Delivery notes part 2: advice for non-native speakers of English and on online presentations

1. How to make speeches in a foreign language?

Many people think that speaking in a foreign language is much more difficult than doing it in your native tongue. While it certainly requires the speaker to not only prepare the content, but also the language element, it does not follow that the speech will suffer. With English being the international language of business, non-native speakers use it in many professional contexts, and use it successfully. Paradoxically, because of your little errors, the audience may identify with you more, and thanks to your exotic accent, you may be perceived as more likeable, more human. Your English may be understood better if you speak to a multinational audience. So, be prepared to take a risk and experiment with the language that is not your first one.

First of all, give yourself extra time to prepare your speech. You can specifically learn phrases to help you with the flow of the presentation (opening, closing, and linking phrases). Enrich your general vocabulary, learn terms and expressions relevant to your topic, and maybe even make a list of signposting words or phrases (first, second, third, etc.), which show your audience where you are going. Improve your pronunciation, but remember that foreign language speakers tend to speak too fast because they worry they lack the fluency, so slow down!

Second, avoid writing the speech in your first language and then translating it; you will end up with awkward or incorrect structures. You need to think in a foreign language to become really fluent in it.

Third, adapt your presentation topic to a foreign culture, if possible. Be careful when explaining ideas from your own culture, as some expressions might be offensive to other nationalities.

A good idea might be to find a native speaker willing to help you. He or she can give advice on cultural differences, polish some of your expressions, and correct the pronunciation of some words.

No matter how you approach the difficulties of speaking in a foreign language, remember that your confidence should come from your knowledge of the topic.

Finally, if you are worried that your presentation may not be understood, consider:

  • using more visual aids to clarify your points;
  • stopping the presentation to explain things, if the audience looks confused;
  • asking the audience for help if you forget a word.