Happy, happy 2016!
Last week, I hope you had a bit of (un peu de) free time to catch up on (rattraper) the best SBFG TV episodes of last year (or at least just relaxed and enjoyed the festive holiday time).
I’ve personally also been recharging my batteries at home in the USA: jogging along the beach, spending time with my family, seeing the new Star Wars film, and visiting Houston, Texas for the first time (a great city that I highly recommend visiting)! It’s been a great break (une super pause).
Of course I love my work and I love bringing you new episodes each week, but we both know that a little down time (du temps de repos) makes us happier, healthier, and more productive.
But even during down time, I love sharing things with you and helping you learn about American culture. If you want personal insights and some travel photos from the USA, follow my Facebook page or Instagram account. I’m sharing almost-daily “reports,” direct from the field!
In this week’s New Year’s episode, you’ll also find out (découvrir) the “rules” for wishing Happy New Year to your American colleagues. It’s VERY different from what you do in France.
The new year is the perfect time to set your goals (définir vos objectifs) and decide that 2016 will be the year you take action to boost your English and boost your career.
If you’re like me, you’re excited about the new projects, the things that you’re going to accomplish, and the plan you’re going to put in place (mettre en place) to make your goals happen (pour accomplir vos objectifs) this year. I am pumped (Je suis surexcitée) because I’ve got some big projects to share with you this year.
You’ll discover the first big project in today’s video, so be sure to watch it for the big announcement.
Plus, you’ll find out how you can get on my VIP list for some free full English lessons with me.
(HINT: You’ll need to click on this link after you watch the video!)
It’s a great way to start the new year right by doing something right now to help you meet your goals in English.
Speaking of the new year, this article from CNN.com will help you learn more about the practice of wishing “Happy New Year” to your American colleagues.
You’ll see, it’s VERY different from the attitude in France!
And after you’ve watched the video, tell us in the comments below:
What are your goals for 2016?
Not resolutions, but goals (because we’ve all set New Year’s resolutions and broken them 23 days later…).
One of my first goals for 2016 is to concretely continue to improve my skills as your trainer. I’ve already signed up (Je me suis déjà inscrite) for 2 international conferences to help me reach that goal! (YAY!)
Sure, it’ll cost time and money, but it’s a valuable investment that will make me better.
What are you going to do to become better in 2016?
Wishing you success and joy in 2016,
Christina
Small talk:
Depending to the people education you are talking to, it would be very nice to iniatiate a conversation about:
General: weather, vacation, sports, music, movies, common deseases and physical symptoms for instance (It’s the every day life)
Professional: Economy like stock exchange situation in different countries, marketing innovation, people who built up success stories on a concept, due to a situation……
Personal: to be able to speak about yourself and how to better understand the life of the people you are talking to.
The general attitude and differences between the US and France like shake hands in the morning, say hello, or and typical attitude from americans you do not know and telling you “How are you doing Today” in a shop for example, and you do not know what you should answer (as you do not know them at all)
and more………..( To be followed soon)
Hi Dussurget,
Thanks so much for the input. Yes, topics like weather, sports, movies, and as you say, illnesses and symptoms could be very useful (especially in winter, when everyone is sneezing, coughing, and blowing their nose!)
Good points about the other topics too, which are all very good. I especially like the one on attitude and differences between the US and France, how to respond in “banal” everyday exchanges, like you said when a salesperson greets you in a shop (and then may also start talking to you later! I was just in the US and it happened ALL the time!) My French husband found it quite odd/uncomfortable/annoying/difficult some times.
Thanks for your ideas and I’ll add them to my “menu” of topics!
Also, if you want the three free small talk lessons in February, be sure to sign up at http://christinarebuffet.com/successful-small-talk-optin/ (if you haven’t done it already 😉