by Recommendation of Heather Chetwynd | Mar 10, 2015 | Language Training
Word fillers are meaningless words and sounds we add into our speech, usually when we are thinking or hesitating. These range from sounds such as um and uh to short phrases such as you know and sort of. While it is practically impossible for most of us to completely...
by Heather Chetwynd | Jan 11, 2013 | Culture and Values
This is the second 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 | Jan 23, 2011 | Culture and Values
Have you noticed that some people sound less authoritative than others? It could be because they are unsure, hesitant or speaking too quietly for the context. But commonly the reason is the intonation being used – what we call “uptalk.” Also known as “upspeak,”...
by Heather Chetwynd | Nov 11, 2010 | Culture and Values
I was on the phone recently getting some tech support. As is often the case, I was talking with someone from India. I wanted to know whether I was doing something correctly and, after explaining it to the technician, I asked if I was doing it in the right way. “Of...
by Heather Chetwynd | Dec 11, 2009 | Accent Modification
Do you have difficulties in understanding and/or being understood? The ability to participate comfortably in a conversation depends upon language and context. Understanding the culture, being familiar with the topic and concepts being discussed, knowing the idioms and...
