Personal
adjective
Commonality Score: 1 (very common)
Translations
Arabic: شخصي (shakhsi)
Chinese (Mandarin): 个人的 (gèrén de)
French: personnel
German: persönlich
Hindi: व्यक्तिगत (vyaktigat)
Japanese: 個人的な (kojinteki na)
Korean: 개인적인 (gaeinjeog-in)
Polish: osobisty
Portuguese: pessoal
Russian: личный (lichnyy)
Spanish: personal
Thai: ส่วนตัว (suantua)
Turkish: kişisel
Vietnamese: cá nhân
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Definition/s
- Belonging or relating to a particular person rather than anyone else.
- Private or concerning an individual’s private life.
- Designed for use by one person.
Examples
- He shared a personal story from his childhood during the meeting.
- The letter contained sensitive and personal information.
- She takes personal responsibility for her team's success.
Personally
adverb
Commonality Score: 1 (very common)
Translations
Arabic: شخصيًا (shakhsiyyan)
Chinese (Mandarin): 亲自 (qīnzì) / 个人地 (gèrén de)
French: personnellement
German: persönlich
Hindi: व्यक्तिगत रूप से (vyaktigat roop se)
Japanese: 個人的に (kojinteki ni)
Korean: 개인적으로 (gaeinjeogeuro)
Polish: osobiście
Portuguese: pessoalmente
Russian: лично (lichno)
Spanish: personalmente
Thai: ส่วนตัว (suantua) / โดยส่วนตัว (doi suantua)
Turkish: şahsen / bizzat
Vietnamese: cá nhân
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Whilst every care has been taken to ensure accuracy, translations could be misleading. Check with your teacher if you are unsure.
Don't see your language? Try Google Translate
Don't see your language? Try Google Translate
Definition/s
- In a way that relates to or involves the individual.
- As an individual, rather than as part of a group or organisation.
- By oneself, directly.
Examples
- I personally believe that education is the key to success.
- The president personally attended the charity event to show support.
- You don’t need to take criticism so personally - it’s just feedback.
What are Openers?

- Openers are conversation starters you will use to participate in a discussion. They come in three forms:
1. Open Questions
- Ask an open question and understand your conversation partners’s views.
- Make sure to ask follow ups, and remember: this is a conversation, not an interview!
2. Stories
- Tell a personal story. Something that has happened to you, or somebody you know.
- Or tell us about something that you have done or seen.
- Your conversation partners must then follow up with you or reciprocate with their own stories.
3. Opinions
- Share an opinion about something that the content has inspired.
- Respectfully identify any agreement or disagreement there is in the room.
What are Openers?

- Openers are conversation starters you will use to participate in a discussion. They come in three forms:
1. Open Questions
- Ask an open question and understand your conversation partners’s views.
- Make sure to ask follow ups, and remember: this is a conversation, not an interview!
2. Stories
- Tell a personal story. Something that has happened to you, or somebody you know.
- Or tell us about something that you have done or seen.
- Your conversation partners must then follow up with you or reciprocate with their own stories.
3. Opinions
- Share an opinion about something that the content has inspired.
- Respectfully identify any agreement or disagreement there is in the room.
The Skinny
You’ve been asked to brief a senior executive (the “boss”) on a key issue from a recent business news event. This person is busy and relies on you to give them insight, not headlines.
You have 60–90 seconds to deliver a concise, high-value update tailored to their concerns and communication preferences.
1. Read the boss profile carefully.
- Who are they?
- What do they care about?
- What do they not want to hear?
2. Stick to their focus.
- What part of the story matters most to them?
- Don’t explain everything—prioritise.
3. Use business English.
- Be clear, precise, and professional.
- Avoid informal or emotional language.
Two Papal Styles: Clerical vs. Pastoral

Not all popes lead the same way. Some focus more on rules and tradition, while others focus on care and connection. These two styles are often called clerical and pastoral.
Understanding the difference can help us see why Pope Francis felt so different from past leaders—and why some people loved his style while others disagreed with it.
Understanding the difference can help us see why Pope Francis felt so different from past leaders—and why some people loved his style while others disagreed with it.
🟣 Clerical Style
- Focuses on rules, tradition, and Church authority
- Speaks with clear, firm direction
- Keeps strong boundaries between Church leaders and members.
Example: A clerical pope might defend strict Church teachings on family or sacraments.
🟢 Pastoral Style
- Focuses on compassion, listening, and inclusion
- Tries to meet people where they are.
- Emphasises mercy over judgment.
Example: A pastoral pope might welcome divorced people or support migrants and the poor.