Did you know that a lot of French words have actually become a part of our everyday vocabulary?

You probably know words that are often used in fashion, cuisine and the arts like “prêt-à-porter,” “bon appétit” and “genre,” right? 

So what kind of words do we use and what do they mean?

• à la carte – on the menu, food that can be ordered as separate items, rather than part of a set meal
• apéritif – a pre-dinner drink
• à propos – with regards to
• au contraire – on the contrary or just the opposite
• avant-garde – innovative or experimental ideas or actions, particularly in the arts
• bon appétit – enjoy your meal
• bon voyage – have a good trip
• boutique – a small, specialised shop, typically selling fashionable or luxury items
• chauffeur – a driver
• chic – stylish or fashionable
• couture – high-end, custom-made clothing or fashion design
• cul-de-sac – a dead-end street
• décolleté – cleavage, garment with a low-cut neckline
• déjà vu – the feeling of having experienced something before
• eau de cologne – a type of perfume or fragrance
• entrepreneur – a person who has created a company
• faux – false or fake, often used to describe imitation materials or designs
• faux pas – a social blunder
• fiancé(e) – a person engaged to be married
• hors d’œuvre – an appetiser before a meal
• je ne sais quoi – a quality or feature that is hard to describe
• laissez-faire – the policy of leaving things to take their own course, without interfering
• lingerie – female underwear
• rendezvous – a meeting, date
• répondez s’il vous plaît (RSVP) – please reply to an invitation
• savoir-faire – know-how
• soirée – an evening party
• vis-à-vis – face-to-face
• voilà – there you go, there it is

Picture this: a world where people actually talk to each other. Crazy, right?

Well, Margaret Wheatley believes that this simple act could be the key to changing the world.

I believe we can change the world if we start listening to one another again.

Simple, honest, human conversation. Not mediation, negotiation, problem-solving, debate, or public meetings.

Simple, truthful conversation where we each have a chance to speak, we each feel heard, and we each listen well.

With her bold declaration, Margaret’s calling on us to put down our phones, step away from our screens, and engage in good old-fashioned conversation.

It might sound too simple to be true, but hey, why not give it a go?

In her book “Turning to One Another: Simple Conversations to Restore Hope to the Future“, Margaret argues that the solutions for real social change, the kind that’s desperately needed, won’t come from governments or corporations.

No! They’ll come from you, me and all the people around us who are willing to get together and have “simple, honest, human conversation”.

Perhaps you’re thinking, “How can a little chitchat make a difference?“

Well, have you never had a brainwave while talking to a friend or colleague? An “a-ha!” moment when a brilliant idea pops into your head?

That’s the magic of conversation!

When we put our minds together, sparks fly—and the possibilities become endless.

So, let’s ditch the notion that change can only come from the ivory towers of power. It’s time to unlock the age-old power of conversation.

It won’t be easy. It’ll require patience, open-mindedness and the occasional willingness to admit that maybe, just maybe, we don’t have all the answers.

But hey, that’s what makes it exciting! It can be a lively, engaging, and even humorous conversation where ideas flow freely and barriers crumble.

So, let’s start talking to one another again, really talking.

Let’s unleash the power of our collective minds and create the social change we so desperately need.

Who knows? With a little bit of banter and a lot of brainpower, we might just transform the world, one witty remark at a time.

If you’re ready to join the conversation revolution, you might like to join my Chilipepper Your English.

A small group of entrepreneurs are waiting for you!

Think you’re an English grammar expert? 🤔

Put your skills to the test with the BBC’s Test Your Level quizzes—and see if you’re a true language master.

But be warned. These level tests (they test B1, B2 and C1) aren’t for the faint of heart.

You’ll need to have your wits about you—and be ready for anything. 

So put on your thinking cap, grab a cup of tea and get ready to show off your language skills!

Good luck! 🍀

Are you looking for some great books to read?

Well, you’re in luck.

Hooked To Books has curated a list of the 101 best books of all time.

I know that’s quite a long list. So I suggest starting with just one book (they recommend starting with 10!), and seeing how things go.

Some of my all-time favourites are on the list:

• Emma by Jane Austen
• Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
• Nightmare Abbey by Thomas Love Peacock
• The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
• The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
• The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

So, grab a book and a comfy chair—and get ready to lose yourself in the greatest stories ever told.

Which book are you starting with?

We’ve all been there—it’s noon, you’re hungry, and you have a Zoom call coming up.

So why not kill two birds with one stone and have lunch during the meeting?

While it might seem like a convenient way to get more done, eating during a video call can be more of a distraction than a productivity hack if you’re not careful.

So what can you do?

1. Mute yourself: Before taking a bite, make sure to mute your microphone to avoid making any noise. Unmute to talk.
2. Use headphones: Headsets reduce background noise and ensure that you’re heard clearly.
3. Be mindful of your surroundings: Choose a quiet spot if you’re eating in a public place. Check your background for business suitability.
4. Choose your food wisely: Crisps and crunchy vegetables might be distracting. Try sandwiches or soups for peaceful eating.
5. Be respectful of others:Remember that others can still see you on camera even if you’re muted.

Next time you’re tempted to have a bite to eat during a Zoom call, remember these tips to make sure it’s a peaceful and productive experience for everyone involved.

Happy Zooming! 

PS This post was inspired by Center for Meeting Effectiveness.

Using inclusive language fosters respect—and creates an environment where everyone feels included and valued.

So how can we talk about Migration and Refugee Rights?

Here are some recommendations: