A Sandwich Needs Bread Too!
I am surprised by the number of emails I get where a new contact i.e. a stranger is emailing me for the first time and they just send me a one-liner, with no polite introduction or sign-off. For example: Hi, I need to improve my English – what should I do? Or Hello, How can […]
Further to your request…
“Further to your request, I have attached my resume.” “Further to your request, I am faxing you the contract immediately.” “Further to your request, I am happy to join you for lunch.” Which sentence does not fit in? If you said the last one, you are correct. This is a great expression to use, but […]
Confident Verbal Communications
Here is a sample of what was taught at a previous public 3V communication skills workshop to help our participants communicate their confidence: Even though only 7% of our communication is verbal, which is our word choice, phrases and expressions used etc. we still need to acknowledge the impact of what we say on others. […]
“What is NLP and how can I use it to improve my communications?”
This was a valid question given to me recently by one of my coachees. At first NLP can seem (and sound) daunting and scientifically complicated, but I can help you simplify it and use it everyday. First of all, NLP stands for Neuro-Linguistic Programming. If you are thinking “brain-language training” you are correct. NLP assists […]
Are You Afraid of Phoning?
Have you ever had the chance to call someone, but you didn’t? Maybe you sent an email instead, or maybe you said to yourself “Oh, I don’t need to call, he/she knows what I am thinking.” It is strange but true, many people, not just ESL students and immigrants, have a fear of phoning (in […]
Is a Fear of Phoning Killing Relationships?
A couple weekends ago I was involved in a training course in downtown Toronto and had to be at a particular hotel for the event both Saturday and Sunday slightly before 9am. Saturday morning I left my home late and decided to take a taxi, to ensure I was not late for the event (first […]
Hey, Learn Some English Idioms!
English Idioms are words, phrases, or expressions with a meaning that cannot be derived from the literal translations of the individual words. English Idioms are used in everyday life, work, school, the arts, business, activities, events and sports. When you use idioms appropriately, it makes your English sound more fluent and more in line with […]
Which English is Best for You?
The thing about English is that there are always going to be different accents, different key words chosen to be stressed, different spelling rules and even grammar arguments. But which English is best for you? Frankly it depends on two things: personal choice and location. Regarding personal choice, some people who learn English as a […]
Do Not Abuse Voicemail
One thing I am sure we all hate is getting home after a long day’s work and checking phone messages, only to find out that half of the messages or more are from telemarketers. They leave a lovely message describing in painful detail all of the advantages of using their system, or buying their product, […]
Accent Reduction – Top 10 Tips Cont’d
6 – Control your volume, and stress key content words to keep listeners focused. Content words are nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, numbers, and other descriptor words. 7 – Control your rhythm and pace. It is not a race! Use medium speed, and medium volume. 8 – Practice with tongue-twisters, alliteration and poetry. Get control of […]