Doing business in or with the United States? This course is for you.
The US is a fast-moving, opportunity-rich market. To succeed, you must master not only English—but how Americans communicate in business. Language and culture can make or break your deal. You may have the perfect product or idea, but if you can’t explain it in a way Americans connect with, you risk being overlooked. This course helps you speak clearly, confidently, and effectively with US partners, clients, and investors.


English for Business

Mastering Business English for Success in the US -- New Course by Peter Crawford

ROMANCES DE RAFAEL DE LEÓN

ROMANCE DE LA SERRANA LOCA

The 5th and penultimate episode in this intruiging murder mystery.  

Stories to Stimulate!

The Murders in the Rue Morgue Part 5

Nick discusses this unusual IELTS question. 

IELTS with Nick - World Knowledge 

What are the benefits of uniforms at work? 

In this episode, I'll help you master Italian self-introductions. From greetings to personal pronouns and essential verbs like "essere," you'll gain confidence in presenting yourself effectively. We'll also explore addressing others and Italian farewells. Join me to embrace Italian language and culture! Ciao!

Italiano Chiaro Grammatica

Presenting yourself



SMART Goals for Active Listening:

Specific: Don't just aim to "listen better."  Define the context.  For example, "During contract negotiations with [client name], I will actively listen to identify their key concerns."

Measurable:  How will you track your progress?  "I will summarize key concerns after each discussion point and ask clarifying questions to ensure 80% accuracy in reflecting their needs."

Attainable: Be realistic.  Start by focusing on one aspect of active listening. Gradually incorporate more techniques as you progress.

Relevant: Ensure your goals align with the negotiation's objectives. "By actively listening, I aim to build trust, uncover potential areas of compromise, and reach a win-win agreement."

Time-bound:  Set a timeframe for achieving your goal.  "I will implement these active listening strategies throughout the negotiation process, which is expected to last for [duration]."

Active Listening Techniques for SMART Goals:

Nonverbal Cues: "I will maintain eye contact, avoid crossed arms, and nod to show understanding." (Measurable through self-awareness)
Clarifying Questions: "I will ask open-ended questions like 'Can you elaborate on that?' to ensure comprehension." (Measurable by tracking the number of questions asked)
Summarizing: "After each discussion point, I will summarize key concerns to confirm understanding and identify potential areas of agreement." (Measurable by accuracy of summaries)

Benefits of SMART Active Listening Goals:

Reduced Misunderstandings: Clear communication allows you to address the other party's true concerns, leading to smoother negotiations.
Building Trust: Active listening shows respect and genuine interest in finding common ground.
Identifying Opportunities: By truly understanding the other party's needs, you can uncover potential compromises or alternative solutions.
Increased Confidence: A clear understanding of the situation empowers you to negotiate effectively.



The Global Professional Podcast

S.M.A.R.T. Goals for Active Listening in Negotiations - Episode 85

盤古開天

很久很久以前，天空和地球之間一片混沌。在這混沌中，有一位名叫盤古的巨人。他身穿一件黑色的長袍，手拿著一把巨大的斧頭。盤古的眼神充滿了智慧和力量。

盤古看到混沌的局面，決定要開天闢地。他揮起斧頭，用力砍向混沌。斧頭劈砍下去，發出震耳欲聾的聲音。經過九天九夜的努力，終於，混沌被盤古劈開了。

當混沌分開時，輕而上浮的是一片無邊無際的天空，重而下沈的則是一片廣闊的大地。天空中，盤古留下了一個個閃亮的星星，它們成為了後來的太陽、月亮和星辰。

盤古站在地上，感受到了無盡的力量。他開始成為了世界的中心，把自己的生命和靈魂融入了大地之中。他的眼淚變成了大海，他的汗水變成了江河湖泊。

隨著時間的流逝，盤古的身體逐漸化為了山川和土地。他的頭髮和鬍鬚變成了森林和草原。他的骨骼化作了高山和峽谷。

盤古開天闢地的故事告訴我們，一切都有一個開始。在混沌中，我們可以發現無限的可能性。只要我們有創造力、勇氣和智慧，就能開創出美麗的世界。


聽故事學中文

盤古開天

In this episode we are going to learn a Real Chinese Conversation【Buy fruits 】. 
------------------------------------------------
Step 1: Listen and catch the words you know already, have a guess about the content.
Step 2: Check the script to learn one by one. 
Step 3: Listen and repeat after it.
Step 4: Practice until you can perform the dialogue. 
------------------------------------------------
顾客（gùkè, customer）: 老板，苹果怎么卖？
lǎo bǎn ， píng guǒ zěn me mài ？
Boss (of the shop), how do you sell the apples/how much are the apples?
老板(lǎo bǎn, shop owner): 左边的一斤8块钱，右边的一斤9块半。
zuǒ bian de yì jīn 8 kuài qián ， yòu bian de yì jīn 9 kuài bàn 。
The one on the left is 8 yuan per Jin(=0.5kg), and the one on the right is 9.5 yuan per Jin.
顾客: 哪个更甜？
nǎ ge gèng tián ？
Which one is sweeter?
老板: 右边的更甜。
yòu bian de gèng tián 。
The one on the right is sweeter.
顾客: 那来八个吧，大点儿的。
nà lái bā gè ba ， dà diǎn er de 。
Then give me eight, the bigger ones.
老板: 好的，四斤半，收你四十就好。还要别的吗？
hǎo de ， sì jīn bàn ， shōu nǐ sì shí jiù hǎo 。 hái yào bié de ma ？
Okay, 4.5 Jin, I'll just charge you 40 yuan. Do you want anything else?
顾客: 有什么推荐的吗？
yǒu shén me tuī jiàn de ma ？
Any recommendations?
老板: 草莓现在当季，又红又甜。
cǎo méi xiàn zài dāng jì ， yòu hóng yòu tián 。
Strawberries are in season now, red and sweet.
顾客: 一斤多少钱？
yì jīn duō shǎo qián ？
How much is one Jin?
老板: 一斤九块。你试试看。
yì jīn jiǔ kuài 。 nǐ shì shì kàn 。
9 yuan per Jin. Have a try.
顾客: 真的很甜！来两斤吧。
zhēn de hěn tián ！ lái liǎng jīn ba 。
It's really sweet! Give me two Jin.
老板: 一共六十块。
yí gòng liù shí kuài 。
A total of 60 yuan.
顾客: 可以微信付吗？
kě yǐ wēi xìn fù ma ？
Can I pay with WeChat?
老板: 可以，扫这里。
kě yǐ ， sǎo zhè lǐ 。
Yes, scan here.
顾客: 付了。
fù le 。
Paid.
老板: 谢谢。好吃再来啊。
xiè xie 。 hǎo chī zài lái a 。
Thank you. Come again (if) they are delicious.

Fruit vocabulary: https://www.italki.com/zh-cn/vocabulary/476767 