Tips From Openenglish.com

5 Frases en inglés para cuando estés en un Aeropuerto! Posted: 26 Sep 2011 12:49 PM PDT El inglés es el idioma universal. Es una realidad y nunca es más obvia que cuando nos encontramos en un aeropuerto, sin importar si estamos en un país de habla inglesa o no. Es por ello que a continuación te damos 5 frases muy básicas que te servirán para desenvolverte mejor en tu próximo viaje. What is the purpose of your travel? (¿cual es el propósito de su viaje?) Es una de las preguntas que te puede hacer el personal de aduana por seguridad, a lo que puedes responder: I am taking a vacation (estoy tomando unas vacaciones) o I am here on business (estoy aquí de negocios) ¿Necesitas cambiar divisas o alquilar un automóvil? Pregunta al personal de información de esta manera: Where can I change my currency for local currency? Para el cambio de divisas y Where can I rent a car? Para rentar el auto. Verifica tu itinerario y asientos. Si quieres hacer algún cambio, puedes preguntar: When is the next flight to New York City leaving? (¿Cuándo sale el próximo vuelo a Nueva York?), I would like to be seated by the window, (me gustaría sentarme al lado de la ventana) o My flight has been cancelled, what can I do? (mi vuelo ha sido cancelado, ¿Qué puedo hacer?) según sea el caso. How long do you plan to stay? (¿Cuánto tiempo dura su visita?) Es otra de las preguntas que probablemente te harán, responde con una oración sencilla: I plan to stay here for 3 weeks. (planeo estar aquí por 3 semanas) Cuando tu vuelo esté llegando a la ciudad de destino, una de las preguntas más frecuentes por parte de la tripulación es: Are you going to declare anything? (¿Va a declarar algo?) Una respuesta rápida y fácil es: No I have nothing to declare (No, no tengo nada para declarar) o Yes, I have this to declare (Si, tengo esto para declarar) Recuerda que también tienes que estar pendiente del pasaporte, el ticket, las maletas y de chequearte, por lo que te recomendamos preparar estas frases unos días antes del viaje y hacer un repaso cuando vayas camino al aeropuerto para que tu comunicación sea más fácil y rápida. Si eres estudiante de Open English con las lección: Travel Phrases: airports and hotels (#0195) podrás practicar éstas y otras frases más! ¿Cuál otra frase recomendarías? Cuéntanos tus experiencias en el aeropuerto cuando has estado de viaje en países donde se habla inglés!

Tips For a Successful Business Presentation in English

In the business world, the moment may arrive when you are put in the position in which you are asked to give a presentation in front of an English-speaking audience. This could be a moment of complete intimidation or it could become an area where you are a shining example among your fellow employees. Here are a few tips to get you started.

1. Know Your Audience-  Knowing who you will be speaking to will greatly influence the theme of your presentation and the vocabulary you use. Will you be speaking to your co-workers or a room full of unfamiliar CEO's? Are you simply encouraging sales increase within your small home business or are you attempting to land a huge international business deal for a large cooperation? Will your audience be native English speakers or do they speak English as a second language? 
2. Write Your Presentation-  Think about the key ideas you wish to convey and write them down. Pick words and phrases that are easy to remember so you don't have to be tied to your notes and you can use more personal eye-to-eye contact. Don't use words that are hard for your listeners to understand just to impress them. If you are giving a PowerPoint presentation, enrich your ideas with clip-art, graphs, or charts. This will also help you to recall your ideas...in English!
3. Speak with confidence- In the USA there is a phrase that says "Never let them see you sweat", which simply means to act confident even if you feel nervous. A confident speaker will earn the trust and respect of the audience. This will result in more business and income for you. Again, only use words and English phrases that you are familiar with, or else you may risk making a big mistake and losing your self-confidence.
4. Be Serious Without Being Boring-  Giving a business presentation is not the time to be a comedian, but you also don't want to put your audience to sleep.  A genuine smile, warm greeting, and saying "Thank you" will bring a nice balance to the seriousness of the discussion. Using pictures, charts, or graphs can help keep your boss awake! 
5. Always be Honest-  If sales are down, say so. If theft-prevention needs to be discussed, do so. However, the  approach method should always be tactful. For example you could say "I really appreciate the team-effort in increasing our sales this month, but here in this chart I've outlined a way we can do even better next month..." If you set goals for your employees and review ways you plan to support them in their achievements, you will see good results.

The Tourism Industry

Tourism, especially Eco-tourism, has become more popular than ever recently. To keep up with the growing demand  and take advantage of the limitless income possibilities, it's becoming almost a necessity to hire guides that speak several languages, more importantly, English.

Think about it. If you are traveling to Ecuador, South America to take your family on a rafting trip in the Amazon, are you going to ride the raging rapids and take instructions from Juan-Carlos who can say "Waterfall ahead! Paddle backwards!"only in Spanish? Or are you going to give your hard-earned money to the guide who can clearly give that warning in English, as well as four other languages?

 The tourism business thrives on vacationers, which in this economy are becoming more few and far between. Why not take all means necessary to make sure your company makes the biggest profit it can? Being able to put a sign outside of your tour office that says " We Have English Guides" can mean, simply put, more money in your pocket. Sorry, Juan-Carlos.

Click here to visit a tour company that has put their knowledge of the English language to good use and keeps Mr. American Vacationer happy.
  

Start Learning English Today

Some people let fear get the best of them. Those are the people who have a hard time learning a new language. But you're not alone. There are thousands of people who have moved to the United States that don't speak English and even more who cannot read or write it.

     As a teacher at openenglish.com, I can help you learn to tell time, read signs, write a resume, use idioms, ask for directions, and much more- all in English! There is nothing holding you back but yourself, so go ahead and check it out. Just ask for Celeste P. to be your teacher and join today!

The Keys to Success

     Whether you are a chef, a janitor, a banker, or a florist, do your job proudly like you are the CEO of a large international company. When you give your job your 100% full attention, you will earn the respect of those around you. Here are a few keys to get ahead in your career.

1. Never be late to work. People who are often late to their job or to appointments show that they do not take work seriously.
2. Always be an honest worker. Stealing will never get you ahead in the long-run and you will lose the trust of others.
3. Treat everyone you meet with respect. All people deserve to be treated equally.
4. Dress to impress. Your clothes don't have to be designer or cost a lot, but they do nee to be clean and neat. Women should dress professional, not sexy.
5. Be intelligent, but not a know-it-all. Also, if you don't know something, don't be afraid to ask questions.
6. Follow the rules of your company, especially when it comes to safety guidelines.
7. Take care of your body. A well-fed, well-rested body will work harder for you. Try to get a minimum of 30 minutes if exercise daily and 8 hours of sleep nightly.
8. Save your money. Open a savings account at the bank and watch your money grow.
9. Set goals. If you have 10 customers today, make it your goal to have 20 customers tomorrow.
10. Network. The more people you know, the more favors you can call in if you ever need anything. Most people are happy to help you.