Is my English Good Enough?

The speakers I work with are global executives and government leaders. Many didn't grow up speaking English as a first language. And yet, their careers, impact and reputation depend on their ability to communicate in what (for better or worse) is the world's most international language.

'Is my accent a problem?', they ask me.

'Is it an issue when I can't find the words as quickly as I need them?', they want to know.

'Is my English language speaking ability holding me back?'

Much as I would like the answer to be 'No, it's fine!', the truth I'm afraid is usually 'Yes!'

Audiences are lazy and restless. They won't make the extra effort (unless they really happen to like you for some reason). Their in-built biases can work against someone who sounds different or confusing.

Sure, there are examples of great 'non-native' speakers who cut through, turning their accent, personality and style of English into a strength (look up Hamdi Ulukaya's TED talk as a lovely example).

And yet, the greatest speakers usually have absolute mastery of their language. They make it sing and soar. Not just the words on paper but in a fluent and compelling performance.

So what can English as a Second Language (ESL) speakers do to increase their impact and presence? Here are my recommendations:

1. SIGNAL - Audiences want to follow what you are saying without working too hard. The second they feel confused, they tune out. If you have a strong accent or limited vocabulary, you have to signal your intentions even more clearly and give those watching a simple structure to follow. e.g. 'Today I want to talk about three things. The problem we face. A possible solution. And what we can all do to make it happen.'
2. SIMPLIFY - Simple English is better. Shorten the words. Cut the sentences. Instead of speaking for 10 minutes, maybe speak for 5. Less is usually more. Simpler words are easier to read. Aim for 100% clarity. If a test audience easily mishears certain words, they must be replaced or cut.
3. OVER-PRONOUNCE - As an ESL speaker, you have to put real effort into hitting the key sounds in English. As with many other languages, the vowel sounds 'ooo, aah, eee, eeh' are used for communicating EMOTION. The sharper consonant sounds 'peh, keh, ye, wi, fah, la' carry more of the FACT. Speakers aiming for precision need to punch or flick the consonants out. Those wanting to convey feeling, should lengthen and smooth the vowels (think Barack Obama).
4. PAUSE - Pausing can be effective for any speaker. But those working in a second, third or fourth language can benefit even more. Don't gallop into the next sentence straight away. Leave a moment for ideas to float in the air. Enjoy the silence. A simple idea or question (e.g. 'what will it take to succeed?') can be very powerful if there's a nice gap after the delivery.
5. SLOW DOWN - Speakers who aren't confident can rush through their speeches, and try to get off stage as fast as possible. This is the biggest problem I see with those who aren't confident enough with English. And the faster they try to go, the more likely that they are to trip up on the text. So, calm down. Breathe. Slow down and help the audience to lock onto each thought in sequence.
6. PRACTICE - It's essential for ESL speakers to practice more than someone who has grown up and been educated in an English language environment. Read your speech out loud several times. Rehearse getting your tongue and lips around the key sounds. Warm up your voice. Check any pronunciation you aren't totally confident about.
7. DIAL UP PASSION - A speaker can overcome many disadvantages if they are passionate. Even someone who makes loads of mistakes in English can sweep an audience along with their energy and belief. We follow those who bring their inner purpose to the stage. The people who are fired up by deep emotion can easily outscore a perfect - but emotionless - speaker.
8. TELL STORIES - Instead of always trying to articulate complex processes, a simple story can help the audience look past your accent and language abilities. With storytelling, we can engage the audience on a universal human level. ESL speakers should aim to give one or two personal examples/stories/anecdotes in every speech or presentation.
9. USE IMPACTFUL VISUALS - A speaker who isn't quite as confident or fluent in English can still give a great presentation by leading the audience through a series of powerful images. These may or may not be slides. The important thing is to shift the plane of communication from vocal (language-based) to visual (universal).
10. ESTABLISH EXPERT CREDIBILITY - People will listen if you are a true expert - regardless of your language ability. You have to be clear about why you are talking. Why do you have the track record to present on this topic? If, for example, you have built five billion-dollar companies from scratch, then a start-up audience will definitely listen, even if your English isn't perfect.

If speakers can do some or all of the above, their success will increase.

I would love to hear more about your experiences, particularly if you have found other ways of increasing your impact - or the impact of others.

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<Many thanks to Dr. Catherine Wu , Christine Mullaney , Heather Hansen , Michael Gates BJ Radomski Marike KORN Barbara Serra for your helpful suggestions on this topic following an earlier LinkedIn post>

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I help senior global executives and government leaders communicate with clarity and confidence - with media training, public speaker training and speechwriting.

For more about my work or to contact me about these services, please visit www.sergeantconsulting.com