Top 5 Tips for Speaking Canadian

Happy 145th Birthday, Canada!

A Friendly Place, eh?

In honour of our nation’s birthday, we take a closer look at how Canadians communicate. While we are often compared to (mistaken for?) Americans, Canada in fact has a vernacular all its own. Sometimes subtle, sometimes brazen, it’s important to understand the particulars of talking Canuck. It is our heritage, and for this uniqueness we must be proud.

Here are 5 ways to impress with your True North tongue:

Tip #1: Be polite. Please.

One thing that distinguishes Canadians from other English-speaking nations is our persistent courtesy. It’s no coincidence we’re known as Friendly Canadians. We are non-confrontational and generally eager to assist others. So when north of the border, remember to use “please” and “thank you” - profusely.  (I mean, if that’s ok. Thanks again. )

Tip #2: Show some love, eh.

What a cliché, but let’s face it, “eh” has put us on the map. Foreigners may not know how many provinces and territories we have, who our Prime Minister is, or how to eat a BeaverTail, but they sure know we say “eh.”  It is a deep-rooted part of our identity. We must embrace this most versatile of suffixes. Simply drop a gently-questioning “eh?” onto the end of pretty much any phrase and you’re sure to be recognized as a genuine Canadian.

Tip #3: Stand to the left, the Far Left.

We are a nation that values peace, diversity and equality for all. We spread the wealth and the welcome mat. Be prepared to embrace your neighbour, their language, and if you’re lucky, their food. You’ll add words to your vocabulary like yakitori, roti, and shawarma. Here, we live and let live. So long as you don’t hurt anybody, because that wouldn’t be nice.

Tip #4: Complain about the weather.

Around here, you can never go wrong talking about the weather. That’s because the forecasters are almost always wrong. We live, not in igloos, but in an extreme and unpredictable climate, with temperatures varying more than 60 degrees Celsius. (Note: This is also why we need such expansive wardrobes. Wink, wink.) Though the weather never slows us down, we don’t miss a chance to grumble about it. Try this opener at your next social: “Crazy weather we’re having, eh?” (Ref: Tip #2 above.)

Tip #5: Throw in some franglais

For Advanced Canadian-speakers only. To master your Canuck dialogue, you must incorporate the unique mélange of English-Canadian & French-Canadian slang into your everyday chatter. Simply mix English with your French and French with your English and - voilà! – you’re speaking Canadian franglais. Here are a few examples:

(French) J’ai ‘park-é’ mon char. (I parked my car.)

(English – Quebec) I’m going to the ‘dep’. Do you need anything? (Dep is short for ‘depanneur’, or corner store.)

(English) He was acting très weird at the party last night. (Très meaning very.)

Congratulations! Now you’re speaking Canadian like a Pro.
Test your knowledge on how well you speak Canadian. Take the quiz.

***Share your favourite Canadian slang, idiom or franglicism in the Comments.***

CELEBRATE CANADA’S BIRTHDAY:

"The World Needs More Canada" video from Indigo Books

"Canadian National Canthem" video from Molson Canadian

Top 5 Tips for Great Coffee Talk

Good ol’ Joe

Meeting for coffee is a practice steeped in tradition. For decades, major decisions and big deals have been made over a simple cup of java. Today, the tradition has evolved as coffee houses provide an intimate, cozy and familiar locale for a discussion. Business meetings, job interviews, and blind dates are all common events in cafés across the continent.

But, these encounters can cause anxiety. You may be meeting someone for the first time, or have a lot riding on this one exchange. Do you worry about what you’ll talk about or how the conversation will progress? 

Follow these tips and your coffee talk will be good to the last drop! 

Tip #1: Select the right brew

Arrive early. Pick a table or lounge area that is private and well-lit, preferably far away from garbage cans and restrooms. Take a few minutes before your rendezvous to think about what you’re going to say. Forethought can put your mind – and mouth - at ease. Make note of topics you want to cover, things you want to know, and the outcome you’re hoping for.  Pick the right blend of atmosphere and attentiveness.

Tip #2: Find common ground(s) 

The best conversations emerge when you have something in common! What do you know about your acquaintance? What brought you together today? Find something you can both relate to so it sparks a discussion. Extra tip: Keep a couple of general topics in your back-pocket in case you can’t come up with anything specific to this individual, such as your family, sports, hobbies, a humorous news story, or personal anecdote. Avoid religion, politics and depressing topics.

Tip #3: Let things percolate

To be a good conversationalist, take your time. A discussion should be an exchange, a back-and-forth, a slow brew. Don’t rush through your talk to get to the end. Remember to make eye contact and smile at your companion. Even if you’re nervous, maintain your calm and be patient.

Tip #4: Don’t drift off into la-la-latté land

Avoid distractions (babies crying, cell phones ringing, the attractive person at the next table) and focus on your companion. Show respect by paying attention to what they are saying and responding accordingly.  No one likes a perpetual head-nodder. You are there to participate so grab a mug and get in the game.

Tip #5: Keep breath mints handy

End on a refreshing note. Re-cap your meeting, keep it positive, and thank your guest for their time. If your meeting was successful, it may extend into dinner, a stroll outside or further discussion. Make sure you don’t offend with your coffee breath – keep strong mints in your pocket for your post-java jaunt.

Meeting for a caffeinated tête-à-tête may be the best way to break the ice and warm up to a conversation. For you non-coffee-drinkers: Never refuse an invitation to meet for coffee. Simply choose from the assortment of un-caffeinated beverages such as herbal tea, fruit smoothies, or vitamin waters.

[Author’s note: My favourite coffee-talk coffee to brew at home is Starbucks Sumatra dark roast.]

Top 5 Tips for Beating Writer's Block

Break Free from the Frustration

Writer’s block is often caused by over-thinking your subject. Don’t be a stick in the mud! Your best bet to conquer this affliction is to get out of your head and into your body. A relaxed physical state promotes a creative mental state: open your mind to inspiration and the ideas will flow freely. 

Now, let’s get physical!

Tip #1: Dance like there’s nobody watching

Put on your favourite music and shake ‘n’ shimmy or sway ‘n’ swagger to release physical tension and get your blood flowing. A little vigorous movement will go a long way.

Tip #2: Loosen up your buttons 

Keyboards may be cramping your style. Roll up your sleeves, grab a pen and go freehand. Doodling can help you focus and improve your concentration. Sketch whatever comes to mind - words, pictures, patterns or shapes – without judgment – and see where it takes you.

Tip #3: Let your backbone slide

A stiff stature leads to stifled stories. To make sure your upper body isn’t holding onto tension, step away from your computer to do some deep breathing or yoga exercises. Focusing your attention on your breathing will improve your mental capacity and scribal aptitude. 

 Tip #4: Let the mouse out of the house

It’s all in the wrist: Set your mouse pad afire with some skilful scrolling. Use the lightning speed of the Internet to click your way to inspiration. “Google” words that are related to your topic and skim through relevant resources. A little more background info could be just the trigger to finding a new angle. 

Tip #5: Do the horizontal mambo

That’s right: Having sex can help to relieve energy blocks, relax the body and release endorphins. It will also boost your confidence and make you feel good about yourself. A happy body makes for a fertile mind. So take a break from breaking your head over copy and make a move to making out. 

The MarComPro employs the above techniques, in varying combination, to stimulate her creative genius. 

Welcome to T5T (Top 5 Tips)!

Simple Advice for Better Communication.
 

Here you will find simple, straight-forward suggestions for improving your communication skills at home, at work, and at play.

The MarComPro helps you implement easy strategies for effective small-talk, networking, public speaking, presentations, pitches, negotiation and relationship-building. You’ll be amazed at how much more influential you are when you use the right communication. 

Get insight, instruction and inspiration for better communication, in 5 easy steps.

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This blog is a MarComPro publication, created by the Marketing Communications Professional.