Although it is best to speak a foreign language fluently, many of us lack that skill. Fortunately, global business transactions are increasingly conducted in English. English has become the language of technology, the language of movies, and the language to know in global business even for traditionally non-English-speaking countries. English is dominant in business. However, the level of proficiency may be limited among nonnative speakers of English. Americans abroad make a big mistake in thinking that people who speak English always understand what is being said. Comprehension can be fairly superficial. The following suggestions are helpful for situations in which one or both communicators may be using English as a second language.
01. Learn foreign phrases.
In conversations, even when English is used, foreign nationals appreciate it when you learn greetings and a few phrases in their language.
02. Use simple English.
Speak in short sentences (under 20 words) with familiar short words. For example, use old rather than obsolete and rich rather than luxurious or sumptuous. Eliminate puns, sports and military references, slang, and jargon (special business terms). Be especially alert to idiomatic expressions that can’t be translated, such as burn the midnight oil and under the weather .
03. Speak slowly and enunciate clearly.
Avoid fast speech, but don’t raise your voice. Overpunctuate with pauses and full stops. Always write numbers for all to see.
04. Observe eye messages.
Be alert to a glazed expression or wandering eyes, these could tell you that the listener is lost.
05. Encourage accurate feedback.
Ask probing questions, and encourage the listener to paraphrase what you say. Do not assume that a yes, a nod, or a smile indicates comprehension.
06. Check frequently for comprehension.
Avoid waiting until you finish a long explanation to request feedback. Instead, make one point at a time, pausing to check for comprehension. Make sure the listener understand what you have said before proceeding.
07. Accept blame.
If a misunderstanding results, be open to accept the blame for not making your meaning clear.
08. Listen without interrupting.
Hold your desire to finish sentences or to fill out ideas for the speaker.
09. Smile when appropriate.
Smile is the single most understood and most useful form of communication in either personal or business transactions. In some cultures, however, excessive smiling may seem insincere.
10. Follow up in writing.
After conversations or oral negotiations, confirm the results and agreements with follow-up letters. For proposals and contracts, engage a translator to prepare copies in the local language.
Source: Marry Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy, Business Communication Process & Product, 7th Edition
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