Using a top down strategy means you, as a listener, calling on information you already know (about the subject you and your partner are discussing, your partner, the context of your conversation, and the specific language being used to create the conversation), in order to plan what you will say next. Using this kind of strategy allows you, as a listener, to process what you have already heard, and gauge where the conversation is headed. For example, you can show that you've been paying attention by explaining and giving a short summary of how you yourself understand the situation the speaker is explaining. Some other components of this strategy involve: Anticipating. Paraphrasing. Differentiating fact from opinion. Interpreting tone. Drawing conclusions. Using a bottom-up strategy means using specific lingual signifiers to draw meaning from what the speaker you're listening to is saying. These signifiers include the actual language the speaker uses to express themselves, the grammar used to create their message, and the sounds used to create the message. Some other components of this strategy include: Picking out individual words. Noting words of similar origin. Identifying placement patterns of words. "Identifying prefixes, roots, and suffixes". Interrupting someone while they are speaking is the exact opposite of listening to what they have to say, and it sends a lot of bad messages like: "What I have to say is more interesting and meaningful than what you have to say." "You and your opinion is less important than me and my opinion." "I don't have time to hear how you think or feel." "What you have to say isn't worth listening to." "I'm going to do whatever I can so I get to speak, regardless if you get your turn." Rather than interrupting the speaker to ask a question, wait for a natural break, and then ask your question. It engages the speaker to hear your thoughts and areas of confusion, shows that your interested enough to want clarification, and it follows the natural pattern of a back and forth conversation, rather than someone merely talking at you. Sometimes, the speaker mentions something that relates to ourselves, and we ask a question that leads the speaker to go off on a tangent. When you notice that you inadvertently caused your conversation partner to stray away from your original topic of conversation, get the conversation back on topic by saying something like, "I love hearing about your dog, but I want to hear more about what you were saying earlier with Kate starting high school. How is she liking it so far?" You want to insert phrases or snippets of feedback that show that you are reflective on what the speaker is saying. You could do things like: Show your comprehension of what they're saying by using expressive reactions like an understanding head nod, or looking concerned if the speaker says something alarming. , or asking questions if they talk about a new development in their lives. Provide verbal cues of encouragement to the speaker as they talk such as asking further questions, or saying something like, "Wow that's so interesting. Tell me all about it." After some time has passed from your original conversation, it might be beneficial to send a text, email, or call and see if there have been any developments from the last time you spoke. This does not apply to all cases of conversations, but this added effort shows that you were listening intently to your original conversation, and cared enough to check in.

Summary: Use top-down listening strategies to prepare your response. Use bottom-up listening strategies to gather further information and prepare a response. Don't interrupt. Ask questions during an appropriate pause. Give the speaker consistent reactions to show you're attentive. Follow up.

When you sit, keep your spine straight under your neck with your feet flat on the floor. Avoid slouching and keep your eyes facing forward. When standing up, keep your spine straight with your back directly under your legs. Avoid slumping forward or leaning against the wall to keep your spine in a neutral position. Counterintuitively, hard-backed chairs are actually better for back pain than soft sofas or cushioned chairs. It's easier for your spine to become misaligned if the back of the chair isn't holding it in place. When you go to bed, you can lie on your side or back, but avoid sitting up in bed or lying face-down. For your side, slide a pillow between your knees and bend then at 35- to 45-degree angle. If you're lying on your back, slide a pillow directly under knees to alleviate the pressure on your back. When it comes to your mattress, a firm mattress with a soft top is ideal. If it weighs more than 25 pounds (11kg) and you have back pain, just skip it or enlist someone else to help you carry it. Otherwise, bend with your knees to lower yourself down and avoid bending your back forward to lift something up. Use your knees to bring yourself back up and keep your spine as straight as possible. Lifting belts are not really proven to prevent back injuries, so don't rely on a one to protect yourself. They may be able to alleviate some lifting pain, though. Keep the object that you're lifting centered in your chest. If you hold it at your side, you may increase the risk of a back injury. When you lift with your knees, you are not using your back as a lever. Instead, you're using it as a crane and your legs doing most of the work.

Summary: Maintain a proper posture to avoid straining muscles in your back. Lie on your side or back when you sleep and prop your feet up. Lift with your knees and avoid carry really heavy stuff.

Different styles of flat iron are intended for different purposes. Hair that is is especially short and/or fine can benefit from the precision offered by a thinner plate flat iron. The thinner-sized plate will be more maneuverable, which can lead to more efficient straightening while decreasing the chances of you getting burned. If you don't have an appropriate flat iron, you'll need to buy one at a local boutique or borrow one from a friend. You will also need a heat protectant product to prevent your hair from being damaged by excess heat, and brushes to help with styling and blow drying. Oils and any dirtiness that may have accumulated in your hair might cause less-than-desirable results when ironing. Use your normal shampoo to thoroughly wash your hair. Rinse your hair of the shampoo and follow it with a deep conditioner, allowing this to remain in your hair for the time recommended on the label, and then rinse once more.

Summary: Find the flat iron that's right for you. Purchase necessary supplies. Wash your hair.

If you have a car stereo system that supports CarPlay, you can connect your iPhone to it and view Maps on the CarPlay display. Use the USB cable for your iPhone to connect it to the CarPlay unit. It may start automatically when you connect your iPhone, or you may need to select the "CarPlay" option on the display. This will start the CarPlay interface, and your iPhone will lock. Apple Maps will launch, showing your current location. This screen will allow you to search for specific destinations, find nearby businesses and locations, and view your past searches. You'll see a row of circular buttons at the top of the Destinations screen. Tapping one will display nearby businesses that you can quickly navigate to. The Clock button will display your recent searches. The Gas button will show nearby gas stations. This will start Siri, and you can say what you want to search for. If you'd rather type, tap the Keyboard button in the upper-right corner while Siri is active, but this is not recommended while driving. Once you've tapped on a Nearby or Search result, the Maps will calculate a route and display it on the screen. You'll see the estimated time of arrival (ETA), the time the trip will take, and the length. Maps will switch to navigation mode, and you'll hear turn-by-turn directions for your trip. You can close Maps and use other CarPlay apps by tapping the Home button on the screen and your navigation will continue.
Summary: Connect your iPhone to the CarPlay receiver. Launch CarPlay. Tap "Maps" on the CarPlay display. Tap "Destinations" to find a destination to navigate to. Use the Nearby categories at the top to find nearby businesses and attractions. Tap the voice button in the upper-right corner to search. Tap a result to open a route in Maps. Tap "Start" to begin turn-by-turn navigation.