Monthly Archives: May 2012

Recently we were in a furniture store shopping for a new couch. We asked a salesclerk what we thought was a standard question: “Can you cover the cushions in a different fabric from the couch?” The clerk looked a little … Continue reading →

Recently I came across an advertisement for packaged goods giant Procter & Gamble in a popular women’s magazine. The ad focused on P&G “ambassador” Paula Findlay. One line in the ad caught my attention. It read: “The born-and-raised Edmontonian either … Continue reading →

I like to travel by Via Rail. When I need to talk to someone in person I often am irked by the recorded message: “All of our agents are presently busy. Please stay on the line…” It’s not the wait … Continue reading →

For some reason my father always thought it very amusing to ask what was for desert after we had cleared the meat and potatoes from the table, as if he expected the next course to be hot, dry and sandy. … Continue reading →

You know the feeling – you’re part way through a new book, but it’s not really grabbing you.  How far do you go before you decide to pack it in? Here’s a simple rule to follow.  Subtract your age from … Continue reading →

On Friday night, I interviewed a Chinese man by telephone from Hong Kong. His English was not only clear and grammatical, it was idiomatic. He expressed himself colorfully and with charm. As it happens, the man also speaks Japanese fluently. … Continue reading →

I recently downloaded Skype on a new computer. Within seconds of setting up my account, I received an email with the subject line: “A very warm welcome to Skype.” I was surprised by how those words affected me. “Skype really … Continue reading →

Confused by that double negative title? Not as confused as some corporate communicators are about the unwritten Golden Rule: “Never say anything even faintly negative.” Recently I drafted a newsletter article in which I used the word “challenging” to describe … Continue reading →