7 Rules For
A Successful Communication Approach With
Non-Native English Speakers
Written by Terry Kaufman, English Communications Consultant
Communication is effective when a message is clear. As a communicator,
you are responsible for the language you use. It is your job to
be sure that people understand you. The obstacle is that native
English speakers often assume that everyone speaks and understands
English.
This assumption can be dangerous and unproductive when you communicate
with non-native speakers. Poor communication with non-native speakers
may create feelings of alienation, hostility, and resistance due
to the ineffective use of English. Those feelings could create
an unfavorable working environment.
Here are 7 rules for a successful communication approach when
you interact with non-native English speakers:
- Never assume that non-native English speakers understand
and speak English. Do not presume that they are capable
of using English as fluently as native English speakers. Address
differences in language and communication difficulties to create
a communication-friendly environment.
- Show non-native speakers that you are making an effort
to speak their language. You do not have to be fluent
in the language they speak. Try to learn important words and
expressions to make a positive impression. If non-native speakers
see that you are trying to speak their language, they will make
an effort to speak your language.
- Prepare differently. You cannot interact
with a non-native speaker the same way you communicate with
a native English speaker. Be aware of specific difficulties
and prepare ahead of time. Before a conference call, meeting,
or presentation, send a prepared written document to the non-native
participants. Detail important items and action plans in clear
and precise English.
- Be creative. During a conference call, meeting,
or presentation, it is important to improvise. Creativity is
a key element in successful communication with non-native English
speakers. Be attentive to their body language and non-verbal
communication. Look for signs that they do not understand. If
you sense that your message is not clear, be creative and use
different words or sentence constructions. Do not hesitate to
clarify by asking, "Is that clear?" and "What
questions do you have?"
- Use a thesaurus. A thesaurus is the most
useful tool a native English speaker can use with a non-native
speaker. One vital element of effective communication is the
ability to systematically use different words if one word is
not clear. If there is a word that a non-native speaker has
difficulty with, replace it with a synonym.
- Keep a journal. Communicating with non-native
English speakers is a learning process. It takes time to see
which methods and techniques work effectively. If you write
down your interactions, you can see the techniques that work
and the problems to avoid.
- Smile! A smile is universal and communicates
more than words. When you are sincere, a smile represents patience,
warmth, kindness, and empathy. Those are important qualities
you must have when you communicate with non-native English speakers.
The Y.E.S. goal is to promote awareness and empathy
when native English speakers communicate with non-native speakers.
It provides a complete approach to effectively communicate with
non-native speakers and consistency through solutions depending
on the native speaker's needs.
 Terry
Kaufman: Seminar Leader and Program Director
Originally from Los Angeles, California, with a background in
Human Development, I have been an English Communications Consultant
and teacher for 12 years.
Communication, culture, philosophy, and psychology have always
been of great interest to me.
Y.E.S. was born from my understanding of communication difficulties
and cultural differences between native and non-native English
speakers.
http://www.your-english-solutions.com/
| http://www.sustainable-english.com/
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