by Helen Iwata | Feb 20, 2024 | All, Communication Skills, Personal Growth
Overcoming nerves and improving public speaking… Improving English pronunciation as a native Japanese speaker… If you’re interested in either of these topics, I have some surprising “less effort, more impact” ways that you can improve, so read on. American English...
by Helen Iwata | Jan 30, 2024 | All, Communication Skills, Personal Growth
It’s taken me OVER A YEAR to pluck up the courage to post the video of my Burns Night speech! That’s because I don’t usually make fun of people or say rude words – but I do in this speech. Making fun of men and using colorful language is fully expected in the...
by Helen Iwata | Jan 22, 2024 | All, Communication Skills, Personal Growth
Have you ever experienced that when you’re reaching a new level of success or happiness, suddenly things start to go wrong? You just got a fabulous new job… You have a fantastic opportunity to speak at a conference… You’re in a wonderful new relationship… You’re just...
by Helen Iwata | Jan 16, 2024 | All, Communication Skills, Personal Growth
Have you set goals for yourself in 2024? Maybe you have work goals that you’re expected to meet or personal goals, like improving your English, exercising more, passing an exam, decluttering, finding more time for yourself… In the past, I used to repeat the same...
by Helen Iwata | Jan 9, 2024 | All, Communication Skills, Personal Growth
Do you have a word of the year? I’ve chosen one every year since I first learned about this technique from one of my coaches almost 10 years ago. Before that I was easily distracted by new possibilities, unclear about what was most important to me, and spreading...
by Helen Iwata | Jan 1, 2024 | All, Communication Skills, Personal Growth
As we step into the Year of the Dragon, what can we learn from the wisdom of this magical creature? If, in ‘23, you fell victim to overdoing, overthinking, and overcaring (worrying about what others think and always putting them first), now is the time to turn to the...
