Real-Life Communication
While thousands of people have been extolling the virtues of aromatherapy
for thousands of years, many people still question the value of it and other
alternative treatments. Part of your work may include winning converts or
spreading the good word about the world of aromatherapy.
Now comes
your chance. A local health spa is sponsoring a free exploration day for 500
lucky people who won tickets on a radio show. These people will be treated
to an entire free day of spa luxury.
The spa's owner has called and
asked you to give a short opening speech in the morning. This is your opportunity
to introduce people who may know nothing about it to the possibilities of
aromatherapy.
You're given a four-minute block of time. To start your
research, here's some background from the National Association for Holistic
Aromatherapy:
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy
is concerned with the inhalation and application of essential oils. The tools
of aromatherapy are essential oils and hydrosols, which are used to achieve
good physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health and balance. But true
aromatherapy is not simply the use of products containing fragrance. Pure
essential oils must appear in the right amounts.
The inhalation of
oils affects our bodies in several ways. These oils stimulate the olfactory
nerve, sending messages directly into the limbic system of the brain.
The
limbic system is the seat of memory, learning and emotion. The inhalation
of essential oils triggers changes within the limbic system, which in turn
can stimulate physiological responses within the body via the nervous, endocrine
or immune systems.
For example, if the aroma of cinnamon is reminiscent
to a particular individual of traditional hot apple pie baking in the oven,
an emotional response such as comfort, warmth and security may therefore accompany
the inhalation of cinnamon cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oil.
This
emotional response, triggered by a mental association, creates a relaxed and
comforted response from the body.
While many consider aromatherapy
among a simple home remedy, it is in fact both a specific science and a deeply
complex art.
Remember, your audience will be hearing
many talks. Find a way to make your speech stand out!