24 March
Experiences
Can mistakes help people become more successful?
What’s the best way to gain experience in life?
Do you agree that we learn best from our mistakes? Why or why not?
Can we gain life experience from books and movies?
Which is more important, experience or potential?
What was a life-changing experience for you?
How can travel help people gain new experiences?
Have you ever had an experience that changed your perspective on life?
Is it better to learn from others’ experiences or your own? Why?
What kind of experiences do you think young people need the most?
How do cultural experiences shape a person’s worldview?
Do bad experiences make people stronger? Why or why not?
What’s one experience you regret and why?
How do work experiences shape a person’s future?
What’s something you want to experience at least once in your life?
5 Words That Make You Appear Less Confident, According to Research
Daniel M. Oppenheimer, a professor of psychology at Princeton University, conducted a study revealing five words that can make you seem less intelligent or confident in conversations. These words, although common, have negative psychological effects and can diminish your authority. Here are the five words to avoid:
Just: Often used as a filler, the word “just” can make you sound less confident. It conveys the idea of “merely,” which can minimise your message. For example, “I was just wondering” can be interpreted as “I was merely wondering,” weakening your point.
But: “But” has the power to negate or diminish what was said before it, often undermining the speaker or their point. It can unintentionally downplay the importance of the previous statement and may create conflict in conversations.
Should: The word “should” often involves self-criticism, implying that you’re not fully accepting your current state. Clinical psychologist Sophie Mort explains that using “should” creates an internal cycle of stress and self-rejection, making you feel inadequate.
Always: Using “always” is often an exaggeration and can make your statement seem less credible. It’s rare for anything to be true all the time, so when you use “always,” your message might sound exaggerated and less truthful.
Can’t: Saying “can’t” creates negative emotions and reduces your sense of control. Research shows that this word not only lowers your confidence but can also make you feel defeated and helpless.
By eliminating these words from your vocabulary, you can communicate with more confidence and clarity, making a more positive impression on others.
READ/SPEAK
Why do you think the words stated in the passage are a sign of being less intellectual? Which English or Turkish words do you avoid using to seem less intelligent, and why do you avoid them?
Do you believe that eliminating words like “just” and “but” can improve your communication? Why or why not?
What impact do you think removing these words from your vocabulary would have on your relationships?
Sleep very well, without being woken by any noises:
“I slept like a log – I didn’t even hear the thunderstorm.”
LEARN THE IDIOM AND SPEAK
What are the reasons people have been getting exhausted recently? Do you think that in recent years life has got harder for people, and what are the reasons for this?