Don’t Be An English Language Bully

For better or for worse, English is the dominant international language of business. This tends to give native English speakers  an advantage when it comes to business communication. But it shouldn’t give anyone the right to be what I call an “English language bully.”

What’s an English language bully?

Someone whose use of English makes life more difficult for non-native English speakers. For instance, a manager who uses too many “inside baseball” expressions during meetings — like the expression inside baseball! Colloquial expressions and jargon may confuse someone whose primary language isn’t English. A manager who doesn’t take this into consideration is creating a barrier to communication.

Research shows that when a native English speaker enters a conversation with a group of non-native English speakers the level of understanding goes down. This isn’t only because of the use of unfamiliar words or phrases. It’s also because native English speakers tend to use complicated sentences rather than speaking in a way that’s accessible to everyone.

So, what can you, as a manager or decision maker whose primary language is English, do to make sure that you aren’t an English language bully? Ask yourself the following:

·  Is everyone in the room (or the Zoom) a native English speaker? Are you truly valuing all abilities, or are you falling into a trap of assuming that because someone speaks with an accent they are not as intelligent? Just as it’s important not to discriminate based on race or gender, it’s also important not to discriminate, on the basis of language.

·  Are you in the habit of using jargon or sports metaphors? Set the tone for all of your colleagues and employees by avoiding that kind of use of language. Aim for clarity of meaning. Don’t create a club of exclusivity through language differences.

I work with many business professionals whose primary language isn’t English.

Some of these  professionals have a non-English accent. Some have a less extensive English vocabulary than I do. But they also have tremendous knowledge and skills. The fact that they are bilingual means in some ways these professionals have even more to offer. In the competitive world of business, that’s something everyone — whatever your primary language is — would do well to keep in mind!

 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.

Presentation Tips: How to Deal With Resistance

You’re not alone if you dream of making presentations that captivate and mesmerize your audience. Maybe you’ve been inspired by famous TED talks and see yourself as the next Michelle Obama or Bill Gates (with just a little more practice!). Your ambition is to refine your presentation skills and elevate them to new heights.

 But making a successful presentation isn’t just about dazzling a crowd. It’s about taking the time to think through how we want to use a presentation to persuade our audience, to convince them, whether it’s to buy a product, a service, or to buy into a point of view. 

 As you probably already know, when you try to convince another human being of something, you will often meet with resistance.  So, maybe leave aside your dream TED talk for now. Worry less about coming across as glamourous or smart, and more about having a strategy for a solid presentation. First, consider what I call the Four Pillars of  Effective Communication. A good presentation will be built on these pillars.

 1. Your Outcome

What, in a specific, measurable way, do you want your presentation to achieve?

 2. Your Objective

Consider how the outcome fits into your big-picture objectives.

 3. Your Audience

Who is your audience, and how will your presentation truly serve them?

 4. Your Words

Which tone and words will have the best chance of connecting with that audience?

 Next, consider the most likely sources of resistance:

•  Resistance to Change: Provide tangible benefits, in order to persuade your audience to consider change. Be prepared to address doubts or fears.

•  Resistance to Ideas: Think about the arguments that someone may make to counter your point of view. Prepare logical responses to those arguments. 

•  Resistance to You: This is a tricky one. If your audience has a reason (perhaps because of past history, for example) to be resistant to you as an individual, prepare to be patient, calm, and non-confrontational.

 Once you’ve built a presentation on a clear understanding of the pillars, and you’re prepared to meet potential resistance, test it out. If it doesn’t work this doesn’t mean you “failed.” It means you need to analyze the problem areas and make appropriate changes next time. Remember, there’s a reason people speak of “overcoming resistance,” and that’s because it can be overcome!

 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 Make Small Talk Less Of A Big Deal

People love to chat. Yet, sometimes conversations seem to be about almost nothing. They’re just “small talk,” a way to pass time while you wait for a bus or stand in a store lineup. But when small talk happens at a business meeting, it may seem important simply because it’s taking place in your professional world. You may be self-conscious about how you participate in small talk, or you may feel left out of the small-talk conversation.

 The truth is, not everyone is comfortable making small talk, regardless of what kind of job you have. For example, just because you’re a business executive doesn’t mean you’re good at small talk. It doesn’t necessarily depend on whether or not English is your first language. (Although, if you’re the only person who is not a native English speaker in a business situation, it may make small talk more challenging.)

 Improving your ability to make small talk won’t happen without some effort. You certainly can sharpen your small talk skills. Here are a few ways to make small talk less of a big deal.

 Act In Advance

 If you think you’ll be in a  situation that will require small talk, come up with a few topics. Read up on trends in your industry. Be ready to seek other people’s opinions on those trends. Or, come up with topics that have nothing to do with work but matter to people in daily life. In other words, be prepared with some “ice breakers.”

 Act Positive

Even if you don’t feel like it! Smiling is much more inviting than a glum face. And if you’re chatting online you need to strive to always look present. Because of technology, which allows only one person to speak at a time, online meetings include a lot of listening. Don’t slump away from the computer or study your phone. Your body language indicates whether or not you’re engaged. 

 Act Curious

 You might not really care about so-and-so’s new puppy, even though she does. So ask questions. Think more about other people and worry less about how you come across. Also, know that a short silence during small talk does not immediately have to be filled. A pause might just be the perfect moment to show you’re reflecting on what the other person just said. Wait a beat; then ask your question.

 Like anything else, practice does not make perfect! But it does make things get easier. So, don’t shy away from small talk. Think of it as an opportunity to learn more about people — and their puppies too!

 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 Present Your Ideas Without Creating Conflict

Many people get nervous about making presentations. Maybe your throat goes dry. Maybe your hands start to shake, or you have butterflies in your stomach. The heat is on!  

Others may find the pressure motivating and love sharing their ideas with a group. Most of the time, I’m one of those people. My extensive teaching experience has helped me become accustomed to public speaking. And it’s a wonderful feeling when your presentation connects with your audience.  

Features of a Good Presentation

But, however you feel about making presentations, know that there is one important fundamental for all of us. Good presentations aren’t only about appearing comfortable in front of your audience. They’re not only about having high-quality content. There’s something else you have to consider: It’s how to present your ideas without creating conflict. That’s because any audience to whom you present has the potential for conflict to arise, for the following reasons:

• Stakeholders with differing interests and agendas

• Individuals who need to collaborate as a team

• Personality differences within a group

So, how do you present your ideas without causing conflict? First, you need to strategize. 

How To Present Ideas

Think, reflect, plan: You may know your material inside out. But that’s only part of the preparation. You have to think carefully about whom you are presenting to. Reflect on potential conflict “hot buttons.” Plan how you might diffuse them. For example: 

Listen, listen, listen: When other people ask questions or share their point of view, don’t jump in too quickly. Listen first. Then, summarize your understanding of what it is they have said. Consider using the neurolinguistic programming technique of “mirroring,” by repeating that person’s key message, using her/his own language. Avoid the “but” response, where you simply contradict what the other person has said. Build on what they are saying, rather than tearing it down.

Review, analyze, revise: Ideally, record any major presentation (easy to do on platforms like Zoom). Analyze what worked and what didn’t. Notice whether the words you used had an impact. Consider how your tone and body language worked or didn’t. Most importantly, use that information for your next (and even better!) presentation. 

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.

Don’t Let English Business Jargon Hold You Back

We all have moments when someone uses a term we don’t understand. Maybe it’s an unfamiliar word. Maybe it’s new jargon we haven’t heard yet, or a pop culture reference we don’t get. Whatever the case, if everyone else seems to get it, it might make you feel like an outsider.

 The situation I just described is even more likely to happen in a business meeting if your first language isn’t English. But there’s nothing wrong with not knowing a phrase or a word. There’s only something wrong if you hide the fact that you don’t understand. Pretending to understand something can lead to real embarrassment if it becomes obvious that you’re faking it.

 The important thing is to expand your knowledge. You need to grasp both the formal and informal language used in your workplace. So, here’s what I suggest you do if you come across a term or word you don’t understand.

 Ask Questions

For example, someone in a meeting says, “We need to start humaning.” You have no idea what they’re talking about. You might then ask. “I’m not familiar with humaning. Could you explain?” Chances are that person will be happy to do so — if they are able to. In 2020, the word “humaning” became well known because of a marketing campaign that used the word. But it also confused a lot of people. So, if you ask the question regarding what it means, you may find you’re not alone in not knowing. Other people in the meeting may be in the same boat. (And if you don’t know what being “in the same boat” means, ask me!)

 Use Shorthand

Suppose you really aren’t comfortable asking a full question. One helpful thing about the English language is how it uses short words to stand in for full questions. For example, if someone says, “We need to go hyperlocal,” and you don’t know what “hyperlocal” means, you could just say, “Excuse me? Hyperlocal?” Or “Hyperlocal? Pardon?” If you put a question in your voice, a native English speaker will understand you want more of an explanation.

 Take Notes

Note down new or confusing phrases and words. Later, look them up. There are many lists of business jargon and common English expressions online. And remember this. Every language and every occupation has its own jargon and colloquial, everyday phrases. No one is born knowing all these things. The fact that English is not your first language means your business colleagues are likely to be understanding.

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.