Why Your Words Matter

What You Say Isn’t Always What Others Hear

The words we choose and how we use them in our business communication affect how others hear them, be it positively, negatively, or not at all.  We tend to assume that whoever hears what we say, understands our message in the same way we do. This may not necessarily be the case, whether you’re a native English speaker or not. As leaders, it’s important to communicate with clarity and understand the impact of our words on our audience.

How often have you conducted an online meeting where you present your ideas? The conversation seems to flow back and forth, readily. Questions are asked. You’re sure everyone’s understood and got the messages and the key points. They know what actions need to be taken and how to follow up with the determined plan. You think you’ve been clear and succinct. Yet, some people in the meeting have interpreted your words differently than you intended. Whether you’re a native English speaker or someone whose first language is not necessarily English, there is potential for confusion. 

A while ago, I hired a new assistant.  We discussed procedures and processes. He took meeting notes and sent them to me later that day. We reviewed and agreed on tasks to be completed. However, when he actually did the work, it didn’t reflect what we agreed upon. I was sure I was clear and succinct, and checked for understanding. There was no doubt in my mind all was clear.

As a leader it’s important to ensure that others are clear on what needs to be done and how it will be accomplished. So, what might you do to avoid sabotaging your own successes? Here are four ways to do so.

Know Your Audience

When planning be sure to put yourself in their shoes so you know what words and expectations will resonate with them. Avoid jargon and vague language.

Review Details

During the meeting review discussion points and record them for sharing with your audience. Both visual and aural learning works.

Confirm Next Steps

Have audience members confirm next steps to be carried out before leaving the meeting. 

Be a Great Listener 

How you listen determines what your audience will or won’t do. And remember your non-verbal communication. Body language counts.

Schedule a 30 Minute Complimentary Meeting to meet Sandra via phone or video. Find out if you both are a good fit to work together. Come to the call with your questions and what business communications challenges you’d like to get help with.

How to Save Embarrassment at Meetings When English Isn’t Your First Language

Do you ever feel when you’re attending an important online business meeting with other executives you want to jump in and express your thoughts on the topic under discussion, but you won’t? You think if you open your mouth to articulate your thoughts, you won’t find the right words in English to say what you really want to.  You think you won’t look smart, or the other executives will think you really don’t know the material, even though you do.

 Since business meetings in large corporations and organizations are generally held in English, it’s important, as an executive, to be sufficiently eloquent to express your ideas and thoughts clearly in English.  It becomes problematic when you lack the confidence to say what you’d like because you think you’re not going to articulate your thoughts and ideas as effortlessly as you would in your native tongue. And, you just don’t want to be embarrassed.

 As a business coach I often work with executives whose first language is not English. They’re very skilled at the work they do. Yet they tell me they’re reluctant to open their mouths to speak at cross country corporate online meetings.  They don’t want to look incompetent or appear as if they don’t understand the topic under discussion. I well imagine that I would feel the same way if I was the person sitting in a meeting where I was not confident in my language skills. I’d probably sit there hoping that I wouldn’t be noticed.

 In some cases, they tell me that they are better able to explain the intricacies of their work when they talk with me. However, when it comes to meetings and they are anxious to share thoughts in English, it can become challenging and downright embarrassing.

 So, what can you do if you are experiencing these issues and you want to take a more active role in corporate meetings that are held virtually?  How might you get over that discomfort?  Here are some of the strategies and techniques I suggest to my clients to help them get over their discomfort and be a star communicator.

 Familiarize Yourself With the Topic Under Discussion

Memos, as well as other materials, on meeting items are usually sent out in advance to participants. So read or listen to them. And do it more than once!

Prepare In Writing And In Speaking What You Might Want to Say

Once you know the topics under consideration, take time to think about how and what you might say regarding the different items. Write down what you would like to say. Practice articulating your thoughts and ideas.

 Videotape Yourself and Listen To How You Sound

There’s nothing more effective than looking and listening to yourself on a video you create. The good part is you’re the only one who can see it. However, you could send it to a trusted colleague or friend for feedback. You could also practice in front of a mirror.

Schedule a 30 Minute Complimentary Meeting to meet Sandra via phone or video. Find out if you both are a good fit to work together. Come to the call with your questions and what business communications challenges you’d like to get help with.