Comment pouvez-vous communiquer la vision du projet à des personnes dont l’anglais n’est pas la langue maternelle ?

Practice servant leadership by understanding cultural nuances. Prioritize learning about your team's backgrounds, fostering a more inclusive environment. For instance, inquire about their preferred communication styles to tailor your approach.

Understanding your audience goes beyond just knowing their CEFR level—it’s about genuinely connecting with their day-to-day communication preferences. Many people may not be familiar with language scales like CEFR, so instead of relying on that, I focus on how they express ideas, their comfort level in discussions, and their cultural nuances. It's about asking the right questions to adapt the message in a way that feels natural to them. Personalizing communication ensures that the project vision is not only understood but embraced.

For me this is the key tip to maximise your chances of not loosing your audience : keep it simple. Use short sentences, prefer simple vocabulary and avoid sayings or language expressions. I have seen many times native English speakers debate on the best word to express a specific nuance or wanting to find a smart expression to describe something but this is generally completely lost on a non native English audience. I would rather use a powerful image or drawing.

This is the biggest challenge for most native speakers. Awareness of your own language use is a powerful tool. Think about: - pace - idiom - accent. Pace: you will need to speak much slower than normal for anyone below C1 level. Idiom: you may know what, 'every cloud has a sliver lining' means, your communication partners probably think it is quaint that you are talking abou the weather again. Accent: I am from Edinburgh (or Embra as it might sound to some) ... accent moderation is a must. Drop me a line if you would like to chat about your language to a language professional.

Serve your team by using clear and straightforward language. Encourage open communication, allowing team members to express their understanding comfortably. For example, break down complex terms and provide real-world examples during discussions.

Simplifying language and slowing down are essential for native English speakers, but from an English learner's perspective, even 'simple' words can sometimes feel overwhelming if they are unfamiliar or used in new contexts. Both the native speaker and the learner share the responsibility for effective communication. It’s important for both parties to check in regularly, take the time to clarify points, and ensure that understanding is mutual throughout the exchange.

Demonstrate empathy as a servant leader. Regularly check in with team members to ensure clarity. Cultivate an atmosphere where questions are welcomed, helping individuals feel valued and understood in their efforts to grasp the project vision.

Foster a supportive environment through servant leadership. Acknowledge the challenges non-native English speakers may face. Provide additional resources or language support, encouraging a culture where everyone feels respected and included.

In addition to key strategies like knowing your audience, simplifying language, and checking for understanding, consider these when communicating project vision to non-native English speakers: Cultural Sensitivity: Different cultures approach communication, hierarchy, and feedback uniquely. Adapt your style to avoid misunderstandings and improve collaboration. Non-verbal Communication: Body language, tone, and gestures can vary by culture. Use them intentionally to reinforce your message. Language Assistance: Use translation tools, subtitles, or bilingual materials to bridge language gaps, especially in cross-cultural teams.