Public Speaking Tips for Non Native English Speakers
After we deliver our Influential Storytelling workshops, we meet individually with attendees to provide one-on-one storytelling and presentations coaching. At a recent coaching session, Kara was asked, “Do you have any tips for non-native English speakers at an English speaking company? I’m worried about how I come across.”
There are so many considerations when it comes to working, presenting and speaking in front of audiences that are linguistically or culturally different from you. We navigate these ourselves when we deliver workshops for folks in Asia Pacific or EMEA. Before those sessions, we are mindful of the perspective we’re coming with (we’re white, American, of the Millennial generation, and women, to name a few) and how that may differ from our audience. We acknowledge that this perspective is limited and so we bring curiosity, inviting attendees at those sessions to share and explore the geographic or culturally relevant context to storytelling and presentation skills.
Kara didn’t feel like she could comprehensively provide suggestions to her coachee in this situation, because of her limited perspective. That said, here are the things we have observed along the way. All of the tips below are relevant to non-native and native English speakers alike, and will set you up for success..
Lean Into Intentionality
Non-native English speakers presenting in English contexts tend to already be thoughtful about their word choice and language because of the effort of translating and speaking in a second/third language. This is less a word of advice and more a note of encouragement and observation; the consideration you already have for word choice is a strength! Native English speakers could benefit from less “processing aloud” and more “pre thinking and editing” and learn from you in that respect.
Slow Down
Speakers with a confident and competent presence tend to have a slower, steadier pace overall. Use that to your advantage! Don’t feel the need to rush through your words. Take your time. Pause. Breathe. This will help you process the language, improve your presence and better ensure your audience is following along.
Don’t Be Afraid to Script
We rarely recommend scripting every word in any given story or presentation, because it can lead to being perceived as inauthentic. That said, there are some moments within any presentation or talk where a script can be incredibly beneficial. Specifically, consider scripting your opening and closing statements. A scripted opening will allow you to confidently invite your audience in. If you know exactly what you’re going to say in advance, you’re less likely to “um”, “ah” or stumble over your words and more likely to support your speech with your breath and appropriate projection and pace. Plus, it will get you out of the not-so-compelling habit of opening a presentation with a self-introduction. Save that for AFTER you’ve captured the attention of your audience. Similarly, a scripted close will allow you to concentrate on making eye contact and engaging with your audience. You won't be distracted by what you’re going to say next, or how to end your run-on sentence.
Practice
It’s easy to get so caught up in crafting the words and flow of your presentation or story that you neglect to hold time to practice actually delivering it. This is a big mistake. When your delivery is unpracticed, you’re faced with a whole slew of factors you haven’t navigated before.
Your script/sentences are awkwardly phrased or hard to say
You didn’t account for what you would do in the transitions
You have to concentrate on making eye contact with the camera or audience, or you simply don’t
Your voice echoes in a way that surprises you
You’re not sure what to do with your hands, feet, face, or body
There’s no reason for the moment when it’s most important to be the first time you’re navigating those issues. Find opportunities to practice. Practice in your head, practice aloud, practice sitting or standing as if the audience is in front of you, practice with the likely props you’ll have (clicker, mouse, mic) to mimic reality as much as possible. The trick here is to reduce the level of unfamiliarity and the subsequent anxiety that may create so that you can focus on delivering your presentation with polish and poise.
If you are experienced in this area, or have resources to suggest, we’d love to hear from you! If you have to present in a language you’re not native or fluent in, what tips or tools would you offer?