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The Relationship between Spelling and Pronunciation
What is the relationship between spelling and pronunciation? I recently saw an article about the pronunciation of the word PHO, a popular Vietnamese noodle soup. Based on the spelling, most Canadians and Americans tend to pronounce the word as FOE (rhyming with the...
The relationship between how you stand and success
Are how you stand and success related? The influence of posture, gestures and facial expressions is powerful and largely unconscious. This very fundamental form of communication goes back to our beginnings when language was non-existent. The oldest part of our brain...
Homeless immigrant youth – Study finds cultural clash with parents is the top reason
Some facts about homeless immigrant youth in Canada: Nearly 2 out of 3 have origins in Africa or the Caribbean. Over 1 in 3 identified as LGBTQ. Over 25% identified as being a parent. Over 50% report some level of religious or faith identity. Family conflict was cited...
Both Sides Now – A Canadian Classic by Joni Mitchell
Both Sides Now is a Canadian classic, written and performed by Canadian musician, singer songwriter and painter, Joni Mitchell. Joni began her professional career performing in small Saskatchewan nightclubs in the early 60s, later moving to Toronto where she became...
Training and Performance – The Influence of Observation and Measurement
I found the following article interesting because of the relationship it draws between training and performance. Two points made in the article are relevant when we think of language training. One is the positive effect of observation on performance. The other is how...
Learn to Speak Clearly and be Understood in English
You CAN learn to speak clearly and be better understood when you speak English. Do you have difficulties understanding and/or being understood? The ability to participate comfortably in a conversation depends upon language and context. Understanding the culture, being...
Power Words can Spice up your Writing
Power words are those that create an impact. For example, I can say, "This training will really help you improve your communication skills.". Or I can say, "This training will significantly improve your communication skills." The second sentence has more impact due to...
Linguistic Map – How differently we speak
This linguistic map of the US shows variations in how the word 'lawyer" is pronounced across the country. In Canada we generally say loy-er. The following post shows how a number of terms vary in their pronunciation across the US. While Canada is not represented, most...
I Want You – sung by Toronto Jazz singer Holly Cole
I Want You. This very simple Tom Wait's song is interpreted here by Toronto's own - jazz singer Holly Cole. I love how she interprets her songs. A while back, Holly put out an album of American singer-songwriter Tom Wait's songs where this one comes from. More...
Learn to Speak With Confidence & Authority
How do we speak with confidence? What do we actually do differently with our voice to convey confidence and authority? Here's an interesting article on how to use stress and phrasing in order to have more impact you have when you speak with confidence and authority....
