Techniques to Engage in Business English Conversation
Knowledge of business English conversation abroad is essential when doing business overseas. Read how to embrace these professional communication traits abroad.
Just because you speak English well does not mean that you understand business English conversation as well as you’d like to.
You may even be having a difficult time having interactions in the United States if you have a thick accent.
You may also feel like you’re not quite understanding what’s going on from a cultural perspective.
Do You Get Asked To Repeat Yourself A Lot?
There is nothing more frustrating than getting asked to repeat yourself during a business English conversation. Not everyone in the United States is very patient or understanding with people who speak with a foreign accent.
In the fast paced business world of the United States, it can seem harsh that people will not give you a chance if you have a thick accent, but it’s a reality.
Back in 2013, Paul Graham, a big player in the Silicon Valley tech scene, was accused of being xenophobic. He openly addressed his concerns regarding working with people with thick accents during an interview.
Here was his defense:
“The problem is not the cultural signal accents send, but the practical difficulty of getting a start-up off the ground when people can’t understand you.”
Whether or not you agree with Graham or would ever consider working with him is up to you, but there is a lesson here. The reality is that he is not the only successful business person in the United States who feels this way.
Consider Accent Reduction Training
Unfortunately, when you have a thick accent, people can discriminate in the United States. This can limit your business opportunities.
Accent reduction training is different than simply learning English and it can make a huge difference in your business English conversation.
In addition to learning how to speak with less of an accent, you can also learn important keywords, phrases, and ideas. This will help you fit in a bit more in a United States business setting.
Learn Business English Conversation Cultural Cues
There are some basic cultural differences that you may not think to consider and others won’t think to point out to you. They may just be trying to avoid being rude.
Alternately. you may be acting in a perfectly acceptable manner but stressing all the time that you’re not. Or, you may be thinking that people are acting rude to you when they aren’t.
For example, in the United States, it’s absolutely acceptable in most settings to refuse food or drink if it’s offered to you.
If you don’t feel hungry or thirsty, feel free to pass! Alternately, if someone refuses you when you offer something to them, don’t take it too personally.
English Pronunciation Training Can Change Lives
People from countries all over the world who have studied English for as long as a decade choose to take English pronunciation training courses. It gives them an edge with proper business conversation.
You can read about some success stories here and hear them speaking as well. In just 12 weeks, people can transform their lives and open up new opportunities for themselves.
Have you faced challenges in your business English conversation? Leave a comment and share your story with others. You’re not alone!
