Be Understood: The E4S Newsletter (March 2023)

Welcome!

I hope this eighth installment will bring you up to date on the accomplishments and opportunities that E4S affords its network and clients. Read on for tips you can use to communicate effectively, upcoming events, and opportunities for support.

Let's work together to to help the planet thrive in the face of climate change.

--Lara

Listen Up: Language, mindset and speaking

Joi Brooks interviewed Lara Wallace on her podcast, Email and Coffee. We talked about language, mindset, and speaking. Listen to the conversation on Spotify by clicking here, or on YouTube by clicking here.

Upcoming Live Series on Breathwork for Public Speaking Confidence

What does breathing have to do with confidence in public speaking?

Find out by joining me for this free, live event series through mid-April. I'll be on LinkedIn (LI) each Thursday (12PM EST), and Facebook (Fb) each Monday (2PM EST).

Listen and share your related stories and questions. Practice some breathing techniques. It'll be fun!

Taking into account the needs participants share during these live events, I’ll design and deliver a Confident English Speaking workshop in mid-April (date TBA) to help you become a more confident speaker for sustainability.

Here are the topics in the series:

Part 1: Breathe for Calm Confidence. Whether you are giving presentations, leading discussions, or interviewing, you will communicate more effectively if you are calm--let's practice. Click here to RSVP for the LinkedIn event (LI March 30, Fb April 3).

Part 2: Breathe for Effective Speaking. You will communicate more effectively if people can hear you and you sound interested in what you’re saying. Let's use breath for support. (LI April 6, Fb Apr. 10)

Part 3: Breathe So They Follow You. Speak at a clear rate and help listeners notice the important points you make so that you communicate effectively. Your breath helps. (LI April 13, Fb Apr 10)

For more information, see 3 Reasons to Practice Breathing for Public Speaking here. And check out the comments!

E4S Sustainability Word Search

Who else appreciates a fun distraction?

Hint: find the words and read them aloud to discover the pattern.

(Answers are at the end of the newsletter.)

Cherry Blossoms

The cherry blossoms opened this week in Athens, Ohio (USA). Their ephemeral beauty reminds us all to enjoy, and just BE.

Each year, my dear musical friends and I play music here to welcome the spring. Sometimes people stop to listen. Others dance and frolic, or sit quietly among the trees that stretch along the river, enjoying the sunshine and breeze.

Here's what you missed:

Each month, a small group of strangers from around the world meet up to share their ideas and perspectives on timely topics related to sustainability. These events are hosted by E4S Conversation Club.

In March's event, we talked about forests. There were people from Brazil, Germany, China, and Indonesia. A university lecturer in forestry told us about the 3 classifications of state forests in Indonesia: conservation (of flora and fauna), protective (of water supplies), and production (of wood). Conversations were wide ranging, and even went into the realm of forests and tropical diseases.

In February, the theme was World Wildlife Day. Here is one inspirational takeaway from the conversations:

"Regardless of where we are from, each of us cares and we find it important to protect wildlife."

Participants from 5 countries joined to practice their English, speak with people from around the world about a sustainability-related issue, and learn new ways of thinking and learn some new vocabulary, like sparrows, freshwater, estuary, grasslands, ecosystem. Another participant commented that:

"We recognize that when biodiversity is threatened, ALL species' existences are threatened."

We hope you join us for the next event!

E4S Conversation Club is Moving!

Starting in April, E4S Conversation Club will be meeting the final Tuesday of each month. Don't miss out! Join the club to meet new people, have your say about the topic, and learn when the events are.

Join the club by clicking here (it's free).

International Women's Day

Women don't need to be twice as good as men. Women need different goals so that we can all work together to thrive in the face of climate change.

When pushing yourself to be twice as good, anxiety, self-doubt, and perfectionism can creep in.

??'???? ???????? ???????? ?????????????? ???? ?????????? ?????? ?????? ???????????? ???? ???? ?????????? ???? ???????? in traditionally male-dominated fields like engineering, science, policy, and higher education.

These women seem to be trapped in a narrow vision of who they should be. They know they have more to give, a bigger purpose. They know they deserve more opportunities and respect. They live in this space of untapped potential, of opportunities denied.

We need them. We need their innovative ideas to solve the world's problems (like finding something other than rare earth materials to power the green revolution). But women overexerting themselves will find their efforts--and energy--stifled.

When this happens, will they speak up? I've met women who won't speak until their grammar and pronunciation are "perfect." Talented scientists have told me that they don't feel worthy of pursuing senior positions. I've known brilliant women who let their less-knowledgeable and experienced male counterparts do the talking because they are listened to. And who doesn't know a manager with dark circles under her eyes from overworking themselves.

???? ?????????? ?????????? ???? ???????? ?????? ???? ???? ??????????????, ????????'?? ?? ???????????? ?????????

My mentors have shown me the power of equitable relationships in which they were supported to find their happiness. This answer--a shift towards happiness--can be empowering.

We need to find ways to foster equity so that more people can live their purpose. That's why on this International Women's Day--and every day, I want to encourage women to find their happiness

Within happiness, we find our power and purpose. Equity makes this possible! And so does Effective English coaching (see below for more information).

We all benefit when women are happy, fulfilled, and whole. #embraceequity

More Support:

Effective English Course + Coaching

In this in-depth speaking course, you'll learn to speak more confidently and effectively through lessons and twice-weekly personalized coaching. If you have the time and ability to commit, click here to schedule your application interview.

E4S Job Interview Preparation

A 6-session live online course with flexible scheduling to help you know what to say and how to express yourself to the best of your potential at your next interview. Click here to schedule your private sessions.

Join the NEW Confident English Speaking group

If you want to speak English more confidently, you're in luck! April will bring free, live trainings.

There will also be a mindset workshop with a workbook and private support container so you can finally level up.

Click here to sign up.

Answers!

Did you find the pattern? All of the words have the same vowel sound. Specifically, the stressed (longest) syllable is the same in each word.

In the Color Vowel system (ELTS), this is the "Gray Day" sound. This sound is pronounced slightly differently across English dialects. For most, you will find your mouth gliding from an open to closed position. Try it! /eeeeeiiiiiiiiii/ "Hey!"

Now try the list, pronouncing the syllables in ALL CAPS with the Gray Day /ei/ sound, and making these vowels longer than the others.

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