Hips Don't Lie

The phrase “hips don’t lie” ultimately points us back to authenticity.

People can force a smile.

They can rehearse their lines.

But their bodies will always reveal the truth.

Why? Because the body is directly linked to the subconscious mind. While the conscious mind carefully edits speech and expression, the subconscious leaks out through posture, breath, gestures, and movement.

The hips, the shoulders, the eyes—they all carry traces of emotions we may not even be aware of. Stress, fear, attraction, joy, insecurity—these states live in the body long before they reach the tongue.

That is why the body is our most honest storyteller. It whispers the truths the conscious mind tries to hide, revealing what is really happening beneath the surface.

That’s why, when we try to understand people’s true attitudes, we should listen not only to their words but to their bodies.

A body speaks softly but honestly. The way someone sits, the way they breathe, the way they look at you or linger—all of these gestures are quiet confessions of the soul.

Ask yourself gently: What does their body tell me? And just as important - what does my own body say in response?

Sometimes, before our mind has time to form a thought, our body already knows. We feel comfort or unease, warmth or distance. This is not a coincidence—it is our subconscious, the deep language of connection that exists beneath words.

When we learn to notice this silent dialogue—between their body and ours—we enter into a more authentic way of relating. We begin to see that truth is not only spoken; it is carried in the rhythm of movement, in the breath between words, in the subtle dance of presence.

The body never lies—it simply speaks the truths the heart already knows.

236. The Greatest Love of All

Have you ever caught yourself feeling:

  • Happy when someone you like texts you, and sad when you do not hear from them for a while

  • Proud that someone praised you, and small when someone criticised you

  • Down when it's raining, cold and windy, and high when the sun is shining, there is no wind, and it is warm?

I certainly did.... thankfully in the past. In each of these moments, I gave away my power. I allowed other people and external forces to decide how I felt.

Then I realised that it would be better to decide by myself and for myself how I feel.

  • This is true freedom

  • This is true happiness

  • This is true power

There are millions of ways in which I can make myself happy and high, why would I ever rely on others??? For example, I can strike up a conversation with ten people a day. Not only do I collect insights for my marketing research, but I also spark joy (and maybe even a little flirtation).

And .....if it's cold and windy, I can create my own sunshine and sit in front of the fireplace with a hot cup of tea.

Happiness begins within. Loving myself means choosing what makes me stronger every day. Since we spend most of our lives in our own minds, why not make that space a happy one?

And when life throws something unexpected my way, I pause and ask myself:

  • Does this feeling make me stronger?

  • If not, how can I turn it around?

  • What benefit or lesson can I draw from it?

This simple shift keeps me grounded, resilient, and free.

235. The Power of Three

Have you noticed how often the power of three shows up in our daily lives? A good meal consists of a starter, a main course, and a dessert. A good day includes work, rest, and play.

Take my belly dancing class today. It felt amazing because it had:

1️⃣ A nice warm-up

2️⃣ A well-paced rehearsal of our routine for the upcoming show

3️⃣ A wonderfully relaxing stretch to finish

The same principle applies to public speaking. A strong speech always has:

1️⃣ An engaging introduction

2️⃣ An interesting main part

3️⃣ A memorable conclusion

And yes, even in elocution lessons, the pattern holds true:

1️⃣ Warm-up muscular exercises

2️⃣ Practising a sound or speech pattern

3️⃣ A fun verse or rhyme exercise at the end

Why does this work? Because our brains love structure. Three feels complete, balanced, and easy to remember. If you’d like to apply the power of three to your own speech and communication, you can explore my apps:

Now, I’d love to hear from you. What’s an example of the power of three in your own life? Share it in the comments—I can’t wait to read your ideas

234. Our Body is the Living Shade of our Soul

Our bodies are not just flesh and bone. They are the living shade of our souls, silently reflecting our inner world in every gesture, every breath, and every sound we make. Long before words, it is the body that speaks.

The eyes reveal the truth most quickly. They shine with joy, cloud with sadness, sparkle with love, and harden with anger. Even when our lips remain sealed, the eyes confess what the soul feels.

The shoulders tell another story. When weighed down by worry, they slump forward. When lifted by pride or freedom, they rise and open. The shoulders don’t just carry physical loads — they carry invisible emotional weight.

The breath is perhaps the most faithful companion of the soul. It races when we are anxious, becomes shallow when we are afraid, and flows deeply and slowly when we are calm. Breath is the rhythm of our inner life, always honest, always present.

The voice is the sound of the soul. It trembles with fear, steadies with confidence, warms with love, and sharpens with impatience. Every tone, every inflection, is a trace of our emotional truth.

The hands extend the soul outward. They clench in anger, tremble in fear, caress in tenderness, and open in generosity. Through the hands, the soul touches the world.

The skin acts as a canvas of the soul’s emotions. It blushes with embarrassment, pales with shock, and glows with happiness. Without words, it betrays what is stirring within us.

The posture writes a silent biography of the present moment. Bent in defeat, straight in confidence, restless in worry, relaxed in peace — posture shows what the soul is carrying.

Even the gait - the way we walk - reveals our state of being. Heavy, dragging steps often signal sorrow or fatigue, while light, springing strides announce joy and freedom.

And then, of course, the smile. A true smile radiates from the soul, lifting not only the lips but the entire face and body. A forced smile, however, exposes the fracture between body and soul.

Our bodies, in all these ways, are not separate from the soul but its living expression. To listen to the body is to listen to the soul itself. To care for the body is to honour the soul it shades.

So the next time you notice your shoulders tightening, your voice trembling, or your breath quickening -  pause. Ask not just what is happening to my body? What is my soul trying to tell me?

Because the body is always speaking, the question is: are we listening?

233. The Joy of Lollygagging

This morning, I woke up, made French toast and tea. I enjoyed my breakfast in the place where the sun was gently caressing my face. I felt like a happy cat basking in the sun.

Then, my body took me for a walk in the fields. Suddenly, I ended up on the beach. I gazed at the sun reflected in the silvery waves of the sea. I felt the time had stopped. I felt precious. I was in paradise.

That’s what lollygagging is. It is not a waste of time. It is one of the most precious ways of feeling our energy. It’s lighter than rest and softer than sleep. It is a moment when we don't care about anything and just are. It is a room to breathe. My favourite ways of lollygagging are:

  • A slow country walk with no destination, particularly by the sea

  • Doodling while listening to music

  • People watching

  • Reading poetry out loud

  • Drinking tea

What are the benefits, one may ask?

When you lollygag, we:

  • Let go of pressure

  • Reset our nervous system

  • Relax our voice

  • Slow down our speech

  • Become soft

  • Napping in the afternoon

If we want to sound confident and connected — whether in public speaking or just chatting with friends — our energy needs that balance.

How do you like to lollygag? Is it a walk, a nap, a hobby, or something else? Share in the comments — your idea might inspire someone else to give themselves the gift of slowing down.

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

232. Overcoming the Fear of Speaking English in Public

Speaking English in public can feel intimidating, even for people who have studied the language for years. The fear of making mistakes, being misunderstood, or sounding “different” is common—but the good news is that it can be managed and overcome with the right mindset and practical techniques.

Why We Fear Public Speaking in English

There are several reasons why speaking English in front of others can feel scary:

1. Fear of Mistakes
Worrying about mispronunciation or grammar errors can make you hesitant to speak at all.

2. Lack of Confidence
Not being sure about your vocabulary or fluency can make public speaking stressful.

3. High Expectations
Many people compare themselves to native speakers and feel pressure to “sound perfect.”

Understanding the cause of your fear is the first step to addressing it.

Practical Steps to Build Confidence

Here are some strategies that can help you speak more confidently in English, whether in meetings, presentations, or social situations:

1. Start Small
Practice speaking English in low-pressure situations—like ordering a meal, speaking with friends, or reading out loud at home. Small wins help build confidence gradually.

2. Focus on Clarity, Not Perfection
Instead of worrying about sounding like a native speaker, aim to be clear and understandable. Your audience values clarity more than perfect pronunciation.

3. Use Pauses Effectively
Pausing after each idea gives you time to think and reduces nervousness. Practising Power, Pitch, Pace, Pause (4Ps) can make your speech more natural and easier to follow.

4. Record and Listen to Yourself
Recording your voice and listening back allows you to notice your strengths and areas for improvement. Apps like Get Rid of Your Accent or Fluent English Speech provide guided exercises for intonation, articulation, and fluency, making this process easier.

5. Practice Public Speaking Gradually
Start with a small audience, then gradually increase the number of listeners. Toastmasters, online language meetups, or even speaking to family members can help you practice in a supportive environment.

Mindset Matters
Remember, everyone makes mistakes, even native speakers. Mistakes are part of the learning process and do not define your ability to communicate effectively. Celebrate your uniqnes and your progress, no matter how small, and be patient with yourself.

Final Thought
Overcoming the fear of speaking English in public takes practice, patience, and perseverance. Start small, focus on clarity, and gradually challenge yourself. With consistent effort, you’ll progress and feel proud of your progress.

Useful Tip
Incorporate a few minutes of daily practice with guided exercises from apps like Get Rid of Your Accent or Fluent English Speech—you’ll be amazed at how quickly your confidence grows.

More on www.batcsglobal.com

231. Get Rid of Russian Accent

This app is designed especially for Russian speakers who want to reduce their accent and speak clear, confident English. Based on the bestselling series Get Rid of Your Accent, it combines proven elocution lessons with step-by-step practice. All speech organ positions are translated into Russian, making it easy for learners to master English sounds and correct pronunciation quickly.

Why It Works

Trusted by actors, diplomats, teachers, and business professionals, this accent app helps you:

  1. Understand how each English sound is formed with Russian explanations

  2. Practise pronunciation, articulation and intonation

  3. Master all sounds of Received Pronunciation (RP) – also called Queen’s English, Oxford English, or BBC English

  4. Improve fluency for public speaking and everyday conversation

App Content

  • 48 lessons with words, phrases, short sentences, verses, and articulation drills, tongue twisters, rhythmic exercises, and passages

  • Audio recordings of native English speakers for accurate English pronunciation

Functionality

  1. Listen & Repeat– copy pronunciation, liaisons, and intonation

  2. Record & Compare – hear your voice and track your progress

With regular practice, you will:

• Neutralise your Russian accent within 1–3 months

• Speak English that is clear and easy to understand

• Gain confidence for teaching, studying, or working internationally

• Sound professional and fluent in English communication

Meet the Authors

Linda James (RAM, Dip. Ed., IPD, LRAM), Speech and Drama coach, trained at the Royal Academy of Music, with 20+ years of experience teaching RP and accent reduction in London drama schools, films, and TV.

Olga Smith (BA Linguistics, MBA), Linguist, public speaker, and co-author of the best-selling *Get Rid of Your Accent book series. Having overcome her own strong Russian accent, Olga brings practical expertise to learners worldwide.

Visit www.batcsglobal.com to book a professional speech analysis.

230. Elocution Lessons App

Elocution Lessons App – Accent Reduction Made Easy. Perfect for children, beginners, and anyone starting their English pronunciation mastery.

Content

This app contains all 48 lessons from the bestselling book Get Rid of Your Accent for Beginners, the latest in the acclaimed Get Rid of Your Accent series. It provides a complete solution for accent reduction and speech study, designed especially for children and beginner-level English learners.

  • Practice English sounds in words, phrases, sentences, and passages

  • Fun verses, rhythmic drills & articulation exercises

  • Carefully selected vocabulary for beginners and young learners

Functionality

  1. Listen & Repeat – Hear model pronunciation for every sound.

  2. Record & Compare – Match your voice against native RP speakers.

  3. CD Function

What You’ll Learn

  • Master all English sounds of RP (Received Pronunciation), also known as Oxford English, Queen’s English, or BBC English

  • Clear articulation through consonant clusters and word endings

  • Natural intonation and sentence stress

  • Fluency through linking and speaking in phrases

Customers reviews:

“This is a great tool for correcting my pronunciation of common phrases. The app makes practice much easier than CDs.” – Alan Perez, Amazon customer

“As a teacher, this helped me reduce my accent and deliver clearer lessons. Highly recommended.” – Amazon customer

Meet the Authors

Linda James (RAM, Dip. Ed., IPD, LRAM), Speech and Drama coach, trained at the Royal Academy of Music, with 20+ years of experience teaching RP and accent reduction in London drama schools, films, and TV.

Olga Smith (BA Linguistics, MBA), Linguist, public speaker, and co-author of the best-selling *Get Rid of Your Accent book series. Having overcome her own strong Russian accent, Olga brings practical expertise to learners worldwide.

Visit www.batcsglobal.com to book a professional speech analysis.

229. American Accent App

American Accent App uses a proven drama school speech training method to help you speak clear, confident English. Trusted by actors, lawyers, diplomats, and professionals worldwide, it will help you neutralise your accent and master General American English pronunciation.

Content

  • Start with clear diagrams and explanations of how each sound is formed

  • Practise with words, sentences, verses, and articulation drills


    Functionality

  • Listen & Repeat – Hear model pronunciation for every sound.

  • Record & Compare – Match your voice against native RP speakers.

  • CD Function

With this app, you will:

✅ Neutralise your accent within 1–3 months

✅ Make your English clear, confident, and easy to understand

✅ Improve communication and public speaking skills

✅ Boost confidence and professional image

✅ Enhance career opportunities worldwide

228. Fluent American Speech App

Based on the international bestseller Get Rid of Your Accent Part One and Two, General American Accent Training Manual, ISBN 9780955330087, this app helps you reduce your accent, perfect your American English pronunciation, and speak fluently with confidence.

With practical elocution lessons and vocal techniques, Fluent American Speech explains the rules of difficult American speech patterns, intonation, and sentence stress. Step by step, you’ll learn how to neutralise your accent and achieve a clear, natural speaking style.

App Content

  • Contractions for natural fluency

  • Liaisons for smooth connections between words

  • Strong and weak forms for authentic speech

  • Intonation and sentence stress for clarity and impact

  • Difficult word endings & silent letters with guided practice

Functionality
1. Native model audio tracks
2. Listen & repeat training
3. Record your voice
4. Compare pronunciation instantly

What You’ll Gain:

1. A fluent American accent in just 1–3 months of practice

2. Confidence in social and professional English speech as well as in public speaking

3. Improved job prospects, education, and social interactions

4. A professional voice that sounds natural, clear, and persuasive

Whether you want to get rid of your accent, prepare for public speaking, or simply improve your fluency in English, this accent app works like a personal coach in your pocket.

Start your journey to perfect American English pronunciation and fluency today and watch your career and social life blossom!

227. Business English Speech App

Whether you want to neutralise your accent, speak with authority, or master business English fluency, this is your shortcut to success in the global workplace. Based on the bestselling book Get Rid of Your Accent for Business by Linda James and Olga Smith, this app includes 43 lessons built on real business language from interviews with CEOs, CFOs, and managing directors of global companies.

 Why This App?

  • The most complete resource for Business English speech training

  • Written in the style of the Financial Times and The Economist

  • Covers finance, IT, law, HR, and marketing vocabulary

  • Used by professionals worldwide to advance their careers

  • Many of our clients have been promoted after improving their speech clarity and business communication with this app and lessons

 With this app, you will:
1. Neutralise your accent in as little as 1–3 months
2. Make your Business English clear and easy to understand
3. Improve presentation, negotiation, and public speaking skills
4. Speak with confidence and authority in professional settings
5. Expand your business vocabulary with up-to-date lingo
6. Master Received Pronunciation (RP) – the clear, neutral accent of educated English speakers

 App Content  

  • 43 structured lessons with audio guidance

  • Clear explanations of tongue, lip, and jaw placement for each English sound

  • Practice with words, phrases, sentences, idioms, tongue twisters, and business passages and interviews

  • Lessons on contractions, silent letters, and French expressions used in business

App Functionality

✔ Listen to professional model recordings

✔ Record your own voice and play it back

✔ Compare your speech with the model for instant feedback

✔ Train anytime, anywhere at your own pace

Meet the Authors

Linda James (RAM, Dip. Ed., IPD, LRAM), Speech and Drama coach, trained at the Royal Academy of Music, with 20+ years of experience teaching RP and accent reduction in London drama schools, films, and TV.

Olga Smith (BA Linguistics, MBA), Linguist, public speaker, and co-author of the best-selling *Get Rid of Your Accent book series. Having overcome her own strong Russian accent, Olga brings practical expertise to learners worldwide.

Visit www.batcsglobal.com to book a professional speech analysis.

226. 4Ps: Power, Pitch, Pace, Pause App

Do you struggle with a monotonous voice? Do you want to sound dynamic, engaging, and professional when you speak?

The 4Ps: Power, Pitch, Pace, Pause app is the ultimate voice training and public speaking tool, designed to help you transform your communication skills, sound more persuasive, and captivate your audience.

Whether you are giving a presentation, reading reports in meetings, debating, storytelling, or broadcasting, the way you deliver your words is as important as the words themselves. This app will teach you how to add energy, clarity, and variety to your speech so you never sound dull or flat again.

App Content

Part 1 (Lessons 1–6): Master the 4Ps of Public Speaking

  1. Power – Train your voice for strength, projection, and clarity

  2. Pitch – Learn to vary your intonation to add emotion and hold attention

  3. Pace– Control your speed for maximum clarity and persuasion

  4. Pause – Use silence correctly and effectively to add drama and emphasis.

  5. These skills are essential for **formal presentations, board meetings, speeches, debates, and storytelling**.

Part 2 (Lessons 7–17): Classic Elocution Training

  1. Muscular and rhythmic exercises to strengthen your voice.

  2. Practice English sounds, onomatopoeia, and tricky place names.

  3. Extracts from famous English poems and prose to develop rhythm and expression.

  4. Techniques to make your speech crisp, clear, and engaging.

App Functionality

✔ Listen to professional model recordings

✔ Record your own voice and play it back

✔ Compare your speech with the model for instant feedback

✔ Train anytime, anywhere at your own pace

This App Will Help You:

1. Make your voice loud, clear, and confident.

2. Use pauses for dramatic effect and impact.

3. Modulate your voice by changing pitch, pace, and power.

4. Neutralise your accent and improve clarity.

5. Sound more professional, persuasive, and engaging.

With 4Ps: Power, Pitch, Pace, Pause, you’ll stop sounding monotonous and start sounding like a confident, dynamic speaker who commands attention.

Meet the Authors

Linda James (RAM, Dip. Ed., IPD, LRAM), Speech and Drama coach, trained at the Royal Academy of Music, with 20+ years of experience teaching RP and accent reduction in London drama schools, films, and TV.

Olga Smith (BA Linguistics, MBA), Linguist, public speaker, and co-author of the best-selling *Get Rid of Your Accent book series. Having overcome her own strong Russian accent, Olga brings practical expertise to learners worldwide.

Visit www.batcsglobal.com to book a professional speech analysis.

225. Fluent English Speech App

The follow-up to the bestselling Get Rid of Your Accent UK1 app. Designed for learners who want to speak English fluently, clearly, and confidently—just like a native speaker.

App Contents
Part 1: Master difficult speech patterns — word endings, consonant clusters, schwa, strong & weak forms.
Part 2: Connected speech — learn to speak in natural phrases instead of separate words.
Part 3: Improve intonation, sentence stress & rhythm — make your speech smooth, clear, and engaging.

Functionality
1. Native model audio tracks
2. Listen & repeat training
3. Record your voice
4. Compare pronunciation instantly

With this app, you will:

  • Develop English fluency and natural flow

  • Improve pronunciation, intonation & rhythm

  • Learn idioms & colloquial expressions to sound authentic

  • Reduce your foreign accent and speak with confidence

  • Boost career opportunities and personal impact through clear communication

    Meet the Authors

    Linda James (RAM, Dip. Ed., IPD, LRAM), Speech and Drama coach, trained at the Royal Academy of Music, with 20+ years of experience teaching RP and accent reduction in London drama schools, films, and TV.

    Olga Smith (BA Linguistics, MBA), Linguist, public speaker, and co-author of the best-selling *Get Rid of Your Accent book series. Having overcome her own strong Russian accent, Olga brings practical expertise to learners worldwide.

    Visit www.batcsglobal.com to book a professional speech analysis.

224. The Best Accent Reduction App

Get Rid of Your Accent UK1 is the trusted tool for anyone who wants to speak clear, confident English. Originally launched in 2006 as the UK’s best-selling pronunciation book, it quickly became a phenomenon. In 2009, we transformed it into this powerful app so you can carry expert elocution lessons with you anywhere.

Renowned speech coach Joe Windley, Head of Speech at the Central School of Speech and Drama, London, praised it as: “A practical and effective tool for speech study, clearly built on years of expertise.”*

What You’ll Learn

The app covers all English sounds to help you master Received Pronunciation (RP), the neutral British English accent widely used in education, business, and public life.

Content

  1. Start with clear diagrams and explanations of how each sound is formed.

  2. Practise with words, sentences, verses, and articulation drills.


    Functionality

  3. Listen & Repeat – Hear model pronunciation for every sound.

  • Record & Compare – Match your voice against native RP speakers.

  • CD Function

This App Will Help You:

✅ Neutralise your accent within 1–3 months

✅ Speak English that is clear and easy to understand

✅ Improve communication and public speaking skills

✅ Boost confidence and professional image

✅ Enhance career opportunities worldwide

Meet the Authors

Linda James (RAM, Dip. Ed., IPD, LRAM), Speech and Drama coach, trained at the Royal Academy of Music, with 20+ years of experience teaching RP and accent reduction in London drama schools, films, and TV.

Olga Smith (BA Linguistics, MBA), Linguist, public speaker, and co-author of the best-selling *Get Rid of Your Accent book series. Having overcome her own strong Russian accent, Olga brings practical expertise to learners worldwide.

Visit www.batcsglobal.com to book a professional speech analysis.

222. Energy Management

Would you agree that, regardless of how much time we have, if we do not have energy, we can’t achieve much? How can we manage energy to live up to our potential?

I have identified what drains me of my energy and developed a routine to recharge my batteries. There are five types of energy:

  1. Physical

  2. Mental

  3. Emotional

  4. Spiritual

  5. Sexual

We all know how to maintain good physical energy: eat and sleep well, exercise, avoid alcohol, drugs and chemicals in our bodies. However, I have noticed that modern society puts too much pressure on looking perfect. Many of my girlfriends waste too much energy in the gym, shopping and doing makeup to look perfect. As a result, they look drained of energy, and they mask it with heavy makeup. I also noticed that many men in the gym look exhausted and unhappy; they look at their phones and pretend they are exercising. I found the physical activities that keep me fit and give me lots of additional energy: belly dancing lessons, Sundo and running.

Mental energy is the power of focus and attention, and the ability to concentrate. Constant texts, social media, YouTube videos and people who talk nonsense are the main leakages of my mental energy, which I try my best to avoid. People say that we should give a gift to listen to others. I strongly disagree because if they talk nonsense, it’s a waste of my energy. To recharge my mental energy, I love looking at the fire and walking on the beach. Having the house in good shape for me is the number one condition to be able to concentrate on intellectual work.

When we have negative feelings, we drain ourselves of energy, and when we experience positive emotions, we recharge emotionally. After each communication, I make a note in my journal of how I feel afterwards. If the person took my emotional energy and made me feel negatively, I would avoid them in future.

Another leakage of my energy is the worry that is steered by fears. Most of my fears are just my illusions, and whenever I feel I am worried, I ask myself: What am I afraid of? What is the worst that can happen to me? Then I realise that my fear is not worth my energy because I will survive, and in the big scale of things, my little fear is so small.

Spiritual energy is the most powerful energy we have. The proof of that is the lives of people like Viktor Frankl and many others. We are being robbed of our spiritual energy when we experience betrayal, vulgarity, and being lied to. What helps me to stay in a strong spirit is my optimism and feeling of love in my heart.

Managing sexual energy is very easy: only have sex with people you truly want and avoid sex with people you do not want.

More on www.batcsglobal.com

221. Energy Management 3: Negative People and Information Overload

This article continues my Energy Management series, which many of you have found valuable. Today, I want to explore two hidden energy drains: negativity and information overload.

 1. People Addicted to Negativity

Have you noticed how most news stories are negative — disasters, crimes, conflicts? Some people seem addicted to replaying these stories. Talking about them gives the illusion of control or knowledge, but the result is the opposite: they remain stuck in a low-energy state.

For some, negativity feels familiar — perhaps rooted in childhood — and it becomes their “comfort zone.” The hidden benefit? It provides an excuse not to take action.

Personally, I’ve noticed how draining this can be. I might start the day energised, but after just a few minutes with a negative person, I feel depleted.

 2. Information Overload

In today’s world, we are bombarded with information. Our curiosity pushes us to consume more — scrolling, reading, listening. But too much unfiltered information leads to what I call information obesity.

Just like overeating the wrong foods, overconsuming useless information makes us sluggish. We spend time and energy but gain nothing of real value.

 My Takeaways

 Through trial and error, I’ve learned two rules that help me protect my energy:

  • Avoid negativity – limit time spent with people or media that pull you down.

  • Consume wisely – focus only on information that leads to action, results, or growth. For example, you can gather information about marketing that can lead to improved sales of your products/services, etc.

When you guard your attention, you guard your energy — and that’s the foundation for a productive, fulfilling life.

Click the link below to read more on this topic

www.batcsglobal.com

220. Energy Management 2: How to Deal with Toxic People

Let me first list the qualities and the 3 main types of toxic people:

  1. Arrogant

  1. Passive-Aggressive

  2. Victims

Even if we try our best to avoid people who use belittling language or tone and subtly put us down with their sarcasm or condescending phrasing, we might find ourselves in situations where we have to deal with them. What can we do?

  1. Don’t feed the ego of arrogant people. One of the biggest mistakes you can make when dealing with arrogant individuals is showering them with compliments or kindness. Why? Because they often interpret it as weakness — and may try to take advantage of it.

Instead:

  • Stay polite but neutral

  • Keep the conversation focused on facts, not feelings

  • Maintain firm boundaries

2. Passive-aggressive behaviour can be tricky — it hides behind smiles, sarcasm, and subtle digs. But you can handle it without letting it derail your communication or mood.

What are the Signs?

  • Backhanded compliments that make you feel criticised

  • Silent treatment or withholding information

  • Sarcasm that makes you feel bad

  • Deliberate procrastination

The best approach would be to stay neutral. Reacting emotionally can give them the upper hand. Address the behaviour directly but gently. Set clear boundaries

3. Some people constantly cast themselves as the victim, blaming circumstances, other people, or “bad luck” for their problems. While empathy is important, enabling this mindset can stall progress and drain your energy.

Recognise the Pattern:

  • Frequent blaming of others

  • Refusal to take responsibility

  • Overemphasis on past hardships

  • Seeking sympathy without seeking solutions

Even if you try to shift their focus to solutions, they will not appreciate it and find plenty of reasons why the solution won't work. We need to avoid becoming the rescuer. "God help those who help themselves." If you constantly “save” them, you reinforce the helpless narrative. It would be more productive to encourage ownership instead. You can say things like:

I believe in you; you will find the way forward; you are stronger than you give yourself credit.

219. How to Reduce Your Accent in 3 Months or Less

Why Accent Reduction Can Be a Game-Changer

If you speak English as a second language, you might have noticed that sometimes people ask you to repeat yourself — not because your ideas aren’t good, but because your words aren’t clear. In professional settings, this can be frustrating and even limit your opportunities.

The good news? You don’t need years of training to make a noticeable difference. With the right tools and consistent practice, you can reduce your accent and speak English clearly in as little as three months.

Step 1: Understand How Accent Reduction Works

Accent reduction isn’t about erasing your identity — it’s about making your speech easier to understand. This means:

·        Correct pronunciation of English sounds

·        Clear word stress and intonation

·        Proper pace, pauses, and projection

Step 2: Use a Structured Accent Training Program

Random YouTube videos can help, but a structured accent reduction app like Get Rid of Your Accent gives you:

·        Step-by-step lessons for all English sounds

·        Audio models from native speakers

·        Record & compare tools to track progress

Step 3: Practice Daily for 15–20 Minutes

Just like going to the gym, you’ll see results if you train regularly. Focus on:

1. Repeating words, sentences and verses after the model

2. Recording yourself and spotting mistakes

3. Practising fluency in social phrases

Step 4: Apply Your New Skills in Real Conversations

Start using your improved pronunciation in meetings, networking events, or even casual chats with friends. The more you speak, the faster you’ll internalise your new habits.

 The Bottom Line

A heavy accent doesn’t have to hold you back. With consistent practice and the right guidance, you can sound clearer, more confident, and more professional — in just three months.

Start your transformation today with the Get Rid of Your Accent app — your personal accent reduction coach, right in your pocket.

218. The Role of Voice and Accent in Job Interviews

When it comes to landing your dream job, most people focus on polishing their résumé, practising common interview questions, and researching the company. But there’s another factor that plays a huge role in how you’re perceived — your voice and accent.

In a job interview, your words matter — but how you say them can matter even more.

 Why Your Voice Matters

Your voice is more than just a tool for communication — it’s part of your personal brand. The tone, pace, and clarity of your speech can instantly influence whether you come across as confident, competent, and trustworthy.

Here’s what interviewers often pick up on: 

1. Clarity – Clear speech signals professionalism and attention to detail.

2. Confidence – A steady, well-projected voice makes you sound self-assured.

3. Energy – A lively tone helps you sound engaged and interested in the role.

A nervous, rushed, or monotone delivery can unintentionally send the wrong message — even if your answers are perfect.

 Accent and First Impressions

In today’s global job market, accents are normal — but they can still affect comprehension. If an interviewer struggles to understand you, they might (consciously or unconsciously) question your ability to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, or stakeholders.

This doesn’t mean you need to erase your accent entirely. But reducing a heavy accent and improving pronunciation can make your speech easier to follow, helping you connect with your interviewer and keep their focus on your skills and ideas — not on deciphering your words.

Key Skills to Improve Before Your Interview

If you want to make a strong vocal impression, focus on these areas: 

1. Pronunciation – Aim for crisp, accurate sounds, especially for common industry terms.

2. Pace – Slow enough to be clear, but not so slow that you lose momentum.

3. Pausing – Use pauses to emphasize key points and give the interviewer time to process.

4. Intonation – Add variety to your pitch to sound natural and engaging.

5. Volume & Projection – Speak loudly enough to be heard without sounding aggressive.

How to Train Your Voice for Interview Success 

Improving your voice and accent doesn’t have to take years — with targeted practice, you can make noticeable changes in just weeks.

Get Rid of Your Accent for Business app provides: 

Audio models of clear, neutral English speech.

Step-by-step lessons to improve pronunciation and intonation.

Record & compare tools to track your progress.

Practice materials based on real-world speaking situations, including interviews.

By training your ear, practising key sounds, and mastering vocal techniques, you can walk into your interview sounding confident, professional, and easy to understand.

Your qualifications get you in the door, but your communication skills can seal the deal. A clear, confident voice helps interviewers focus on you — your ideas, your expertise, and your potential. 

Ready to sound your best in your next interview?

Start training today with the Get Rid of Your Accent for Business app — your personal voice coach, right in your pocket.