Free Business English Classes for New Immigrants

Although I have no affiliation, I like to support and pass on great initiatives like this one.  Free occupation-specific language training courses offered by 13 Ontario colleges will teach you the language and workplace culture skills required to communicate effectively in your job, for some industries. Gain the communications skills you need to build a […]

Demographics of Toronto (Wikipedia)

This is some interesting info on the demographics of Toronto.  Not sure if it’s been updated since 2006, but nevertheless – interesting. The demographics of Toronto make Toronto one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Data released by Statistics Canada as part of the 2006 census indicates that Toronto is more ethnically diverse […]

What’s a Canuck and What’s a Bruin?

Hi folks. This blog post is a little late – I should have written it a while ago, but I was busy watching the Stanley Cup playoffs.  Yes I’m referring to our love of hockey, and right now in the NHL there are only 2 teams left – one Canadian and one American. So if […]

Complete and Finished – An English Lesson for All

One of my Russian clients sent me this – enjoy! *Complete and finished – An English Lesson for All* No English dictionary has been able to explain the difference between the two words ‘complete’ and ‘finished’ in a way that’s so easy to understand: Some people say there is no difference between COMPLETE & FINISHED, […]

Executive English Coaching is Valuable

If you a manager, leader or executive, and you have ESL (English as a Second Language), you may need my help.  If you have immigrated to the Toronto area, or you are working here for a while, you may have noticed that we ‘do things differently’ here than what you had read in books. Culture […]

YorkRegion Article: Newcomers learn accent reduction

I usually do not advertise my competitions’ websites and press releases, but this is a great article that helps explain why some people want/need accent reduction training, and also some of the benefits. I am available to help you modify your accent if you need to improve your speaking.  Just contact me to set up […]

“Should I Get Accent Reduction Lessons?”

This is a very common question I hear from immigrants and overseas workers as we discuss their coaching options.  Though everyone’s case is unique, here is my general advice: If your (heavy) accent is stopping you from being confident, from making friends and/or from making (more) money, then YES.  Do some accent reduction for your […]

Office Talk – Expressions

“The Office” can be used to mean any job or typical day.  You do not actually have to work in an office. Example: John comes home tired, looking stressed and burned out.  His wife asks:  “Hard day at the office?” He replies:  “Oh yeah.  We’ve got a new manager/supervisor/accountant/secretary/etc. causing me grief because…” Once again, […]

How do we say this word? – Pizza

As you know pizza is popular around the world, and you have probably eaten it several times this year.  But have you ordered pizza in a native-English speaking country before? If you immigrate or study abroad, you probably will have to order it at some point, if not for yourself then for your friends or […]