Why Learning American English Online Is a Great Option

Why Learning American English Online Is a Great OptionIf you want to know more about learning American English online, here are some of the top reasons why so many people are taking advantage of this alternative education method. Having a formal education is helpful, but often times it isn't practical for everyone. A person who works from home, however, doesn't have the same need for education and may be able to develop their English skills on their own. The process of developing these skills can be accomplished in a very short period of time, while maintaining the ability to interact with native English speakers.With learning online, you can learn conversational English in a way that's comfortable and allows you to practice the new skills at your own pace. You don't have to worry about other distractions when you're trying to read and speak English fluently. Because you don't have an instructor to pass along information, you'll have the chance to become more familiar with the Englis h language faster. No matter if you're going to be speaking to a customer or giving a presentation, it will always be easier for you to speak and write in the language of the people you're trying to communicate with.When you're talking about learning English online, there are plenty of options available. There are classes you can take that are specifically designed to give you the ability to learn how to read and speak English. The information provided will be presented in a way that's suited to your learning style, so you can move forward at your own pace.Today, there are online universities that are offering courses in American English as a way to get ahead in life. Courses are created to address all aspects of the language and are designed to give you the knowledge you need to be successful. Many courses will also have an e-book format where you can purchase the material, learn at your own pace, and then apply what you've learned throughout your life.Online courses are helpful fo r those who have never taken a course in American English. Since these courses are designed for people who are completely fluent in the language, there are no worries about being intimidated by a very difficult course. By using materials designed for people who are fluent in the language, you can quickly progress to the next level of your English studies.English is the most widely spoken language in the world. Because of this, Americans spend a great deal of time around the globe to learn the language. For many, the time they take to learn the language can be time well spent, since it makes it easier to be successful in a foreign country.You should look into any course that can give you the knowledge you need to speak and write in English. In order to be successful in the world, you'll need to be able to speak and write in the language. There are courses available to help you learn the language and these can be extremely beneficial to anyone.Whether you're a student looking to earn your degree or you're trying to reach out to a new culture, American English is a great way to go. When you take online courses, you'll find that you can learn the language in a matter of hours, so you can use it on the fly. Whether you need to take a certification exam or you just need to learn conversational English, you'll find that you can achieve this goal through learning online.

How Much Does an English Tutor Cost and What is the Difference Between a Teacher and a Tutor?

How Much Does an English Tutor Cost and What is the Difference Between a Teacher and a Tutor?Anyone planning to take a trip to Hong Kong must make an enquiry of how much would they pay for an English tutor, or simply an English teacher. But what is the difference between an English tutor and an English teacher? Well, the main difference is that an English teacher is employed by a school to teach the students English. An English tutor however is not employed by any school and as such, there is no employer to pay and hence no salary to be paid to the tutors.You would also be required to pay a fee to the English tutor because you will have to send the student for a series of classes during the duration of your stay in Hong Kong. After the payment is made, he will be able to do some teaching on his own in your absence and afterwards return back to you.As an English tutor, you are also required to learn different methods to communicate in English. This might be something which is expensiv e for you but for the learner, this method of learning would be an excellent option.After a person has studied in English, he or she can easily get used to speaking in English as they could use their own native language to speak with the other people around them. These people may not speak English as the student converses with them. There are numerous companies which hire English teachers to teach English as their primary language as they claim that the more they teach, the better they are at it and that it also helps them to improve their reading, writing and conversational skills.The costs of English lessons vary depending on the type of company you hire, the range of age group of the learners, the distance to be travelled and also the duration of the lessons. And there are many others that will charge different prices. It is advisable to study the reviews of the company or agencies before hiring an agency.English courses in Hong Kong also come with time and money exchange program s. These programs are useful in learning more about the different aspects of the English language and helping to improve your language skills.English teachers and tutors are therefore useful for anyone who wants to improve their English skills. There are many agencies that can offer great services and at a fraction of the price than those schools, which make them sound more convenient than what they really are.

20 Different Types of Guitars The Legends Who Played Them [Infographic]

20 Different Types of Guitars The Legends Who Played Them [Infographic] Jessica Dais While certain types of guitars are standard in modern culture, the instrument has a wide variety of expressions that is nearly impossible to tame. From the ancient Greek kithara to the guitar-like lute from pre-modern Spain, the many different types of guitars vary just as much as the people who play them. Some types of acoustic and electric guitars are more common than others. Steel string dreadnought acoustics and Stratocaster-style electrics are likely to be the first thing that pops into your head when you think of the guitar. But some guitarists find they can’t do what they want with just 6 strings.   In this article, we’ll start with the most common types of guitars, and then move toward the most exotic. We’ll also share the moments that made these guitars legendary. *Click the “Play” button next to each guitar to hear the legend who played it!* 20 Different Types of Guitars Acoustic Electric #1 Fender Stratocaster Guitar Type: Solid-Body Electric Legend Who Played It: Eric Clapton It’s hard to overstate the influence of the Stratocaster. A tremendous pedigree of electric guitarists have made history on this type of guitar. It’s been reissued in hundreds of different designs and is by far one of the most popular types of electric guitars. The slanted, double-cutout body and three-pickup control setup give the Stratocaster both a visual signature and sonic versatility. This guitar probably had its first major introduction to the public from Buddy Holly, but Clapton was one of its most influential proponents. Check out this clip from the song “The Weight” where Clapton pulls the soulful voice of this guitar into its full bloom. #2 Martin D-45 Guitar Type: Steel String Dreadnought Acoustic Legend Who Played It: Neil Young For most guitar enthusiasts today, this is what “playing the guitar” means: the snap and brightness of a 6-string steel, which has strong projection and durability. Many guitarists favor the versatility and clarity of dreadnoughts, but especially singer-songwriters. The Martin D-45 is one of the most common types of acoustic guitars. Check out Neil Young playing a well-loved song that he added to the Rock n’ Roll tradition, below. #3 Fender Telecaster Guitar Type: Solid-Body Electric Legend Who Played It: Buck Owens The foundational favorite of country and rock guitarists, this model is known for its single cutaway body, 2 single-coil pickup system, and characteristic “twang.” Modern country greats like Brad Paisley have predecessors like Buck Owen to thank for popularizing this guitar. Check out Buck and his band playing “Act Naturally.” #4 1969 José Ramírez 1a “AM” Guitar Type: Classical Nylon Acoustic Dreadnought Legend Who Played It: Andres Segovia Singer-songwriter Jason Mraz and fingerstyle genius Earl Klugh favor classical guitars for their round, sweet tone and stability when playing complex lines. These tend to have higher actions (the distance between the strings and fingerboard) and wider necks than many other acoustics. When played with the correct nail technique, they create an unmistakable tone that has been enjoyed by European audiences since the 1600s. For a taste of the secret sauce, listen to the grandfather of modern classical guitar playing the legendary tremolo piece, “Leyenda.” #5 Gibson ES-175 Guitar Type: Hollow-Body Electric Legend Who Played It: Wes Montgomery The Gibson ES-175 has become the iconic example that represents an entire class of guitars: hollow-body electrics. The rich, mid-range tone of these guitars was made legendary in jazz by players such as Joe Pass and Wes Montgomery. (Although the guitar has subsequently found its way into a myriad of other popular styles). Check out the haunting ballad “Round Midnight” below. #6 The National Style O Guitar Type: Resonator Acoustic Legend Who Played It: Son House Resophonic guitars, made mostly by European companies, were favorites of the 20th century Bluesmen. Every legendary country, blues, and rock musician drew inspiration from players of this style. Son House was one of many legendary examples of Bluesmen who used open-tuned, resonator guitars. With their raw feeling and creative exploration with bottleneck slides, these players set the precedent for the coming generations of popular musicians. Keep in touch with the roots and watch Son House play “Death Letter Blues.” # 7 Fender Precision Bass Guitar Type: 4 String Electric Bass Legend Who Played It: James Jamerson Some discover the bass as a first instrument, and others as a crossover from the guitar. Jamerson actually started on the upright bass as a classical player on his path to becoming the legendary bassist that drove dozens of Motown hits. His unmistakable warm, round tone was a combination of the bass’s design and special modifications like flatwound strings and foam mutes. The hearts of many were won by his melodic bass style and thumpy drive as a rhythm player. Numerous legends even as great as Victor Wooten trace their devotion to bass to Jamerson’s influence. #8 The Höfner Bass Guitar Type: 4 String Electric Bass Legend Who Played It: Paul McCartney The tone of this bass is instantly recognizable to any Beatles fan. The emphasis in the mid range and the plunky attack gave a unique flavor to dozens of Beatles songs, such as “When I’m 64.” Paul also liked the balance it created on stage, given the fact that he played left handed and the bass was a symmetrical body design. See this late performance of “Don’t Let Me Down” to feel the magic for yourself. #9 Maton EM-TE Guitar Type: Electric-Acoustic Dreadnought Legend Who Played It: Tommy Emmanuel Maton guitars are typically outfitted with an internal microphone as well as a piezo saddle pickup. This allows for tremendous variety and clarity in the percussive tones Tommy Emmanuel gets out of his guitar, while leaving his fingerstyle tone beautifully intact. Be prepared to be blown away by his performance of “Mombasa,” and let your imagination stretch what you thought was possible with an acoustic guitar. # 10 The 12 String Guitar Guitar Type: Steel String Dreadnought Acoustic Legend Who Played It: John Denver Known for his melodies and lyrics, John Denver arranged his songs with an extremely wide instrumental palette. At heart, he was just a guy with a guitar singing to people, but the use of a 12 string brought a twist of flavor to his repertoire. Check out the orchestral version of “Annie’s Song” and be inspired. # 11 Gibson Lucille Guitar Type: Semi-Hollow Body Electric Legend Who Played It: B.B. King The Gibson Lucille possesses a slightly more moderate tone than the full hollow-body, while still blending acoustic sweetness and electric drive. This unique guitar has other special modifications too, like the elimination of the f-holes to reduce feedback. B.B. King, also known as the King of Blues, has a legendary affection for this and many of his other guitars. # 12 Gibson EDS-1275 Guitar Type: Double-Neck Electric Legend Who Played It: Jimmy Page Though innovators like Michael Angelo Batio and Justin King have branched out into their own uses of double neck guitars, Jimmy Page’s live performances of “Stairway to Heaven” made the heroism of the double neck guitar a fundamental part of rock history. The legend is available for all to experience in the performance below. # 13 The TRB JP2 Guitar Type: 6 String Electric Bass Legend Who Played It: John Patitucci For those who just can’t get enough notes, the 6 string bass is a platform of the imagination. Heavily used in both metal and jazz, one of the first recognized 6 string bass virtuosos was John Patitucci. Patitucci played for Chick Corea on many of his influential albums. The additional scale length on the high C string gives melodies a quality that is hard to find on any other instrument, and the low B canwell, shake the floor. Experience Patitucci’s fusion style with his electric quartet playing “Ides of March.” # 14 The Twang Machine Guitar Type: Cigarbox Electric Legend Who Played It: Bo Diddley The Twang Machine is just one of the many examples of unconventional body types. Having both the look and sound of a tin can, this unique guitar was one of the many showman tactics that made Bo so popular. Check out this performance at the presidential inauguration concert of 1989, when he’s still in great form! # 15 The Purple Rain Guitar Guitar Type: Special Body Electric, Telecaster Style Legend Who Played It: Prince The late legend played a sizable collection of uniquely styled guitars. Taking the visual appeal of the guitar to another level, Prince had several special body designs made especially for him. Having spent a lot of his career experimenting with symbols that expressed his values, Prince’s singular body designs pointed not only to his artistic flair but also to his personal beliefs. Watch him play his famous Cloud guitar in the video of Purple Rain below. # 16 Martin LX1E Guitar Type: Miniature Acoustic Legend Who Played It: Ed Sheeran In popular music, it’s the little things that count. Tons of artists are competing for the narrow band of sounds available in the pop genre, so finding a secret weapon that helps you stand out from the crowd can go a long way. Ed Sheeran has the gift of bringing a unique flavor to his radio work as well as his live shows. His signature mini-Martin is a key tool, and its one of the more unique types of acoustic guitars. It draws audiences in with an effect that can only be described one way: if you want to be heard in a loud room, whisper. The piezo pickup is also great for looping percussion. Check out Ed’s live version of “Tenerife Sea” for a taste of how it all works. # 17 The ESP MX220 Guitar Type: Active Electric Legend Who Played It: James Hetfield In an era where Metal was just beginning to distinguish itself from Hard Rock, Metallica guitarists were leaning toward using active pickups to define their sound. Active pickups have a brighter sound and compress the signal to give the tone more sustain. This sound gave 80s thrash metal bands greater control of dynamics through effects processing, and greater ease with speed techniques like shred picking. The look of this guitar also became a signature for Hetfield, as you can see in this live rendition of “Enter Sandman.” # 18 Epiphone Zenith Guitar Type: Tenor Guitar Legend Who Played It: Ani DiFranco Even at her commercial peak with “Little Plastic Castle,” Ani DiFranco was never an A-List celebrity. Anyone seasoned in the culture of singer-songwriters would tell you that her individuality as an artist surpasses that of most folk legends in the 60s, and her guitar technique is a marvel of spontaneity. She would also most certainly win the Guinness Record for most guitar switches per show, and her Epiphone Zenith would be one of the more interesting guitars in the line-up. Rather than trying describe it, watch DiFranco playing her fan favorite “Little Plastic Castle.” #19 Ibanez TAM 100 Guitar Type: Active 8 String Electric Legend Who Played It: Tosin Abasi Certain players have been able to define the creative direction of a genre purely on the basis of their ability and artistic vision. Tosin Abasi is one such artist who brought the use of 7+ string guitars into greater favor among progressive metal players. For guitarists who just can’t get enough notes, this guitar itself can be the inspiration for the music. #20 The Hamer 5-Neck Guitar Type: Multi-Neck Electric Legend Who Played It: Rick Nielsen Cheap Trick’s lead guitarist developed a guitar with 5 necks modeled after different sounds he liked: a 12 string, a Les Paul Junior, a Fender Stratocaster, a whammy bar neck, and a fretless electric. The Hamer 5-Neck is certainly one of the most outlandish types of electric guitars. Though admittedly unwieldy to play, many electric guitarists will identify with the hunger to have access to more sounds. Watch Ricky capture the vibe in this classic performance of “Surrender.” Each of these guitars is famous because a great player created a moment with an audience that carried that memory with them long after. If you’re a guitarist, remember to take every opportunity to explore the different types of guitars on your journey. Taking a look at the many types of acoustic and electric guitars out there will help you expand your creative horizons, find an instrument that captures your unique sound, and deepen your experience as a guitarist. Feeling inspired to take guitar lessons? Check out the guitar classes  at TakeLessons Live for free today! Post Author: Jonathan B. Jonathan B. teaches acoustic guitar, bass, and more in State College, PA. Jonathan is a Temple University, Music Theory graduate and YouTube celebrity with thousands of subscribers.  Learn more about Jonathan here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher

A Guide to Personal Trainer Qualifications

A Guide to Personal Trainer Qualifications What Certificates Qualifications Do I Need to be a Personal Trainer? ChaptersPersonal Trainer Certification UKFirst Aid CertificationPerformance Enhancement for Professional AthletesFitness and Nutrition QualificationsFitness Certification and Wellness Certification ProgramsSpecializationMarketing and Business QualificationsLike many other professions, that of a personal trainer is tainted with many prejudices that it is up to us to deconstruct.Sometimes, the image of a home fitness professional in the collective unconscious is that of a bodybuilder living only through and for sports, a hulking mass of muscles.It’s easy to imagine the ripped male training lonely rich women in the better parts of town.To stereotype even further, imagine the man with everything in his muscles and nothing in his head - a case of resource management, perhaps.Obviously, this is a reduced vision of the personal training business, because of course being in excellent physical condition is not enough to become a personal trainer. Nor would a brainless fitness instructor adv ance far.This profession is regulated in the UK, so if you want clients you need qualifications. These are available from a number of private personal training schools or other fitness organisations.Find out more in this beginner's guide to becoming a personal trainer...First Aid CertificationEspecially if you decide to specialise in, say, senior fitness, you might want to get a CPR certification or take a course in emergency first aid. Even if you don’t specifically get AED certification (or how to work an automated external defibrillator), you should know what to do if your students injure themselves.Though clients are less likely to become injured while doing aerobics than working with a kettlebell, they can still strain muscles or, if they are elderly or otherwise at risk, even go into cardiac arrest. Even if you are careful in ascertaining their state of health before they start their fitness sessions, there can be a pre-existing condition even your client didn’t know about .Wouldn’t you feel better if you were prepared and knew how to deal with sprains and injuries and practise CPR while waiting for the ambulance?Learn how to use your first aid kit and get a CPR qualification in case of client injury (kiwi not included).On that note, don’t forget to get personal trainer insurance in case something happens.Performance Enhancement for Professional AthletesGiving Pilates courses to City executives is not the same as preparing a professional athlete for their next competition. The program design will include not only physical exercises in their chosen sport but additional exercises to improve their flexibility, endurance, speed, strength and confidence to maximize their training sessions and keep them in peak physical condition without risk of injury.A performance enhancement coach is not there to teach them tactics (for group sports) or put together a sequence (for artistic sports such as dressage, gymnastics or ice skating), rather their job is asse ssing the physical part of their performance and finding ways of improving it.The British Association of Sports and Exercise Medicine have a series of courses designed for those training athletes, from basic anatomy to exercise science.You can attend a lecture on Physical Activity in Adolescence to know how far you can push an aspiring swimmer or brush up on fitness nutrition to get a bodybuilder up to weight.Other UK trainer certification schools such as Premier Global also offer classes in continuing education that will teach you exercise programs for various types of athletes, such as the best workouts for biathlon hopefuls, or sports conditioning for sprinters.starting to get fit will often be stiff and insecure. You can help with that by earning a secondary training certificate.Learn sports massage techniques to help others relax and to help with the prevention of muscle soreness.Add yoga poses to your fitness plan to centre your clients at the beginning and relax them at the e nd of a personal training program.Take a personal training course in stretching, an intensive new type of program that really elongates and relaxes your tired muscles.Consider passing a certification in aromatherapy to learn how to use odours to enhance the training experience.Get certified in various stress therapies and stress management courses.Health and fitness: beyond keeping your weight downGetting fit is not always a question of losing weight. It can mean getting your body back into shape after a long illness or trying to manage chronic pain or bone or muscle disorders through exercise. It can mean a lot to people in those situations to find a personal trainer who can adapt to their needs.To this end, you might consider choosing, in addition to your personal training certification, continuing education courses for a degree in exercise physiology or kinesiology, or other certifications in biomechanics. The better you know the human body, the better you can attune your coachin g to your clients to help them set up an exercise program that will help them compensate for their bodies’ defects.To that effect, you might consider a personal trainer course focusing on corrective exercise. By becoming a corrective exercise specialist, you can help people supplement their physiotherapy at home and improve their health.Doctor and personal trainer: both heroes helping a body recover. Consider a corrective exercise qualification or study kinesiology. Photo credit: FredericRivollier on Visualhunt.comA sports medicine degree might be another idea for learning about corrective sports and how to make sure your client consultation is truly adapted to their physiology.Learn what other essential qualities a personal trainer must embody...SpecializationTo make it in the fitness industry, specialising in a certain sport can help you narrow down your target audience and provide fitness programs certain to appeal to someone.So when you are studying for your personal fitness c ertification, consider what sports would appeal to the demographic in your hometown. Or, if you want to offer personal training online, what sports are trending but not yet offered by many trainers nationally.Specialise by demographicDifferent age groups or special populations will need different training techniques. You can take a personal trainer course specialising in:Youth fitnessSenior fitnessExercise and fitness for the mentally handicappedExercise programs for patients suffering from dementiaExercise classes for veteransThe right sports for your clienteleWhile the image of a certified personal trainer is sometimes that of a home Pilates instructor or someone giving instruction in nothing but weight training, you can become a personal fitness instructor for anything but a team sport. Consider becoming a personal fitness trainer qualified for:Cardio workoutsStretchingAquatic sportsResistance trainingCircuit trainingRemember, this isn't a boot camp. A personal trainer is there t o motivate his or her clients in their chosen sport. Photo credit: 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) on Visualhunt.comMarketing and Business QualificationsAnd finally, you might want to gain some expertise in marketing. Enrol in marketing education courses and learn the principle guidelines of how to sell yourself. To find work after your fitness trainer certification, you will need clients. Simply being passionate about what you do is not enough.To successfully run a personal trainer business, you will need to learn marketing strategies to gain new clients. And once you have them, it’s important to know where you should be registering your new business, how much of your salary will go to taxes and how to file your returns and what type of insurance you will need.Find out all about marketing your personal training skills in this complete guide...

What are the High School Math Courses

What are the High School Math Courses As a high school student, you will be expected to take a variety of classes across many subject areas, including math. While this may feel intimidating, these classes are designed to help you excel in math and prepare you for the collegiate level, as well as increase your ability to be successful in related subject areas (like science courses). If youre wondering what high school math classes await you, read on! An overview Most high school students are required to complete three years of math coursework, though four is recommended because certain colleges require it. Other high schools may require completion of math until a certain course is completed. If you know that you dont want to go into a field that requires advanced math and it isnt your best subject, it can be useful to take other classes more related to your field of study after youve completed minimum math coursework. However, if you hope to work in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math), high school is a great time to begin exploring more advanced concepts. Algebra 1 Generally, Algebra 1 is the first math class you are required to take as part of your high school career. Youll study real numbers, exploring solving, writing, and graphing linear equations. Youll also learn polynomials as well as quadratic equations and functions. Many students take this class during their freshman year, though math classes are assigned based on the results of a placement test. Because of this, high school math classes can contain students in different grades. Geometry Many students who dont otherwise enjoy math enjoy taking Geometry. In this class, youll likely learn plane and solid geometrythis includes constructions, measurement formulas, and formal proofs. This class is typically taken following Algebra 1 and can also contain students in different grades due to placement tests. Algebra 2 Unsurprisingly, Algebra 2 builds upon the skills and concepts covered in Algebra 1. This includes a deeper look at solving and graphing equations, as well as inequalities and functions. Many Algebra 2 classes include trigonometry, which is not always taught as its own course (but it can besee below). For many students, this is the last required mathematics course in high school. Trigonometry Usually taken during a students junior year (though it may happen earlier or even later), trigonometry is often worked into existing math courses, but some students may end up taking it as its own course. It involves both algebra and geometry and applying those concepts to circular and periodic functions. Pre-Calculus This class is often offered as an elective for students who wish to take more advanced math classes. It examines series and sequences, probability, limits, derivatives, and statistics. Many seniors take this class in preparation for the study of college mathematics. Calculus It is a fairly select group of high school students who make it to Calculus, but they do exist. This may particularly benefit you if you hope to study a math-related field in college. During Calculus, students can expect to continue the material taught in Pre-Calculus, now emphasizing integration and differentiation. Other electives Elective math classes can vary wildly by school, but may include computer math, math applications, and math literacy. These tend to focus on more real-world applications of math and may be taken by those outside the STEM field. AP Classes For students pursuing STEM work or education, AP classes can help differentiate you from the competition. AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC both demonstrate your skills to potential colleges and are offered at many schools. [RELATED: What You Need to Know About the New AP Calculus Exams] You may also be able to take AP Statistics, which some view as slightly less difficult than AP Calculus. It is also widely used and can be useful as you embark on college math work. For STEM students, AP Calculus may be a better choicefor other fields of study, AP Statistics can be more relevant. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

How Progressive Professionals Can Promote a Forward-Thinking Workplace - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / How Progressive Professionals Can Promote a Forward-Thinking Workplace - Introvert Whisperer How Progressive Professionals Can Promote a Forward-Thinking Workplace You see the bigger picture at work, keep a focus on your organization’s path into the future, and are open to just about any possibility. Along with being an introvert, you are a forward thinker. But what happens when a forward-thinking professional works for a company that doesn’t have the same type of culture? You may get frustrated, exhausted, and even question if getting a new job could solve your workplace problems.     Forward-thinking workplaces have one thing in common: they recognize and even celebrate their employees as a way of showing how they value their staff members. This is usually part of their company culture and can go a long way in keeping staff engaged and happy at work. Many companies have embraced a progressive work environment to flip the script on how staff perceive their job, managers, and coworkers.   If you’re looking for ways to change your company culture, you’ve come to the right place. Here are three strategies you can use to start a positive cultural revolution in your workplace.   Suggest Sustainability Activities like recycling, wildlife protection, and waste reduction are the most common sustainability practices. Creating a sustainable business encompasses these activities but goes a bit further. Sustainability in the workplace requires a broader consciousness about conservation, protection, and environmental stewardship.     Large corporations like Nike and Walmart have embraced sustainability initiatives that improve the environment and save money. Nike tracked the sustainability metrics of their suppliers. This gave them essential data that helped revise their business practices only to choose suppliers that have proven sustainability practices. Wal-Mart looked at metrics like water use, agricultural yields, and gas emissions and found areas for improvement. The changes they implemented reduced foot costs by $3.5 billion.     You’ll probably need to start on a much smaller scale than these examples. The good news for you is that, as an introvert, you’ve probably already observed and worked through a few ways your workplace can go green. If your employer doesn’t participate in simple sustainability practices like recycling, start there. Speak to your manager or human resources to offer ideas of how the company can embrace sustainability practices and save a little money in the process. Here are a few recycling at work ideas you can use to get started:   Recycle cardboard Refurbish old computers Switch to recycled paper Refill or recycle printer cartridges Switch to real mugs in the breakroom Set up recycling stations   Use rechargeable batteries Raise Awareness for Noble Causes Progressive company cultures often focus on social justice issues that are important to the business and their employees. For some companies, this might mean engaging in dialogue about topics both inside and outside of working hours as well as planning events that align with the mission of the issues they support. If you’re trying to begin these conversations, be sure that you know who to speak to and how to strike up the conversation.     Find a cause that aligns with the company culture or events at the workplace. For example, if a coworker was recently diagnosed with cancer, consider creating a team to walk in a local American Cancer Society Event. You might also find local causes such as homelessness or child abuse in your community. If you’re looking for a national organization, consider the Take Back the Night Foundation, which helps to raise awareness about all forms of sexual and domestic violence.     Regardless of the cause you choose, find a few coworkers who share your passion for raising awareness before you approach administration. Create a thoughtful plan that includes possible fundraising activities and a list of who will be in charge of events. Present both positive and negative effects for the company, such as increased morale and potential decreased productivity. Once you get the go-ahead from administration, get creative with ways to embed social awareness in your company culture.   Pitch New Work Schedule Options Many introverts long for the ability to work in the quiet of their own home, at least a few days a week. Some employers have embraced progressive work schedules, which can include anything from a four-day workweek to allowing employees to work from home. Some employers might frown at the notion of not having direct access to staff by just walking past a cubicle. Another concern that the company may have includes unforeseen costs in adopting new technologies to communicate with staff when they’re not on site.     If you and your coworkers are looking for ways to suggest a work change that will be taken seriously, the first step is to just talk about what you want. Bring up ideas like telecommuting, part-time work, or a shorter workweek during a staff meeting to see how everyone reacts.     Make sure you prepare your “elevator pitch,” which is a quick and concise speech about how your proposal can benefit both employees and the company. Bring up benefits such as reducing the risk of burnout at work, increasing staff creativity, and even lowering costs for the company if workspaces could be downsized. Once you’ve opened up the dialogue, give it some time before you bring up the topic again to allow leadership plenty of time and space to think about the idea before making a decision.     You should expect a little resistance from higher-ups at first. Stay positive and use language that shows you’re willing to work through the process with them. You can say statements like, “I can see lots of ways this can benefit the company. “ Make sure to ask questions so that you understand their concerns too. Try starting with “What concerns do you have from a global point of view about these work schedule changes?” Statements and questions like these will help keep the dialogue flowing from all parties involved.   Moving Your Company Culture Forward When you strike up these conversations and initiatives at work, some people may be surprised that you took on such a big problem. However, we know that introverts can be team-building superstars in the workplace and can get everyone working on a shared vision for the future. Use these strategies to get your company moving towards a forward-thinking culture to keep the organization growing and staff happy with their work environment. Image Source: Unsplash By Sam Bowman Sam Bowman  is a freelance writer and introvert who enjoys getting to utilize the internet for the community without actually having to leave his house. In his spare time, he likes running, reading, and combining the two in a run to his local bookstore. Go to top Power-Influence-Office Politics: it comes down to your Strategic Relationships and understanding of how you build each one of these elements. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my video that outlines all of this and meaningful actions you can take today!   Start watching now by clicking here! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

Guest Podcast One Thing In A French Day

Guest Podcast One Thing In A French Day Megan L. You know the best way to learn French is to practice every day, but where should you start? One of our favorite ways to study any language is listening to  podcasts! Not only do you get the benefit of hearing spoken French, podcasts also contain interesting tidbits of vocabulary and culture you might not get in a textbook. And besides that, podcasts are simply  fun. One of our favorite French podcasts is One Thing In A French  Day, a podcast that chronicles one womans life in France and presents quick tidbits of daily life in French. In this guest podcast, Laetitia of One Thing  In A French Day talks about visiting a special Parisian bakery with a diabetic friend. Aujourd’hui, j’ai accompagné une de mes amies dans un endroit où je ne pensais jamais pouvoir aller avec elle : dans une pâtisserie. Mon amie Maryam est diabétique, elle suit une hygiène de vie qui a pour but de lui faire prendre le moins d’insuline possible. Les gâteaux ne sont donc pas au programme. Jeudi 12 novembre 2015 La pâtisserie Eugène Aujourd’hui, j’ai accompagné une de mes amies dans un endroit où je ne pensais jamais pouvoir aller avec elle : dans une pâtisserie. Mon amie Maryam est diabétique, elle suit une hygiène de vie qui a pour but de lui faire prendre le moins  d’insuline possible. Les gâteaux ne sont donc pas au programme. Ce qui est étonnant c’est qu’elle ne subit pas sa maladie, elle la vit, elle l’entraîne avec elle, elle lui fait prendre des chemins inattendus. Par exemple, le sport est devenu très  important, il lui permet de faire mieux contrôler sa glycémie. Et c’est ainsi que par le sport, elle a vécu une belle aventure : le marathon de Paris. Elle s’est entraînée pendant un an et elle l’a couru au printemps dernier. En ce qui concerne les  repas qu’elle se choisit, elle les apprécie avec chaque cellule de son corps, comme elle dit. Lorsque j’ai entendu parler de cette pâtisserie parisienne dont les gâteaux ont été spécialement créés pour les diabétiques, j’ai pensé à elle. A l’origine du projet, il y a un homme diabétique et très gourmand et un pâtissier.     Maryam a été enthousiasmée par l’idée et elle était très curieuse de voir l’effet de ces pâtisseries sur elle. Nous y sommes allées cet après-midi. Après avoir longuement étudié la magnifique vitrine de pâtisseries, Maryam a choisi pour nous  deux gâteaux : un éclair à la vanille de Madagascar et une tartelette choco-café. Nous sommes rentrées chez elle pour notre dégustation.   Nous avons partagé les gâteaux en deux et nous avons commencé par l’éclair à la vanille. La vanille, un arôme qui n’était plus qu’un souvenir pour Maryam. C’était une dégustation pleine d’émotions. Cet éclair m’a beaucoup plu, parce que la  mousse à la vanille était vraiment délicieuse et le sucre, pour une fois, ne s’octroyait pas la première place. La tarte choco-café était également très réussie.   Maryam a contrôlé sa glycémie avant la dégustation, puis après une heure et deux heures. Elle avait grimpé bien sûr, mais rien d’incontrôlable par rapport au plaisir ressenti. Merci, cher Eugène?! REPERES Le site de la pâtisserie Eugène : http://eugene.paris/ PINTEREST : le tableau de One Thing In A French Day http://j.mp/SjSKHR TROIS TOURNURES DE PHRASES UTILES Un endroit â€" J’aime beaucoup cet endroit.       â€" C’est un drôle d’endroit, entre le salon de thé et la librairie.   â€" Que penses-tu de cet endroit??     Etre curieux de quelque chose â€" J’étais curieuse de voir cet endroit par moi-même.       â€" Etienne m’a dit qu’il était curieux de connaître ta réaction.   â€" Je suis curieuse de faire sa connaissance. Il paraît qu’il est très sympathique.   Pour une fois â€" D’habitude j’y vais à pied, mais pour une fois j’ai pris la voiture.   â€" Allez, Papa, dis oui?! Pour une fois s’il te plaît?!       â€" C’est vraiment dommage qu’elle n’ait pas pu venir, pour une fois que nous étions tous réunis.     Nhésitez pas à vous abonner à la NEWSLETTER DU PODCAST Did you learn anything new from this special podcast? Share your thoughts in the comments below and tell us what  French podcast topics youd like to hear next! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher