Native speakers do use idioms a lot. But I have a confession to make. I don’t understand them all. And I’ve realised that native speakers, who don’t come from England, might not understand the idioms I use.

So why are language teachers and trainers teaching them? Would it not be better to focus on more international English? On an English that is understood all over the world.

If you’re talking to a native speaker of English, then use those idioms you’ve learnt. But you need to know,  if you use them slightly out of context, they will probably sound weird.

If you use English in business, isn’t it more important to communicate clearly and understandably?

If we want our listeners to better understand us, we can make it easier for them by:

• avoiding long sentences and
• using simple vocabulary.

Practice might not make us perfect, but it will make us better!

We spoke about paraprosdokians some weeks ago. Those sentences or statements that have an unexpected ending. Remember?

Let’s look at some more examples of well-known paraprosdokians from writers and historical figures.

Giving up smoking is the easiest thing in the world. I know because I’ve done it thousands of times. Mark Twain
The freelance writer is a man who is paid per piece or per word or perhaps. Robert Benchley
When I was young I used to think that money was the most important thing in life; now that I am old, I know it is. Oscar Wilde
Thomas Jefferson once said, “We should never judge a president by his age, only by his works.” And ever since he told me that, I stopped worrying. Ronald Reagan
Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead. Benjamin Franklin

(Examples found here.)

 “One of the greatest gifts you can give to anyone is the gift of attention.”
Jim Rohn

Giving someone our undivided attention every time we interact with them, helps them to feel valued and appreciated.

Yes, it’s not easy in today’s world, where we are easily distracted by technology. But we can start by turning off all notifications, putting our phones aside to show we care, and focusing on what our conversation partners are saying.

A little food for thought?

Here are nine simple questions that can help you and/or your coachees, mentees or trainees to improve their metacognitive skills.

Before a task
Is this similar to a previous task? What do I want to achieve? What should I do first?

During a task
Am I on the right track? What can I do differently? Who can I ask for help?

After a task
What worked well? What could I have done better? Can I apply this to other situations?

Do you have any questions you’d like to add to my list?

This post is based on an article found on Inner Drive.

You’re stuck? You need a little inspiration?

Nadia von Holzen has instructions how to make a “Thinking Outside The Box” box!

It can help us to think differently or from a new perspective.

She’s even given us a template we can use!

All we now need to do is to get inspired!

Do you have any tips to add?