The environemnt often comes up int he IELTS test - make sure you're ready to talk about it.

IELTS with Nick - World Knowledge 

What role should individuals play in protecting the environment?

白石塔，白石搭，白石搭白塔，白塔白石搭。搭好白石塔，石塔白又大。

ListenChinese Podcasts

绕口令 - d/t 练习



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

Being able to talk on a wide variety of topics is really helpful for getting a higher mark on the IELTS test. 

In this podcast I will help you to form opinions and ideas for Speaking Part 3 and Writing Part 2.

You can also book a private lesson with me on my profile. Hope to see you in a lesson soon!

How has technology changed the way people communicate with each other? 

げんき、第１課36ページ、かいわより。 リスニングとリーディングのれんしゅうです。私が言ったあと、リピートしてください。 2かいめは少しはやいです。 
It‘ｓ for your practice of listening and reading. Repeat after me without reading げんき１, even if   you have the textbook. I speak a little faster the sencond time. 
这是为了你的听力和阅读练习。 即使你有课本，也不要读　げんき１、跟着我重复。 我第二次说得快一点。
もしあなたが中級（ちゅうきゅう）でも、いいれんしゅうになると思います。 
Even if you are intermidiate-level student, it should still be good practice. 
即使您是 N4 或以上级别的学生也很有用

たけし：こんにちは。きむら たけしです。

メアリー：メアリー ハートです。あのう、りゅうがくせいですか。

たけし：いいえ、にほんじんです。

メアリー：そうですか。なんねんせいですか。

たけし：よねんせいです。

Takeshi: Hello, I am Takeshi Kimura.

Mary: I am Mary Hart. Um… Are you an international student?

Takeshi: No, I am Japanese.

Mary: I see. What year are you in college? 

Takeshi: I am a fourth-year student.


ようへい先生　　N4,N5チャンネル

げんき１　第１課

Hey, how are you? I hope you are well. I'm Milo, Spanish tutor at italki, and today we are going to talk about some typical Colombian dishes. These dishes reflect the rich variety of flavors and traditions of our regions. Let's discover them!

Arepa: La arepa es uno de los platos más emblemáticos de Colombia. Hecha a base de maíz, la arepa puede ser acompañada con diferentes ingredientes como queso, carne, huevo o mantequilla. Cada región tiene su versión. Ejemplo: "En Antioquia, la arepa es más gruesa, mientras que en la Costa Caribe es más delgada."

Ajiaco: Este es un caldo típico de Bogotá. Está compuesto por pollo, papas, maíz, guasca (una hierba colombiana) y se sirve con arroz, aguacate y alcaparras. Es un plato reconfortante, ideal para días fríos. Ejemplo: "El ajiaco es un plato tradicional de la capital, Bogotá."

Bandeja Paisa: Es un plato completo y abundante, característico de la región del Valle de Aburrá. Incluye arroz, frijoles, carne molida, chicharrón (panceta frita), arepa, aguacate, huevo frito, y plátano maduro. Ejemplo: "La bandeja paisa es un plato lleno de sabor y energía."

Sancocho: Este plato se sirve en muchas regiones de Colombia y varía dependiendo de los ingredientes. Por lo general, se prepara con carne de res, pollo o pescado, y se acompaña con yuca, plátano, papa y mazorca. Ejemplo: "El sancocho es perfecto para compartir en familia."

Empanadas: Las empanadas colombianas son rellenas de carne, pollo, o incluso queso, y se fríen hasta quedar crujientes. Se sirven con salsa de ají. Ejemplo: "Las empanadas son un excelente aperitivo para cualquier reunión."

And that's all for today. If you are interested in learning more about Colombian gastronomy or improving your Spanish, do not hesitate to book a class with me. You can find more information in my profile. See you next time!

Colombia

Traditional Colombian Dishes and Their Ingredients

Positive thoughts for the New Year!
This is from a blog post I wrote at the start of 2021, but I think it is still really important now.

The Social Evolutionary

Last year was bad? Let's remember the good things.

I came across a podcast about an 80 year old man sharing a valuable life lesson. This life lesson is the same lesson that I learned over the last few years. I hope that this podcast will give insights about business and entrepreneurship to those who want to try it out.