Better Communication Can Begin with Native-born Speakers – Part 6

Lucky 7 for better understanding

When my foreign-born listener has trouble understanding me, I use some techniques I’ve learned through practical experience.  I’d like to share them with you in the event they can help you.

1.       When they indicate they don’t understand something you’ve said, say the exact same words, only speak more slowly (Tip: repeat the entire sentence, not just the last word or two.    It could have been a key word in the middle of your sentence that the listener didn’t hear.)

2.      If your listener indicates that a specific word has been missed, spell it — slowly.

3.      Use a synonym.

4.      Rephrase, or summarize what you said, only in different words.  Above all, do not raise the volume of your voice.  Volume is not the problem; comprehension is.  In many foreign cultures, loudness=rudeness. 

5.      Make an association to give the listener a “bridge” to understanding. This is especially helpful when giving directions or instructions: “Joralemon Street. You know where that big yellow house is on the corner. Joralemon Street.”  Many of our place and street names are very difficult for non-natives.

6.      Mentally scan your sentence to see if you have used one of the thousands of American idiomatic expressions that might be causing the problem.  Rephrase and use straightforward language where the words may be interpreted literally without altering their meaning.

7.      If a listener has misunderstood a specific word (“Did you say ‘counting’?”), use more voicing and more stress when repeating the misunderstood word; then repeat the entire utterance: “No I said ‘county”. “Edison is located in Middlesex — county.”