Even Native Speakers Struggle.

Something that I believe non-native English speakers don’t necessarily understand about English communication and presentation skills, is that there is a steep learning curve even for native speakers.

What I mean by that is that you can speak English as a native English speaker and still be a poor communicator.

Speaking English like a native English speaker does not automatically mean you will be an effective or clear communicator.

And so it brings up a few misunderstandings or underestimations that I regularly observe.

So let’s talk about some of them.

Now, for some of you, this may already be common sense or information you already know, but I think for some people who are focused on their own circumstance, it can be a eureka moment or revelation to know that native English speakers can likewise find it difficult to communicate or get their message across effectively.

Level Up Your Presentations With Intent.

More often than not, when creating presentations, the content is key. The delivery on the other hand, is a secondary thought.

And it shows.

First, we add numbers, data, and information.

But the delivery and the intention behind the communicated information is lacking.

When delivering presentations, it is vital to clearly establish what you want to communicate to your audience.

What is the take-away message?

What matters most to this audience?

What content do you present towards that important message? What content detracts from that important message?

What typically happens is a tendency to simply repeat what is presented visually.

If you put a graph on the page, then verbally you are describing the graph.

But the more important question is, “Why is it important to present this graph and what can I say verbally to build towards a take-away message for the audience.”

Clearly defining the intentions and key take-aways that you wish to share allows you to have a clear vision for your presentation. Settling on 3 main take-aways is typically enough. Anything more because too challenging to recall, to focus on and to fully appreciate.

Know Your Audience to Tailor Your Communication

Concise Word Choice Is A No-Brainer

Saying what you want in fewer words is an ability you want to target because it forces you to be intentional with your word choice. Words are not chosen because they ‘can communicate what you want, but because they can communicate what you want with the least resistance or in the shortest time.

I can either say:

If you think that you can do it, then I would really appreciate it

OR

Please do it if you can.

Being efficient with your word choice requires a clear message and an idea of what you intend to communicate. Being verbose, roundabout, and meandering in your communication can quickly spiral into meaningless communication or long-windedness that loses your audience.

What’s your point?

Why are you speaking?

If these types of questions enter your listener’s mind, then you haven’t done any true effective communication because it wasn’t made clear to your listener. You haven’t successfully transmitted your idea in your head into theirs because you haven’t captured their attention, led them through your thought process, or clearly defined what you wished to express, whether that be a request, a specific piece of information, a demand, a question requiring a response or anything else.

Adjust To Your Audience so your message resonates

By knowing your audience, you can best communicate effectively. Sometimes, speaking in a more long-winded manner can be more appropriate because it resonates with your audience more.

Native English speakers do this all the time.

When speaking with parents, a best friend, friends/acquaintances, teachers, employees, a partner or spouse, or a child, the manner in which we speak is different. They are all still authentic ways to speak but tailored for each group. It isn’t faked or lying, but in each grouping, different slang, level of politeness, and nuance are offered.

You wouldn’t talk to your grandmother the same way you talk to your childhood friend, and you wouldn’t talk to either of them the same way you talk to a 2-year-old.

With each listener you talk to, you use different tools - your voice, your word choice, and a different level of complexity in your sentences. The way you feel about your listener can also impact how you speak to them. Whether that’s the level of respect, the difference in authority or social status, your level of confidence, your energy level or emotionality, as well as the intent behind the interaction can all impact how you communicate.

You won’t speak the same way when negotiating a business contract as you would meeting a good friend at the bar on a Friday after work.

Effective communicators do this with intentionality. When presenting to a client, presenting to a stakeholder, pitching for investment, communicating with a CEO, or anything in the professional field, effective communicators take it a little more seriously.