TEDX Talk on ESL and Accents

“How To Speak Bad English Perfectly” Interesting commentary on the business of ESL (English as a Second Language) including fixing ‘bad English’ grammar and pronunciation mistakes.  Native English speakers are greatly outnumbered in the world, yet many non-natives are striving for ‘perfect’ English skills. I’ve always believed we can help ESL speakers speak ‘through’ or […]

Why Teaching Idioms (Slang, Expressions) is Important in Business English

Like many of you I have a profile on the networking site LinkedIn. (You can find me at http://www.linkedin.com/in/communicationcoach )  One of the benefits of LinkedIn is becoming a member of a group related to our fields or interests.  I subscribe to a number of groups, and sometimes feel compelled to add my two cents […]

Some Sites to Learn Idioms (Expressions)

There is formal language and then there is informal or casual language. For the school classrooms you need formal, i.e., ‘academic’ language.  For the lunch room and with your friends you need informal/casual language skills. At work, especially if it involves an office, boardroom and the like, you need formal i.e., ‘business’ language skills.  Each […]

My Way – Using ‘Way’ in Expressions and Idioms

In my/the way – someone or something is blocking your path, usually a physical obstacle. “Your car is in my way.  Can you please move it so I can get out?” My way – my style, according to my thoughts and plans. “Frank Sinatra sang a very famous song where he talks about his life […]

15 Most Butchered Phrases in the English Language

From http://www.onlinedegree.net/15-most-butchered-phrases-in-the-english-language/ Compared to other languages, English isn’t particularly complex. But do other languages have nearly as many similar sounding words and phrases? We’ve all made the mistake of consistently butchering a phrase or two, not realizing it until someone had the nerve to correct us. Unless you couldn’t care less about sounding silly, it’s […]

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, […]

“I’ve been here for 14 years – but I still can’t speak English well!”

(Original post from 2011)  This is what I heard today over the phone from a potential client.  She does not have a thick accent but she does has one.  She sounds fairly confident and certainly intelligent.  She has a couple of degrees and valid work experience.  So what’s the problem, right? She sometimes feels shy […]

Random Canadian English

Hi folks, I originally compiled this list of Canadian English for a workshop I did recently for an organization that helps new immigrants settle and learn job skills, but I also think this list is great for people that visit Canada for business or pleasure. I know there are words and phrases that I’ve missed, […]

Help with Watching & Talking HOCKEY!

As you watch the 2010 Winter Olympics, there is not a sport more exciting to Canadians than Hockey. Watch the games and learn more with this vocabulary. Ask a Canadian or American to explain the ones you do not know. Enjoy! PEOPLE The Referees or “Refs” The Linesman/men The Players The Forwards The Defense The […]