Bøger af Bob Bohlken

Entertaining guide to sayings and expressions from an almost lost early rural culture. Helps explain some strange phraseology and other Midwestern talk. These sayings are colored with allusions from the past and touched with a bit of humor. Some may appear to be crude and crass, but they are authentic. Written by noted storyteller and observer of local folks. Here is a sampling of these and many other midwestern folk sayings (idioms) in the following categories: Appearance, such as "being run of the mill" "she's no spring chicken" Behaviors and Dispositions, as "happy as a cow in clover" "rougher than a cob" Marriage and Separation - "she led him down the primrose path" "he's in the doghouse" Common Sense - "he's talkin' through his hat" "few bricks short of a full load" Credibility - "slippery as a greased pig" "there's a lot of frosting on that cake" Situations and Tasks - "it was cut and dried before he came" "it was water the dam" Time, Distance and Weather - "make hay while the sun shines" "goes to bed with the chickens" Value - "not worth a hill of beans" "can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear" Competition - "helpless as a pig on ice" "separate the wheat from the chaff" Money and Finance - "that's just chicken feed" "the well has gone dry" Relationships - "the pot calling the kettle black" "taken under her wing" Death and Dying - "he kicked the bucket" "shouldn't buy green bananas" Communication and Language Skills - "in one ear and out the other" "that's just hogwash" Kitchen, Household and Food - "he's a meat and potatoes guy" "two pickles short of a quart" Sports - "went to bat for him" "got a lot on the ball" You'll find no "beating around the bush" here. If you're ready to "chew the fat" and "strike while the iron is hot", then this book's for you.

Have you ever found yourself saying: Are you listening? Pay attention! Did you hear me? All of these situations can be remedied, or even prevented, through the practice of effective listening. Listening is the first language skill used but one that is least studied and developed. It is a skill employers respect most in their employees and one most admired in interpersonal relationships. This book defines the different types of listening and explores the basic elements of communication. It offers insight and clarification of the listening process found in personal relationships, group interactions, public/professional transactions, and societal roles. This book is not intended to be a classroom textbook, but, as supplemental material on the importance of effective communication through listening. Based on academic theory, the book presents abstract concepts in a conversational manner. It uses common language style with clear reference to one's everyday experience. There is an awareness of listening as an interpersonal verbal interaction. Through vivid examples and practical exercises insights are made into the participant's mental process. Listening activities based on the author's 30+ years in education help the reader and significant other(s) gain a greater understanding and appreciation of interpersonal communication on a deeper level. They will have a better understanding of their own listening behavior and preferences and the listening behavior and preferences of others. Verbal and nonverbal elements have a significant influence on the effectiveness of communication. Verbal responses include questioning, paraphrasing and repeating verbatim what the speaker says. Some of the nonverbal elements include time, space/proximity/furniture, eye levels, and the angle at which the communicators are positioned. It can take three to four minutes of pleasantries at the beginning of the conversation before effective listening begins. These and many other behaviors can predict the success of the relationship. Learning and using effective listening techniques and strategies will help avoid frustration and stress. Good listening habits, as part of effective communication, can be developed and mastered. This book is best suited for couples preparing to marry, counselors, using it for supervisors' training, partner training, physicians' and teachers' training, law enforcement officers, attorney training, and for those who want to improve their interpersonal communication.