Speak simply
It sound simple, and it is. Still, it’s surprising how many English speakers make no effort to ease the communication channels with foreigners.
For instance, avoid dialect, colloquialisms and slang. Even people with the best skills in your language won’t be familiar with slang from your area. For people who have only basic skills, speak simply – though not too slowly, or it may come across as degrading. Non-native speakers will thank you for pacing it out a bit.
Also, it helps if you don’t pack all your questions into one exchange. Pace them out gradually, and let the answers come individually. Try to avoid questions which have a negation in them, such as “are you not coming?” This can be really confusing, and may result in an incorrect answer.
Be specific
Many misconceptions are based on generalizations, which are open to individual interpretation. If you want to discuss something concrete, make your speech concrete.
With generalizations you can also easily put your foot in it, and may put the other person off. When you talk about the United States, for example, say U.S., not America – it simplifies your reference without including the 600 million other Americans who live in Argentina, Mexico or Canada.
The same applies to generalizations of certain groups. There is no such thing as a homogenous group which you can describe in a few sentences, so it’s best to do away with stereotypes.
Stay respectful
The more objective you are, the easier the conversation. This is best done by sticking to topics you understand. Remain open and respectful, always willing to learn something. Listening, and not just talking, often helps! If you don’t understand something, just ask for clarification. You might learn something new.
Judge people by their culture
How to greet people, eat, exchange business cards, and say goodbye differs from country to country, region to region, even from group to group. Even though you will not interpret any deviation from these bad manners, you’ll get much further if you're comfortable with the local customs. For that you don’t need to read an etiquette guide. You can get an idea by observing behaviour in your host coworking space.
Encourage people along, if they are trying to speak in your language, which they’ll appreciate. Throw a few words of their language in, even if you only know a few! A thank you, hello or goodbye in another language should not really be the problem.
Although sarcasm and humour enrich conversations, they can backfire during the first interaction. If you are trying to make a joke, consider whether it will be understood. Instead, try the next tip…
Smile
It’s something understood the world over – a simple smile. Whether or not as a smiley in a chat room, or in real life, a smile makes everyone happy. Keep it real, though – an artificial flood of smiles is quickly detected as insincere.
That last one applies universally. Don’t give up your own personality. You can make some adjustments for cultural exchange, but you don’t need to comprimise on your core identity as long as you are respectful.
