward your shoulders to loosen your neck. GO FOR A WALK When you wake up in the morning, head outside! Movement stimulates your brain and improves your mood, and the act of walking is relaxing enough that it doesn’t require much effort on your part. Plus, it’s
If you can’t start your day without your daily cup — or cups — of joe, you’re not alone. More than 450 million cups of coffee are consumed by U.S. residents every day, and unfortunately, heavy caffeine consumption may not be healthy. (It’s a big reason why celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Jim Carrey, and Kim Kardashian don’t drink it!) Moderate amounts of caffeine can improve your mental health, and some studies suggest it could even prevent some chronic conditions. However, there are major downsides to overconsumption, which equates to more than four cups of coffee each day. These can include high blood pressure, addiction symptoms, and decreased mentality. If you want to break out of the caffeine cycle and reduce how much coffee you drink, try replacing that cuppa with one of these methods!
a great way to get your steps in, wake up slowly, and get outside before a busy day.
JUST BREATHE This might sound like it will lull you to sleep, but there are actually some breathing techniques that can help you wake up! The “breath of fire” is a rapid- fire breathing technique, during which you inhale deeply, exhale deeply, inhale deeply again, and then exhale quickly. Repeat this as needed. Other practices that focus on breathing, like yoga, can be effective, too. Waking up isn’t an exact science, but once you find a healthy method that works for you, you may never need coffee again. (Gasp!)
In-Person Volunteering Is Back! KEVIN AND HIS SON BRING JOY TO THE ELDERLY AT BRIGHTON GARDENS
If you’re a longtime reader of our newsletter, then you know KPL founder Kevin Patrick loves to give back to the community. He’s also a big believer in passing that ethic on to his 5-year-old son, Michael. Since 2016, the pair have visited the Brighton Gardens of Buckhead assisted living home every Saturday morning to cheer up the seniors there. They had to take a break in 2020, but now that vaccinations are widespread, they’re back at it! “I feel like it’s important because it’s the right thing to do, and because the older folks there have a lot of wisdom and guidance to offer. Michael and I have gotten some true gems of advice over the years!” Kevin says. One of Kevin’s favorite residents to spend time with is a retired Marine who fought
in the Battle of Okinawa (aka Operation Iceberg) during the Pacific War in 1945.
“He’s very proud, and rightfully so after what he’s done and how he has served our country,” Kevin says. “I really think we should give elderly people like this man more attention. They’re neglected far too often, and it would be a shame if their stories were forgotten.” In 2010, 1.5 million older adults lived in nursing homes and 1 million called assisted living facilities home. These folks only make up about 6.5% of the elderly, so they’re often forgotten by everyone but their relatives. We would love to change that. This month, please consider reaching out to an assisted living facility or nursing home near you. There are 73 nursing homes in the Atlanta Metro area, so this
shouldn’t be too hard! You can visit in person like Kevin and Michael do, volunteer to help out at an event (many of these places hold dance classes or bingo nights), or ask if anyone there would like a pen pal. If you meet someone truly special, consider recording their story in the form of an oral history. You can learn how by visiting the Smithsonian Institution Archives’ website: SIArchives.si.edu/ history/How-do-Oral-History.
You can always reach Kevin directly at 404.566.8964 or Kevin@PatrickTrialLaw.com. (If you ever need it, his cell phone is 404.409.3160.)
2 • KEVINPATRICK.LAW I 404.566.5880
Buy a Famous Brick, Save a Musician’s Life KPL Joins the Fight for Suicide Prevention in Georgia
On April 5, 1980, the rock band R.E.M. played its very first show at St. Mary’s Steeple in Athens, Georgia. The concert kick-started an epic career for the band, and today St. Mary’s Steeple is still helping musicians one brick at a time — although in a very different way. In 2013, the Athens nonprofit Nuçi’s Space bought the steeple. Nuçi’s Space was created in memory of Nuçi Phillips,
2,000 bricks from the original 1871 structure were removed,” the Nuçi’s Space website explains. “The purchase of a Steeple Brick/Name Recognition gets you a brick, featuring an attached medallion of authenticity, a paper Certificate of Authenticity, and name recognition on
the steeple donor wall.” When a client who’s close to our hearts told Kevin Patrick about this initiative, he knew right away that KPL needed a brick! So, our team purchased one to support Nuçi’s Space and its mission for suicide prevention. “I’ve never been so happy to get a brick in the mail in my life!” Kevin says. “I’m looking forward to taking a road trip to the steeple soon.” To learn more about Nuçi’s Space and how you can buy a piece of history for a cause, visit Nuci.org. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.8255 or text "HELLO" to 741741 to start a free, confidential conversation.
a student musician who struggled with depression and passed away from suicide in 1999. The nonprofit offers medical services, counseling, support groups, and affordable practice space to Georgia musicians with mental health issues. When it bought the steeple, Nuçi’s Space preserved the site and created a memorial garden there. It also started selling steeple- themed posters, postcards, and even bricks from the famous venue to fund its programs. “In order to stabilize the St. Mary’s Steeple during rehabilitation, a portion of the brickwork needed to be replaced. In the process, over
sudoku
Tomato and Watermelon Salad (Yes, Really!)
Bon Appétit magazine calls tomato and watermelon “soul mates,” and they’re right! This surprising gourmet salad will be a hit at your next barbecue.
Ingredients •
1 tsp peppercorns, coarsely crushed 1 tsp coriander seeds, coarsely crushed
• 4 cups seedless watermelon, rind removed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes • 2 heirloom tomatoes, cut into 1/2- inch cubes • 8 oz feta cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes • Sea salt, to taste
•
• • •
1/2 tsp cumin seeds 1/2 tsp turmeric 1/4 cup coconut oil
Directions
1. In a small saucepan, sauté spices and herbs in the coconut oil for 3 minutes over medium heat to create turmeric oil. Take the pan off of the heat, then let it cool.
2. Combine the watermelon,
tomatoes, and feta on a large platter or in a bowl. Drizzle with cooled turmeric oil. Now, simply sprinkle with sea salt and enjoy!
Solution
KEVINPATRICK.LAW I 404.566.5880 • 3
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
2860 Piedmont Road N.E. • Suite 140 Atlanta, Georgia 30305
Inside This Issue 1 Afraid of Public Speaking? Kevin Can Help! 2 Wake Up Without Coffee — Really! Kevin and His Son Bring Joy to the Elderly at Brighton Gardens 3 Buy a Famous Brick, Save a Musician’s Life Tomato and Watermelon Salad (Yes, Really!) 4 Want to Save on Your Next Vacation?
Follow Us @KPatricklaw
5 Tips for Your Next Affordable Getaway
Are you excited to explore the world again? Or maybe you've just gotten back from your latest vacation! In either case, the economic challenges of the pandemic might require travelers to plan their trips a little smarter. Here are five tricks to do just that.
around $33 per person. Plus, you will create some amazing memories together!
4. PLAN YOUR MEAL BUDGET AHEAD OF TIME. Looking forward to eating certain dishes? Find local menus and prices to ensure you don’t spend more than you planned. If you want
1. CONSIDER YOUR BUDGET WHILE CHOOSING YOUR DESTINATION. Any destination heavily impacted by tourists is going to be more expensive to visit. So, consider taking a tour through various French countryside towns instead of Paris! Not only could it be more culturally immersing, but it may even be more relaxing and less stressful than visiting a dense area.
an authentic and homestyle culinary experience, consider signing up for a peer-to-peer dining experience through Traveling Spoon or Bon Appetour, which is tax-free as well!
5. CONSIDER VOLUNTEERING FOR VACATION. Want to go on a self-discovery trip? Why not cut your expenses in half by
2. SIGN UP FOR SCOTT’S CHEAP FLIGHTS. One of the most important parts of booking an
affordable vacation is booking it at the right time. Scott’s Cheap Flights will track all the cheapest flights at an airport of your choice — you’ll get over 50%–75% savings on highly rated airlines. This will get you stress-free travel for a much lower price! 3. TRAVEL IN A GROUP. If you travel with friends, your expenses become a lot more manageable. Let’s say you and a partner travel with two other couples — renting a swanky cabin at $200 a night will only cost
volunteering? For example, Habitat for Humanity offers a nine-day Mexico trip for $1,200 with lodging, food, and activities included. You’ll get to build structures and create something permanent for the local community.
Traveling on a dime is no sweat with the right tools. Best of luck, traveler!
4 • KEVINPATRICK.LAW I 404.566.5880
Published by Newsletter Pro www.NewsletterPro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs