6 Ways to Improve Your Spoken English Skills

Failure is NOT the opposite of success, it's just a stepping stone to Success.

6 Ways to Improve Your Spoken English Skills

Reports say that inadequate English is one of the key factors holding back students, especially those from smaller towns. The ability to speak and write in flawless English is one of the most important parameters used by the employers in India. 

According to the present statistics, more than half of all engineers (52%) would not be fluent in a majority of words that are used with regular frequency in the workplace. Hereby, I am sharing 6 solid and doable suggestions (personally experienced) and would expect you to start working on them right away,

(1) Buy or borrow a Grammar Book and revise the following 8 tenses (go through the solved examples, learn them, practice the exercises and also get them crosschecked by your friend or teacher), 

• Simple Present 
• Simple Past 
• Simple Future 
• Present Continuous 
• Past Continuous 
• Future Continuous 
• Present Perfect 
• Past Perfect 

(2) Start reading at least 2 newspaper articles (long or short) of your choice and collect new words from them and note them in a notebook properly. Remember, when you read these articles, try to read them loud and clear (you need to hear your own voice while reading). If in case you get confused with their meaning or pronunciation (feel free to take help from Google). Plus revise ALL those new words (with their meaning in Hindi or English) daily in the morning. 

(3) Watch one video (of 15 to 20 minutes) from TED daily and watch the same video at least three times to get appropriate understanding. Don't worry if you don't understand it initially (you can also use the subtitles plus transcript), but make sure you watch it three times at least. 

(4) Make a promise to yourself that you will try to speak in English even if you make mistakes (don't bother about what people would think of you!). Remember, you are learning and the ones who are truly concerned about you, would never laugh at you (rather they will encourage you) and if someone laughs, just ignore the reaction. Try giving presentations, speeches, talks as and when possible. And prepare for them extra hard! 

(5) If you don't find people around you to practice your English skills, talk to yourself in English (Yes, you heard it right!). It might sound a bit strange or odd, but I followed the same practice and it gave me huge returns.

(6) Work hard, practice sincerely and I am sure you will make it happen. Remember, failure is NOT the opposite of success, it's just a stepping stone to Success.

note: please feel free to get this eBook "Secrets of Spoken English" to learn more detailed strategies on "How to Improve Spoken English?" Write an email request to spokenenglishsecrets@gmail.com to receive this eBook for FREE!!!

Get this eBook "Secrets of Spoken English" for FREE

*If you like this blog post and wish to share your experiences/ remarks/ views with me, you are most welcome to write to me at pdpbygauravmisra@gmail.com. Thanks!

Campus Placement Preparation: Abstract GD Topics (III)

Campus Placement Preparation: 

Abstract GD Topics (III) 

Abstract Topics are similar to a googly thrown to a batsman. One can hit a six or might even get stumped. Abstract topics can be as random as: ‘Black’, ‘Girl in Yellow Boots’, ‘Friday’, ‘5’ or ‘I Like Ice-creams’. We should understand that such topics tend to test our ability of lateral thinking and creativity.

Abstract topics are more challenging because they are perception based. The topic may be interpreted in different ways by different participants. To deal with abstract topics, it’s important to know the qualities that will be assessed during the discussion of abstract topics. Through them interviewers will assess candidate’s creativity, application of knowledge, clarity of thought, ability to deal with uncertainty under stress, leadership qualities & negotiation skills. 

One should have the confidence & clarity to present one’s views and to drive the discussion. In fact, an abstract topic is a golden opportunity to present one’s creative thinking and get noticed by the interviewers, which will ease the next step in the process, i. e interview. To be comfortable with abstract topics and nail them, there is no special formula but to PREPARE for them & be ready for them psychologically. 

One advantage to deal with many abstract topics is, not much of factual knowledge is needed, day to day worldly knowledge is sufficient (Ex: Every cloud has a silver lining). Use your creativity to the maximum; there is no right or wrong interpretation as long as one can justify one's perspective with clear reasoning. 

Take the lead, present your views. If all the group members agree on one view, the discussion can be carried out on the same. Otherwise, in a 10-20 min GD present your perspective and lead the discussion. Along with presenting your interpretation, do actively listen & participate in discussing others’ views too. 

To get different perspectives, use the SPELT (Social, Political, Economic, Legal & Technological) approach, which enables one to look at a subject from 360-degree angle. Finally, to deal with abstract topics one needs to have the same preparation and confidence as dealing with other topics. Even when you feel your view is not outstanding, it’s important to speak out and express it in the best way. 

Some Important Abstract GD Topics are as follows,

1. To be or not to be
2. Tricky situation- simple solution
3. Life is full of cactus, but you don't have to sit on it.
4. Wheel
5. Short prayers reach heaven.
6. Magic Wand
7. Ray
8. Door
9. Size does matter.
10. Utopia
11. Insanity is essential.
12. Black & White
13. Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish
14. Black Box
15. Bharat vs. India
16. India 2025
17. Majority vs. Minority
18. Blue Versus Red
19. White Flag
20. Black is Good.
21. Red is Bad.
22. Roots & Wings
23. Walls are Dead.
24. Famous or Important
25. Might is Right.
26. Pink
27. Success
28. Freedom
29. Zero
30. Dot

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30 HCL HR FAQs

30 HCL HR FAQs

Here is the collection* of the FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) generally asked during HCL HR round:

1. What is your biggest regret in life?
2. Give us two of your biggest strengths and weaknesses.
3. Illustrate a few of your qualities which fall in line with HCL’s vision statement.
4. What do you think about HCL?
5. What interests you most about this position?
6. What are three things that your friends will say about you? How do you think your friends will define you?
7. Where do you see yourself five years from now?
8. What do you think are the qualities that define a Team Leader?
9. How do your strengths overpower your weaknesses?
10. How ambitious are you?
11. What motivates you to work for HCL Technologies?
12. Do you plan to pursue an MBA immediately after completing your engineering?
13. Describe various co-curricular and extra-curricular activities that you’ve participated in.
14. What is your aim in life?
15. What is your short term goal?
16. Why should you be hired for this role?
17. Would you forego this job if you get a better opportunity?
18. Which TV series do you like the most? Enlist some major characters of this series.
19. Under what circumstances you will leave this job?
20. What would you say is your strongest quality?
21. What qualities do you think will be required for this job?
22. What interests you about our product (or service)?
23. How would you add value to our company?
24. Name a few game software making companies.
25. Would you like to suggest anything to us?
26. Do you consider yourself successful?
27. Do you think you’ll be able to compete with students from IITs and other premier institutes considering that you have such a low CGPA?
28. Which type of songs do you enjoy the most?
29. If you could change one thing about your personality, what would it be? Why?
30. Do you work well under pressure?

*based on previous HCL HR rounds

45 TCS HR FAQs

 45 TCS HR FAQs

 Here is the collection* of the FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) generally asked during TCS HR round:

1. Tell me something about yourself.
2. Give a brief introduction of yourself. 
3. Describe your hobbies. 
4. Can you please run us through your resume? 
5. Describe your career goal. 
6. What is your aim in life? 
7. Where is your native place? For what it is famous? 
8. Tell me about your dream job? 
9. Why did you decide to become an engineer? Who inspired you to become an engineer?
10. Tell me something about your family. 
11. Are you a team player? 
12. Your working hours might be as long as 14 hrs per day. Do you think you'll be able manage that? Are you willing to relocate? 
13. Do you wish to change your domain? If yes, why? 
14. Describe an experience of yours wherein you were asked to do something which you didn't like to do and how you handled it? 
15. What are your expectations from the company? 
16. What do you think about your leadership qualities? 
17. Why do you think makes you a suitable candidate for this job? 
18. You are not as experienced as this position demands. How will you cope with it? 
19. Rate your communication skills and technical skills. 
20. What irks you the most about your co-workers? 
21. Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now? 
22. Why should you be hired for this role? 
23. Give an instance when you showed leadership skills. 
24. What do you know about the various competitors of TCS in the market? 
25. You will be required to sign bond of two years as terms of work agreement. Will you be comfortable with it? 
26. Who was the founder of TCS? 
27. Who is the current CEO of TCS? 
28. Do you think you have quick learning ability? 
29. What is your expectation from us? 
30. How would you react if you are criticized by your manager for your work? 
31. Tell me something about yourself that is interesting and you haven’t mentioned yet. 
32. Why do you want to join TCS? 
33. Do you want to be a small fish in a big pond or a big fish in a small pond? 
34. If your Team Lead is not giving you enough credit for your work, and is often complaining that you are not working, even if you are, then what will you do? 
35. Who are your role models? 
36. What are your strengths and weaknesses? 
37. Tell us something about your extracurricular activities. 
38. What is more important to you, money or work? 
39. Are you willing to work overtime, night shifts and weekends? 
40. What do you know about the recent trends in the IT industry? 
41. If you are rejected today, then what will you do? 
42. Who are the competitors of TCS in the world market as well as in Indian market? 
43. What is the name of the award TCS recently received? 
44. What do you know about TCS as a company? 
45. Do you have any questions for us?

*based on previous TCS HR rounds

Campus Placement Preparation: GD Topics (II)

Campus Placement Preparation: GD Topics (II) 

For companies like L&T, HCL and Deloitte, Group Discussion forms an important part of their selection procedure. GD is one of the ways to test problem solving skills, team coordination, leadership role, initiative taking ability, boardroom behavior, corporate culture fitness etc among the candidates who participate in the group discussion. If you look ahead and imagine the corporate role, an employee has to have all these skills and should be able to exhibit when required. 

Some Important GD Topics are as follows, 

1. Are digital payments secure enough for the Indian economy to go cashless? 
2. Should national anthem be played in the cinema halls? 
3. Gender bias in portraying women in advertisements. 
4. Future of Management or Technical education in India. 
5. Artificial Intelligence: Boon or Bane? 
6. What if red is white? 
7. No decision is also a decision. 
8. Why are many startups failing in India? 
9. Indian Village -Our strength or our weakness 
10. We need more job creators than job seekers.
11. Are movies corrupting the Indian youth 
12. Marriage - a social trap 
13. How effective is Indian Education System? 
14. 'Digital India' - How far was it a success? 
15. There is no right way to do a wrong thing. 
16. Haste makes waste.
17. Borderless world – a myth/reality? 
18. Food is more important than Ethics. 
19. Good things come from good thinking 
20. Every cloud has a silver lining 
21. Most important thing is beginning. 
22. It's smart to be a little dumb. 
23. Free water vs. free oxygen.
24. Smart work vs. Hard work 
25. If an alien lands on earth which country should he/she settle in? 

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Campus Placement Preparation: GD Topics (I)

Campus Placement Preparation: GD Topics (I) 

For companies like L&T, HCL and Deloitte, Group Discussion forms an important part of their selection procedure. GD is one of the ways to test problem solving skills, team coordination, leadership role, initiative taking ability, boardroom behavior, corporate culture fitness etc among the candidates who participate in the group discussion. If you look ahead and imagine the corporate role, an employee has to have all these skills and should be able to exhibit when required. 

Some Important GD Topics are as follows, 

1. Bullet train or Better trains - What does India need? 
2. Should Triple Talaq be abolished? 
3. Is India becoming intolerant? 
4. GST: Will economy grow faster with reduced rates of Goods & Services Tax? 
5. Privatization of Indian economy: Should India go ahead with the idea? 
6. India V/s China: Will India remain way behind China? 
7. Mission to MARS: Can India afford spending a fortune on such projects? 
8. T.V. is no longer an idiot box. 
9. Is marriage losing its importance? 
10. Is Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in retail sector good for India? 
11. Rules are made to be broken. 
12. Reliance Jio 4G- Changing the Indian Telecom Sector 
13. Is compulsory attendance really needed in college? 
14. Is India ready for cashless economy? 
15. Do brands rule our lives? 
16. Population of India as an asset. 
17. Should NH be made toll free. 
18. Will the electronic car work in India? 
19. Murderous online games 
20. Make in India or Make for India 
21. Should India have a one child policy 
22. Linking of Aadhaar: Is making Aadhaar mandatory a good idea? 
23. Effect of GST in your daily life 
24. Internet censorship 
25. One area that India needs to improve on the most. 

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Effective Business Writing 1.4

Effective Business Writing 1.4

Q. (1 to 15) BUSINESS CROSSWORD PUZZLE:

Across 1. rate and efficiency of work 4. ask the bank to advance money 6. money paid for a loan 10. wealth of person or business 12. promise to repair or replace 13. amalgamation of two companies 14. legal agreement 16. total sales of a company 17. share of profits paid to shareholders

Down 2. proof of payment 3. put money into a company or business 5. money paid to owner of copyright or patent 7. part of the capital of a company 8. where shares are bought and sold 9. money lent 11. amount of money spent 14. neither cheque nor credit card 15. money returned

*There are no spaces between words. Q. (from 16 to 35) Complete the Spellings: 16. Ab__nd__n__e 17. Ac__e__si__le 18. A__c__a__m 19. Ac__u__ul__te 20. Ach__ev__m__nt 21. Acqu__in__a__ce 22. Ag__ra__a__e 23. A__a__e__r 24. Ap__a__e__t 25. A__h__is__ 26. Au__i__ia__y 27. B__ne__i__ed 28. B__o__a__t 29. Bu__e__uc__acy 30. Ca__ou__la__e 31. Co__o__s__l 32. Co__m__tt__e 33. C__ns__ns__s 34. Cor__e__at__ 35. Cor__es__on__ence

Directions (from 36 to 55): Choose a suitable word from the following list and use them appropriately in the given sentences: (36) Processing, (37) Authorize, (38) Document, (39) Inventory, (40) Facilitator, (41) Motivate/ Motivates, (42) Merchandise, (43) Budget, (44) Turnover, (45) Coordinate, (46) Collaborate, (47) Distribution, (48) Negotiate, (49) Communicate/ Communication, (50) Prioritize, (51) Supervise, (52) Profitability, (53) Implement, (54) Recruit, (55) Scheduling.

A. “The course _________ is there to provide guidance and encouragement for the group to find out the answers for themselves.” B. “We need someone to _________ the conference call with our business partners in Europe and Asia.” C. “I have eight emails waiting in my inbox. Let me _______ which ones I should answer first.” D. “Peter’s stuck in a traffic jam. We may run into ________ problems if we can’t confirm what time he’ll be at the office for the meeting.” E. “You may submit your business loan application today.________ usually takes up to two to three weeks.” F. “George doesn’t seem to be putting in much effort lately. It’s time his sales manager steps in and __________ him to meet his quota.” G. “Higher management wants us to ____________ with our partners in Britain to develop a better product.” H. “The contractor will be in later to ________ the office remodeling.” I. “I think you should read the _________ carefully before signing it.” J. “If you’re organizing a year-end office party, you’ll have to work out a ________ for it.” K. “After a week of __________, we still can’t agree on the terms of the contract.” L. “We’re now ready to __________ security measures that we hope will make this office building a safer place for our employees.” M. “Due to the lack of ___________, we don’t have all the facts we need.” N. “After securing this deal, we had to _________ more managers to head the projects.” O. “I’ll have to get my supervisor to _________ this check before I send it to you.” P. “This year, there has been an increase in our imports of foreign ____________.” Q. “The year end is the time when we check our stock and update our ___________ lists.” R. “Our total sales __________ this year is higher than the past two years combined. You can all expect a bonus at the end of the year.” S. “The new manager takes care of the ____________ of our sports and fitness products to other countries.” T. “Management would like you to conduct a study of the ____________ of expanding our market overseas.”

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