How can you speak English in a professional way? This is my advice, based on my experience as a manager of an international team.
DON’T: apologise for your English
When I worked as a manager, I often talked with non-native English speakers. Often, mid-conversation, I would suddenly hear: “Sorry for my English”.
The problem was, I wasn’t even thinking about their level of English before they mentioned it. But once they apologised, I started paying close attention to their English! The opposite of what they wanted.
On top of that, it changed the dynamic of our interaction. By apologising for their abilities, they put themselves down and seemed more underconfident.
I understand the desire to say sorry, but I recommend you DON’T apologise for your English level. The fact that you’re having a work conversation in English is a strength, not a weakness. So change the message to something like this:
I’m translating from Spanish. Just give me a moment please.
Highlight the fact that you’re multilingual (a very impressive skill!) and you sound confident and professional in English.
“A simple strategy is to summarize what you understand.”
DO: Focus on solutions, not problems
Language is an amazing tool to influence how people remember you. So when there is an issue, focus on solutions (not problems) when speaking English at work.
In English terms, replace what you can’t do with what you can do.
Instead of: I can’t finish the report today, say: I can give you the report tomorrow.
Instead of: I can’t join the call in the afternoon, say: I can join in the morning.
Instead of: I can’t do all those tasks, say: I can do X and Y.
When speaking English at work, you want co-workers to remember you as the person who brings solutions, not problems.
DON’T: Use super complicated language
When you’re speaking English at work, your goal is simple: to communicate clearly with your co-workers. There’s no need to use super complicated language!
As an example, compare these two sentences. Who is easier to follow?
TOM: We ought to tap into our available resources to enhance our outcome.
JULIA: Let’s optimize our resources.
It’s the same message, but Julia’s sentence is simple and easy to understand: exactly what you need during a busy day speaking English at work.
DON’T confuse certificates with real English skills
Exams are sometimes a necessary part of life, but they’re not everything. Please don’t confuse language certificates with real English skills.
In my old job, I received candidates’ CV’s with top language certificates and qualifications. But when they came for the interview and actually starting speaking? Their English wasn’t nearly as strong as it looked on paper.
In the real world of speaking English at work, the people who succeed are the ones who can communicate clearly and confidently. Don’t stress about English certificates.
DO Double-check the important stuff
When you’re speaking English at work and it’s not your first language, there are times when you get lost in the conversation. My advice in that situation is to: double-check the important stuff!
What is important stuff? I mean a critical detail you need to know in order to complete a task correctly, like a deadline, a number or a name.
A simple strategy is to summarize what you understand. For example:
So just to confirm, the plan is to meet next Tuesday at 11am.
I’m not suggesting you demand a definition of every individual word your co-worker uses in a meeting. But don’t be embarrassed to pause and get clarification when speaking English at work.
DO see the opportunity to advance
Speaking English at work can feel intimidating, but I encourage you to change your perspective. See the opportunity to advance both your English skills and your career. Remember:
- If you make a mistake, it’s not an embarrassing failure. It’s a chance to fix it and avoid repeating it in the future.
- If you don’t recognize an English word, that’s your moment to learn it and expand your vocabulary.
- If you don’t understand someone right away, it’s an opportunity to train your ear and build stronger listening skills.
To put it simply: embrace the challenge of speaking English at work.
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