The Heart and Mind of English

“You’re never really done for, as long as you got a good story, and someone to tell it to.” －Tim Roth, The Legend of 1900

English is well-known as a world language. It has significantly become predominant globally in radio, science, aviation, business, diplomacy, entertainment and communications. A number of fields, occupations and professions require a working knowledge. The demand to learn English has accelerated incredibly. Over a billion people worldwide speak at a basic level. English is principally an official language for many international organizations including the United Nations and International Olympic Committee.

The heart and mind in balance are principal to writing and speaking well. The heart is the feelings and emotions especially connected to love. The mind is the ability to think analytically. The heart induces a myriad of feelings and emotions. The mind stimulates interest intellectually. Critically acclaimed written works often become transcending film productions and profound eloquent speeches often become televised presentation specials. The key to writing and speaking well requires that writers and speakers induce feelings and emotions in the hearts as well as evoke memory in the minds of readers and listeners, respectively. The key further requires that writers and speakers ultimately become masters at storytelling.

Storytelling is the heart and mind of English. Five elements are essential to telling stories. They are plot, characters, setting, thought and dialogue. Plot is the main story. Characters are the people with notable or distinctive traits. Setting is the time and place. Thought is the intellectual product, organized opinions and principles of individuals during a particular age or era. Dialogue is the conversation between two or more persons.

All songs tell stories. I often find myself entranced when taking pleasure in a Broadway musical. Little compares to seeing live dramatic theatre. The human condition is highlighted either sentimentally or humorous in nature and sometimes sentimental and humorous, simultaneously. The stage is luminous. Scenes are brilliantly orchestrated. Each sweet-sounding show-tune is masterfully crafted. The lyrics and melodies are perfect in marriage. Cast members sing and dance effortlessly. The audience celebrates in applause after every beautiful number. All stellar performing artists receive a rousing appreciative standing ovation.

We tell stories every day. In fact, we tell stories almost all day long. Telling stories is purely a conscious act whether texting on a cell phone, messaging on a computer, chatting in public or shouting from a distance. Conversations generally center on work, family and health. However, not all exchanges are general in scope. And, neither is every story.

Seeking employment opportunities is sometimes a tedious process. The standard protocol involves submitting a resume and subsequently interviewing. Some companies solicit cover letters. Others request either written or verbal recommendations. Agencies overseas solicit passports and recent photographs. Regardless, every aspect of job search involves telling a story.

A resume tells a story about a person’s education, work history, objectives and personal interests. An interview is dialogue between prospects and employers. Recruiters are looking for candidates in great health, formally dressed and suitably groomed. Body language tells a story about or characterizes a person’s physical personality. A cover letter illustrates a person’s capabilities including aspirations and achievements as well as interpersonal and professional skills. A passport simply verifies proper identity. A photograph tells a story about or characterizes a person's facial features.

The same philosophy applied particularly when writing recommendation letters for students who were interested in attending post-secondary or post-graduate institutions at home or abroad. Hopefuls occasionally requested my written support. I solicited relevant information including extracurricular involvement, volunteer activities, favorite hobbies, preferred subjects and intended major or course of study. I concisely combined innate feelings and emotions with inherent analytical abilities. Recommendation letters theoretically must profoundly touch each heart and evoke memory in every mind of admissions selection committee members for serious consideration.

Word choice is crucial. Creativity is reflective of novelty. Avoid repetition unless when being stylishly artistic. Stress positive attributes whenever possible. When referring to praiseworthy characteristics of adolescents; clever, smart, gifted, witty, bright or talented are fitting. And, whenever alluding to complimentary particularities about adults; competent, qualified, resourceful, intelligent, well-informed or knowledgeable are appropriate.

Write about subjects familiar in concept. Later, address topics of complexity after interpretative writing abilities deepen, broaden, heighten and strengthen. Materials on metaphysics for example might only advance interests of ideological enthusiasts. This is why romance novels remain popular from generation to generation. Simplicity is relative to mass appeal. Love is timeless.

Say it. Mean it. Speak with conviction. Offer useful information. Join discussion groups. Open with remarks of mutual interest. Teach and learn hand-in-hand. Converse with sincerest of purposes. Be as factual and detailed as possible. Visit spoken word and open mic venues. Become a member in book clubs where readings regularly take place. Eye-to-eye contact is critical when talking face-to-face. Belief is established. Confidence is built. Trust is gained.

English is well-known as a world language and officially for many international organizations. Its necessity has increased considerably. A working knowledge or basic speaking level is essential especially when seeking employment or educational opportunities overseas. The heart and mind in symmetry are imperative for mastery of storytelling. The heart incites feelings and emotions. The mind provokes interest.

There are three web sites that provide comprehensive language resources for English. Merriam-Webster.com offers a free online dictionary, thesaurus, word games, audio pronunciations and Word of the Day. Thesaurus.com provides free online synonyms, antonyms, definitions and translations. Synonyms are words similar in meaning. Antonyms are words dissimilar in meaning. Definitions are meanings of words. Translations are meanings of words in numerous languages. Wikipedia.org offers a free online encyclopedia with millions of articles on multitudes of subjects. These submissions are written on a wide range of topics by contributing volunteer writers from all around the world.