"Unless you’re perfect, you have room to improve.

Visit http://blog.

"The TED speaker and podcast host shares 4 items from his to-don’t list — stuff he’s shed from his life to make him a happier and more effective human.

"Criticism is something we all have to face.

Daryl Chen and Hailey Reissman (photo, left) report.

"In this lesson you will learn everything you need to know about pronouncing the /æ/, AA as in BLACK vowel in American English.

Visit http://blog.

"Has this ever happened to you?

"How to prepare for any speaking opportunity in English so it'll set you up for success (and not failure).

"There are many different reasons why you might want to influence people.

"Has this ever happened to you?

"When we needlessly apologize, we end up making ourselves small and diminish what we’re trying to express, says sociologist Maja Jovanovic.

Diane DiResta addresses the topic.

For more information, visit http://leadingtexts.

"Why is it SO HARD to understand native speakers?

"Do you like curly fries?

"Available talent is scarce these days.

"Sometimes it's hard to know what statistics are worthy of trust.

"In this American English Pronunciation quick tip lesson you'll learn all about an easier way to say these tricky consonant combinations.

"In a talk that's part history lesson, part love letter to graphics, information designer Tommy McCall traces the centuries-long evolution of charts and diagrams -- and shows how complex data can be sculpted into beautiful shapes.

"Why do so many companies make bad decisions, even with access to unprecedented amounts of data?

"Do you feel exhausted after speaking in English?

This methodical approach to receiving criticism helps unbundle the emotional side of criticism from the helpful side.

See why having an emotional stake in a question can lead you to flawed reasoning.

Radio interviewer Celeste Headlee, who listens to people for a living, shares her advice for having better conversations.