I often write about the connection between music and language skills. I believe that music plays a huge role in how we develop our communication skills. I have noticed that very few of my accent students have ever studied music which seems to indicate the...
Words matter a lot! You may have heard that communication is 55% body language, 38% tone of voice and 7% actual words. Well, this myth has been debunked! While body language and tone of voice continue to be important elements of effective communication, we know that...
We often misunderstand others who have been raised in the same country, often even from within the same family. So when we have been raised speaking different languages and holding different beliefs and values, misinterpretation can run rampant. In this interview,...
In writing, we often mark phrasing with punctuation. In speech, we mark phrasing with intonation and pausing. If it is not done correctly, you might be misunderstood! Take a look at the following examples: WHAT IS IT? Let’s eat Grandma… OR… Let’s eat, Grandma....
This is the third in a series of articles based on excerpts from a presentation made by Heather Chetwynd at the ING Cafe in downtown Toronto in Fall 2012. Please watch out for more upcoming posts based on the variety of topics that were covered at that event....