Test yourself
Why not test your English or your Business English? Follow the links and see how it goes.
You probably know this!
Okay, most people know this now, but I just wanted to remind you, just in case. The English word for ‘Handy’ is ‘mobile phone’ or ‘cell phone’. Mind you, a lot of English native speakers who have been living here in Germany for some time forget this! 😉
The English word ‘handy’ means ‘useful’ and ‘practical’ and has nothing to do with a phone!
If you want to learn more false friends, you might like to look at my long list here.
The complaining customer
Today I would like to share an article written by the marketing expert Seth Godin with you. He writes that the complaining customer doesn’t want a refund but would rather get an apology and a little bit of understanding. I think he makes a wonderful point, don’t you?
I remember not being able to board a plane because it was overbooked. I was given a voucher and later got some money back. However, I was still unhappy as there was no understanding and I felt totally disrespected. Has anything similar happened to you?
So go and read Seth’s short article here.
Congratulations
I’m sure that you need to congratulate people now and again either face to face or in writing. So how do you do it? Well, the easiest way to congratulate someone is to go up to them and shake their hands and say, “Congratulations” or write a nice little congratulations note. 😉
Here are some phrases you might like to use:
- Congratulations on your fantastic achievement. Keep up the good work.
- Congratulations on your success! We are all so proud of you.
- You have worked so hard for this. Congratulations!
- I knew you could do it. Congratulations on your wonderful success!
- Congratulations on the birth of your baby son/daughter / on your new home / on the wedding.
- We wish you all the best for the future / all the very best on this special day / all the best and good luck!
Words of inspiration
“Sandwich every bit of criticism between two thick layers of praise.”
Mary Kay Ash
This quotation makes me wonder whether it is better to criticize or to praise someone. We know that motivated employees are willing to work harder and longer and, of course, love to receive praise. On the other hand, people who are criticized realise that something needs to be changed. So what about mixing praise and criticism just as Mary Kay Ash recommends?
Mumbai: a city of paradoxes
Some of my clients have been to Mumbai (also known as Bombay) and told me a lot about the city. If you think you might need to go one day or you are just interested in seeing what life looks like in this part of the world, you might like to watch BBC’s video here.
Or check out the Time Out website to read about Mumbai’s attractions, events, restaurants, nightlife, films, shopping and music.
It looks like a fascinating place!
