Check out our latest edition!
Justice MONTHLY
229-888-0888 • www.puttingpeoplefirst.law
AUGUST 2023
The ‘Perfect’ Public Speaker Doesn’t Exist NERVES WON’T MAGICALLY DISAPPEAR!
Speaking in front of a large audience is considered a nightmarish obstacle for many, but the truth is, it’s something we all have to do at some point. If you’re not one of the few people who are innately comfortable with public speaking, then you probably struggle with overcoming the nerves that naturally come with it. Aug. 7 is Professional Speakers Day and an excellent opportunity to share my journey with public speaking and my advice for those looking to improve their presentation skills.
I’d review the content over and over until I knew it from every angle. Persistent practice and repetition enhanced not only my speaking skills but also boosted my confidence. What’s there to worry about when you know the case like the back of your hand? Aside from practice, the key is to do it repeatedly, no matter how nervous you are. You'll find yourself more comfortable once you frequently speak in front of others. Motivational speaker Tony Robbins is outstanding, but even he was uncomfortable at the start of his career. So, you know what he did? He committed to three public speaking events every day until he became comfortable in front of an audience. Now that’s dedication! Of course, speaking in front of a group of friends or family doesn’t exactly prepare you for speaking in front of a considerable crowd. That’s why you should consider participating in a low-stress public speaking practice organization, like a Toastmasters group, to get more comfortable in front of others. If you bomb your presentation there, it’s not the end of the world! It’s only practice, and everyone will be more than understanding since they’re there to practice just like you. I won’t lie to you. The nerves that come with public speaking will never completely disappear. Even the most seasoned attorneys get stage fright before a court hearing. Rick Friedman, a top trial lawyer, has even thrown up in the courthouse bathroom before heading to
the courtroom! While you can’t get rid of nerves, you can certainly learn how to manage them and still present yourself as best you can. There’s no magic trick to becoming a perfect public speaker with nerves of steel. Instead, I have a few tips I’ve learned to become a better presenter. Some advice you can try for yourself includes:
•
Practice public speaking as often as possible to become more confident. Be prepared! When you know the content thoroughly, you’ll feel less intimidated. Use visual aids like PowerPoints to keep you grounded, but never read directly from them. Always try to make eye contact with the audience. Just because someone’s face looks judgmental doesn’t mean they’re judging you! Audience members often concentrate on your speech, so don’t let their expressions deter you.
•
•
While I’m not in court as often now, I spent a significant amount of time at trial when
•
•
I worked for the district attorney’s
office. I was speaking in court at least once a month back in those days, and let’s just say that I had to adapt quickly. I remember my father
No one can become a superb public speaker overnight. Embrace the unpredictability of presenting and simply roll with the punches. We all make mistakes, and even I’ve had a few hiccups in court, so never beat yourself up over a misstep. Over time, your skills will improve, and no one will be the wiser to your sweaty palms!
telling me every trial counts and
that I need to give everything I can. No pressure, right? I took his advice and prepared as best as possible for each trial.
-William F. “Trey” Underwood, III
Published by Newsletter Pro . www.NewsletterPro.com
www.puttingpeoplefirst.law | 1
GET YOUR KIDS BACK ON A SCHOOL ROUTINE DON’T HIT THAT SNOOZE BUTTON!
defective breaks, faulty tires, poor car design, or flawed airbags can all be possible causes for an accident that was out of your hands. Although clients often overlook product liability claims, they can lead to substantial compensation. The key is to work with an experienced attorney who can effectively collect the evidence you need to prove your innocence. Claims Against the Government Severe weather and unmaintained roads are a recipe for disaster. While no one can be responsible for heavy rain or snowfall, the government should ensure that all roads are safe. If you experience an accident due to dangerous roads, then it’s time to do some research. Have there been other accidents in that spot? Even if the roads are maintained properly, are they designed poorly? These are all factors to consider when determining whether or not the government is liable for your accident. You wouldn’t file a claim against the city in Georgia but the Department of Transportation instead. We know this is a lot of information to consider if you or someone you know has recently experienced a single- vehicle accident. If you want to determine whether or not you have a viable injury case, then schedule a free consultation with our team at 229-303-4995 . We’ll help you discover all your options. Wind down earlier at night. During the summer, kids may be used to staying up a little later than usual. To mitigate this, have your children prepare for bed earlier at night. You could also start cooking dinner at the same time each day so your kids can begin forming a routine around dinnertime. This will help their minds and bodies acclimate to their new school nighttime routine. Incorporate education into their activities. School mode and vacation mode are drastically different — the last thing most kids want to do during summer break is learn. To help with this, have your child play educational games or watch a show, movie, or documentary that might expand their horizons. You don’t have to do anything grand for this; even reading for at least 10 minutes a day can help! Returning to a school routine will be difficult for the entire family, so show yourself and your kids grace during this time. Slowly implementing these steps into your end-of-summer routine will help you and your family be ready for the coming school year. To everyone going back to school, good luck with your future endeavors!
During the summer months, your child isn’t thinking about school. They’re focused on relaxing, staying up late, and sleeping in! So, naturally, it can be challenging for you and your kids to get back into a routine as the start of the school year approaches. If you don’t prepare for a school routine now, your children will spend the first couple of weeks (or even months) trying to adapt to the change, which can be detrimental to their learning.
Here are three strategies to try when helping your child get back into a school routine.
Our team often meets clients who think they are automatically at fault because no other drivers were involved in their accident. Truthfully, drivers are usually liable for an accident when their car is solely affected. However, a few other possible scenarios can occur with a cautious driver. If you can prove that you were not responsible for the accident and someone else was, you may have a viable case on your hands. Never assume you’ll always need to pay the bill after an accident. Practice morning habits. About two weeks before school starts, wake your kids up a little earlier than they're used to. Then, outline specific tasks they must complete before heading out the door. This could be making their bed, brushing their teeth, getting dressed, and eating breakfast. Doing this will instill good, responsible habits in your child and help them practice time management when school does begin again. WHY YOU MAY STILL HAVE A CASE AFTER A SOLO CRASH DON’T OVERLOOK OTHER LIABILITY CLAIMS
Product Liability Claims Did you notice that some parts of your car weren’t working correctly right before the accident? Was there any sign of mechanical malfunction? You may be able to file a claim against a car or car part manufacturer for product liability after a crash. For example,
2 | 229-888-0888
UNDERSTAND LEGAL TERMS WITHOUT THE HEADACHE
FROM PERSONAL INJURY TO WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
Federal Tort Claims Act: If a federal employee’s negligence leads to another person’s injury, illness, or death, then they have the right to compensation from the government due to this act. Settlement Mediation: If two parties cannot reach an agreement, a third party will work with both sides to resolve the dispute and reach a settlement instead of going to court. Temporary Total Disability (TTD): This describes a person’s injury that, although entirely debilitating, is also temporary. Unlike Permanent Disability (PD), they are expected to one day recover fully and be able to return to work.
RASPBERRY AND FIG OAT BARS Cumulative Trauma (CT) Injury: An injury caused not by a single accident but by repeated exposure or events. For example, hearing loss from constant noise. Beneficiary: When an employee passes away due to an injury or illness caused by their job, their surviving spouse, children, or other dependent will receive their benefits. They are considered beneficiaries. Contingency Fee: An agreement where an attorney is only paid if the client wins the case and receives a settlement. Instead of an hourly fee, the lawyer will receive a percentage of the settlement. Legal matters can be intimidating. We get it! No one wants to walk into a law firm and hear endless legal jargon that doesn’t make sense. Our team always works diligently to explain cases as simply as possible so our clients never feel left in the dark. If you’re looking for a quick introduction to legal terminology, then review these go-to terms used in personal injury and workers’ compensation cases: AOE/COE - Arising Out of Employment and in the Course of Employment: AOE/COE defines whether or not an injury or illness was caused due to an employee’s job. To be covered by workers’ compensation, an injury or illness must be AOE/COE.
Tort: An unjust act by a person that led to the injury or harm of another person who now has the right to pursue damages.
We Value You! At the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., the trust we build with our clients is our most valuable asset. To show our appreciation, we would like to thank our clients who have referred others to us since our April newsletter: If you’re trying to work on a personal injury or workers’ compensation case alone but are pulling your hair out because of confusing legal terms, call us at 229-888-0888. We’re the experts and know exactly what to do so you receive the justice you deserve.
Ingredients • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour • 1/4 cup cornstarch • 1 tsp baking powder • 1 cup and 1 tbsp rolled oats, divided • 2 sticks chilled unsalted butter, diced • 2/3 cup caster sugar (superfine granulated)
• 2 eggs, beaten • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1/4 cup raspberry jam • 1 1/3 cups raspberries • 3 figs, quartered • 1 tbsp turbinado or brown sugar
Twanna Alice Christy Griffin
Your recommendations are greatly treasured by everyone at our office. Clients can also leave their comments about our services through Google Reviews! These statements give us critical feedback and help other clients who are facing stressful life situations so they can find dependable lawyers. Previous and current clients can also receive free notary services at our office. Learn more about this service by giving us a call at 229-888-0888.
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease and line an 8x12-inch pan with parchment paper. 2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and 1 cup oats. Using your fingertips, rub in butter until crumbly. Stir in caster sugar, then add egg and vanilla. Stir until clumpy. 3. In the pan, smooth three-quarters of the mixture evenly. Spread jam over the top, then add fruit. Mix leftover oat mixture with turbinado sugar and remaining oats, then sprinkle over the fruit. 4. Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then slice and serve.
Thank you for trusting us to serve you!
Inspired by Delish.com
www.puttingpeoplefirst.law | 3
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
229-888-0888 www.puttingpeoplefirst.law
1918 DAWSON RD. ALBANY, GA 31707
What They Don’t Tell You About Public Speaking PAGE 1
Get Your Child Back-to-School Ready
Single-Vehicle Accidents Aren’t a Lost Cause PAGE 2
Legal Terminology 101: Everything You Need to Know
Raspberry and Fig Oat Bars PAGE 3
Can You Solve This 18th-Century Cipher? PAGE 4
A mysterious 18th-century code has made even the most renowned geniuses lose sleep and continues to puzzle the world. On the grounds of Shugborough Hall in Staffordshire, England, lies the baffling code that refuses to be cracked. The Shepherd’s Monument was commissioned by British Parliament member Thomas Anson and sculpted by Peter Schee around the mid to late 1700s. But what makes this monument so mysterious? On the monument is an engraving of Nicolas Poussin's painting “The Shepherds of Arcadia” and the inscription “OUOSVAVV” framed by the letters “ DM ,” which are placed slightly lower than the main eight letters. While the inscription has a long history of confusing the public (including Charles Dickens and Charles Darwin), the monument’s mystery was reignited after its appearance in the bestselling novel “The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown. Now,
countless theories have been made, but no confirmed meaning exists.
one recent discovery may make the most sense. Linguistic expert Keith Massey utilized his expansive knowledge of Latin to develop the phrase “ Oro Ut Omnes Sequantur Viam Ad Veram Vitam ,” which translates to “I pray that all may follow the Way to True Life.” This phrase was common on ancient Christian tombs. The primary hint was the mysterious “DM,” which Massey determined was “ Dis Manibus ” or “for the Manes,” another phrase seen on ancient Christian tombs. Massey explained, “My solution provides a straightforward and grammatical sentence, all parts of which are attested in tomb inscriptions and texts predating or contemporary with the creation of the Shugborough inscription.” Do you agree? Is this finally the true meaning behind this riddle, or is there still more to be uncovered?
So, what are the conspiracy theories out there behind this vague inscription? • Masonic symbols lead to the hidden location of the Holy Grail with the outside letters “DM,” meaning “Devout Mason.” • A tribute to Anson’s late wife with the
letters standing for “ Optimae Uxoris Optimae Sororis Viduus Amantissimus Vovit Virtutibus, ” meaning, “Best of wives, best of sisters, a most devoted widower dedicates [this] to your virtues.”
• The monument is a dead end with
jumbled letters to taunt those who look too deeply into inscriptions.
While these theories have been the predominantly believed meanings for centuries,
Published by Newsletter Pro . www.NewsletterPro.com
4 | 229-888-0888
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator