Education can be enriching and transformative. It can also be downright excruciating—even demoralizing. When it comes to learning, why are some of us lovers and some of us haters? Welcome to the world of educational psychology, which uses science to explore what causes people to engage and learn, and what we can do to make learning opportunities more enjoyable and impactful. Spoiler alert: Teachers can only do so much. Students, too, must take control of their learning. Unfortunately, many of us never, ahem, learned the skills to do just that.

Over the past few years, Brianna Wiest has gained renown for her deeply moving, philosophical writing. This new compilation of her published work features pieces on why you should pursue purpose over passion, embrace negative thinking, see the wisdom in daily routine, and become aware of the cognitive biases that are creating the way you see your life. Some of these pieces have never been seen; others have been read by millions of people around the world. Regardless, each will leave you thinking: This idea changed my life.

Words. We use them all the time, every day, mostly without giving them much thought at all. We take for granted that they’re here at our disposal whenever we need them. But if you’ve ever wished you could communicate more effectively, words are the place to start. It’s incumbent upon you to choose the best words to accomplish your goals, because how you choose to communicate influences—well, everything! The power of communication shapes our professional goals, our relationships, and our lives—so the words we choose to use carry a great deal of power.

In a business world that spans several continents, it is no longer common for everyone to speak English as a first language. Whether you speak English as a first, second, or even third language, intercultural business communication means that getting it right first time has never been more important for you and your organization. English can never be standardized in the global and digital marketplace; instead, we can learn how to customize business English according to our own values and culture and communicate successfully across borders.

※本編に特典音声20ファイルを追加しました。コンテンツをダウンロード済みのお客様が特典音声を聞く場合は、再ダウンロードが必要となります。予めご了承ください。 (2016.4.12更新)

「泣ける」「元気が出る」に続く「ちょっといい話」シリーズ第3弾。初級レベルの英単語をベースにしているので、英語で聞き通す達成感を味わえます。英語圏で広く読まれ続けている物語20編を、「心いやされる」ナレーションとともにお楽しみください。

■「心いやされる」20編：収録されている20編は、いずれも英語圏で長く広く読まれ続けている、作者不明の物語です。親子、ペットと家族、兄弟、夫婦、先生と生徒など、さまざまな関係性の中で紡がれた、「心いやされる」物語を厳選。読めば誰かに話したくなるような物語ばかりです。

■初級レベルの英単語と基本的な構文がベース：初級3000語レベルの英単語と基本的な構文をベースにリライト。読みやすい英文なので、英語そのままで理解できます。

■ナレーション力に注目！：男女ナレーターの「心いやされる」声による、英語音声を収録。音読のお手本やリスニング素材としてなど、「聞く」「話す」力を伸ばす教材としてもご活用いただけます。
【目次】
＜Chapter 1:家族についての話...

日本文を聞いた後に、英語訳が流れる簡単な聞き取り問題です。まずはここから学習を始めて、英語に耳を慣らしましょう。

星新一の傑作ショートショートが英語で聴ける！　Miss Bokko（「ボッコちゃん」）、A Secretary on Your Shoulder（「肩の上の秘書」）、Hit Woman（「殺し屋ですのよ」）など、25編の代表作を収録。

Grammar! For many of us, the word triggers memories of finger-wagging schoolteachers, and of wrestling with the ambiguous and complicated rules of using formal language. But what is grammar? In fact, it's the integral basis of how we speak and write. As such, a refined awareness of grammar opens a world of possibilities for both your pleasure in the English language and your skill in using it, in both speech and the written word.

Small talk, although seemingly superficial, is an integral part of everyone’s lives. We all need to make small talk once in a while, and it’s not so easy for most of us. We all need to put some effort into making small talk, especially with people we don’t know well. Mastering small talk requires some skill and practice, which is why this book was written. After listening to this book, you will gain a broader perspective about people in general. You have the ability to conquer anything and be the most charismatic person you could ever be!

What is that magic quality that makes some people instantly loved and respected? Everyone wants to be their friend (or, if single, their lover!) In business, they rise swiftly to the top of the corporate ladder. What is their "Midas touch?"