INPUT ARTICLE: Article: When listening, respond now and then with affirmative noises, like "mmmhmm," to let the person know you're considering everything they're saying. Let them know you're there to listen, and that you care. If you ask someone what's bothering them and they don't want to share, simply letting them know you're there if they need you to be can be just as comforting as listening. Tell them, "Even if you don't want to talk right now, I'll be here when you do." Sometimes, people just need to sit with their sadness. It's not a bad thing to let someone feel their feelings. Allowing the person to cry on your shoulder, or even just sitting quietly beside them can help them feel comforted, even without speaking. If you've ever been really upset, you might have felt like you wanted to be alone, or like you didn't really want to talk about what was bothering you. You probably know from experience that someone just letting you know you could talk if you needed to, but not pushing it on you, was all the comfort you needed. Sometimes, getting up and moving while talking things over can be a little less intimidating or awkward than simply sitting face to face. Offer to get up and leave the situation. Offer to go for a walk, or to go get some coffee. Moving to a new place might also help them feel more calm or relaxed. A change of scenery can be helpful. Try suggesting something like, "Would you like to go for a walk and get a cup of coffee? I think some fresh air could be helpful. We can talk on the way there." When someone is upset, they aren't exactly in the best state of mind to make any decisions, especially regarding what's upsetting them. Don't encourage them to do anything or to take action with the situation. Encourage them instead to take some time to think things through and calm down before making any decisions. If your friend's significant other just left them, for example, don't encourage them to find someone new right away, or to say nasty things about their ex. Instead, let them vent, validate their feelings, and encourage them to take some time to settle before taking any further action. If someone is going through a tough time, one easy way to comfort them is to do something nice for them, like bringing them something to eat, running an errand for them, or even just offering them a hug. If your friend has children or pets, offer to take care of them while your friend takes some time to themselves. If they're feeling busy or overwhelmed, ask how you can be of help.

SUMMARY: Let them know you're there. Sit with them. Offer to go for a walk with them. Discourage them from making any decisions. Do something nice for them.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If you have a lot of books, or a collection of figures you'd like to display, shelves can really make the space look sophisticated. You can purchase a book shelf, and secure it to the wall, or you can install shelves directly on the wall. You can then decorate the shelves with books, figurines, vinyl records, or a combination of many different things. Make sure you clean the shelves often, as they tend to collect a layer of dust rather quickly. For a more regal look, you can install wall sconces. A sconce is a decorative wall bracket for holding candles or lights. These come in a number of different designs, and may have electric lights or a place to install a candle that you can light. Installing one or two large sconces will give your wall a new look, especially if you also install a large portrait or photograph. Be careful when burning candles! Do not leave a lit candle unattended. If the wall is very tall, you can use tall furniture to help break it up. For example, by placing chairs or sofas which have high backs against the wall. These pieces will help break up the wall because they provide something interesting to look at, and take up some of the wall space. You can also try placing one or two tall plants next to the wall. These will have the same effect as the furniture, but make sure the plants can survive with the amount of light they will receive in that area. Be sure to keep the plant healthy and well-pruned! If the plant is brown and wilting, it will create an eye-sore in the room.

SUMMARY: Turn it into a bookshelf. Install sconces. Place tall items in front of the wall.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Before you hit the streets to promote a brand or product, you need to make sure you know everything you need to know in order to effectively do so. Proper training will tell you what your responsibilities are and how you need to behave while you're out promoting. Learn how to operate any vehicles, hardware, or devices that you'll be expected to use in the field. Complete any certifications that the brand or organization requires in order for you to be a street promoter. Some areas may not allow you to solicit without a certification or a permit, which should be provided to you by the group you work for. In order to effectively promote a product or brand, you need to know as much about it as possible. You will need to be able to answer questions and provide additional information to people when you're out on the streets. Research the market for the product that you'll be promoting so you're confident and knowledgeable. Know all of the prices of what you're promoting. Whether you're on the street getting the word out for an upcoming concert or you're promoting a company's new product line, you need to know who it is you're trying to pitch it to. Research your audience so you can more effectively promote to the people who are more likely to respond positively. Ask the company about who you should promote to. Use your natural abilities to promote. For example, if you read a lot of fantasy fiction and you're promoting an author's new book, use your knowledge to explain why this new book is interesting and how it compares to other books that you've read. People may not feel comfortable talking to somebody in regular clothes. You need to look the part as a street promoter. A T-shirt, jewelry, hats, or any other accessories that match the brand or product will immediately identify you as part of the street team. For example, if you're promoting an upcoming concert, wear a T-shirt with the band's name or logo on it. Your attire should correspond with what you're promoting. For instance, if you're promoting an upcoming punk rock show, you wouldn't wear slacks and a button-down dress shirt to engage people on the street. You'll be on your feet and walking around constantly as a street promoter, so do yourself a favor and wear a comfortable pair of shoes. You can't successfully promote on the street if people can see that you're uncomfortable or in pain. Your shoes should still be appropriate for what you're wearing and promoting. You wouldn't wear a pair of white sneakers and slacks if you're promoting a business convention, for example.

SUMMARY:
Complete any training programs that are required. Learn about the products or brand that you're promoting. Research your target demographic so you're able to appeal to them. Wear clothing and accessories that advertise the brand. Put on a comfortable pair of shoes.