As international business relationships become the norm, more and more professionals find themselves speaking with colleagues and clients from different language backgrounds. As a corporate communication and accent reduction specialist, I work with many clients who don’t speak English as their first language and want to modify their speech to increase clarity. However, communication is a two-way street. The responsibility of clear communication in a culturally and linguistically diverse environment doesn’t only lie with non-native English speakers. Native speakers also need to develop the speech skills to communicate effectively, particularly when speaking with someone whose first language isn’t English. Take a look at our three strategies to take your professional communication to the next level:
Power up your voice: Vocal power not only gives the impression that you are a confident leader, it also makes your message much easier to understand! One common mistake is dropping your volume at the end of a sentence. Maintain strong volume throughout, and make sure your message comes through loud and clear.
Speak with clarity: Clear speech and articulation are essential to any professional communication. However, it becomes even more important when your listener isn’t a native speaker of English. Make sure you pronounce each letter in every word, and don’t run your words together as you speak.
Use the power of the pause: Well-timed silence can be a very useful tool in communication. Regular pausing when you speak can keep you from rushing or speaking too quickly. It also gives you a moment to take a deep breath from your abdomen for better breath support and a stronger voice. You can also strategically place longer pauses to emphasize important points of your message and give your listener time to absorb your message.
Want to learn more? Check out the video below!
Do you want to take your communication to the next level? Give us a call and see how Corporate Speech Solutions can improve your professional life! Call us at 212-308-7725 or send us an e-mail at info@corporatespeechsolutions.com to learn more. I’d be more than happy to answer any questions you might have!
© 2017, Corporate Speech Solutions of New York City and Long Island – All Rights Reserved
