Using your devices while people are talking to you makes them feel less important. Put your cell phone on silent and keep it in your pocket or bag. Additionally, avoid playing with your smartwatch or other devices. Put all of your attention on the people around you. to others talk about themselves. Focus on what the other person is saying, not what you will say in response. Nod along as they talk, and offer affirmative statements like, “Uh huh,” “That's interesting,” or “Wow” to show you're listening.  Ask people open-ended questions to keep the conversation going. Listen to their response with genuine interest. Paraphrase what they say to you to show them that you're listening. Telling people what you like or appreciate about them will make them feel good. Be specific about what you're complimenting to make your compliment more meaningful. For example, say, “You were very well spoken in your presentation today,” rather than “Good presentation.”  Complimenting someone's appearance can make people feel good about themselves and may make them like you better. However, it's not correct for every situation, especially in the workplace. Complimenting people's work, accomplishments, and talents can be encouraging and motivating to others. When you meet people, repeat their name back to them to help you remember it. Then, use their name whenever you speak to them. Showing them you remember will make them feel special and demonstrate that you have an interest in knowing who they are. Think about where other people might be coming from. Try to see things from their perspective. Put yourself in their shoes so you can understand how they might feel. Show people you care about how they feel by verbally acknowledging their feelings and listening to what they're going through.  Ask people how they feel, then truly listen. Don't judge people for reacting differently to a situation than you would. Everyone has different experiences that mold them into who they are. Tell people about times you've felt the same way they do. Use stories about your life to inspire others. This makes you seem accomplished and impressive, but also shows that you've worked hard to get where you are. Be careful not to complain about your problems or explain all of the issues in your life. Limit your sharing to stories about how you triumphed over adversity.

Summary: Stay off your electronic devices when interacting with others. Listen Give people genuine compliments. Remember people's names. Be empathetic toward others. Share your own struggles and how you overcame them.


Pruning done only for the health of the plant should be scheduled for the late winter or early spring, before new growth has had much chance for development.  Since burning bushes are primarily grown for their foliage, you don't need to worry too much about accidentally removing flower buds. The most vibrant foliage will grow on new branches, though, so it is still best to trim the bush before new growth has developed. When you decide to prune a burning bush for the health of the plant alone, you only need to worry about removing branches that could encourage disease to spread through the plant and destroy it. Even if you opt to prune the plant for shape, you should still prune it for health before worrying shape maintenance. Use pruning shears to cut away any dead branches or branches that have been severely injured.  Branches are most often injured by disease, insect infestation, animals, or bad weather. Cut diseased branched down to their point of origin on the main stem. Doing so is the only way to make sure that the disease does not spread. Injured branches can be cut back to their point of origin on the main stem, or you may wish to only cut away the injured portion of the branch. In the latter case, cut the injured branch down to a side branch and make the cut 1/4 inch (6 mm) above the bud. Look for any branches or branch stubs that are intertwined or rubbing against each other. Use pruning shears to remove these branches, as well. Cut these branches down to their point of origin on the main stem. Problem branches like these will typically grow back again in the same direction, so it is best to remove them completely instead of trimming them down.

Summary: Prune in late winter or early spring. Remove dead or dying branches. Cut away branches that rub together.


There are two ways you can go about this. You can base your costume off of an existing Katy Perry outfit, or you can create your own Katy Perry-inspired costume. If you are going to recreate a specific outfit, follow the tips in this section, or take a look at one of the other methods.  Have lots of reference pictures printed out or saved online. Try a theme. A lot of Katy Perry's looks include cats or candy. Katy Perry is known for her bright, colorful, and unique patterns. Most of her looks feature a 19050s, style dress with a full-circle skirt, but she also has worn A-line dresses and tube dresses as well.  You can always modify the dress by gluing wrapped candy to it, such as: Lollipops, Tootsie Rolls, and Smarties.  Use stencils and fabric paint to add a large cookie, cotton candy, or peppermint candy print. The higher the heels are, the better, preferably at least 4 inches (10.16 centimeters). If you aren't comfortable wearing heels that tall, you can try regular heels or even Mary Janes, but keep them bright and colorful. Here are some colors and styles to look for:  Clear shoes, preferably green.  Pink, glittery Mary Janes.  Bright, solid colors. Katy Perry had her hair in almost every color imaginable. Her most memorable hair colors were blue, purple, and pink. Most of her hair styles were simple, shoulder-length cuts with straight bands that end just above her eyebrows. She also wore lots of vintage styles inspired by the 1940s and 1950s. Here are some suggestions:  Wavy, dark purple, shoulder-length wig with a side part and no bangs.  Shoulder-length lilac wig with the bangs rolled in a 1940s or 1950s fashion.  Wavy-curly blue wig that falls past your shoulders with straight, full bangs.  Green wig, shoulder length, with blunt bangs. Katy Perry's looks are bright and colorful, and no two outfits are alike. She seems to have a certain go-to look for her makeup, however, that focuses on shimmer, bold eyeliner, and thick, heavy falsies. Here's how to get the basic look:  Cover your lid with neutral eyeshadow (preferably beige). Add grey, silver, or gold into the crease. Cover the lid with sheer, shimmery gold shadow or shimmering dust. Apply thick, bold eyeliner to your upper lid. If you can, do a cat-eye or wingtip. Apply winged faux lashes—the thicker and heavier, the better! Keep the rest of your makeup subtle with pink blush and pink or red lipstick. Your accessories should reflect the theme, color, and patterns of your outfit. Does your outfit have a lot of candy on it? Pick a chunky bangle with candy cane stripes on it! Can't decide? Grab a microphone or a pair of cat-eye sunglasses! Listed below are some ideas to get you started:  Cat-eye sunglasses Microphone (handheld or head) Thick, colorful bangle bracelets A headband with hearts on it. Nab it during Valentine's day!  Pink tights or thigh-high stockings.
Summary: Decide on what look you want. Choose a colorful dress with lots of interesting patterns. Stick with bright, colorful heels. Find a bright and colorful wig. Go bold and heavy with the eye makeup. Complete your outfit with matching accessories.