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Archive for the ‘Art of Communication’ Category

TOP 10 Modernized Fortune Cookie Messages

There is at least one longstanding element of food culture which has not changed with the times: messages in Chinese fortune cookies.

Recent experience has confirmed that the same old array of vague, albeit usually upbeat, expressions and predictions remain in vogue. Perhaps it has something to do with the evidently simple assembly-line manner in which such message cookies have long been created and distributed. Perhaps the substance of most messages, involving abstract universal themes, is deemed to validate whatever wording is used, as not worth re-visiting for style, spirit, or timeliness. (more…)

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Art of Communication, Business Commentary, Humour, Uncategorized

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In a Metaphorical Way

One of the more intriguing ways many of us use language is through metaphors.

It’s like using one of a set of specialized tools to complete a project, instead of only using a multi-tool. No, wait, that’s a simile.

A metaphor is figure of speech, or an image, in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action not literally, but by means of comparison or analogy. A simile focuses more on the idea of a comparison, normally connected by words such as ‘like’ or ‘as’. (more…)

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Art of Communication, Humour, Uncategorized

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TOP 10 Ways to Survive Waiting at Airports

Anyone who has traveled by air in recent times, and particularly has done so off and on for decades, knows how the experience has dwindled in enjoyability. Nowadays it seems to go down a notch every year.

Have you seen the original version of the movie, “The Out-of-Towners”? Soon into the opening scene, Jack Lemmon and Sandy Dennis, having made the short drive in their station wagon from home to the local airport, easily stride into the casual, small terminal, directly to the ticket counter, and quickly out to board their plane, with nary a whiff of delay or security to be seen. How times have changed… (more…)

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Art of Communication, Behaviour & Relationships, Humour, Top 10, Uncategorized

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Going on Holidays Messages

This time of the year it’s common to get an automated response, albeit possibly with a personalized tone, when phoning someone. There may be even a cute, seasonal reference to add a touch of artistry.

If it’s an in the office, business-sensitive message, chances are the wording and tone will be more on the officious side. The brave or resourceful will find a way to inject a little personality. (more…)

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Art of Communication, Business Commentary, Humour, Top 10, Uncategorized

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Storytelling – Promises & Lies

I recently finished reading what I responded to as one of the most helpful commentaries encountered on the craft of writing, “A Story Is a Promise & The Spirit of Storytelling”, by Bill Johnson.

Johnson is a writer and writing teacher. He has a capacity, based on this book, to not only point out the importance of having a structured commitment to turning ideas into audience pleasing stories, but also uses numerous novels and films to reinforce his messages. (more…)

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Art of Communication, Arts commentary, Behaviour & Relationships, Uncategorized

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The Schadenfreude of Having a Doppelganger

Two of the most colourful words adapted from the German language to English are ‘schadenfreude’ and ‘doppelganger’.

These words, aside from their definitions, have a couple of interesting facets going for them.

They’re both multisyllabic and tricky to pronounce. Enunciating them without tripping over syllables exhibits good training of facial muscles. (more…)

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Art of Communication, Behaviour & Relationships, Humour, Uncategorized

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TOP 10 Thoughtful Expressions to Honour Mother’s Day

Hopefully, the vast majority of us associate mostly happy memories with thoughts about our mothers. If possible, hopefully the vast majority of us make an effort to recognize the annual day for celebrating this so important person’s role, in person or at least by direct communication. It comes about again this Sunday, May 14th. (more…)

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Art of Communication, Behaviour & Relationships, Humour, Uncategorized

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TOP 10 Challenges in Home Renovations

Any homeowner for a period of time is bound to encounter the challenge of renovation. Be it related to age, deterioration, or simply a structural facelift, the causes can be many, the options almost limitless.

There are good reasons why renovation reality shows have become a staple of speciality television, not to mention the more historical, but still viable, routes of trade shows and in-store seminars. People, hands-on or not, want to have a handle on what to do, if by themselves or at least how to proceed if dealing with professionals. (more…)

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Art of Communication, Behaviour & Relationships, Business Commentary, Uncategorized

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What’s in Those Titles?

An article in the April issue of The Insurance & Investment Journal tackles the issue of forthcoming restrictions on the use of financial planning titles in Ontario.

Some forks in the road needing consolidation are at the heart of this thorny issue. (more…)

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Art of Communication, Arts commentary, Business Commentary, Financial commentary, Uncategorized

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Secrets

In the early 1990s a movie came out with the seemingly innocuous title of SNEAKERS. In it, a diverse group of professional security hackers are caught up in case involving Russians, organized crime, and ‘too many secrets’.

How many intriguing plot points in movies and television programs trace their roots to the keeping of or revelation of secrets?

An article in the current month edition of Psychology Today discusses the world of inner secrets (or, the inner world of secrets). (more…)

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Art of Communication, Behaviour & Relationships, Personal Development, Social & political commentary, Uncategorized

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