by Heather Chetwynd | Jul 11, 2025 | Business Communications
If you’ve ever been puzzled by phrases like “turn up,” “give in,” or “run out,” you’re not alone. These aren’t just random combinations of words – they’re phrasal verbs, and they carry meanings you...
by Heather Chetwynd | Jan 30, 2023 | Human Resources
“We have several employees who perform exceptionally well but they seem to struggle with listening comprehension. What can we do to support them?” Even someone who speaks a language well can struggle with listening comprehension. Local accents, casual speech,...
by Heather Chetwynd | Jun 28, 2022 | Culture and Values
We understand best those who communicate as we do. What does “communicating like me” mean? What are the variables in communication? Consider these factors: language, accent, volume, vocabulary and expressions, grammar, body language, level of formality, cultural...
by Heather Chetwynd | Feb 1, 2013 | Accent Modification
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....
by Heather Chetwynd | May 24, 2011 | Culture and Values
Like the police officer who confused PASSED AWAY with PASSED OUT (see the joke “Idiom Danger” below,) many of us mix up English expressions. For example, we may blend two idioms, mix up the preposition in a phrasal verb, incorrectly hear the words in an expression or...
