Personal growth

The ABC philosophy: A company speaking English as one

Do you and your employer or employees speak simple English when it comes to the company’s philosophy?  Are you a company speaking English as one when you talk about the company’s values, products, performance, or service to the outside world? An employee and company that follow a particular speaking philosophy give those entities a backbone …

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Speaking English is important as eating food

Speaking English is important like eating food or drinking water.  But how much food do you waste in a day?  Leftover restaurant French fries you just can’t or won’t finish or those last few spoons of the morning’s oatmeal.  Food is dispensable in the age of plenty.   “Throw it away,” we command as if 17th …

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Speak English well if you’re shy

The shy can speak English well.  But does shyness hold you back? Do you have a lot to offer but are afraid to share? Humans’ most amazing gift is the ability to talk. Scientists still don’t know how we do it. Unfortunately, shyness stops many people from being successful. Shyness creates a river of emotions …

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How to stay positive in the nasty world of giving and receiving advice

“Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains.”   Swiss philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau (This is an unsolicited advice column on the perils of giving unsolicited advice.  I realize and accept the hypocrisy in it.) Let’s paint the picture.  One minute you’re chit-chatting with a family member, enjoying dinner.  Then, without warning, a well-intentioned but …

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A Nobel-Prize-winning talking strategy

Negotiating conflicts of interest boils down to horse trading. For example, instead of saying, “I’ll give you the white horse for the brown one” we say “I’ll give you money if you give me 40 hours of work each week.”  Both parties decide if the trade is fair. The “transactions” become tough-minded when threats come …

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