© Elliot Essman 2005. All rights reserved.

These pages contain the complete 2005 revised text of Building Yourself, public speaking trainer Elliot Essman's guide to living the successful life.

Elliot Essman Public Speaking Training
Building Yourself Table of Contents
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• The greatest task before civilization at present is to make machines what they ought to be, the slaves, instead of the masters of men. Havelock Ellis (1859–1939)

Learning to use a computer is no more difficult than learning to drive a car, and the computer is much more forgiving when it comes to mistakes. You cannot learn to drive a car out of a book. Just the same, you cannot learn to use a computer unless you have frequent access to one. Both skills are a matter of practice. There is a difference though, when it comes to ownership. Automobile prices go up steadily, computer prices go down steadily. Owning your own computer is essential.

Computer skills require no mathematics. All they require is a little practice and an emotional acceptance of machines. For most people, they don't require computer programming, but rather a familiarity with two or three of the most common types of computers and software systems used.

Out of the dozens of types of software programs available, word processors, spreadsheets, web browsers, and database programs are the most commonly used. Three or four companies sell the lion's share of software packages in each of these categories, with many smaller companies offering their own packages. By far, word processing is the most popular use. Most good word processing programs can do graphics, perform mathematical equations (like spreadsheets) and sort data (like databases). Spreadsheets are for mathematical and accounting analysis, and databases are for keeping and analyzing large amounts of information. Other types of software are designed to do everything from keeping your personal checkbook to perform­ing instant psychoanalysis. It’s all on the web, if other sources fail.

Bear in mind that you don't have to learn everything about a particular software package in order to use it. Try to pick up the basics first, then learn only those advanced features you really need. In order to honestly claim to be “computer literate,” you don't need to be a software engineer, word processing wizard or spreadsheet savant. All you need is some quality experience using a spreadsheet, a database and especially a word processing package, so as to acquire a knowledge of, at most, about one-quarter of their basic capabilities.

For all types of systems and popular software you can buy inexpensive tutorial disks that will take you through every step of learning how to use the software. You can also take a class, but the best method to learn is by doing.

Once you have your own computer and know how to use it, you will use it to enhance your business and personal life and accelerate your success. A word processor will allow you to generate superb looking documents, letters and correspon­dence for all purposes. A spreadsheet will allow you to do any form of financial analysis, from buying the best air conditioner to running a corporation, with calculating power and speed you just can't match with pen and hand calculator.

If you have the right attitude and keep an open mind about learning new things, picking up computer skills will be easier than learning the basic number and language skills we've already mentioned. Once you pass a certain point in computer use and knowledge, you'll never go back. The computer is your servant. It will work for you tirelessly at minimal cost. All it asks from you is a little time and atten­tion.