16 May 2024

Chapter 14

You’ve been at it for hours, the glow of the computer screen becoming your only source of light as the sun sets outside your window in Erindale. Your eyes scan through another confidential document, one of the many you’ve managed to collect against the corporation. It’s a painstaking process, but you know the devil is in the detail. With each page, the picture becomes clearer—their […]

16 May 2024

Chapter 15

You stand there, in front of the mirror that once reflected a woman daunted by her own reflection, and now it shows back an image brimming with resolve. The black hair framing your face seems to have absorbed the dark days and turned them into strands of wisdom, each curl a testament to battles fought and won. Your Italian skin, tended with olive oil, is […]

2 May 2024

Mastering the art of emotional language

Conveying power and emotion in words isn’t just about what we say; it’s about making people feel something special. The magic of language allows us to build connections, influence decisions, and provoke thought. For communicators looking to enhance their message, whether in marketing materials, fiction, or everyday conversation, mastering the art of powerful and emotional language is key. Understanding the impact of emotional words Emotional […]

2 May 2024

Communicating effectively in business: The Aussie guide to getting your yakka across

Special report from Darren Hill (or ‘DH’ as he prefers to be known) Here are a couple of examples of how DH takes mere words and turns them into art: In the realm of business, ‘having a good chinwag’ isn’t just about nattering over a cuppa. It’s about getting your point across clear as day, whether you’re spruiking ideas in a boardroom or crafting a […]

1 May 2024

What are some online resources to improve my writing in Australian English?

Here are some key online resources to improve your writing in Australian English: The key is to utilize a variety of these online tools and resources to systematically improve your Australian English writing skills. Consistent practice and feedback are essential. Further reading: [1] https://australianonlinecourses.com.au/10-easy-ways-boost-writing-skills/[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7vQ5nGKDg8[3] https://www.studiesinaustralia.com/Blog/study-tips/tools-to-help-improve-your-academic-english[4] https://ielts.com.au/australia/prepare/article-top-10-tools-to-improve-your-written-english[5] https://www.plainenglishfoundation.com

1 May 2024

What are the twenty worst mistakes to make when writing Australian English if you have never visited nor understand Australia?

Based on my experience having lived in both England and Australia, and having many North American business communicators as friends, the 20 worst mistakes to make when writing Australian English if you have never visited nor understand Australia are: Further reading: [1] https://wordsofworth.org/au/articles/common-australian-english-misspellings/[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7vQ5nGKDg8[3] https://www.eliteediting.com.au/avoiding-americanisms-when-using-australianbritish-english/[4] https://www.stylemanual.gov.au/grammar-punctuation-and-conventions/spelling[5] https://davidbrewsterwriter.com/blog/2014/1/14/color-or-colour-are-you-writing-your-english-right

30 April 2024

What are some common Australian words and phrases?

Australia is rich with unique phrases and vocabulary that can seem bewildering to those unfamiliar with its quirks. Here are some common words and phrases that are distinctly Australian: These terms reflect the informal and often humorous nature of Australian slang, which plays a significant role in everyday communication across the country. Further reading: [1] https://belsmalta.com/blogs/australian-english-words/[2] https://ielts.com.au/australia/prepare/article-australian-slang-words-phrases[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_English_vocabulary[4] http://nomadsworld.com/aussie-slang/[5] https://preply.com/en/blog/50-popular-australian-slang-words-and-phrases/[6] https://www.vu.edu.au/sites/default/files/aussie-slang.pdf[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrc8MAWVp1w[8] https://promova.com/blog/guide-to-aussie-slang[9] https://www.yha.com.au/travel-and-tours/traveller-stories/20-aussie-slang-phrases-you-need-to-know/[10] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CowGgp-A4mY[11] […]

30 April 2024

Ten rules for writing in Australian English

When writing in Australian English, it’s essential to understand and apply specific rules that distinguish it from other forms of English, such as American or British English. Here are ten good rules to follow: By adhering to these rules, you ensure that your writing is not only correct in terms of Australian English standards but also clear, engaging, and effective. Tools to help you include […]

30 April 2024

What are some common Americanisms that have crept into Australian English?

Some common Americanisms that have crept into Australian English include: These Americanisms reflect the influence of American culture and language on Australian English, often through media exposure and the global dominance of American English[1][3][4]. Citations:[1] https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/let-every-new-word-bloom-20110812-1iqtx.html[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/AskAnAustralian/comments/12q8t3t/what_are_some_americanisms_younger_people_in/[3] https://www.babbel.com/en/magazine/australians-love-american-words[4] https://www.abc.net.au/education/interesting-words-and-americanisms-in-our-language/13953302[5] https://www.smh.com.au/national/australian-english-isn-t-being-taken-over-by-americanisms-but-it-is-changing-20210729-p58e2f.html[6] https://www.eliteediting.com.au/avoiding-americanisms-when-using-australianbritish-english/[7] https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/8274467/clear-as-math-what-counts-as-proper-australian-english/[8] https://www.thinkswap.com/au/vce/english-language/year-12/americanisms-and-their-effect-australian-english