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Interplay
Last Friday, I caught the tail end of Mary’s interview with the Gendarmerie concerning her accident. She could display her sometimes highly irritating attention to detail, and the interpreter certainly had her work cut out. Which she did with gusto. But there are times when every word counts, almost every letter. Precision in language, and kudos to those who master the finer nuances of it.
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My world has become a surreal place at the moment as my focus shifts.
Bad taste, bad manners, downright stupidity, lack of communication, inspiration, and banter. I had the full range of human attitudes this week. It is as uplifting as it is dispiriting. People, attitudes, and language. The three are inseparable.
So, it was fitting when Niki posted her response to Ismar’s 2523 question. So good is it, I would like to repeat it here: The more people realize their dreams, they become more selfish and self-seeking than before, and this competition with others calls into question the human dimension. To always be number one, you have to hide some issues from others, and this causes more negative contacts and competition. To prove this, it is enough to look around us after the end of the pandemic.
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But this week’s surrealism doesn’t stop there. Mandar, Igor and I are working on a new podcast series called ‘Life Unboxed’. I have to admit, the motivation is personal, as life-impacting events change perception and I wanted to know if professionals in Sales and Marketing think the same. The casual listener might wonder why these two people need English training. Take a cue from Mary, the answer lies in the detail. Details require listening. Add humans, attitudes, and language to listening, or the lack of…quite a cocktail, no?
But a change in perception was also remarkable. Igor paints a negative picture about what it is like to move to the United States whereas Mandar paints a positive picture of Uganda. From where most of us stand, the opposite is true. USA 12 Points, Uganda…well ok. But it’s also where one comes from and what one expects.
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Expectations! Manfred started telling aspects of his holiday and the first part is pretty normal. He drove from Germany to the south of France, stopped over here with us and then in Lyon. What does one do with such a normal text? Cléa expanded the horizon to infinity. Being French, having a little inkling of the bloody history between the two countries, she asks a simple but highly complex question. What does Manfred, who is German, think of France and the French?
And she picked up on another tiny detail, as Igor told us about “Fake Buildings” in Los Angeles hiding oil rigs. Why use a negative term for a positive thing? Curious indeed.
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Do we procrastinate? Oh yes, we do. Except for Manfred, but he confesses that tells lies. Unperturbed, Mandar offers a solution to the problem. Practical advice, given concisely for all to….well, you decide.
Sarah threw Mandar quite a huge challenge. Cléa encouraged him not to procrastinate, and Mandar delivered the goods: Indian culture and diversity for non-Indians 101.
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It’s been quite a week, observing how people communicate, or not, and what happens when it goes horribly wrong or delightfully right.
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I am looking forward to seeing you next week.
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On our list of topics at the moment.
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Ismar's 2523 Question
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HOW CAN THE WORLD BE IN THE YEAR OF 2523?
The journalist João Pereira Coutinho of Folha de São Paulo (Brazil’s largest newspaper) asked readers: “How do you imagine the world in the year 2523?”
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Igor explores Los Angeles
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There are a lot of fake things in the world…
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Fake news, fake products, fake deals, fake people…
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But have you hard of fake BUILDINGS?
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Sarah asks Mandar a question.
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Hello Mandar,
Can you explain to us and introduce: ”the culture, food, and diversity of India?”
It's a difficult question, but I think you can handle it!
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Mandar offers practical advice
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Hello Everyone,
What do you do when you procrastinate?
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2-minute rule – When I catch myself procrastinating.......
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Manfred's Travels
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We left home 16:00 and drove through Germany and arrived at Mary and Frank’s house in France at 21:00.
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Latest Podcasts
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Igor in Los Angeles and Mandar in Kampala are both Marketers. In the first episode of Life Unboxed, both introduce themselves to the other and any points which attract attention are developed further. What caught their attention and interest? The answers are quite revealing.
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New "Sip'n'Study" in the
Brida Learning Lounge
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Are you eager to improve your English while making a meaningful impact? Welcome to Brida Get Togethers, where the motto is 'Talk Global, Inspire Local.' As a member of the Brida Community, you're invited to join us at the Brida Café, a unique space where you can engage in conversations with like-minded individuals from around the globe. Here, you won't just practice English; you'll absorb diverse perspectives that empower you to inspire developments at home. Browse the upcoming meetings and choose one that resonates with you. Come talk, come inspire—both globally and locally.
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Tuesday Get-together.
18h UTC / 19h CET (Duration 60 minutes)
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Hosted by me in France, meet Ismar from Brazil, Igor in Los Angeles, Sebastian in Germany, and other people from other places. The level of English is upper-intermediate.
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Mondays
14.00h UTC / 16.00h CEST
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Brazil and Europe are connected. What do we have in common? Let's find out.
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The level of English is upper-intermediate.
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Wednesdays
17.00h UTC / 19.00h CEST
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"Life Unboxed" is a vibrant podcast that dives into the uncharted territories of international work, life, and open-mindedness. Join Igor, originally from Brazil but now thriving in Los Angeles, and Mandar, who hails from Mumbai but currently calls Kampala home, as they explore life across borders.
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Become a member of the community.
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Would you like to practise and improve your English? You can do so by joining the Brida Community. I offer a 30-day free trial and then if you like it, become a member.
With your membership, you can:
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1. Have regular meetings with me and other community members to practise and improve your English. Meeting times are flexible to suit your routines.
2. Participate in and contribute to the community conversation.
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3. Read our conversations when you want.
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4. Collaborate in global projects.
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5. Read and contribute to the Brida Journal.
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Contact me for more information or :
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