Tag: business

20 July 2024

The Unexpected Mentor

I sighed as I stared at the blank document on my laptop screen. After decades as a successful business and social media author, I found myself struggling with writer’s block for the first time. My publisher was eagerly awaiting my next manuscript, but I felt like I had run out of insights to share. Desperate for inspiration, I decided to take a walk through the […]

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

How can I avoid using Americanisms in my writing when writing in Australian English?

To avoid using Americanisms in your writing in Australian English, you can follow these practical steps: By consistently applying these guidelines, you can effectively minimize the use of Americanisms in your writing and ensure that your text adheres to Australian English standards. Citations:[1] https://www.casita.com/blog/main-differences-between-aussies-and-brits-englishes[2] https://www.speakmoreclearly.com/english-pronunciation-tips/american-english-accent-vs-australian-english-accent/[3] https://ielts.idp.com/indonesia/about/news-and-articles/article-australian-vs-british-vs-american-english/en-gb[4] https://blog.e2language.com/australian-english-vs-american-english-vs-british-english/[5] https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/let-every-new-word-bloom-20110812-1iqtx.html[6] https://www.babbel.com/en/magazine/australians-love-american-words[7] https://www.abc.net.au/education/interesting-words-and-americanisms-in-our-language/13953302[8] https://www.agencymavericks.com/australian-english-vs-british-english-vs-american-english/[9] https://www.abc.net.au/education/learn-english/australian-vs-american-spelling/11244196[10] https://www.eliteediting.com.au/avoiding-americanisms-when-using-australianbritish-english/[11] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fy-bd5AC-Ms[12] https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/8274467/clear-as-math-what-counts-as-proper-australian-english/[13] https://www.thinkswap.com/au/vce/english-language/year-12/americanisms-and-their-effect-australian-english[14] https://www.smh.com.au/national/australian-english-isn-t-being-taken-over-by-americanisms-but-it-is-changing-20210729-p58e2f.html[15] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oouPqmLbYro[16] https://quadrant.org.au/magazine/2019/03/the-serious-decline-of-the-common-language/[17] https://www.reddit.com/r/australia/comments/198fm7q/americans_cant_write_australian_dialogue/[18] https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/2613124[19] https://thekicker.substack.com/p/i-fought-americanisms-and-americanisms

30 April 2024

What are some examples of Americanisms that can be avoided when using quotation marks in Australian English

When using quotation marks in Australian English, it’s important to avoid certain Americanisms to adhere to local conventions. Here are some examples of Americanisms related to the use of quotation marks that should be avoided: By avoiding these Americanisms, writers can ensure their use of quotation marks aligns with Australian English standards, maintaining clarity and consistency in their writing. Citations:[1] https://www.eliteediting.com.au/avoiding-americanisms-when-using-australianbritish-english/[2] https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/84365609.pdf[3] https://www.abc.net.au/education/interesting-words-and-americanisms-in-our-language/13953302[4] https://www.theguardian.com/media/mind-your-language/2010/nov/26/americanisms-english-mind-your-language[5] https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/8274467/clear-as-math-what-counts-as-proper-australian-english/[6] […]

30 April 2024

How to use quotation marks correctly in Australian English

In Australian English, the correct use of quotation marks follows specific rules that differ slightly from American English conventions. Here’s a detailed guide on how to use quotation marks correctly in Australian English: Single vs. Double Quotation Marks Australian English typically uses single quotation marks (‘ ‘) for quoting direct speech, titles of certain works, or drawing attention to a word. Double quotation marks (” […]