Expressing condolence with sympathy messages

There is a Lot to Learn from this post “Expressing condolence with a sympathy message” by a fellow blogger Joane on wordpress. It’s useful to read the entire post for Intermediate and Advanced English Students. I am re-blogging it with thanks to Joane on behalf of all of us.

We will discuss it in the class: How and where to use ….note down key words and sentences as suggested.

Today we observe 2-minute silence for the loss of Manna Dey – a melodious voice, classical singer and a wonderful person!

Has anyone heard excellent recitation of Dr. Harivansh Rai Bachhan’s Madhu-shala done by him?…. I had it in a audio cassette form for my car- stereo, a long time ago and would often listen to it – a masterpiece!

May the departed soul rest in peace.

Your Tributes To Those You've Lost

When you heard the news of the sudden death of a friend’s family member or any colleague’s near ones then immediately you feel to pass condolence with sympathy messages. Some people prefer to express it personally by attending the funeral and some like to send it in a written way in the form of mail, letter or a text message. Whatever your way of expression is, you must learn how to say sympathy words in an appropriate method. The first and the most important thing to remember is that when writing sympathy messages or expressing them you must be sincere with the right words that are kind and are like sharing grief. The right words express your sincerity and closeness to the deceased person. To express some genuine sympathy words that prove you are sharing grief with the family.

Keep the content simple and direct

The content of sympathy messages…

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How many people in your circle know that you can Converse in English?

People often say: My spouse, My family, Only me or not Many etc., When I ask “How Many people know about your learning English”

This is an important question as its the language you wish to speak in with people right. You are doing it to improve your communication with these very people and as you tell them it automatically sets a stage for you to practice with them… The people who support your efforts are obviously your friends and interested in your GROWTH.

Its difficult to Learn a Language in isolation so my request is declare ‘what you are learning- communication/conversation skills’ to as many people as you feel comfortable with. You don’t need to say ‘I want to practice my Spoken English with you’ maybe you could start as under:

1. Put MORE words of English in your everyday speech.. greet everyone
2. Start answering all the questions asked in English… Yes/No questions are quite easy followed by How Many, How Much, What, Where, Who, When and finally ‘How to’ and ‘Why’ types of questions.
3. Invite people and make polite requests in English… you already send your greetings and good wishes in English right?
4. Write all your formal email and answer them in ‘correct and polished’ language
5. Give your introduction to new contacts, start asking questions to begin a conversation.
6. Discuss your hobbies, interests, needs wants…and feeling etc.
7. Describing your daily routines, holiday/childhood experience (past) and future plans

The above can broadly be called ‘Speak-up’ and ‘Speak-out’ situations where your need to speak 4-5 sentences or up to 1 min. to express yourself such that others don’t take you wrong. So declare to the world at large that you have the ability to “speak easily and with confidence to anyone” – you do this by speaking to more and more people – as making a radio broadcast is not possible. This will gradually increase your circle of practice within your existing friends and ‘English – conversations’ definitely increase your friends circle. You gain confidence as you add common words/expressions in your active vocabulary, learn the basic structures (Grammar rules) and speak with clear pronunciation. We cover them in our BASIC program.

Are you ready for doing ‘meaningful conversations’ as you face more ‘real-word’ situations in Business?   

By this time or after the everyday-conversations, you would have developed enough confidence and skill to put intonation and modulation in your speech as used by more polished business speakers and you will be more comfortable to do any ‘meaningful conversation’ that help you establish a relationship. It can be when you face an ‘interview’ or other business situations where you need to ‘Speak-about’ yourself in details or ‘Speak-on’ a given topic for 2-10 minutes. Essentially, you need to ‘sell-yourself’ or your professional profile – to be more polite! You showcase your technical knowledge, skills,  talents, strengths, experiences and demonstrate communication skills such that your first impression is good and the person wants to deal with you in future as well.

In these professional situations you will use be required to speak more meaningfully so you also need to have good listening -nearly 100% comprehension of words, right expressions and pronunciation, tone as well as the body-language. You begin to form paragraphs to make a ‘connected speech’ that is impressive enough and goes like a story (with a solid beginning and a great ending). There is always a need to get applauds and sometimes, all of us need to win an argument. There is immense power to influence your audience with your Conversations – make them engaging and leave an impact!

Read my posts on the topics under Conversations, In-case you can ‘Speak-out’ but feel difficulties in ‘Speaking on a topic’, you may need to join an Intermediate Level program that also focuses on your ‘Communication’ skills. You could have reasonable level of ease, confidence and fluency with your English maybe in 2 months. (Remember its not about speaking fast).