How can bilingual speakers persuade and negotiate more effectively?

1 Know your audience

Before you start any conversation, do some research on the people you are going to talk to. Find out their values, preferences, expectations, and communication styles. This will help you tailor your message and tone to suit their needs and interests. For example, if you are negotiating with a high-context culture, where nonverbal cues and relationships are important, you might want to use more indirect and polite language, avoid confrontation, and show respect for their authority. On the other hand, if you are dealing with a low-context culture, where facts and logic are valued, you might want to be more direct and clear, provide evidence and data, and focus on the benefits and outcomes.

2 Choose your language

Depending on the situation, you might have the option to choose which language to use for your persuasion or negotiation. This can be a strategic decision that can influence the outcome. For example, you might want to use the language that is more familiar or comfortable for your audience, to build rapport and trust, and to avoid misunderstandings or confusion. Alternatively, you might want to use the language that is more persuasive or powerful for your purpose, to convey your confidence and expertise, and to create a positive impression. However, be careful not to switch languages too often or without warning, as this can be seen as rude or manipulative.

3 Adapt your style

Being bilingual means that you can switch between different linguistic and cultural codes, and adapt your style accordingly. This can be a useful skill for persuasion and negotiation, as you can adjust your tone, pitch, volume, speed, gestures, and expressions to match the situation and the audience. For example, you might want to use more emotion and enthusiasm when you are trying to persuade someone to buy your product or service, and use more logic and reason when you are trying to negotiate a contract or a deal. You might also want to use more humor and stories when you are trying to connect with your audience, and use more facts and figures when you are trying to convince them of your point.

4 Avoid assumptions

One of the challenges of being bilingual is that you might assume that everyone shares your perspective or understanding of the world. However, this can lead to miscommunication or conflict, especially when you are trying to persuade or negotiate with people from different backgrounds or cultures. Therefore, you need to avoid making assumptions based on your own experience or knowledge, and instead ask questions, listen actively, and clarify any doubts or ambiguities. For example, you might want to check if the terms or concepts that you are using are clear and relevant for your audience, and if the examples or analogies that you are giving are appropriate and relatable.

5 Respect diversity

Finally, being bilingual means that you appreciate and respect the diversity and richness of languages and cultures. This can be a great asset for persuasion and negotiation, as you can show your openness and curiosity, and demonstrate your empathy and understanding. For example, you might want to learn some basic phrases or greetings in the language of your audience, and use them appropriately and respectfully. You might also want to acknowledge and celebrate the differences and similarities that exist between you and your audience, and use them as a source of connection and collaboration.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?