How to connect the Dots of a Clear Communication Vision as a Non Native Speaker

When we were kids, we tended to dream Big. If we were asked what we would liked to be when we were grown ups, the typical answers included: a lawyer, a doctor, a driver, a pilot, a teacher, an engineer. What was making our young minds so bold, honest and specific? The courage, the innocence and the freshness of the human spirit that we have lost meanwhile and we would have benefit from if we had nurtured for as long as possible. It can also be available for the question that might have already asked regarding your communication in a non native language: ”Even my kids are speaking better English, French than I do. And they not get stuck as I do!”

At some point in our evolution, most of us start losing this key element and ability to dream big. And the narrative we are saying to us and worries, and ifs kick in and then it is completely inappropriate to do that or the other think, if I say something wrong, if I make a mistake, my memory is not as it used to be, etc. We slowly and surely close up in our shells, built from norms, pressure, expectations besides our own narrative, if and worries sticking to our comfort zone. It is easier, but what are you missing? How many opportunities are you missing? How much are you restraining yourself?

Back to Freedom

The first step to step out of this shell is to reconnect with your honest vision of your communication in French or in English and let go the one you are convinced you should be or the others are expecting to be. Let go the word should together with the version you are convinced that your communication as a non native speaker should be like. Clean it of all shoulds. And make use of the freedom you make space after cleaning all those shoulds.

Your communication as a non native speaker belongs to you and only to you. Conformity might be a conscious choice for you foreign language as it provides you a safety feeling, but once you feel uncomfortable, go the other way. Otherwise, you might regret the opportunities you had, but you did not go for because of your ”My English (my French or any other non native language) is not enough good to lead a multicultural team or to give a speech!”

Dream a little of your Dreamed Communication

Creating a clear version of your language and communication starts within. Of course there are plenty of resources, courses, trainings, videos, apps, pieces of advice heard from friends, colleagues (and you might have all ready got bored of all that), but ultimately the decision belongs to YOU. And this is the beauty of freedom. The courage of dreaming of your own Vision will trigger the formation of a clearer picture of your definition for what matters the most in your communication and language as a driven Leader or Professional, but non native speaker. Focus on that vision, on your emotions and try to forget a little bit of your rational mind. Your speaking can be a daring adventure or nothing!

Clarity comes from Engagement

There are practices supporting you uncover your inner most desires, wishes, core beliefs, values and refocus your energy on what it truly matters and brings you clarity on what you really want to achieve in your communication in a foreign language. Self-awareness is a life long and evolving process as your French or English. And here are some practices that might guide you to achieve this clear picture:

• Gratitude: save 10 to 15 minutes of your day to think upon your English or French and how grateful you're for. A clear vision is also supported by the foundation of appreciation of what you have already manage to do. Write it down and whisper it over to you and pay also attention to your feeling, emotions.
• Meditation: you might find uncomfortable or strange sitting still with your thoughts, but meditation or yoga might change that. Go quiet, focusing on your breath, tune out the world or your narrative and reach into your heart. Anchor your French or English into the present and listen to your voices.
• Journaling: the written word will help you to the nooks and the crannies you have never known that they exist. The more your stream of awareness brings to the surface, the more clarity you’ll unlock.
• Vision board: no matter if you pick up a digital resource or a paper make sure you let the artist within you loose. The process of putting your Communication vision board together can spark enlightenment and excitement. Engage in it fully. Then, look at your creation as frequently as possible. Inhale it. Dream it. Envision it.
• Finding inspiration around you: comparing yourself and your communication in that language to the others puts unnecessary pressure on yourself. However, connecting, reaching out, asking for support, learning from the others and experimenting and adopting what resonates with you helps gain other perspective and empowerment.

Plan a Fulfilling Non Native Language

Once you can see in your mind’s eye what you’d like your communication in French or English to be, it’s time for drawing up and executing a clear plan. Whether you want to look ahead as far as 5 years from now, 12 months, or 30 days, you need targets to move you forward. Carve out uninterrupted alone time, pick your power space to hole up, and ideate.

You may follow these steps:

1. Devise a theme
2. Create a vision
3. List your Goals

Clarity from Questions and Answers

The more specific questions you ask Your Self and Your French or English Self, the more clarity answers will bring to you. Your communication vision statement, your affirmations, and anything you tell yourself has the potential to set the course for your success. Be mindful of how you conduct your inner conversations, be inquisitive, and plan your dream French or English down to every detail. You can start with these 3 questions:

• How my non native language would be if I do not pay attention to what others might think?
• What would you go after if your French or English is impossible to letting you down?
• What would you do if your communication in French or English, despite your proficient or independent level, would not be an issue?

Visualisation exercise: picture the most utopian and ideal French or English from your future communication professional or business daily life

• What is the first thing you image before saying Yes to a speaking opportunity in your Non Native Language? What is the narrative you are telling to YourSelf?
• What do feel?
• How is the environment where you are going to express yourself in French or English?

Utmost specificity leads to desired results. Whether you believe in the law of attraction or not, imagining a detailed version of your dream French or English no matter where you are now, will focus your efforts on choosing and following the paths that are the most likely to get you where you want to be. Even if the perfect reality you designed for Communication Self looks different in the end, progress is still inevitable.

Too Little, To Late

Some people, especially when it comes to foreign languages, tend to believe that it is too late in their life: ”If have not managed to speak/learn by now, I can not do it anymore!” or ”I do not have time, I wished, but I am very busy!”.

However, there is no rule saying that forming a new vision for your Communication comes with an expiration date. It is never too late to reevaluate your values, dream, speaking goals, intentions or plans. Sometimes we need to go back in time and remember those glorious moments we started out or we left the scene as a rockstar. Other times we need to admit to ourselves that our dreams are outgrown. You evolve together with your French and English needs, priorities, you gain something, you lose something. Communication and brushing up on your non native language is an evolution and a revolution. But embracing change si your ticket to a great communicator, speaker in a multicultural environment and globalised world. And you can begin at any stage.

Connecting the Dots

If you are floating aimlessly in your French or English ocean or without the right approach for you, it might be very long before reaching the shore. Without a destination, a compass, or a plan it is risky to get caught up in unfavourable currents and winds. It is even more likely to sink or get lost.

Having a clear vision of where you’re going will attract the right opportunities to you, connect you with the right people, teach you the most useful lessons, and help you develop skills that will pull you towards your dream land. Tune out distractions, ignore the naysayers, trust your gut, and follow your vision. Since we only have one life, we might as well live it to the fullest.

Having a clear vision of where your communication as a Driven Leader or Professional is going will attract the right opportunities to you, connect you with the right people, teach you the most useful lessons, and help you develop skills that will pull you towards your dream speaker. It will make your French or English effective and efficient. Tune out distractions, ignore the naysayers, trust your gut, and follow your vision.

If you feel that your French or English is safe within the harbour, but but mostly likely to sink outside the harbour, let's embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth together! And unlock your full potential in communicating confidently and effectively in French or English.

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