| This assumption can be dangerous and | | | | items and action plans in clear and precise English. |
| unproductive when you communicate with | | | | 4. Be creative. During a conference call, meeting, |
| non-native speakers. Poor communication with | | | | or presentation, it is important to improvise. |
| non-native speakers may create feelings of | | | | Creativity is a key element in successful |
| alienation, hostility, and resistance due to the | | | | communication with non-native English speakers. |
| ineffective use of English. Those feelings could | | | | Be attentive to their body language and |
| create an unfavorable working environment. | | | | non-verbal communication. Look for signs that |
| Here are 7 rules for a successful communication | | | | they do not understand. If you sense that your |
| approach when you interact with non-native | | | | message is not clear, be creative and use |
| English speakers: | | | | different words or sentence constructions. Do not |
| | | | hesitate to clarify by asking, "Is that clear?" and |
| 1. Never assume that non-native English speakers | | | | "What questions do you have?" |
| understand and speak English. Do not presume | | | | 5. Use a thesaurus. A thesaurus is the most useful |
| that they are capable of using English as fluently | | | | tool a native English speaker can use with a |
| as native English speakers. Address differences in | | | | non-native speaker. One vital element of effective |
| language and communication difficulties to create a | | | | communication is the ability to systematically use |
| communication-friendly environment. | | | | different words if one word is not clear. If there |
| 2. Show non-native speakers that you are making | | | | is a word that a non-native speaker has difficulty |
| an effort to speak their language. You do not | | | | with, replace it with a synonym. |
| have to be fluent in the language they speak. Try | | | | 6. Keep a journal. Communicating with non-native |
| to learn important words and expressions to | | | | English speakers is a learning process. It takes |
| make a positive impression. If non-native | | | | time to see which methods and techniques work |
| speakers see that you are trying to speak their | | | | effectively. If you write down your interactions, |
| language, they will make an effort to speak your | | | | you can see the techniques that work and the |
| language. | | | | problems to avoid. |
| 3. Prepare differently. You cannot interact with a | | | | 7. Smile! A smile is universal and communicates |
| non-native speaker the same way you | | | | more than words. When you are sincere, a smile |
| communicate with a native English speaker. Be | | | | represents patience, warmth, kindness, and |
| aware of specific difficulties and prepare ahead of | | | | empathy. Those are important qualities you must |
| time. Before a conference call, meeting, or | | | | have when you communicate with non-native |
| presentation, send a prepared written document | | | | English speakers. |
| to the non-native participants. Detail important | | | | |