How to Speak to a Non-Native English Speaking Audience
In today’s global economy, there’s a good chance you’ll have to speak in front of an audience of non-native English speakers. How can you speak so your listeners will understand? The Public Speaker shares 12 helpful tips to make your point clear.
Lisa B. Marshall
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How to Speak to a Non-Native English Speaking Audience
A Public Speaker listener named Emily emailed me with a question:
“My company is headquartered in Japan and I will be presenting to the research and development department there about the activities at the U.S. branch. Many of the attendees don’t speak English (the language in which I’m presenting). Do you have any advice for a good way to help me give the presentation in an understandable way?”.
I can relate to Emily’s situation. I have given many presentations to non-native speakers of English both in the U.S. and abroad. And I’ve learned through experience. Here are 12 tips that apply when you are speaking to English as a Second Language (ESL) speakers in their own country:
Tip #1: Speak more slowly. Write out cards or sticky notes and place them around you to remind you to s-l-o-w d-o-w-n. Most of us speak too quickly when we’re nervous. Even native English speakers have trouble understanding when a presenter speaks quickly. A non-native speaker will quickly be lost. A good pace is about 100-120 words per minute ,
Tip #2: Repeat your main ideas several times using different words. Your listeners may not understand the first time, but hearing the point stated differently will help make it clear. For example, you might say, “Only you can prevent forest fires.” Then, after your example or support, you’d make the point again, but using different words. Something like:
“It’s up to us to protect our forests from the dangers of fire.”
Or
“When you camp in the forest, make sure you put your fire out completely before you leave.”
Also, keep in mind, if someone asks you to repeat something, it is best not to repeat the exact same words again. Instead express the same ideas using different words. (This is good advice for native speaking audiences too!)
Tip #3: Use commonly known words to make your point. We sometimes refer to these as “nickel words.” Clarity is more important than creativity and sophistication in this case. If you’re trying to describe something very big, it’s fine to simply say “big” or “large.” Don’t use less common synonyms like “humongous,” “giagantic,” or “capacious.” Google “commonly used words” for a list of alternatives you can use when speaking to non-native English speakers.
Tip #4: Do not use idioms. Don’t suggest “back-of-the-envelope” calculations, or “belt-tightening” or explain that widget XYZ is a “cash cow.” Learning the meaning of idioms is difficult for non-native speakers, so you’ll likely be misunderstood. Be as literal as you can with your descriptions. Just this past week I ran into trouble when I responded “fat chance” to Tian, our intern from Thailand. She asked, “Is that the same as slim chance?” I explained that it meant no chance at all. “What???” She said, “Slim is some chance but fat is none? That doesn’t make sense.” I had to agree!
Tip #5: Limit your use of contractions. For non-native speakers, the sounds of a contractions often run together and the words and meanings are lost. It’s also generally a good idea not to let your words run together. When I was learning Spanish, this was something that was very difficult for me. For example, the first few times I heard, “tabien” I thought it was a new word…only to find out later that it was actually two words, “esta bien,” which means “OK” in Spanish.
Do not use idioms. Be as literal as you can with your descriptions.
Tip #6: Avoid acronyms if possible. It’s better to say all of the words in the acronym. A non-native speaker may not know that the COO is the Chief Operating Officer or that QA means quality assurance. If you absolutely need to use an acronym, explain what it is first and be sure you have the words and the acronym up on a slide.
Tip #7: Choose images your audience can relate to. If you’re using slides and your audience is diverse, include images of people from around the globe. If your audience is primarily from one culture, then include images that reflect that culture. For example, I recently presented to a Sino-American pharmaceutical group and I changed some of my images and examples to include Chinese-Americans that I have worked with in the past.
Tip #8: If presenting data, use the standard measurements of that country. Miles become kilometers, gallons become liters, etc. If the country you’re speaking in practices British English, use the correct spelling on your slides or handouts. For example, use “colour” instead of “color” and “centre” instead of “center.” Google “British spelling versus U.S. spelling” for a comprehensive list.
Tip #9: If possible, start your presentation by saying a few words in the first language of your audience (even if it’s just a simple greeting). Practice it several times with a native speaker to get it right. Put the word or phrase on a slide so the audience knows what you’re trying to say, even if you mispronounce it. This will create good-will in your audience and make them more receptive to what you have to say.
Tip #10: Provide detailed slides. Normally I don’t suggest handing slides out in advance, but if the majority of your audience does not speak English well, it is best to send the slides with detailed notes ahead of time. This way, attendees can read the presentation either before or afterwards. And if they missed any details as you were presenting, they can go back and read the presentation at their own pace.
Tip #11: Don’t make a typical foreigner/tourist mistake. How do you find out what that is? Ask! Talk to your country host to find out what to avoid. For example, although many gestures are universal, there are tons of gestures, such as pointing with your index finger, that have different meanings in different countries. If you have a chance, practice your presentation with your host or a colleague who lives in the country. Ask them to point out anything you say or do that might be offensive or embarrassing.
Tip #12: Do basic cultural research. You’ll want to gain a general understanding of the prevailing cultural norms. Just be sure to keep in mind that there is always cultural variety. Review web resources like cyborlink.com and worldbusinessculture.com for international business etiquette and cultural awareness. Since Emily’s company headquarters is in Japan, I suggested that she pick up a book about doing business in Japan to learn more about communication and business culture and practices in that country.
Speaking to an audience of non-native English speakers is not as difficult as you might think. Follow these tips and your audience will get more out of your presentation. Be prepared to stay afterward to answer questions and clarify meanings when asked. By the way, Emily wrote me after she followed my advice when delivering her presentation and things went well. She’s looking forward to making more presentations at headquarters.
This is Lisa B. Marshall, The Public Speaker. Helping you lead, influence, and inspire through better communication. Do you wish you got an email from me letting you know the new podcast is available? Join my newsletter to get weekly updates and get a free bonus.
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Auditorium image courtesy of Shutterstock.
About the Author
Lisa B. Marshall Lisa holds masters with duel degrees in interpersonal/intercultural communication and organizational communication. She’s the author of Smart Talk: The Public Speaker’s Guide to Success in Every Situation, as well as Ace Your Interview, Powerful Presenter, and Expert Presenter. Her work has been featured in CBS Money Watch, Ragan.com, Woman’s Day, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, and many others. Her institutional clients include Johns Hopkins Medicine, Harvard University, NY Academy of Science, University of Pennsylvania, Genentech, and Roche.