I'm working on a book about living abroad and cultural differences.
The first story "Time" is being revised.
Another Weekend of Hunting is chapter 4 from my book.
Marta comes near the end of book one.

Expect the Unexpected

These podcasts are for anyone who is preparing for the IELTS.
There will be a variety of lengths of podcasts featuring advice for some aspect of the Speaking test. 

Accelerate Your IELTS Speaking with Ralph

In these podcasts, I will provide some guidance to English vowel pronunciation and sentence speaking patterns.  These are for B1 to C1 students who want to be better understood or take the IELTS.

Accelerate your English Pronunciation with Ralph

こんにちは、あかりです。今日(きょう)のトピックはダイエットです。

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 #73 - Diet

“For years now, I've dreamed about taking an adventure in Vietnam, and I feel like I’m finally ready to take the plunge! I would be super excited to explore the lush jungles, cruise the bustling cities, and experience the unique culture of this vibrant country.

I’d definitely want to go on this adventure with my best buddy John, as he’s also really into travel and adventure, as well as always up for anything.

I would really like to get out and experience all that Vietnam has to offer. I would love to be able to climb the incredibly beautiful limestone cliffs of Halong Bay, which I’ve seen on a few different documentaries, and is on the top of my bucket list. 

Another adventurous thing I’d really want to try would be scuba diving in the gorgeous coral reefs, as well as relaxing on some of the stunning beaches. I'm sure I would also be able to enjoy some amazing local food, and maybe even take a few cooking classes. As well as that, I’d also love to learn more about the fascinating history of the country.

I guess I would be a little nervous about the whole trip, but I’d also be very eager to get out there and explore. I'm sure there would be some bumps along the way, but hey, that would be all part of the adventure. I'm always ready to step out of my comfort zone and embrace the unknown.

I'm so looking forward to having an epic adventure in Vietnam one of these days, and I'm sure it would be an incredible experience and I’d have so many wonderful stories to share with everyone back home. I'm sure it won't be long before I'm actually packing my bags and hitting the road!


Thank you.”

IELTS 85 Speaking

IELTS speaking part 2 - an adventure you would like to go on

Office politics refers to the intricate interplay of interpersonal relationships, power dynamics, and organizational culture. While often viewed negatively, understanding and navigating these dynamics can be crucial for career advancement.

Key Strategies:

Build strong relationships: Cultivate genuine connections across departments.

Focus on performance: Deliver exceptional results consistently.

Communicate effectively: Maintain clear and open communication.

Maintain neutrality: Avoid taking sides in conflicts.

Develop a thick skin: Let go of negativity and maintain a positive attitude.

Understand organizational culture: Familiarize yourself with unwritten rules and power structures.

Be mindful of your actions: Avoid engaging in negative behaviors.

Seek mentorship: A mentor can provide guidance and support.

Prioritize well-being: Take care of your mental and emotional health.

Conclusion

Office politics is an inevitable part of the workplace. By understanding its dynamics, building strong relationships, and maintaining a positive attitude, you can navigate these challenges effectively and create a more positive work environment. Remember, while office politics can be a complex issue, your focus should always be on your professional development and achieving your career goals.

The Global Professional Podcast

Office Politics: Navigating the Corporate Landscape - Episode 118

Negotiating a Remote Work Arrangement with Your Current Employer

The rise of remote work technologies and the increased desire for work-life balance have made negotiating a remote work arrangement a viable option for many employees.  This guide provides a strategic framework to help you successfully negotiate a remote position with your current employer.


Chapters- 

Before You Begin

Self-Assessment

Research

Building Your Case

Benefits of Remote Work

Focus on Outcomes

Addressing Concerns

Crafting Your Proposal

Formal Request

Trial Period

Equipment and Technology

The Negotiation Process

Schedule a Meeting

Professionalism and Confidence

Flexibility

Follow Up

Additional Considerations

Company Culture

Performance Reviews:

Alternative Options

Conclusion

Negotiating a remote work arrangement requires careful preparation, a strong case supported by data, and a professional approach.  By following these steps and considering the additional factors outlined, you can increase your chances of successfully securing a remote position and enjoying the benefits of a more flexible work environment.

How to Negotiate a Remote Work Position at Your Current Role - Episode 80

Vietnamese Listening Time

Hôm nay bạn ăn gì?

In todays episode I would like to discuss the importance of reading, and the reasons you should follow to start your English learning ability.

Let's have a chat (Discussions In English) 

Episode 2 : Why is reading important for students? 

森田六郎著「日本人の心がわかる日本語」（アスク出版）から、コラム「考えておきます」ー日本人の本心は？を紹介します。

花見にさそわれた日本人が、「考えておきます」と返事をした場合、この日本人は花見に行くと思いますか？　

この本では、７０－８０＆は行かないだろうと考えると書いています。
それは、どうしてだと思いますか。

日本人は、すぐにことわると　相手に悪いと思うから・・・
そして　しばらくしてから「やっぱり、行けません」と言います。






やさしい日本語（にほんご）

「考えておきます」その心は？

こんばんは！Atsushiです。
今日は大阪から岡山に移動しています。

今日は岡山でボランティアがあります。
私は岡山で4年間、ボランティアをしています。

定時制の高校で、高校生と地域の社会人、働いている人ですね、が一緒に会話をする、というボランティアをしています。

定時制の高校は、夜に授業がある学校です。
昼は働いたりしている学生が夜に勉強をする学校です。
いろんな理由があって、みんなが行く学校ではなく、定時制を選んでいる学生たちがいます。

私たちは、親でもない、学校の先生でもない大人として、彼らと話をします。

私たちは、何かを教えるのではなく、話を聞いて、彼らに寄り添うようにします。

私たちは、自分の過去の話をし、つらかったことや、大変だったこと、うまくいかなかったことを話します。大人のわたしたちが心を開くことで、学生が少しずつ、心を開いていきます。

全部で4回のこの時間は、毎年9.10.11月にしています。
4回という少ない回数ですが、学生にとっても、大人にとっても、記憶に残る、とても忘れられない経験になります。

この時間を通して、高校生のみんなは少しずつ、人と関わることについて、前向きになっていきます。


個人的には、学生との関わりも楽しいですが、普段の生活では、会わない大人、社会人の人たちと会う、ということもとても好きです。

日本では、こういった活動はまだまだ多くありません。
こういった活動を、もっといろんな地域に広げていきたいと思います。

みなさんの国では、どんなボランティアがありますか？
ぜひ、レッスンで私と話をしましょう！

ということで、今回も最後まで聞いていただき、ありがとうございます！ではまた！