by Recommendation of Heather Chetwynd | Jan 7, 2015 | Culture and Values
Cultural competence is becoming essential in the workplace, especially in a city as multicultural as Toronto is. This was driven home to me recently when I accompanied a friend of Ukrainian origin, who has cancer for the second time, to a doctor’s appointment to...
by Recommendation of Heather Chetwynd | Nov 26, 2014 | Culture and Values
Some facts about homeless immigrant youth in Canada: Nearly 2 out of 3 have origins in Africa or the Caribbean. Over 1 in 3 identified as LGBTQ. Over 25% identified as being a parent. Over 50% report some level of religious or faith identity. Family conflict was cited...
by Heather Chetwynd | Nov 5, 2014 | Accent Modification
You CAN learn to speak clearly and be better understood when you speak English. Do you have difficulties understanding and/or being understood? The ability to participate comfortably in a conversation depends upon language and context. Understanding the culture, being...
by Recommendation of Heather Chetwynd | Oct 15, 2014 | Culture and Values
Active listening is a skill I teach my clients regularly. For non-native speakers, it is an essential skill, particularly when it comes to clarifying and verifying. Too many clients have made costly mistakes at work due to misunderstanding instructions. Sometimes this...
by Recommendation of Heather Chetwynd | Oct 13, 2014 | Business Communications
What is the language strategy at your company? Does it even have one? If not, they are missing the boat since it is essential when hiring internationally-trained employees who have the skills you want and just need coaching in the specifics of particular aspects of...