What Are the Best Things to Do If You Are in a Business Meeting With a Person Who is Not Speaking English?
What are the best things to do if you are in a business meeting with a person who is not speaking English? I would not recommend trying to communicate with someone in an unaccented language, even if the person is willing to speak English. Instead, you should be fluent in their language so that you can understand what they are saying.
A person who does not speak their own language well will try to force you to speak English. Do not allow them to force you into learning English because they want you to learn their language. You should communicate properly in order to understand what they are saying.
Also Read: Business Idioms
Learn their Language
To make sure that you communicate properly, you need to pick up the language quickly and become accustomed to it. You can begin by watching movies in their native language and listening to music in their native language. Once you have become accustomed to it, then you will be able to learn English and move on to other business meetings.
Use Body Language
Did you know that the most effective way to communicate with a non-English speaking person during business meetings is through body language? Non-English speakers have small movements of the hands, eyes, arms, shoulders, and even the feet. You can use these movements to identify their body language and learn how to communicate effectively. It is crucial to recognize how they are acting in order to communicate effectively.
When communicating with a non-speaking person, it is important to choose their point of view. You will want to listen to how they are talking about the topic. If they are speaking about a business matter, try to determine what they are trying to convey and talk about that, instead of their nationality.
Learn Industry Language
If you speak about a business matter that relates to the industry, then learn how to speak about your industry to make sure that you can talk about the topic in a professional manner. Most businesses need to promote themselves but do not want to talk about politics or religion. Therefore, the best way to communicate is to discuss industry matters in a neutral way.
Have Patience
The next thing to do when attending a business meeting with a non-speaking person is to wait for another time. If you get impatient, then they will feel angry with you. As a result, they will lose respect for you, and you will not be invited back.
Use Their Favorite Words
For people who do not speak their own language, it is vital to try to think of what their favorite words are. You will want to use these words often in order to make sure that they are able to communicate with you easily.
Although you may not be able to understand what someone is saying, it is vital to be able to speak the foreign language. Once you speak in a foreign language, then you will be able to understand the person at a faster rate than if you were speaking their native language.
After you learn to speak their language, then you should consider communicating in their language as well. Instead of using their native language, you should still follow their native customs. This will help you feel more comfortable in their culture and communicate effectively.
You can also study English and use it as a bridge between the two languages. In fact, if you have been speaking English for a few years, then it makes it easier to begin learning the other language.
In conclusion, if you are uncomfortable communicating in a foreign language, then you should consider learning their language and then speak in it. If you choose to learn the other language, then you should be careful that you do not offend the person you are communicating with. Otherwise, you should only use their language when there is no option.
