Author: Esther Reid
Publisher: The English Company Worldwide
ISBN:
Category : Foreign Language Study
Languages : en
Pages : 167
Book Description
Overview: "Small Talk, Big Impact: The Art of Effortless Chat" is crafted to help you practice the vocabulary and structures frequently used in everyday informal conversations. Structure: The book features thirteen chapters, each focused on a specific conversational function. Each chapter starts with a sample conversation, followed by a detailed discussion of key vocabulary and structures relevant to that type of conversation. Common expressions are repeated in different chapters to reinforce your familiarity with them in various contexts. Content: Chapter Layout: Begins with a typical conversation. Discussion Section: Explores important vocabulary and structures. Exercises: Includes multiple sets of exercises to ensure comprehension and practical application of new vocabulary and structures. Usage: Utilize this book to practice English in conversations with your English-speaking friends, enhancing your confidence and enjoyment of the language.
Small Talk, Big Impact: The Art of Effortless Chat
Author: Esther Reid
Publisher: The English Company Worldwide
ISBN:
Category : Foreign Language Study
Languages : en
Pages : 167
Book Description
Overview: "Small Talk, Big Impact: The Art of Effortless Chat" is crafted to help you practice the vocabulary and structures frequently used in everyday informal conversations. Structure: The book features thirteen chapters, each focused on a specific conversational function. Each chapter starts with a sample conversation, followed by a detailed discussion of key vocabulary and structures relevant to that type of conversation. Common expressions are repeated in different chapters to reinforce your familiarity with them in various contexts. Content: Chapter Layout: Begins with a typical conversation. Discussion Section: Explores important vocabulary and structures. Exercises: Includes multiple sets of exercises to ensure comprehension and practical application of new vocabulary and structures. Usage: Utilize this book to practice English in conversations with your English-speaking friends, enhancing your confidence and enjoyment of the language.
Publisher: The English Company Worldwide
ISBN:
Category : Foreign Language Study
Languages : en
Pages : 167
Book Description
Overview: "Small Talk, Big Impact: The Art of Effortless Chat" is crafted to help you practice the vocabulary and structures frequently used in everyday informal conversations. Structure: The book features thirteen chapters, each focused on a specific conversational function. Each chapter starts with a sample conversation, followed by a detailed discussion of key vocabulary and structures relevant to that type of conversation. Common expressions are repeated in different chapters to reinforce your familiarity with them in various contexts. Content: Chapter Layout: Begins with a typical conversation. Discussion Section: Explores important vocabulary and structures. Exercises: Includes multiple sets of exercises to ensure comprehension and practical application of new vocabulary and structures. Usage: Utilize this book to practice English in conversations with your English-speaking friends, enhancing your confidence and enjoyment of the language.
Small Talk, Big Impact
Author: Esther Reid
Publisher: The English Company Worldwide
ISBN:
Category : Foreign Language Study
Languages : en
Pages : 167
Book Description
Overview: "Small Talk, Big Impact: The Art of Effortless Chat" is crafted to help you practice the vocabulary and structures frequently used in everyday informal conversations. Structure: The book features thirteen chapters, each focused on a specific conversational function. Each chapter starts with a sample conversation, followed by a detailed discussion of key vocabulary and structures relevant to that type of conversation. Common expressions are repeated in different chapters to reinforce your familiarity with them in various contexts. Content: Chapter Layout: Begins with a typical conversation. Discussion Section: Explores important vocabulary and structures. Exercises: Includes multiple sets of exercises to ensure comprehension and practical application of new vocabulary and structures. Usage: Utilize this book to practice English in conversations with your English-speaking friends, enhancing your confidence and enjoyment of the language.
Publisher: The English Company Worldwide
ISBN:
Category : Foreign Language Study
Languages : en
Pages : 167
Book Description
Overview: "Small Talk, Big Impact: The Art of Effortless Chat" is crafted to help you practice the vocabulary and structures frequently used in everyday informal conversations. Structure: The book features thirteen chapters, each focused on a specific conversational function. Each chapter starts with a sample conversation, followed by a detailed discussion of key vocabulary and structures relevant to that type of conversation. Common expressions are repeated in different chapters to reinforce your familiarity with them in various contexts. Content: Chapter Layout: Begins with a typical conversation. Discussion Section: Explores important vocabulary and structures. Exercises: Includes multiple sets of exercises to ensure comprehension and practical application of new vocabulary and structures. Usage: Utilize this book to practice English in conversations with your English-speaking friends, enhancing your confidence and enjoyment of the language.
The Fine Art Of Small Talk
Author: Debra Fine
Publisher: Piatkus Books
ISBN: 9780349436173
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
Does striking up a conversation with a stranger make your stomach do flip-flops? Do you spend time hiding out in the bathroom at social gatherings? Do you dread the very thought of networking? Is scrolling your phone a crutch to avoid interacting? Help is on the way with The Fine Art of Small Talk, the classic guide that's now revised for the modern era. Small talk is more than just chitchat; it's a valuable tool to help you climb the corporate ladder, widen your business and social circles, and boost your self-confidence. With practical advice and simple conversation 'cheat sheets,' this book offers easy-to-learn techniques that will allow you to feel comfortable in any type of social situation-from a video meeting to a first date to a cocktail party where you don't know a soul. Communication expert Debra Fine will show you how to: - Learn to connect with others regardless of the occasion, event or situation - Come across as composed and self-assured when entertaining - Avoid awkward silences and 'foot in mouth' disease - Convey warmth and enthusiasm so that other people feel good about being near you - Make a positive, lasting impression from the minute you say hello. Once you master The Fine Art of Small Talk, you'll excel at making others feel included, valued and comfortable. Let Debra Fine turn you into a small-talk expert - and watch the contacts, business deals and social relationships multiply before your eyes!
Publisher: Piatkus Books
ISBN: 9780349436173
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
Does striking up a conversation with a stranger make your stomach do flip-flops? Do you spend time hiding out in the bathroom at social gatherings? Do you dread the very thought of networking? Is scrolling your phone a crutch to avoid interacting? Help is on the way with The Fine Art of Small Talk, the classic guide that's now revised for the modern era. Small talk is more than just chitchat; it's a valuable tool to help you climb the corporate ladder, widen your business and social circles, and boost your self-confidence. With practical advice and simple conversation 'cheat sheets,' this book offers easy-to-learn techniques that will allow you to feel comfortable in any type of social situation-from a video meeting to a first date to a cocktail party where you don't know a soul. Communication expert Debra Fine will show you how to: - Learn to connect with others regardless of the occasion, event or situation - Come across as composed and self-assured when entertaining - Avoid awkward silences and 'foot in mouth' disease - Convey warmth and enthusiasm so that other people feel good about being near you - Make a positive, lasting impression from the minute you say hello. Once you master The Fine Art of Small Talk, you'll excel at making others feel included, valued and comfortable. Let Debra Fine turn you into a small-talk expert - and watch the contacts, business deals and social relationships multiply before your eyes!
Better Small Talk
Author: Patrick King
Publisher: PKCS Media
ISBN:
Category : Self-Help
Languages : en
Pages : 142
Book Description
Networking events suck, but they can suck less. What to say and when to say to be likable, connect, and make a memorable impression. Actionable and applicable verbal maneuvers for just about every phase of conversation. From hello to goodbye, with strangers or old friends, you'll learn how to simply go deeper. NO MORE: interview mode, awkward silence, or struggling to hold people’s attention. Better Small Talk is a unique read. Imagine the following situation: you've just put on your name tag, and you're approached by a stranger. What do you say? Nice weather today.No, we can do better than this. Learn better small talk to avoid awkwardness, put people at ease, and build real rapport. Learn to open people up without them even realizing it. Patrick King is an internationally bestselling author and social skills coach. His writing draws of a variety of sources, from scientific research, academic experience, coaching, and real life experience. He suffered for years as a shy introvert and managed to boil human interaction down to a science - first for himself, and now for you. You'll learn exact dialogues, responses, phrases, and questions to use. •How to tell captivating stories and what to actually focus on. •Four ways to warm yourself up and prepare for even the most unpredictable conversations. •Instantly setting a tone of friendship and openness with strangers. •Common and subtle conversational habits you need to stop right now Become someone who is magnetic and who can make new friends in any situation. Simple conversation is the gatekeeper to friendships, your dream career, romance, and overall happiness. The ability to connect with anyone is an underrated superpower. People will be more drawn to you without even knowing why, and never again people will people be bored talking to you. You’ll never run out of things to say when you master these conversation tactics. Make each conversation count by clicking the BUY NOW button at the top of the page.
Publisher: PKCS Media
ISBN:
Category : Self-Help
Languages : en
Pages : 142
Book Description
Networking events suck, but they can suck less. What to say and when to say to be likable, connect, and make a memorable impression. Actionable and applicable verbal maneuvers for just about every phase of conversation. From hello to goodbye, with strangers or old friends, you'll learn how to simply go deeper. NO MORE: interview mode, awkward silence, or struggling to hold people’s attention. Better Small Talk is a unique read. Imagine the following situation: you've just put on your name tag, and you're approached by a stranger. What do you say? Nice weather today.No, we can do better than this. Learn better small talk to avoid awkwardness, put people at ease, and build real rapport. Learn to open people up without them even realizing it. Patrick King is an internationally bestselling author and social skills coach. His writing draws of a variety of sources, from scientific research, academic experience, coaching, and real life experience. He suffered for years as a shy introvert and managed to boil human interaction down to a science - first for himself, and now for you. You'll learn exact dialogues, responses, phrases, and questions to use. •How to tell captivating stories and what to actually focus on. •Four ways to warm yourself up and prepare for even the most unpredictable conversations. •Instantly setting a tone of friendship and openness with strangers. •Common and subtle conversational habits you need to stop right now Become someone who is magnetic and who can make new friends in any situation. Simple conversation is the gatekeeper to friendships, your dream career, romance, and overall happiness. The ability to connect with anyone is an underrated superpower. People will be more drawn to you without even knowing why, and never again people will people be bored talking to you. You’ll never run out of things to say when you master these conversation tactics. Make each conversation count by clicking the BUY NOW button at the top of the page.
The Lost Art of the Good Schmooze
Author: Diana Boxer
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
ISBN: 0313383421
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 238
Book Description
This book shows how a good schmooze can be turned to social benefit, without the humiliation of "sucking up" or the hypocrisy of the "the hard sell." The good schmooze is talk about life itself: the good, the bad, and the ugly—a heartfelt interaction with others—chatting, not "chatting up." The Lost Art of the Good Schmooze: Building Rapport and Defusing Conflict in Everyday and Public Talk is about what to say, when to say it, and how to say it. Full of insights that will prove useful at work, at home, with friends, and just about everywhere else, the book will help readers become tactful schmoozers who can defuse situational tensions and lubricate personal, social, workplace, and political interactions with others. The book is organized around five occasions: schmoozing in social interactions, family schmoozing, schmoozing in the workplace, schmoozing in education, and schmoozing in cross-cultural interactions. Examples of both successful and failed schmoozing are drawn from television, films, news, and everyday life. Hundreds of real-world verbal interactions illustrate how recapturing this lost art can lead to increased harmony in all spheres of life.
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
ISBN: 0313383421
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 238
Book Description
This book shows how a good schmooze can be turned to social benefit, without the humiliation of "sucking up" or the hypocrisy of the "the hard sell." The good schmooze is talk about life itself: the good, the bad, and the ugly—a heartfelt interaction with others—chatting, not "chatting up." The Lost Art of the Good Schmooze: Building Rapport and Defusing Conflict in Everyday and Public Talk is about what to say, when to say it, and how to say it. Full of insights that will prove useful at work, at home, with friends, and just about everywhere else, the book will help readers become tactful schmoozers who can defuse situational tensions and lubricate personal, social, workplace, and political interactions with others. The book is organized around five occasions: schmoozing in social interactions, family schmoozing, schmoozing in the workplace, schmoozing in education, and schmoozing in cross-cultural interactions. Examples of both successful and failed schmoozing are drawn from television, films, news, and everyday life. Hundreds of real-world verbal interactions illustrate how recapturing this lost art can lead to increased harmony in all spheres of life.
The Fine Art of Small Talk
Author: Debra Fine
Publisher: Hachette UK
ISBN: 0306831228
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 181
Book Description
In this bestselling guide to social success, communication expert Debra Fine reveals the techniques and strategies anyone can use to make small talk in any situation. Nationally recognized communication expert Debra Fine reveals the techniques and strategies anyone can use to make small talk--in any situation. Do you spend an abnormal amount of time hiding out in the bathroom or hanging out at the buffet table at social gatherings? Does the thought of striking up a conversation with a stranger make your stomach do flip-flops? Do you sit nervously through job interviews waiting for the other person to speak? Are you a "Nervous Ned or Nellie" when it comes to networking? Then it's time you mastered The Fine Art of Small Talk. With practical advice and conversation "cheat sheets," The Fine Art of Small Talk will help you learn to feel more comfortable in any type of social situation, from lunch with the boss to an association event to a cocktail party where you don't know a soul.
Publisher: Hachette UK
ISBN: 0306831228
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 181
Book Description
In this bestselling guide to social success, communication expert Debra Fine reveals the techniques and strategies anyone can use to make small talk in any situation. Nationally recognized communication expert Debra Fine reveals the techniques and strategies anyone can use to make small talk--in any situation. Do you spend an abnormal amount of time hiding out in the bathroom or hanging out at the buffet table at social gatherings? Does the thought of striking up a conversation with a stranger make your stomach do flip-flops? Do you sit nervously through job interviews waiting for the other person to speak? Are you a "Nervous Ned or Nellie" when it comes to networking? Then it's time you mastered The Fine Art of Small Talk. With practical advice and conversation "cheat sheets," The Fine Art of Small Talk will help you learn to feel more comfortable in any type of social situation, from lunch with the boss to an association event to a cocktail party where you don't know a soul.
Effortless
Author: Greg McKeown
Publisher: Currency
ISBN: 0593135644
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 274
Book Description
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A Times (UK) Best Book of the Year • From the author of the million-copy-selling Essentialism comes an empowering guide to achieving your goals. It all starts with a simple principle: Not everything has to be so hard. “In a world beset by burnout, Greg McKeown’s work is essential.”—Daniel H. Pink, author of When, Drive, and To Sell Is Human “At a time when fear, uncertainty, and our ever-growing list of responsibilities have come to feel like much too much to handle, Effortless couldn’t be timelier, or more necessary.”—Eve Rodsky, author of Fair Play Do you ever feel like: • You’re teetering right on the edge of burnout? • You want to make a higher contribution, but lack the energy? • You’re running faster but not moving closer to your goals? • Everything is so much harder than it used to be? As high achievers, we’ve been conditioned to believe that the path to success is paved with relentless work. That if we want to overachieve, we have to overexert, overthink, and overdo. That if we aren’t perpetually exhausted, we’re not doing enough. But lately, working hard is more exhausting than ever. And the more depleted we get, the more effort it takes to make progress. Stuck in an endless loop of “Zoom, eat, sleep, repeat,” we’re often working twice as hard to achieve half as much. Getting ahead doesn’t have to be as hard as we make it. No matter what challenges or obstacles we face, there is a better way: instead of pushing ourselves harder, we can find an easier path. Effortless offers actionable advice for making the most essential activities the easiest ones, so you can achieve the results you want, without burning out. Effortless teaches you how to: • Turn tedious tasks into enjoyable rituals • Prevent frustration by solving problems before they arise • Set a sustainable pace instead of powering through • Make one-time choices that eliminate many future decisions • Simplify your processes by removing unnecessary steps • Make relationships easier to maintain and manage • And much more The effortless way isn't the lazy way. It's the smart way. It may even be the only way. Not every hard thing in life can be made easy. But we can make it easier to do more of what matters most.
Publisher: Currency
ISBN: 0593135644
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 274
Book Description
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A Times (UK) Best Book of the Year • From the author of the million-copy-selling Essentialism comes an empowering guide to achieving your goals. It all starts with a simple principle: Not everything has to be so hard. “In a world beset by burnout, Greg McKeown’s work is essential.”—Daniel H. Pink, author of When, Drive, and To Sell Is Human “At a time when fear, uncertainty, and our ever-growing list of responsibilities have come to feel like much too much to handle, Effortless couldn’t be timelier, or more necessary.”—Eve Rodsky, author of Fair Play Do you ever feel like: • You’re teetering right on the edge of burnout? • You want to make a higher contribution, but lack the energy? • You’re running faster but not moving closer to your goals? • Everything is so much harder than it used to be? As high achievers, we’ve been conditioned to believe that the path to success is paved with relentless work. That if we want to overachieve, we have to overexert, overthink, and overdo. That if we aren’t perpetually exhausted, we’re not doing enough. But lately, working hard is more exhausting than ever. And the more depleted we get, the more effort it takes to make progress. Stuck in an endless loop of “Zoom, eat, sleep, repeat,” we’re often working twice as hard to achieve half as much. Getting ahead doesn’t have to be as hard as we make it. No matter what challenges or obstacles we face, there is a better way: instead of pushing ourselves harder, we can find an easier path. Effortless offers actionable advice for making the most essential activities the easiest ones, so you can achieve the results you want, without burning out. Effortless teaches you how to: • Turn tedious tasks into enjoyable rituals • Prevent frustration by solving problems before they arise • Set a sustainable pace instead of powering through • Make one-time choices that eliminate many future decisions • Simplify your processes by removing unnecessary steps • Make relationships easier to maintain and manage • And much more The effortless way isn't the lazy way. It's the smart way. It may even be the only way. Not every hard thing in life can be made easy. But we can make it easier to do more of what matters most.
Jack and Kitty's Feel-Good Stories: The House That Built A Man and Other Tales
Author: Kitty Norton
Publisher: Jack and Kitty Media Group
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 62
Book Description
When was the last time you felt truly fantastic? Do you crave stories that bring the joy of crisp new bed sheets, a cozy cup of tea, or laughter that leaves you breathless? Let yourself be swept away by Jack and Kitty's Feel-Good Stories, a collection of 11 heartwarming tales guaranteed to get you hooked on a feeling that can only be described as amazing. A woman rediscovers her voice while listening to the forest's melody. A bully is surprised to feel the true meaning of friendship. A dog left on a doorstep with a note on his collar brings two families together. A man builds a house by hand for his wife, only to realize the gift he received in return. A young boy masters the art of old-fashioned chores with his Grandpa ... and more stories that will touch your heart. Give yourself the gift of happiness with these uplifting tales. Whether you're in need of a pick-me-up, a bit of healing, or a spark of inspiration, this collection is your perfect companion.
Publisher: Jack and Kitty Media Group
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 62
Book Description
When was the last time you felt truly fantastic? Do you crave stories that bring the joy of crisp new bed sheets, a cozy cup of tea, or laughter that leaves you breathless? Let yourself be swept away by Jack and Kitty's Feel-Good Stories, a collection of 11 heartwarming tales guaranteed to get you hooked on a feeling that can only be described as amazing. A woman rediscovers her voice while listening to the forest's melody. A bully is surprised to feel the true meaning of friendship. A dog left on a doorstep with a note on his collar brings two families together. A man builds a house by hand for his wife, only to realize the gift he received in return. A young boy masters the art of old-fashioned chores with his Grandpa ... and more stories that will touch your heart. Give yourself the gift of happiness with these uplifting tales. Whether you're in need of a pick-me-up, a bit of healing, or a spark of inspiration, this collection is your perfect companion.
Jack and Kitty's Feel-Good Stories: A Stitch of Serenity and Other Tales
Author: Kitty Norton
Publisher: Jack and Kitty Media Group
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 61
Book Description
Ever longed for a world where time pauses, and unconditional love envelops you? Want to escape to a place that feels like luxurious bubble baths, the sun's warm embrace, and joyful hugs? This collection of 11 short tales, Jack and Kitty's Feel-Good Stories, is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face - and make you want to dance like nobody's watching. A young girl soothes her anxiety through the rhythmic art of knitting. Two strangers from different worlds find solace in art. A treasure chest connects two children to their German immigrant roots. A former prisoner of war reunites with his wife, discovering beauty in the most unexpected places. A hotdog stand sparks an unexpected obsession with Pickleball ... and more stories that will tug at your heartstrings. Indulge in some well-deserved me-time with these heartwarming tales. Whether you need a good chuckle, a dose of healing, or just a moment to feel good, this collection is your perfect companion.
Publisher: Jack and Kitty Media Group
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 61
Book Description
Ever longed for a world where time pauses, and unconditional love envelops you? Want to escape to a place that feels like luxurious bubble baths, the sun's warm embrace, and joyful hugs? This collection of 11 short tales, Jack and Kitty's Feel-Good Stories, is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face - and make you want to dance like nobody's watching. A young girl soothes her anxiety through the rhythmic art of knitting. Two strangers from different worlds find solace in art. A treasure chest connects two children to their German immigrant roots. A former prisoner of war reunites with his wife, discovering beauty in the most unexpected places. A hotdog stand sparks an unexpected obsession with Pickleball ... and more stories that will tug at your heartstrings. Indulge in some well-deserved me-time with these heartwarming tales. Whether you need a good chuckle, a dose of healing, or just a moment to feel good, this collection is your perfect companion.
Jack and Kitty’s Feel-Good Stories for Women
Author: Kitty Norton
Publisher: Jack and Kitty Media Group
ISBN:
Category : Self-Help
Languages : en
Pages : 207
Book Description
Get Ready to Feel All the Warm Fuzzies! Curl up with a cup of tea, wrap yourself in your favorite blanket, and escape into a world of feel-good moments that are just for you. This isn’t just a book—it’s a collection of 51 soul-soothing, laugh-out-loud, and tear-jerking tales, written with love by Jack and Kitty Norton. Whether you need a boost of encouragement, a reminder that kindness still exists, or just a reason to smile at the end of a long day, this book is your perfect companion. Each story in this collection celebrates life’s small joys—simple acts of love, quirky characters, sweet victories, and unexpected moments of grace. These are the kinds of stories that make your heart lighter and your soul shine. What’s Inside? Cozy, bite-sized tales perfect for reading in one sitting Relatable characters that feel like old friends Stories that remind you to find beauty and humor in everyday life From mishaps that turn into miracles to funny little moments that stick with you, these 51 stories will make you laugh, cry, and believe in the power of hope. You’ll meet strong women, lovable underdogs, and people just like you—figuring out life one imperfect step at a time. A Little Escape Just for You. This book is like a warm hug on a cold day. Whether you need some inspiration, a bit of comfort, or a reminder that life isn’t perfect but it sure is beautiful, Jack and Kitty’s Feel-Good Stories for Women will leave you smiling long after you’ve turned the last page. Treat yourself (or someone you love) to this heartwarming collection. After all, we could all use a little more joy, one story at a time.
Publisher: Jack and Kitty Media Group
ISBN:
Category : Self-Help
Languages : en
Pages : 207
Book Description
Get Ready to Feel All the Warm Fuzzies! Curl up with a cup of tea, wrap yourself in your favorite blanket, and escape into a world of feel-good moments that are just for you. This isn’t just a book—it’s a collection of 51 soul-soothing, laugh-out-loud, and tear-jerking tales, written with love by Jack and Kitty Norton. Whether you need a boost of encouragement, a reminder that kindness still exists, or just a reason to smile at the end of a long day, this book is your perfect companion. Each story in this collection celebrates life’s small joys—simple acts of love, quirky characters, sweet victories, and unexpected moments of grace. These are the kinds of stories that make your heart lighter and your soul shine. What’s Inside? Cozy, bite-sized tales perfect for reading in one sitting Relatable characters that feel like old friends Stories that remind you to find beauty and humor in everyday life From mishaps that turn into miracles to funny little moments that stick with you, these 51 stories will make you laugh, cry, and believe in the power of hope. You’ll meet strong women, lovable underdogs, and people just like you—figuring out life one imperfect step at a time. A Little Escape Just for You. This book is like a warm hug on a cold day. Whether you need some inspiration, a bit of comfort, or a reminder that life isn’t perfect but it sure is beautiful, Jack and Kitty’s Feel-Good Stories for Women will leave you smiling long after you’ve turned the last page. Treat yourself (or someone you love) to this heartwarming collection. After all, we could all use a little more joy, one story at a time.