So if you and your brother were bored and had nothing to do because it was raining outside, you might say to him, "I've been in the doldrums ever since the rain started."



English Vibes

Have You Ever Been 'In the Doldrums'?

Cafes are a popular meeting place — whether you're meeting a friend, meeting someone for the first time or even having an informal business meeting.

But Shojo Cafe is not the place to go if you're planning to talk to people. The new cafe in Osaka doesn't allow any sound — that means no music or talking, and orders must be made silently.

The cafe opened in April, as a space where people can go to enjoy some peace and quiet in a busy city.

It's run by AB Possible, an organization that supports people with disabilities. Many of the cafe employees are deaf or have hearing difficulties, and a space like this allows them to play an active role in society, the organization said.

Customers are asked to make their orders silently, such as by writing or pointing at the menu.

Sign language is also encouraged — and if you're interested in learning, there are informal sign language classes after the cafe closes. Classes are one hour long and cost 2,000 yen — or about $13 — which also includes a cup of matcha.

The organization said that, unlike a normal cafe where people talk to each other, the silence in Shojo Cafe will help customers focus on other things — like the color and taste of the cafe's tea and sweets. Customers can even try making the matcha themselves.

Cafe owner Haruna Matsumoto told The Asahi Shimbun the idea for the cafe came after she visited a silent cafe in Vietnam, and all she could hear was the sound of rain and people walking.

"I got to know the comfort of silence and the lively way the cafe staff worked," Matsumoto said, adding that she wanted more people to learn about both things.

Practice Listening, Reading & Comprehension

No Talking Allowed at Osaka's Silent Cafe

Zhōnɡɡuó cài hǎo chī mɑ?   
A：中国        菜   好   吃 吗？
    Zhōnɡɡuó cài hěn hǎo chī. 
B：中国        菜    很   好  吃。
    Nǐ huì zuò Zhōnɡɡuó cài mɑ?
A：你  会   做    中国      菜   吗？
    Wǒ bú huì zuò.
B：我  不  会   做。


日常对话 daily conversation

在厨房

So, tell us about yourself..
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
In this podcast, I'll go through the common questions that you might encounter in a job interview.

Business English with Ali

Job Interview

こんにちは、あかりです。ヨーロッパの本物(ほんもの)のコンビニについて話します。
Usage of Slow Japanese:
STEP 1. Listen to the episode without seeing the scripts.
STEP 2. Go to ⁠⁠mochifika.com/podcast/⁠⁠ and check "Key vocabularies of this episode", and listen again to the episode while seeing the list.
STEP 3. Check the whole script, it'll fill the gap in your understanding.
👉 Support the Mochifika project, and see full scripts + access to the additional materials!⁠⁠⁠
⁠https://www.patreon.com/mochifika⁠⁠
Buy me a coffee:⁠⁠⁠
⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mochifika⁠⁠

Slow Japanese

Episode #65 - Real European Konbini!

Toasmasters To Improve Communication Skills For Business, Work & Life.

We all have goals to work on, are these your goals?

Build confidence for public speaking

Become a more effective speaker

Improve my presentation skills

Improve my leadership skills

Meet my professional goals

language Increase my fluency in a language

Network with others or build social connections

If some of these goals are relevant to you, read on!

Have you ever heard of an organization that helps people to improve their public speaking skills such as Tostmasters International?

What is Toastmasters?

For nearly 100 years, Toastmasters International has helped millions of people become more confident communicators, public speakers, and leaders.

What's in it for you?

Toastmasters will give you the skills and confidence you need to effectively express yourself in any situation. Whether you are a tenured manager, student, young professional, someone looking to advance their career, or someone hoping to make an impact in your community, Toastmasters is the most efficient, supportive, enjoyable, and affordable way of gaining great communication skills

By learning to effectively formulate and express your ideas, you open an entirely new world of possibilities. You’ll improve your interpersonal communication and be more persuasive and confident when giving speeches.

Does it sound exciting and something that can help you with your live's dreams? Check out toastmasters international and I am sure you'll find something that will resonate with you.

I offer private one to one coaching meetings for my students where together we break down your barriers with English and help you to achieve your goals whether its a Job Interview Preparation or Improving your communication skills overall.

Check out my limited availability and join me today.

To Your Success,
Anatoly




The Habits of Highly Effective English Communicators

Toasmasters To Improve Communication Skills.

小兔子的生日

小兔子今天过生日，妈妈为它准备了一场生日派对。小兔子的朋友们都来了，有小熊、小猫和小狗。大家带来了很多礼物，小兔子很开心。妈妈还做了一个大蛋糕，大家一起唱生日歌，吃蛋糕，玩游戏，度过了一个快乐的生日。
问题和选项：

    小兔子今天在做什么？
        A. 过生日
        B. 去学校
        C. 买东西
        D. 看电影

    小兔子的朋友们都来了，有哪些朋友？
        A. 小熊、小猫和小狗
        B. 小猪、小羊和小马
        C. 小鸟、小鱼和小虫
        D. 小鹿、小象和小猴

    妈妈为小兔子做了什么？
        A. 一个大蛋糕
        B. 一顿晚餐
        C. 一件新衣服
        D. 一幅画


开口说汉语    "Chinese Chit-Chat"

小兔子的生日

Un lupo vede un agnello che sta bevendo in un ruscello e decide che è giunto il momento del pranzo...