In this episode, we learn the value of "the permission statement," when we need to disagree with an opinion during a meeting.  It's always important that we express our opinion during meetings, but how do we do that and not sound like we're disagreeable, or that we're not a team player.  Listen to this episode for the best way to disagree during any business meeting, and have your message heard.

Business English for Professionals

The best way to gently disagree during a business meeting

This episode is about sugar, its types and how I use it. 

Food in Arabic الأَكل بِالعَرَبِيَّة

Sugar السُّكَّر

「あっという間」とは「時間が短い」という意味の表現です。例えば、「新幹線なら東京から大阪まであっという間だよ」とか、「今年もあっという間だったね」と言ったりします。

この２年間はずっとパンデミックでした。もう元の生活に戻った人もいると思いますし、今、隔離をしているという人もいるかもしれません。

私にとってこの2年間はあっという間でした。パンデミックが始まる直前にドイツに来て、オンラインで日本語を教え始めたり、ポッドキャストを始めました。また、このパンデミックの間にもイタリアやポルトガルに旅行することができました。パンデミック中にいくつか新しいことを始められたり、旅行ができたことは私にとってとてもラッキーでした。
でも、この2年間どこにも旅行に行くことができなかったという人もいるかもしれません。
自分のやりたかったことが何もできなかった2年間だったという人もいるかもしれません。
私にとって日本に帰ることがむずかしい2年間でもありました。今も隔離やPCR検査は必要なので、以前のように簡単に日本と外国を行ったり来たりすることはまだできません。

みなさんにとってこの2年間はあっという間でしたか？

あっという間：In the blink of an eye
新幹線：しんかんせん　high speed train
元の：もとの　original
元（もと）の生活（せいかつ）：the life which people used to have, normal life
隔離：かくり　quarantine
行ったり来たり：いったりきたり　back and forth

Nihongo Short Story by Noriko

あっという間-Today’s Word

Change is an inevitable part of life, but knowing that doesn’t mean dealing with change is easy. In this episode, I will give you some ways to accept and cope which can make these transitions smoother and less troubling.

Matcha & Meditation

Changes

Новый год – самый любимый праздник россиян. У нас есть весёлые новогодние традиции и ритуалы. Некоторые традиции такие же, как европейские, но есть и особенные.
Большинство россиян предпочитают праздновать Новый год дома.  Конечно, мы ставим дома ёлку и украшаем её, под ёлку кладём подарки. 
На праздничном столе много вкусной еды. Оливье и «Сельдь под шубой» - два салата, которые в России всегда готовят на Новый год. Говорят, что следующий день эти салаты ещё вкуснее. 
Другие традиционные блюда на празднике – бутерброды с красной икрой или с солёной красной рыбой. 
Чтобы в новом году исполнились мечты или желания, в последние секунды старого года пишут их на бумажке, а потом эту бумажку сжигают. Пепел нужно положить в бокал с шампанским и выпить. Тогда желание обязательно исполнится. Чтобы не было старых проблем в новом году, люди пишут на бумажке все проблемы и тоже её сжигают.
Еще одна традиция – ходить в баню 31 декабря. Эта традиция возникла по мотивам известного фильма «Ирония судьбы, или С лёгким паром!». В фильме главный герой рассказывает о традиции ходить в баню с друзьями каждый год 31 декабря. Благодаря этой фразе поход в баню перед Новым годом также стал русской традицией. 

По-русски легко!

Короткие истории. 5. Новогодние традиции в России.

Learn the basic French vocabulary, grammar, and expressions needed to communicate while moving around a city. We cover directions, positioning, and landmarks.
Best for beginners and elementary students!


Learn Basic French Podcast

Learn Basic French: Se déplacer dans une ville (moving around in a city)

Morning Exercise Best for Women's Heart Health
A new study has found that exercising in the late morning is better for women's heart health than exercising at other times of the day.

Researchers from Leiden University looked at data from the UK Biobank to find out whether the time at which people exercise has an effect on heart health. The data was collected from more than 86,000 women and men with an average age of 62.

Participants' exercise times were recorded over seven days, and heart health was observed for six years. The participants were grouped based on the time of day they exercised, including early morning, late morning, midday and evening.

It was found that women who exercised in the early morning — between around 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. — had a 22% lower risk of developing heart disease compared to those who exercised at midday. Women who exercised in the late morning — between around 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. — had a 24% lower risk.

No significant difference was found for men, or for anyone who exercised in the evening.

The data also showed that women who exercised in the late morning had a 35% lower risk of stroke compared to those who exercised at midday.

The benefits of morning exercise were true both for women who prefer waking up early and those who prefer sleeping late.

Study author Gali Albalak said that although she's not sure why exercising in the morning was found to be better for women than men, the results add to the evidence that morning exercise — and especially late morning exercise — may be best for our health.

Practice Listening, Reading & Comprehension

Morning Exercise Best for Women's Heart Health

This is a step-by-step guide to shine during interviews with active listening:

Before the Interview:

Research: Understanding the company culture and the specific role helps you anticipate questions and tailor your responses. This demonstrates focus and genuine interest.
During the Interview:

Minimize Distractions: Silence your phone, arrive early to avoid last-minute jitters, and focus solely on the interviewer.

Power of Presence: Maintain eye contact (not staring) and an open posture that conveys attentiveness.

Listen Verbally and Nonverbally: Pay close attention to the interviewer's words, tone, and body language. A stressed tone might indicate a challenging aspect of the job, while positive body language reflects their enthusiasm.

Engage with Nonverbal Cues:  Use subtle nods and smiles to show you're following along. Leaning in slightly demonstrates genuine interest.

The Art of the Pause: Don't jump in to fill silences. Give the interviewer time to complete their thoughts and gauge their reaction to your responses.

Clarify and Confirm:  When unsure, politely ask clarifying questions. This shows you're engaged and want to understand their expectations clearly.

Paraphrase and Summarize: Briefly restate key points in your own words. This demonstrates comprehension and allows the interviewer to correct any misunderstandings.

Active Listening in Action:  Throughout the interview, weave active listening techniques into your responses.  For example, "That sounds like a very fast-paced environment.  Can you tell me more about the team dynamic?"

After the Interview:

Thank You Note: Reiterate your interest in the role and mention a specific detail gleaned through active listening. This shows you were truly engaged and attentive.
By actively listening, you demonstrate not only strong communication skills but also genuine interest in the company and the role. This sets you apart from other candidates and increases your chances of landing your dream job!
