Job Interviews: Asking Better Questions – from the Hiring Seat

“Hiring is a manager’s most important job.” –Peter F. Drucker (1909-2005), American management consultant Can you put yourself in the shoes of a manager looking to hire two new staff members? What qualities are employers looking for in a new hire? What kinds of interview questions encourage real reflection and promote compelling workplace conversations? How can a manager...

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Review: How to Have More Engaging Conversations in Everyday Life

“Confidence contributes more to a conversation than wit.” – Francois de La Rochefoucauld (1613-1680), French writer How can we help English language learners in the U.S. have more long-lasting, compelling conversations with native speakers? Sometimes it can be difficult to transition from small talk to a more personal, in-depth conversation. Feelings of intimidation, or...

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Review: How to Have More Engaging Conversations in Everyday Life

“Confidence contributes more to a conversation than wit.” – Francois de La Rochefoucauld (1613-1680), French writer How can we help English language learners in the U.S. have more long-lasting, compelling conversations with native speakers? Sometimes it can be difficult to transition from small talk to a more personal, in-depth conversation. Feelings of intimidation, or...

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Teaching Matters: The Perception of Time and Value of Punctuality in American Culture

“If the doors of perception were cleansed every thing would appear to man as it is, Infinite. For man has closed himself up, till he sees all things thro’ narrow chinks of his cavern.” – William Blake (1757-1827), English poet, painter and printmaker The concept of time defies easy definitions, meaning many different things to many different people. Americans often...

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Teaching Matters: The Perception of Time and Value of Punctuality in American Culture

“If the doors of perception were cleansed every thing would appear to man as it is, Infinite. For man has closed himself up, till he sees all things thro’ narrow chinks of his cavern.” – William Blake (1757-1827), English poet, painter and printmaker The concept of time defies easy definitions, meaning many different things to many different people. Americans often...

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Teaching Matters: Eating Etiquette

“Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” -James Beard (1903-1985), American author Previously on the blog, we’ve addressed how to make positive first impressions in a variety of settings, from a handshake to a professional email. But table manners also go a long way. Whether you’re grabbing a bite out with friends or visiting a new acquaintance for dinner, the...

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