Your English Success

Health Literacy: Your Health is in Your Communication

2011-08-15T13:20:00.008+02:00

In a previous article about health literacy, "Warning: Your doctor and pharmacist's ineffective communication may be dangerous to your health", we discussed the importance of using plain English to ensure comprehension.

As a team member and contributor to the Travel Fit Club program, I have been thinking about a discussion I would like to host at a senior center. The discussion focuses on health literacy and how your health is in your communication.

Based on my experience in communicating with doctors while living abroad, I understand the challenges that accompany communicating with health professionals. Health settings can be stressful and scary, whether you are at a doctor's office, in the hospital, or at an imaging center for scans. Add specialized vocabulary, use of jargon, legal forms, complex procedures and processes, and you have the recipe for communication failure.

Studies show that if you are a typical patient, you remember less than half of what your doctor tries to explain.

Being literate means being informed and having knowledge and understanding. If you do not understand, how can you make the appropriate decisions about your health?

The three biggest obstacles to understanding are:

- The amount of time you spend with your doctor to be able to understand information.

- The embarrassment you feel when you do not understand what a doctor or a health professional says.

- The difference in power when you are half naked and you have a doctor in a white coat in front of you.

Limited health literacy affects everyone, regardless of age, race, income, or education. However, research shows that older adults, people with limited education, and people with limited English proficiency are more affected. For non-native English speakers, understanding may be compromised due to specialized vocabulary that health professionals use to communicate health information.

What can you do to be proactive to ensure you understand when you communicate with a doctor or a health professional?

Take the initiative!

- Plan ahead by making a list of questions and concerns to take with you to the doctor. Be sure you also include a list of the medication you are taking at the moment.

- If the doctor says something you do not understand, ask the doctor to repeat in simpler language.

- Take notes or take along an advocate who can take notes for you.

- If you are given a new set of instructions, repeat them back to the doctor to confirm your understanding.

- If the doctor gives you a new device to use, demonstrate how you think you are to use it.

- Insist that conversations about serious medical matters take place when you are dressed and in the doctor’s office.

Always remember that you are responsible for your communication, and ultimately, your health. By taking responsibility and actively participating in the decision-making process about your medical treatment, you can work with your doctor for your highest good.

The more you understand, the better you will be able to make decisions that affect your health.

You may reprint or publish this article if you provide my name, contact information, and website link at the end of the article.

Proud Supporter of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure Walk Against Breast Cancer

2010-09-29T22:08:00.007+02:00

From Deb's fundraising page:

"In this past year and a half my family has gone through a lot of struggles and a lot of pain. I have had family members from both sides battling cancer. I have a friend who spent all of 2009 battling breast cancer. I got tired of feeling helpless to change anything, so I decided to try and make a difference."

Your English Success is proud to support Deb and the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure walk against breast cancer. Wishing you the best during your training and walking journey, Deb!

People like you make a difference.

UPDATE: Deb successfully completed the 60-mile walk on November 21, 2010. She raised $3,000 and the total amount of money raised in San Diego was $10.6 million.

Plain Language in Plain English: A Book and Reference Guide to Use Plain Language Effectively

2010-07-27T14:56:00.003+02:00

What is plain language? And how can I use it effectively?

Plain Language in Plain English clearly explains the fundamental elements of plain language and its benefits for everyone inside and outside the workplace. Its 18 international contributors, all leaders in the movement, are led by Cheryl Stephens and her 20 years of experience in promoting plain language.

I had the pleasure of being a contributing author to this book, working collaboratively with Cheryl and her team of contributors.

It was a wonderful experience and the effort and expertise have transformed into a book and reference guide to use plain language effectively.

In the book, you will discover the principles and use of plain language from the inside out, from how to encourage and implement a plain language policy at work to identifying your audience and defining your purpose to captivate your readers’ and listeners’ attention and understanding.

Moreover, Plain Language in Plain English uses empathy, compassion, scientific research, and proven techniques for you and your organization to help people understand your important messages. From organizational guidelines, healthcare awareness, legal documents, and marketing, to effective speaking strategies for presentations and meetings, Plain Language in Plain English is a comprehensive tool to have in your “communication toolbox”.

For more information, please visit the Plain Language in Plain English website

Webcast and Podcast Recording of How to Communicate With Older Adults on One Minute How-To

2010-06-03T21:18:00.008+02:00

"8 Keys to Effective Communication with Older Adults", an article which was posted earlier on Your English Success, discussed helpful points to communicate compassionately with older adults. You can now listen to the most important tips, thanks to the One Minute How-To website.

One Minute How-To invited me to create a webcast and podcast on "How to Communicate With Older Adults". I deeply appreciated and enjoyed the experience. Thank you, George!

You may listen to the webcast or podcast by:

Clicking here to listen to the webcast on One Minute How-To.
Clicking here to download and listen to the MP3 file (right-click on the link and select "save as").

Guest Speaker: Let’s talk about Plain Language for websites, by Kate Harrison Whiteside, Key Advice

2010-01-21T14:34:00.010+01:00

What do plain language and websites have in common? Not enough, I say. As we start a new year and think about resolutions and goals, it seems a good time to make a commitment to ensuring your website content is comprehendible – to your visitors.

Websites are as a common as cars! A little tune-up is usually all that is needed to correct problems. Offer your visitors a smooth ride by using design consistency. Support this with repeated navigational terms and they will be able to get around quickly and easily. If your web platform doesn’t include a site map function – think of it as your site’s GPS – create one. Being able to find your way around a site makes it a satisfying experience – and gives a reason to come back and to brag about your site to others.

Think of each page as a destination! Begin with clear titles and a brief, enticing description of what’s on the page. Create interest and deliver what you promise. Remember that holiday cottage you rented, or that resort that caught your attention in the brochure? Visiting your site is a journey, and your readers deserve a memorable experience – for the right reasons.

Use blogs as your benchmark. They have become one of the most popular online destinations – for both personal and professional use – because they were completely designed for users incorporating simplicity.

Here are five characteristics of blogs you – and your site visitors – can benefit from:

1. Easy search and navigation tools – blogs use categories and archives.

2. Friendly tone – speak to your readers in their language – plain language.

3. Interactivity – people want to be part of your site – forums, comments.

4. Multimedia messages – there is no doubt video is proving powerful and popular.

5. Links – make it easy for visitors to get to your pages, social media sites, or associate sites.

Now is the best time to review and re-launch your site. By using plain language guidelines, you can provide a value-added service to your visitors. Involve your users in the re-design. Get their feedback. Make 2010 a client-focus year and start with a plain language audit of your site! It will speak volumes, and keep your visitors coming back for more.

Kate Harrison Whiteside, Key Advice (keyadvice.net), is co-author of Plain Language Websites, with Cheryl Stephens. It is available via lulu.com and on Amazon. Her business, Key Advice, provides web content and social media advice, training and services. Kate moved to the UK from Canada, to be with her husband and step-son, in 1998 - when web sites and blogs were leading the online revolution. Now, a decade later, social media is the new wave! Surf’s up! Follow Kate on twitter.com/keykate; become a fan on Facebook "Key Advice" Page; or read her blog, keykate.wordpress.com.

The Power of Pausing: Speaking articulately and clearly to avoid "oral regurgitation"

2009-05-07T13:28:00.036+02:00

In a different post, "Do we speak Gibberish?", I talked about an experience I had at a presentation I attended two years ago. An Englishman presented a complex computer project to a group of international colleagues. I clearly remember the presentation two years later. Why? Because I had great difficulty understanding the messages he wanted to communicate. The gentleman's communication resembled "oral regurgitation". If I could visually demonstrate his spoken words, they would look like this:

"TodayIwouldliketotalkaboutthenewITprojectcalledBlueStream.
Thisprojectwillincreaseourpotentialtostreamlinegroupstandardsandsystemsaroundtheworld.Asyoucanseeheretheneedforstandardgroupsystemsisgreat...."

Here is a video that demonstrates super-fast talking and oral regurgitation:

Carla Kimball, in her blog post, "Space...The final frontier", describes the necessity of pausing when we speak. She says, "When we speak, we sometimes completely forget that adding a space (pausing) between thoughts and ideas helps the listener understand what we are saying. Pausing is the equivalent of the space between words and paragraphs."

Carla's message is simple:

If we do not pause, people cannot follow what we are saying. There is too much information to process in a short period of time.

If we go from one point to another point without pausing, people have to work hard to “decrypt” important points.

The result is that people understand a small percentage of our message.

Elizabeth Alexander, during the 2009 U.S. Presidential Inauguration Ceremony, eloquently shows the power of speaking articulately:

Notice how Ms. Alexander punches her words (stressing T's, D's, and S's) as she clearly pronounces and articulates each word. She also maintains a comfortable, consistent, and fluid pace as she speaks. I was impressed with the way she took a deep breath and connected with the audience before she began. She placed herself in the moment and created her own communication-friendly environment.

When you articulate and speak at a comfortable and consistent pace:

You will give people an opportunity to understand your important messages and points: People will have more satisfaction, retention of information, and clarity.
People who have low English levels and difficulty understanding will feel more included and part of your communication (presentation, conference call, speech, and meeting): You will have more productive relationships.
People will not leave the meeting room or conference call feeling exhausted and having a bad headache: You could have more consideration, favorability, and collaboration.

Pause to be effective and to give people an opportunity to understand and appreciate your communication!

"Jack and Jill" song in plain English?

2009-01-07T18:10:00.010+01:00

Jack and Jill is a classic song for children.
A friend recently sent me a fascinating extract of the popular song. (Thank you, Laurie!)

"Two individuals proceeded towards the apex of a natural geologic protuberance, the purpose of their expedition being the procurement of a sample of fluid hydride of oxygen in a large vessel, the exact size of which was unspecified. One member of the team precipitously descended, sustaining severe damage to the upper cranial portion of his anatomical structure; Subsequently the second member of the team performed a self rotational translation oriented in the same direction taken by the first team member."

The extract reminds me of how we often use complicated words to justify our work, profession, or expertise. Is complex language necessary to communicate a message?

I often remind people to be aware of the people they communicate with. What is their English level? Do they understand the same jargon as you, even if they work in the same profession (but not in the same country)?

If you work with people from different countries, never presume they understand the jargon you think is "standard" in a company. I suggest making a constant effort to help define the jargon that you use. Do not wait for people to ask for repetition or clarification, if they do not understand. People might not show they do not understand or ask for clarification because of fear of embarrassment. Be proactive!

Here is the original version of "Jack and Jill", translated into plain English:

"Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of water. Jack fell down and broke his crown and Jill came tumbling after!"

And here is my version for people who might have difficulty understanding (depending on their English levels):

"Jack and Jill climbed the hill to get water. Jack fell and broke the top of his head and Jill fell immediately after!"

“The greatest problem with communication is the illusion that it has been accomplished.”
- George Bernard Shaw

Always suppose that people do not understand you, because you will make a constant effort to be understood.

Guest Speaker: "I is for...Intention", by Carla Kimball

2008-10-02T22:33:00.007+02:00

Carla Kimball, president of RiverWays Enterprises, continues our Guest Speaker series with an article on presence and intention in public speaking.

I is for... Intention

Last year I was asked to do a particularly important presentation and found myself feeling an underlying level of anxiety in anticipation. The anxiety, while not great, seemed to be always in the background and served to distract me from what was really important about the presentation.

Two weeks before the date, I began to consciously focus on my purpose and intention for this event. My purpose was to help participants understand my content and to have them leave the presentation with a concrete set of skills. With this in mind, I organized my thoughts and designed an effective lesson plan.

My intentions were to make a strong connection with the people in the audience, to be clear and concise in my speech, and to stay grounded in myself. I chose three glass figurines in my home, with each one symbolizing one of these intentions. I placed these objects where I would see them often, so that I would be frequently reminded of those intentions. Whenever I became aware of my underlying anxiety, I would either look at these objects or visualize them in my mind as a way to redirect my thoughts towards how I wanted to be in this presentation.

Where we put our attention is where our energy goes. If we stay focused on our anxiety, that anxiety will build and will most likely interfere with our presentation. If we concentrate on our purpose and intention, instead, then our energy will support us in delivering the kind of presentation we visualize.

This article is one of 26 articles in a subscription series called The ABCs of Presence in Public Speaking Toolkit written by Carla Kimball, M.A., M.B.A. Carla is a speaking presence coach, workshop facilitator and president of RiverWays Enterprises. Over the past 18 years she has presented and coached on a diverse set of business, stress management and communication topics to thousands of business and service professionals. Client companies include leading financial management, health care, and accounting firms.

Carla offers a selection of regular public speaking presence and leadership presence workshops and coaching services for individuals as well as for corporate groups. Carla works from inside-out and helps people become more confident speakers while establishing a strong relationship with their audience. She has also recorded a 45 minute DVD on The Seven Crown Jewels of Public Speaking. Carla is based in Cambridge, MA.

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Carla eloquently says, "Where we put our attention is where our energy goes." and "If we concentrate on our purpose and intention, instead, then our energy will support us in delivering the kind of presentation we visualize." I have found these concepts to be true in communicating with people from different countries.

If you concentrate your attention and intention on 1) speaking articulately, 2) pacing your words effectively, and 3) formulating clear and precise sentences, your international audience will appreciate your communication more. The idea is to captivate to include, not alienate to exclude.

Your English Success is grateful for her participation in the Guest Speaker series. Carla's valuable expertise contributes to clear and effective communications in public speaking.

21 accents

2008-09-01T17:16:00.009+02:00

The woman in the following video, Amy Walker, is an actress, writer, singer, and dancer. She amazingly imitates 21 different English accents that include native-English accents and non-native accents.

After I watched the video, I was truly impressed by her performance and ability to mimic the various English accents. I was also fascinated by the native-English accents that exist in North America and the United Kingdom. We, as native English speakers, speak English, but differently. Our accents add charm and character to the language.

In the past, non-native speakers often asked me if they had a good accent. I was surprised to hear how they degraded themselves and thought their accents were horrible and unacceptable. My answer was that I thought their native French or Asian accents added personality to their English communication. In my opinion, the most important aspect of their English was to be comprehensible. I tried to reinforce that point during my English lessons to break their negative complexes.

If so many native-English accents exist, I think it is important that native speakers also concentrate on being comprehensible. As a native speaker from Los Angeles, I need time to become familiar with an accent. When I speak to my English or Scottish friends, I often need 3 to 5 minutes to feel comfortable listening to the new "music".

To me, an accent is similar to music. There are many types and you need time to familiarize yourself with them. If you are used to listening to classical music and you change to rap or techno, your ears require time to feel at ease with the new sounds. It is the same for non-native speakers, but in a more pronounced way. They need more time. A non-native speaker who is used to having a teacher from London may have great difficulty understanding an American from New York. The accents (or music) are completely different.

That is why speaking articulately, clearly, and at a comprehensible speed is vital to Your English Success. Be aware of this particular difficulty non-native speakers may have when you communicate with them in English.

Do not speak as a cow speaks.

Guest Speaker: Plain Legal Language - A New Book by Cheryl Stephens

2008-07-23T21:08:00.014+02:00

Your English Success is proud to have as today’s post a guest appearance by Cheryl Stephens, of Building Rapport, the plain language blog. Cheryl is a leader in the field of plain language communication, and provides training and workshops to clients all over North America. She is here today promoting her new book, Plain Language Legal Writing.

Back in 70s, plain English experts advised us to use plain Anglo-Saxon English rather than words with Latin roots, because Anglo words were considered to be clearer and easier to understand. This advice is still repeated.

Global shifts in population have changed the reader audience. Is it still the best choice to pick a word with Anglo-Saxon punch, or should we choose from words with Latin roots, which may be better understood by people with a first language other than English? “House” is a classic, basic Anglo word, but a native Spanish speaker may have an easier time with “residence,” which comes from the Latin, as does residencia(italicize), a Spanish word. As we consider both the ideas and the make-up of the reading audience, what benefits might we gain from being open to the use of Latin-based words?

And while we are reconsidering our word choice, let's think about the use of negative forms. The negative forms are not going to be on the early vocabulary lists for people learning English as a second or third language. Even if the non-native speaker understands the idea that un- indicates a negative, it can be hard to pick up a subtle modifier when you're working to understand the language. If something is "incorrect," someone may just hear “correct.” It's better to say it is wrong. If an act is illegal or unlawful, better to say it is "not legal" or "not lawful".

Or just avoid all negative prefixes, and use a positive word, like "criminal" instead of "not legal", whenever you can.

It's your responsibility to make sure you are understood. After you've done all you can to make your language understandable, you can improve your chances further by developing some feedback requests, like asking, "Tell me what that means to you," or "How would you explain this to someone else?"

These steps will go a long way toward improving communications. Learn more about plain language at my website: Plain Language Wizardry.

Thank you, Cheryl, and we wish you continued success with your new book.

Sustainable English in Outsourcing Companies: How English can be a facilitator and not a barrier

2008-06-02T22:09:00.009+02:00

In many outsourcing relationships English is the designated language when there are managers, engineers, and clients from different countries. A key factor in successful outsourcing is the ability to understand – to have clarity at each level of the process – from client requirements and technical specifications to management decisions. Effective communication is vital within teams and between teams, as the lines of communication are vertical and horizontal. During the execution of a project, unclear and ineffective communication could create frustration and a lack of credibility and productivity.

Sustainable English is the productive use of English to cultivate business relationships. The foundation depends on clear, consistent, and applied communication. At the core of Sustainable English, there is clarity.

Here are “Use it now!” techniques you can apply to the art of outsourcing to communicate effectively:

Prepare your communication before you deliver it. Think about your message. Consider who will receive your message and be affected by your communication. Examine the exact purpose of your message by asking yourself: “What do I want to accomplish with this message?”

Clarity consists of a clear context. If people understand the context that surrounds a problem, idea, or message, your communication will be more meaningful and captivating. Never presume that everyone understands the problem, significance, or context of a situation. Deconstruct ideas to provide context.

Never assume that everyone understands English. Comprehension and speaking are two different aspects. If a person speaks well, that does not mean he/she understands well. Ask people to rephrase your messages and ideas in their own words to be sure they have understood.

Adapt your use of language to the people you are communicating with. Be aware of language difficulties people may have. Adapt your communication to the person’s level. Use clear and precise specifications and language to express details and say exactly what you mean.

Minimize noise and maximize understanding.
Noise can be:

Long sentences (more than 20 words)
Idiomatic expressions: “Let me know”, “You got it?” (Compared to “Please tell/inform me” and “Was that clear/comprehensible?”)
Jargon
Phrasal verbs: “Figure out”, “drive up” (Compared to “proper” English: “figure out” means understand/calculate/think of and “drive up” means increase)

Systematically speaking or writing in a “native” manner could create a lack of comprehension and compromise productivity.

Be attentive to how you communicate. Non-verbal communication impacts communication and people are affected by how you express yourself. Consider your tone of voice and facial expressions as you communicate your message and ideas. Be sure to speak at a speed that is consistent and clear. Avoid speaking fast and inarticulately.

R&R – Repeat and Rephrase to reduce the risk of misunderstanding and increase comprehension of important points, details, and requirements.
Be proactive by repeating and rephrasing important details and points. Get feedback from the people you are communicating with to be sure that your communication is comprehensible.

Listening is equally important as communicating. Clarity originates from listening. Be an active listener and not a simple communicator. Repeat and rephrase to be sure you understand what people are saying.

Use E-mail to facilitate clarity. E-mail is your best friend to reinforce clarity after phone conversations, meetings, and conference calls. Use E-mail as a tool to review important points and details that you have communicated.

Create a communication-friendly environment in which clarity and understanding are a priority. Communication is slower when you make an effort to be clear and give people an opportunity to ask for clarification. Build confidence in non-native English speaking teams by being a “leader” in clarifying important points and details. Stress the importance of asking for clarification, if details are not clear. Use visual aids (diagrams, screenshots, pictures, and images) to facilitate communication and add clarity.

You may reprint or publish this article if you provide my name, contact information, and website link at the end of the article.

Your English Success Program Audio Clips

2008-04-30T22:43:00.018+02:00

During a recent Your English Success session, I had the pleasure to work with a native English speaker from India. He kindly gave me permission to record three audio clips.

Please note: If you have difficulty listening to the MP3 files, please right-click on the link and "save as..."

Active versus Passive Sentences: Why active sentences are clearer than passive sentences - Listen now!

Use of Pronouns: How pronouns can be confusing to non-native English speakers - Listen now!

The communication-friendly environment: Why it is important to create an environment that is friendly towards non-native English speakers - Listen now!

Many thanks to Mr. Murthi for his participation.

Do we speak Gibberish?

2008-02-06T15:12:00.009+01:00

Gibberish is defined by Dictionary.com as:

1. Meaningless or unintelligible talk or writing.
2. Talk or writing containing many obscure, pretentious, or technical words.

As an English communications consultant, I have had the opportunity to see gibberish in action on many occasions: During meetings, presentations, conference calls, and in E-mail.

I must say that gibberish is truly an art to be mastered. We, as native English speakers, have been born with the inherent ability to use it. The problem is, we may not be aware of the excruciating pain non-native speakers experience.

I experienced the same feelings of discouragement, disappointment, and alienation when I first arrived in France in 1994. As I had mentioned in a previous article on "Do you speak as a cow speaks?", the novelty of living in a different country disappears quickly. Frustration and feeling "foreign" become a harsh reality at an unimaginable speed.

The same feelings are a reality for non-native English speakers who communicate with native speakers in the workplace. Depending on their age and English level, non-native speakers develop comprehension progressively:

Beginner (1 out of 10 words in a sentence/question)
Intermediate (2 out of 4 words in a sentence/question)
Advanced (4 out of 6 words in a sentence/question)
Near-native (9 out of 10 words in a sentence/question)

The range above is an approximation based on 15 years of teaching English to native French and Asian business professionals. The scope is not based on objective, scientific measurements. My scale represents subjective, professional experience.

Non-native English speakers often face comprehension challenges every day at work. I remember one day I attended a presentation which was made by an Englishman. Being American, several intermediate to advanced non-native English speakers asked me how much I understood after the presentation. I sincerely answered that I understood about 60%. I could only imagine how much they had understood.

Why did I, a native English speaker, only comprehend 60%? Well, the Englishman spoke inarticulately. I suppose many non-native participants basically understood gibberish. Fortunately, that grueling experience does not happen every day and not every native English presenter speaks incomprehensibly. (For more information about articulate oral communication, please read “Whacha do’in?” I am ar•tic•u•lat•ing!")

However, conference calls may be held regularly and could possess an innate quality to encourage gibberish and incomprehension. (Click here to read "Conference calls: 'Who just joined?' or is it 'Who has understood?'")

If I were to give two recommendations to be proactive and avoid communicating gibberish, I would suggest:

Constantly being aware of the way you express yourself, to be sure you speak articulately and clearly.
Taking responsibility for your English communication and repeat and rephrase to ensure comprehension.

Your English Success depends on it.

Sustainable English and the Communication-friendly Environment

2007-12-30T13:29:00.007+01:00

One day I went to HSBC to interview my customers and their non-native English speaking colleagues. I wanted to understand their communication case better and get greater insight into how native English speakers and non-native speakers interact.

During one interview, I was amazed at how eloquently one individual, Mr. Boyer, clearly expressed the essence of Sustainable English:

"An environment is friendly when everyone understands the stakes, objectives, and viewpoints of others."

As I was preparing my program and notes, I had originally defined it as:

An environment that is friendly towards non-native speakers – it consists of clear English, collaboration, and focus on mutual understanding.

Mr. Boyer expressed exactly what the communication-friendly environment has to offer, when it is implemented and fully operational.

Every speaker has the ability to create his/her own personalized environment to accommodate people who have different English levels.

The Language Barrier at Work

2007-11-16T15:34:00.003+01:00

Professor Anne-Wil Harzing wrote an interesting paper on The Language Barrier and its implications for HQ-Subsidiary Relationships. (A.W.K. Harzing; A.J. Feely The Language Barrier and its Implications for HQ-Subsidiary Relationships, Cross Cultural Management: An International Journal, vol. 15, no. 1, 2008.) It expresses the need for more research into language and business. More precisely, the use of language and how the language barrier influences the way multinational companies manage their subsidiaries.

"Indeed, some fifteen years ago, Percy Barnevik, then CEO of ABB, identified communicating across the language barrier as his company’s single most severe operational problem.... The notion that cultural differences can be a significant barrier to doing business is now commonly accepted. However, this commonplace acceptance might have blinded researchers to a more basic country characteristic with the same impact: language. Very little research has investigated the impact of language diversity on management."

When my friend and colleague sent me this article, I was delighted. Professor Harzing gives an academic perspective of a problem I see at work (literally) every day.

Language and its use play a role in cultivating relationships. How can you cultivate a relationship with someone if you do not understand him/her? How can you earn someone's respect if you fail to communicate comprehensibly? Negative stereotypes are the only result.

"Based on extensive interviews with foreign parent-company managers working in UK subsidiaries, Neal (1998) identified language problems as the major source of frustration, dissatisfaction and friction between them and their UK colleagues. He noted that for many of these managers, the language barrier compounded their sense of being 'outsiders'."

Of course, this is my interpretation of specific points that are illustrated in the paper. Based on my experience in multinational companies, I can observe the reality of the impact of the language barrier.

The most profound description of an aspect that I have witnessed in my work with native English speakers and non-native speakers is:

"Misunderstandings are aggravated by the need to avoid a loss of face. The concept of “face” is much used when discussing Japanese or Chinese culture, but in fact it applies to all nationalities (Ting-Toomey, 1988). Nobody, least of all international managers of senior status, want to be considered stupid, ill informed or slow on the uptake. Therefore, managers will often maintain a knowing façade, even when they have lost track of a discussion, or remain in stony silence."

Native English speakers generally ask for clarification if they do not understand during a meeting or presentation. In contrast, non-native speakers do not typically ask for clarification. They may not want to "challenge" the native speaker or manager who is higher in status. Moreover, they may not want to humiliate themselves in front of other managers by showing that they do not understand.

Private meetings may be different. Non-native speakers may be more willing to show a lack of understanding when they are not in a group environment.

The Your English Success Program sensitizes native speakers to be aware of issues like losing and saving face. I train them to be proactive when communicating because in group settings non-native speakers tend to "suffer in silence". Incomprehension is suffering. My approach attempts to facilitate comprehension by using specific techniques to ensure it.

I applaud Professor Anne-Wil Harzing and her colleagues for their fine work in this field of study. There is a definite need for more research. There is also a need for sensitization to a subject that has long been neglected in the business world.

I thank Professor Harzing for her kind permission to allow me to highlight her work on Your English Success.

For more information about Professor Harzing's work, please visit her website.

Conference calls: "Who just joined?" or is it "Who has understood?"

2007-10-17T21:18:00.008+02:00

Conference calls may be one of the most excruciating experiences for non-native English speakers. Personally, as a native English speaker, I often have difficulty understanding participants due to a number of factors:

Sound quality
Subject matter
Number of participants
Effective leadership during the call

The following video shows how conference calls can be funny. They may have their funny aspects to native English speakers. When non-native speakers participate, they may not share our sense of humor because of the innate challenges.

I remember a conference call I heard recently. There were 18 participants and it was led by an American in the United States. There were about 10 native English speakers and 8 non-native English speakers. A Frenchman, with a good English level, was responsible for taking the minutes.

10 minutes into the call, he politely asked the leader to speak more slowly and clearly. The leader turned his request into a joke. He said "OK, this is my version of speaking slowly", and continued to speak as fast as a high-speed train.

You should have seen the Frenchman's face.

I felt so bad. I am sure the conference call leader is an educated individual. We are talking about a high- level executive in a group. I am also sure that when you have a complete lack of sensitivity and self-awareness, it destroys relationships.

Changing the communication process and using clear English can positively impact how non-native speakers perceive native English speakers.

Here are 4 tips to have more productive and successful conference calls with non-native English speakers:

Articulate and speak slowly and comfortably. Try to remove all unnecessary noise from your oral communication. For example, make a conscious effort to eliminate "Uh", "Right", "Uh-huh", "Um", "Like", and "You know". Those words may confuse non-native English participants.
Slow down the communication process. Pause between ideas (every 3 to 5 sentences) to give non-native speakers an opportunity to understand before continuing.
Be proactive. During the call, regularly remind participants that they may ask for clarification. Tell them that it is important to you that they understand. Give them permission to ask for clarification.
After important points and at the end of each topic, ask everyone, "Is that comprehensible?", "Was I comprehensible?", or "What questions do you have?"
Do not rush into the next topic. Be sure to give at least 30 seconds between topics for questions and clarification. At the end of each topic, rephrase important details and actions, even if participants do not ask for clarification.
Be an effective conference call leader. A leader ensures that comprehension is a priority. Leaders do not focus on the agenda, data, or action plans. They concentrate on creating a communication-friendly environment for everyone to appreciate and enjoy. How can a native English speaker expect a non-native speaker to participate or follow directives if he/she has trouble understanding? Of course, the minutes of the meeting often follows the call. However, productive and rewarding relationships are at stake. If there is little or no comprehension during a call, then non-native participants may as well not participate. They may feel alienated and understand more from the written minutes.

An effective leader guarantees that:
- Every participant articulates, speaks slowly, and mentions his/her name before speaking to facilitate comprehension
- Participants actively ask for clarification
- Participants understand by clarifying important details and actions at the end of each topic
- If there is background noise, the call is put on hold until the noise is removed
- There is feedback at the end of the call to see how communication could be improved during the next call

Clear English cultivates relationships and increases productivity.

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Your English Success and Sustainable English Inspiration

2007-09-26T15:46:00.008+02:00

Your English Success is based on the concept that clear English cultivates relationships. Different quotes motivated me to develop specific ideas that you can find on this website and in the Your English Success program.

Here are the quotes that encouraged me to transform an idea into reality:

"Learning is finding out what you already know,
Doing is demonstrating that you know it,
Teaching is reminding others that they know it as well as you do.
We are all learners, doers, and teachers."
- Richard Bach

“Assumptions are the termites of relationships.” - Henry Winkler

"The limits of my language mean the limits of my world."
- Ludwig Wittgenstein

“Communication works for those who work at it.” - John Powell

“Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after.”
- Anne Morrow Lindbergh

“The more elaborate our means of communication, the less we communicate." - Joseph Priestley

“When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen.”
- Ernest Hemingway

“The greatest problem with communication is the illusion that it has been accomplished.”
- George Bernard Shaw

“The relationship is the communication bridge between people.”
- Alfred Kadushin

“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to a man in his own language, that goes to his heart.”
- Nelson Mandela

“…a shift in our thinking that lets us take into account the long-term consequences of our actions.” - Al Gore

"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back - Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now."
- Goethe

And finally, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."
- Confucius

Who owns the English language?

2007-09-03T13:35:00.002+02:00

In a world where more than 450 million people speak English natively, there are more non-native speakers than native speakers. In a recent Newsweek article, non-native speakers are now more numerous than native speakers by a ratio of 3 to 1. Asia dominates the world with 350 million English users, more than the total number of native speakers in the U.S., U.K., and Canada.

In a second article, "Native English is losing its power", David Graddol, a British linguist, explains that "...when the second-language speakers adopt [the] English language as their own language or as a second language, they actually take control of it, mix it and use it with their own language, developing new forms, vocabulary and ways and using English."

"Native English" has lost its global influence due to complicated international, economic, technological, and cultural changes. Graddol predicts that by 2015, "there will be about 2 billion people from Asia and non-English-speaking Europe learning English."

What does that mean for native English speakers?

They will have more competition from qualified non-native speakers in the job market. Non-native English speakers may have more of an advantage thanks to their multilingual and multicultural skills.

English will also change. It will become more "Globish", "Spanglish", "Franglais", and flexible, based on non-native speakers needs.

Perhaps it is time the native English speaking world learned to become fluent in different languages? Maybe it should be more open and respectful to different cultures?

We, as native speakers, cannot impose our language or cultural values on different cultures any more. Non-native speakers have taken control of our language and we are now a minority.

Anyone for Chinese?

Warning: Your doctor and pharmacist's ineffective communication may be dangerous to your health

2007-08-24T22:53:00.013+02:00

According to a January 2007 New York Times article, 90 million Americans have difficulty understanding basic health information. National studies show that health illiteracy - the difficulty of understanding medical talk - "affects people of all ages, races, income and education levels".

Severe medical consequences and higher medical costs may occur when we cannot understand a doctor.

Download and read the article here (PDF)

With a lack of comprehension, people cannot effectively take their medicine and follow important medical care.

When was the last time you looked at a bottle of prescription medicine? The warning labels are often written in short, unclear English.

For example, "Do not chew or crush, Swallow whole" could be understood as "Don't swallow whole or you might choke."

"Plain English in the physician's office is crucial to good health", the article says. When doctors use effective communication and take time to explain, patients will understand their treatments and prescribed medical regime.

Doctors often have busy schedules and see patients one after the other. In a short amount of time with their patients, they diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication. Do doctors take time to slow down the communication process to ask questions and clearly explain medical problems and treatment?

It is imperative to educate doctors and medical students so they can facilitate clear, effective communication that patients understand and appreciate.

You cannot depend on your doctor to explain details to you. It is important to be proactive. You must "R&R" - Repeat and Rephrase.

Ask your doctor clear and precise questions if you do not understand.
Ask your doctor to slow down the communication process and repeat and rephrase in clear English.
Repeat and rephrase your doctor's instructions in your own words to be sure you understand them.

"R&R" - Repeating and rephrasing may save your life!

To conclude this post, a dear friend of mine sent me a poem that relates to this subject. My friend, Julie Freelove-Charton, PhD, a gerontologist who specializes in public health and end-of-life care, advocates clear communication and anti-ageism.

Crabby Old Man

What do you see, my friends, what do you see... what are you thinking when you're looking at me?
A crabby old man, one not very wise, uncertain of habit, with far away eyes. Who dribbles his food and makes no reply... when you say in a loud voice, "I wish you'd try?" Who seems not to notice the things that you do, and forever is losing a sock or shoe. Who, resisting or not, lets you do as you will... with bathing and feeding, the long day to fill.

Is that what you're thinking? Is that what you see? Then open your eyes my friends, you're not looking at me.

I'll tell you who I am as I sit here so still, as I live at your bidding, as I enjoy company at your will. I'm a small child of ten with a father and mother, brothers and sisters, who love one another.

A young boy of sixteen, a football in his hands and with wings on his feet, dreaming that soon now a lover he'll meet.

A marine soon at eighteen -- my heart gives a leap, remembering the oath that I promised to keep. At twenty-five now, I have a platoon of my own, 'who need me to guide them and secure a trip home.

A man of thirty, my youth now going too fast, hopefully bound to others with ties that should last.

At fifty my daughter and sons have grown and are gone, and I have no one beside me to see I don't mourn.
At sixty no more babies play round my knee, again I know heartbreak, my loneliness and me. Dark days are upon me, my dreams are all dead; I look at the future, I shudder with dread. For my young are all rearing young of their own, and I think of the years and the love that I've known.

I'm now an old man and nature is cruel; 'tis jest to make old age look like a fool.

The body, it crumbles, grace and vigor depart, there is now a stone where I once had a heart. But inside this old carcass a young man still dwells, and now and again my battered heart swells. I remember the joys, I remember the pain, and I'm loving and living life over again.

I think of the years; all too few. Gone too fast, and accept the stark fact that nothing can last. So open your eyes, my friends, open and see, not a crabby old man; look closer -- see ME!!

- Anonymous

“Whacha do’in?” I am ar•tic•u•lat•ing!

2007-08-05T21:50:00.007+02:00

7 Keys to Articulate Oral Communication

Speaking appropriately and clearly - at a speed that is comfortable and consistent - is the key to comprehensible expression.

Move your mouth and avoid eating your words. Remember those old Kung-Fu movies on American TV? Move your mouth as the people in them did. It is important to breathe and relax your facial muscles and chest. Preferably, in private, I like to pinch my cheeks with my fingers and move them in, out, and around. This exercise creates an "elastic" effect. In fact, it relaxes your facial muscles!
Do not say “Tuh” instead of “To” in between words. For example, I need “tuh” talk “tuh” the manager.
Do not run your words together. “Whadyado?” “Gonna”, “Gimme”, “Lemme”, and “Wanna” are words that are run together. Visualize your words as a punching ball. Imagine each individual word passing in your mind's eye as they do in subtitles in a movie. Articulate each word and “punch” it. You punch, recover, and punch again.
Avoid using contractions or short forms. Use long forms. “Can’t” is one word you must use the long form with. It is difficult for some people to understand the difference between “can” and “can’t” in a sentence. For example, “I can’t take you on Friday” and “I can take you on Friday”. Use the long form, “cannot”. “I cannot take you on Friday”.
Decrease the use of words that fill your sentences. The idea is to remove the “noise” from your speech. Imagine trying to listen to the radio with two young children in the same room. They are playing and screaming. What is the result? "Family of...car...on vacation...in Arizona." If your oral communication is filled with "um", "like", "you know", or other fillers, comprehension is more difficult. “Right” is a word that commonly fills conversations. I prefer to use “Yes, that is correct”. People from different countries may not understand “right” and confuse it with its opposite, “left”.
Be explicit: Say “Yes” or “No”. Do not say: “Uh-huh” or “Uh-uh”. Those words are not in grammar books!
Be patient and smile. The more relaxed you are, the more you are in control of your communication. Do not give a busy lifestyle or a meeting agenda permission to control your speech. Think as you speak and do not speak as you think.

“Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after.” - Anne Morrow Lindbergh

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Do you speak as a cow speaks?

2007-07-20T21:35:00.014+02:00

Speaking clearly is vital to effective communication.

The number one complaint I hear from non-native English speakers in the business world is: "Native English speakers often speak like cows and they speak too fast."

If a native English speaker does not articulate, non-native speakers comprehend two or three words in a sentence. They cannot understand the meaning of the sentence. The idea is not clear. There is confusion.

Imagine: You are in a room and you want to listen to the news on the radio. There are two children playing in the same room. They are laughing and screaming. What do you hear on the radio?

Possibly, "Today...people...in...road...family...vacation."

A non-native speaker who does not have exposure (opportunity to listen) to the English language may hear, "Today...people...family...vacation."

It is horrible. I remember when my plane landed in Paris, France, 13 years ago. I did not speak French and the "textbook" grammar I learned in university was useless. I could not understand. I was able to comprehend "oui", "merci", "toilettes", and "manger" (eat).
In Paris, French people speak as fast as their high-speed trains. I had the impression that they did not breathe when they spoke. Their language was a river of words. I could understand two or three words in a sentence. I felt frustrated. Lost. Alienated. FOREIGN.

I cannot stress the importance of speaking articulately. If native English speakers do not articulate in conference calls, meetings, or presentations, non-native speakers will feel secluded.
Relationships will suffer. Morale will fall. There will be a decrease in productivity.

Imagine, from a non-native English speaker's perspective, what he or she understands when a native English speaker does not articulate. I have a friend who is French and works with English and American professionals in the money market. His English level is very good. One day, he told me that his correspondent, who is from New York, offered him a price for a transaction. They were trying to finalize the transaction by phone. My friend did not understand the price his American correspondent offered and he finalized the transaction with an English correspondent.

Why? My friend explained to me that the American broker spoke "as a cow speaks". He understood the English broker better because she articulated and spoke clearly.

In this case, poor oral communication loses money.

If you speak as a cow speaks, you lose people's attention.

Is there a phone number on there?

2007-07-12T21:09:00.002+02:00

A police officer stops an old man after he did not stop his car at a stop sign. The old man is senile. The police officer is patient and speaks to him clearly. She informs him to call a phone number that she writes on the ticket.

"Is there a phone number on there?", he asks. She responds, "Yes, call the phone number on the ticket."

What happened? Why did the old man have difficulty understanding her?

I think the old man understood her. She communicated very well. The senile man was confused and probably did not understand the present situation and the future.

I interpret his question, "Is there a phone number on there?", as "What do I have to do next?", "Who will help me?", and "Where do I receive more information?"

To answer his question, the police officer could have written on the ticket: "Call this phone number for information" or "Call this phone number for help".

Personally, I would like to know why a man in his state has a driver's license!

If you communicate with older adults or non-native English speakers, writing down numbers and information may not be enough. Listen and interpret questions that they do not clearly ask and have answers to.

8 Keys to Effective Communication with Older Adults

2007-07-07T21:51:00.009+02:00

During a recent visit with my grandmother, I realized the importance of adapting your communication to older adults. Like many older Americans, my grandmother is challenged by chronic health problems. She takes medication for physical and mental ailments. Her chronic conditions and medication can complicate communication and understanding.

As her dementia progresses, communication becomes more and more challenging. In her short-lived periods of lucidity, her hearing loss alone complicates interaction. During her periods of obscurity, it can be a frustrating and helpless experience.

Effective social workers must be able to communicate with older adults who are challenged with similar health problems. These health problems can complicate communication and understanding. Here are 8 techniques you can use to help facilitate interaction with older adults to create a communication-friendly environment.

Be aware of the person's health problems. Older adults may have health problems that add difficulty to speaking and understanding. For example, they may have hearing problems, speech problems, and memory loss. These factors complicate communication. Be sure you consider the person's health before you engage in communication. And remember, chronological age is not always a true indicator of a person’s health.
Be attentive to the environment you are communicating in. Hearing and speech problems can create a barrier. Be sure to evaluate the environment you are communicating in. Is there any disturbing background noise? Are there many people speaking in the same room? Is there any intrusive music? Are there any distractions that can affect your communication? Ask the older adult if the environment is comfortable to them. If you sense any disturbance, try to go to a more peaceful and quiet place.
Speak clearly, articulate, and make eye contact. Older adults may have trouble hearing. It is important to articulate and speak clearly. Direct your speech at the individual and not to the side of the person. Do not eat your words. Move your mouth and pronounce each word carefully and precisely. If your tongue “dances” inside your mouth when you talk, you articulate. If your tongue “sleeps” and plays a passive role, you do not articulate.
Adjust your volume appropriately. There is a difference between enunciating and talking loudly. Learn to adapt your voice to the needs of the individual. Evaluate the environment you are in and the person’s hearing. Sometimes, it is sufficient to interact in a quiet place. Never shout at an older adult. Treat the individual with respect by articulating and speaking at a comfortable volume that is suitable for both of you.
Use clear, precise questions and sentences and repeat and rephrase. Complicated questions and sentences may confuse older adults who have memory and hearing loss. Clear and precise constructions are easier to comprehend. Use direct questions: “Did you have soup for lunch?” “Did you have salad for lunch?” It may be more difficult to answer: “What did you have for lunch?” The more precise you are in your language, the less difficulty the elderly have to understand.

In addition, reduce the “noise” in your sentences and questions. Limit your sentences and questions to 20 words or less. Deconstruct complex ideas. For example, it may be better to say, “Is there any pain in your back (pointing to the person’s back or your back)? Is there any pain in your stomach (pointing to the person’s stomach or your stomach)?” A more complicated construction would be: “Do you have any pain or discomfort?”

Do not hesitate to repeat and rephrase your sentences and questions if you sense there is an absence of comprehension.
Avoid confusion of mixed ideas and questions. Try to define your ideas and questions logically. If you mix ideas, it may be confusing for the older adult to understand. Express one idea and message at a time. For example, “It is a good idea to call John. He is your brother. After, we can call Susan. She is your sister.” A more complicated construction would be: “I think we should call your brother, John, first, and then after we could call your sister, Susan.”
Use visual aids, if possible. If an older adult has a hearing or memory problem, it is important to be creative. Visual aids help. Show the individual what or who you are talking about.
Be patient and smile: Slow down the communication process! A sincere smile shows that you are patient and understanding. It also creates a friendly environment to communicate in.

Older adults often have more difficulty interacting because of health problems. Remember to pause between sentences and questions. Give the individual an opportunity to understand and “digest” information and questions. If a person has memory loss, it is a valuable technique. When you pause, you show respect and patience.

Finally, I would like to add that my experience with my grandmother has helped me understand that touching, holding hands, and physical warmth often communicate more than words.

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I wood like to buy uh DAMBURGER!

2007-06-27T21:11:00.002+02:00

This video shows Steve Martin as he plays Inspector Clouseau in a scene from "The Pink Panther".

In this part of the movie, Inspector Clouseau wants to go to America. He would like to speak English with a perfect American accent because he does not want people to be suspicious.

As you can see, he makes an effort to try to say a phrase in English with an American accent. His teacher becomes frustrated and wants to stop. He says, "We do not quit!" The Inspector continues and is also frustrated after many tries.

He is an example of the many people on this planet who are trying to speak English. Learning and speaking are two different things. You can learn a language, but to have the courage to speak the language is completely different. I think every person who makes an effort to speak English (and other languages) is remarkable!

"I would like to buy a hamburger." In French, you would say, "Je voudrais acheter un hamburger". Of course, the pronunciation of "hamburger" is different from the English pronunciation. Phonetically, it would be: "Jeuh voodray asheuhtay ehn hambeurgeur." You would not believe the number of times people did not understand me when I asked for a hamburger. I knew I had to speak French with my strong American accent. It was not important. I made an effort and people appreciated it. Perhaps they did not understand, but they smiled and concentrated on my words when I spoke.

During my 11 years of teaching English to French business people, I have found that many non-native speakers have complexes. Complexes that came from school teachers and the environment they learned English in. They think they have a horrible accent and are afraid to speak.

I think it is crucial for native English speakers to understand the enormous effort non-native speakers make.

Empathy is vital to cultivate relationships and successful communication.

Do you die or pass on?

2007-06-22T22:26:00.002+02:00

Euphemisms replace offensive, difficult words with indirect, vague, and more tolerable expressions. The English language, similar to many other languages, has a rich collection of euphemisms. The communication danger exists when native English speakers use euphemisms with non-native English speakers.

I returned from Los Angeles on Monday because my grandfather had been in the hospital. He was 86 years old. My grandpa and I had a special relationship: He understood me and I understood him. It was a relationship that had love and respect.

Work and family were waiting for me when I returned to Paris. When I met with a French student (who has an advanced English level) on Wednesday, he asked me, "Terry, how was your trip to Los Angeles?"

It was difficult for me to answer. I did not feel comfortable. I replied, "My grandfather passed on."

My student had a smile on his face and asked, "What did he pass on? A letter? Money? Presents for your children?"

I quickly realized that he had understood "pass on" to mean "transmit information" and "transfer possession of".

I corrected my vague English and told him, "I am sorry I was not clear because I am not comfortable. In fact, my grandfather died."

Non-native English speakers may have difficulty interpreting messages in euphemisms and idiomatic expressions. My absence of comfort created a difficult situation because I could not use the verb "die".

My grandpa...bit the dust...kicked the bucket...bought the farm..met his maker...cashed in...departed...checked out...is resting in peace...is pushing up the daisies...is in a better place...danced his last dance...sprouted wings...got a one-way ticket...DIED.

This particular euphemism is one example of language that is not clear and precise. If I had been clear when I answered my student's question, the situation would have been more comfortable. I had created a situation that was disturbing.

I learned an important lesson: Be clear and use language that is comprehensible. If you are vague and not precise, you may create situations that are unpleasant, hard, and oppressive.

In loving memory of Jacob Wilk, 1920-2007

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"Gimme a heads-up on the stuff"

2007-06-03T22:35:00.001+02:00

Based on a true story....

One day, I was waiting to meet a new customer. I was in an office and I heard two people who were speaking in the corridor. One man was French and the second man was American. (The American was my new customer.)

The two men were finalizing a meeting. I listened to the Frenchman. He had a good English level. I think he had an advanced intermediate level. As they were finalizing their meeting in the corridor, the American terminated the conversation with one sentence:

"Gimme a heads-up on the stuff."

It was interesting when the Frenchman responded, "I will see with my boss and ask him."

I interpreted that response as a message that said, "I do not understand."

My new customer, at the time, did not read that remark as an absence of comprehension. He shook his French colleague's hand and went into his office.

"Gimme a heads-up on the stuff" = Tell me when you receive more information

When a native English speaker communicates with a non-native speaker, it is easy to:

Use English that is appropriate for native English speakers, but not appropriate for non-native speakers
Suppose that the non-native speaker understands everything because he or she speaks well
Not comprehend responses or body language that non-native speakers use to show that there is no comprehension

I think we can say that the French colleague was not sure about the end of the conversation. What exactly did the American want? Numbers? Names? Information? What "stuff"?

When a native English speaker communicates with a non-native speaker, it is important to:

Presume that non-native English speakers do not understand you
Be clear and precise about the information you want to communicate
Give the non-native speaker an opportunity to clarify information and ask questions
Repeat the sentence the non-native speaker says to be sure you understand the message or idea
Be conscious of the language you use

This is one example that represents a danger that exists when a non-native speaker experiences a similar situation. The message, "Gimme a heads-up on the stuff" is abstract and not clear. Non-native English speakers cannot interpret the message that exists in idiomatic expressions that are common among native English speakers. If you use English that is not appropriate for non-native speakers, you could create negative stereotypes.

Language barriers are difficult to manage. If strong negative stereotypes exist, it is challenging to cultivate productive relationships.

Of course, "Gimme a heads-up on the stuff" is one extreme example of complicated language that native English speakers use. Consider more usual expressions:

"Let me know" = Tell/Inform me....
"I look forward to...." = It will be a pleasure to....
"Hold on" = Be patient/Wait

The language you use with non-native speakers will influence the relationship you have with them. The idea is not to simplify your language to speak "English for stupid people". Speak at a level that is appropriate for the non-native speaker you communicate with.

Cultivate relationships...do not destroy them with inappropriate language.

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What is wrong with the way I talk?

2007-05-27T17:34:00.005+02:00

Articulate speech is comprehensible and clear. It is one of the vital elements that is part of effective communication and Sustainable English:

* Clear and precise sentence constructions
* Understandable social English
* Articulate oral communication

The video clip that follows is a funny example of stereotypes that originate from different languages. The stereotypes are what native English speakers hear when non-native speakers talk in their native language. It is funny but true if you do not understand a language that is different from your language.

The woman, a native English speaker, offers to help a manager during a meeting. Her job is to translate, as an interpreter, what the manager says to 7 people from 7 different countries. She looks at the name of each person and his or her country. The "interpreter" exaggerates the stereotype of how people speak in different countries by speaking nonsense.

It is exactly what people hear when they do not understand a language that is different from their native language. People comprehend the "music" or tone of the language, but not the words that the person says.

7 rules for a successful communication approach with non-native English speakers

2007-05-19T18:17:00.008+02:00

Communication is effective when a message is clear. As a communicator, you are responsible for the language you use. It is your job to be sure that people understand you. The obstacle is that native English speakers often assume that everyone speaks and understands English.

This assumption can be dangerous and unproductive when you communicate with non-native speakers. Poor communication with non-native speakers may create feelings of alienation, hostility, and resistance due to the ineffective use of English. Those feelings could create an unfavorable working environment.

Here are 7 rules for a successful communication approach when you interact with non-native English speakers:

Never assume that non-native English speakers understand and speak English. Do not presume that they are capable of using English as fluently as native English speakers. Address differences in language and communication difficulties to create a communication-friendly environment.
Show non-native speakers that you are making an effort to speak their language. You do not have to be fluent in the language they speak. Try to learn important words and expressions to make a positive impression. If non-native speakers see that you are trying to speak their language, they will make an effort to speak your language.
Prepare differently. You cannot interact with a non-native speaker the same way you communicate with a native English speaker. Be aware of specific difficulties and prepare ahead of time. Before a conference call, meeting, or presentation, send a prepared written document to the non-native participants. Detail important items and action plans in clear and precise English.
Be creative. During a conference call, meeting, or presentation, it is important to improvise. Creativity is a key element in successful communication with non-native English speakers. Be attentive to their body language and non-verbal communication. Look for signs that they do not understand. If you sense that your message is not clear, be creative and use different words or sentence constructions. Do not hesitate to clarify by asking, “Is that clear?” and “What questions do you have?”
Use a thesaurus. A thesaurus is the most useful tool a native English speaker can use with a non-native speaker. One vital element of effective communication is the ability to systematically use different words if one word is not clear. If there is a word that a non-native speaker has difficulty with, replace it with a synonym.
Keep a journal. Communicating with non-native English speakers is a learning process. It takes time to see which methods and techniques work effectively. If you write down your interactions, you can see the techniques that work and the problems to avoid.
Smile! A smile is universal and communicates more than words. When you are sincere, a smile represents patience, warmth, kindness, and empathy. Those are important qualities you must have when you communicate with non-native English speakers.

"Communication works for those who work at it"
- John Powell

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Effective English Checkpoint #1: Solutions

2007-05-13T20:09:00.002+02:00

The examples show complicated sentence constructions that are difficult for non-native English speakers. One word in a complicated construction can confuse a non-native speaker and comprehension is limited or lost.

Here are the solutions to the Effective English Checkpoint #1:

The proposal is being considered by the managers in our department. The managers in the marketing department are considering the proposal.
Both marketing and communications have to join up their resources. It is necessary for the marketing department and the communications department to combine resources.
Something has come up. We will have to put the meeting off. I have a problem. Please change the time and the day of the meeting.
I came across a copy of our annual report. I found a copy of the annual report.
Please let me know about the new project. Please inform me when you have information about the new project.

In sentence number one, the passive construction can be difficult to understand. The active voice is preferable because the subject and the verb are clear. In passive sentences, the subject is not clear and the sentence can be confusing.

Sentence number two has three possible difficulties: "Both", "have to", and "join up". "Both" is an abstract word. "Have to" can be confused with "have". "Join up" is a special verb called a phrasal verb because it has a verb and a particle. Phrasal verbs are not proper verbs and they can have different meanings. Non-native English speakers learn proper verbs in school. Proper verbs are more comprehensible and precise in meaning.

There are two phrasal verbs in sentence number three: "Come up" and "put off"

"Come across" is another phrasal verb in sentence number four.

"Let me know" is an idiomatic experssion. Native English speakers often use this expression in conversation and at the end of letters and E-mail messages. The literal meaning is "permit me to know". "Let" signifies "permit" but in different contexts it could have different meanings.

I think the problem is that native English speakers often suppose that non-native speakers speak and understand English. Native English speakers are not conscious of the English they use. They use the same English with everybody...native speakers and non-native speakers.

If you are conscious of a problem, you can find a solution. Sensitivity and empathy are necessary for change.

Effective English Checkpoint #1

2007-05-05T14:13:00.001+02:00

In general, native English speakers use forms of English that are not appropriate for non-native speakers. Native speakers often forget who they communicate with and use phrases that are exclusively for native speakers.

Here are examples of typical business phrases that I hear native speakers use at work with their non-native colleagues:

The proposal is being considered by the managers in our department.
Both marketing and communications have to join up their resources.
Something has come up. We will have to put the meeting off.
I came across a copy of our annual report.
Please let me know about the new project.

What are more comprehensible sentences for non-native English speakers?

"What are you thinking about?"

2007-05-02T22:29:00.007+02:00

The "What are you thinking about?" advertisement by Berlitz is a popular video you can easily find on the Internet. Berlitz clearly shows the need for non-native English speakers to improve their listening comprehension. When I saw the video, I thought it was funny.

"Hello, can you hear us? We are sinking!", the poor man says. "What are you thinking about?", the German coastguard replies.

This is a case of ineffective communication. Of course, it is amusing. We can imagine the final comic result: The boat sank and people died. Berlitz communicated the necessity to "Improve your English". My questions are...is it the German's responsibility to improve his understanding of English? Or the native English speaker's responsibility to communicate an important message clearly and be sure the German understands?

The fact is that I see ineffective communication almost every day. Fortunately, death is not (often) the result of misunderstanding, but unproductive communication is the result of wasted time and effort. In bad cases, people lose money.

You are responsible for the language you use. You are also responsible for being sure that people understand you. In reality, the German coastguard is not responsible for his misunderstanding. The man who said, "We are sinking!", is the ineffective communicator. Because he repeated the same sentence 4 times and did not use different words to clarify his message, he sank!

For example, after he repeated "we are sinking" 2 times, he could have said, "The boat is going in the water" and "Water is entering the boat and we are in danger!"

You may ask, "Well, how could the poor man know that the German did not understand?" He did not know. He did not have time. Luckily, in real life, you have time. If you have a doubt, or just to be sure that non-native English speakers comprehend, you can ask: "Was I comprehensible?" or "Is that clear?"

That simple question could save time and money...maybe even lives!

What did he say? Say what?!

2007-04-26T22:55:00.003+02:00

Texas. A place where 31% of the population is Hispanic. A friend approached me one day with an interesting communication case:

As a Real Estate manager, he is fluent in Spanish but the Hispanics in his county speak a particular dialect of Spanish...Tex-Mex. He does not understand Tex-Mex very well. The only way to communicate with his Hispanic clients and workers is in "broken" English.

The difficulty is that the English he uses has Texan slang and complicated sentence constructions. For example, he would say to a worker, "Y'all work'in in that house over yonder?" To a client, he would say, "The estimated property value according to the Hall county appraisal district for this house is $39,500."

Say what?! What did he say?

For a non-native speaker, if you remove the slang and use clear English the sentences are easier to understand: Are you working in that house (you show the house with your hand)? The price of this house is $39,500 (you write the price on a piece of paper and show it to the Hispanic client).

Visual aids are vital in this communication case. Use paper and write important information. For example, show numbers and words. Images are also important to use. Take photos from magazines to help communicate words. Those are two examples of creative solutions that you can use to manage difficult situations.

You may reprint or publish this article if you provide my name, contact information, and website link at the end of the article.

"English is the word"

2007-04-24T22:41:00.000+02:00

In a recent article I found in the International Herald Tribune, "Across Cultures, English is the word", one sentence surprised me:

"English dominates the world as no language ever has and some linguists are now saying it may never be dethroned as the king of languages."

I had 6 questions about communication after I read the article:

Does the use of a dominant language limit productivity? Is the use of a dominant langauge effective? How can you improve communication between native English speakers and non-native speakers? Can non-native speakers effectively communicate in English to each other? Can you increase understanding in the medical and health professions? What are the consequences of ineffective English and misunderstandings?

In future posts, I will try to:

Cultivate awareness
Describe important communication issues
Promote empathy towards people who do not speak English natively or who have limited understanding of the langauge

Our Services

2007-04-24T15:41:00.019+02:00

Your English Success provides three custom-tailored and highly interactive services to enhance effective communication.

The Your English Success Program: The Personal Solution

You speak English to people who come from different countries. You manage or train non-native English speakers. From meetings and presentations to E-mail and telephone conversations, the English you use is crucial to your success in communicating information and enhancing international business relationships.

The Goal:

Identify communication problems and cultural differences
Learn and apply techniques to communicate effectively in English in professional activities
Be consistent in using communication skills to create productive relationships

Two training options to choose from:

One-day seminar: 6 hours in a small group setting that focuses on effective communication skills to strengthen productive relationships
One-to-one coaching: Highly personalized sessions that target specific communication issues at a time and date to suit you

Who should attend

This program is designed for trained professionals, executives, and managers who communicate in English by enhancing four vital communication areas:

Writing and formulating clear and precise sentences (ideas, concepts, definitions, messages, opinions, suggestions, etc.)
Speaking clearly, articulately, and at a comprehensible speed
Creating and cultivating a communication-friendly environment
Understanding of cultural differences that affect communication

Seminars and coaching are custom designed in a stimulating and interactive environment. Instructional materials consist of a program guide and skill-building workbook.

The Difference: Less frustration. More success. More productivity.

Upon completion of a Your English Success seminar, you will be able to:

Be more confident in the language you use
Gain more trust from the people you work with
Have more effective working relationships
See more productive results from your interactions
Recognize and avoid ineffective communication by using clear and precise English

Download the Your English Success Program Details

The Sustainable English Program: The Corporate Solution

Many executives and managers communicate inappropriately, failing to enhance relationships within their international teams. Typical native English is often ineffective and inappropriate among culturally diverse and multilingual managers. The information that is communicated may be incomprehensible and create frustration and alienation, as well as compromise job performance.

An Example:

English-speaking CIOs and other executives and managers are often sent on international assignments in countries in which English is not spoken as a native language.
With little time to acquire an operational proficiency in the local language, executives mainly use English as a means to communicate with their non-native English speaking colleagues.
A potentially cost-effective and time-saving holistic approach is to 1) enhance English speaking executives’ communication skills and cultural awareness to communicate effectively in English, and 2) increase non-native colleagues’ communication skills to ensure comprehension.

The Solution:

Analysis of English speakers' communications
A custom-designed individual program that focuses on effective communication skills
Seminars using the Your English Success program
Articles to promote empathy and awareness and give native speakers an opportunity to use immediate solutions for specific problems
Workshops for non-native speakers to improve active participation in meetings and presentations

The Benefits:

Increase in individual participation and team discussion during meetings and conference calls
Individual accountability and responsibility for effective English communications
Enhanced individual and group English communication skills (written and spoken)
General increase in individual and team productivity linked to enhanced English communication skills
Increase in individual participation and team discussion during meetings and conference calls

Download the Sustainable English Workshop Details

Your English Success Docs: The Responsive Solution

An E-mail service for English speakers. It provides editing and proofreading native English documents and converting the content into clear and captivating English for people from different countries.

Your English Success Docs edits the following content:

Presentations
Reports
E-mail messages
Memos
Magazine and web articles
Speeches and Lectures

Included in the editing are comments explaining why the edits are appropriate and a detailed summary with specific recommendations. The service is meant to be practical and instructive.

Our Approach

2007-04-24T15:40:00.015+02:00

Our approach is a means to an end: Establishing a sustainable communication-friendly environment.

A communication-friendly environment is friendly towards non-native English speakers or native English speakers who have limited or impaired understanding. It consists of clear English, collaboration, and focus on mutual understanding.

Through four aspects, the communication-friendly environment can be achieved:

Awareness and Empathy
Clear English: Speaking clearly and articulately, formulating clear and precise sentences, and comprehensible English
Cultivating Relationships
Understanding of Cultural Differences that affect Communication

Your English Success provides a holistic approach to reduce frustration and maximize productivity by adding effective tools to your "communication toolbox".

Related Links: Services | Why Your English Success | Articles

Articles for Your English Success

2007-04-24T15:40:00.014+02:00

The following articles are free. You may reprint or publish the articles if you provide my name, contact information, and website link at the end of the articles you use.

A communication case where creativity is a solution

7 rules for a successful communication approach with non-native English speakers

"Gimme a heads-up on the stuff": Information about appropriate communication with non-native English speakers

Do you die or pass on?

8 keys to effective communication with older adults

7 keys to articulate oral communication

Conference calls: "Who just joined?" or is it "Who has understood?"

Sustainable English in Outsourcing Companies: How English can be a facilitator and not a barrier

Related Links: Our Approach | Services | Why Your English Success

Why Your English Success

2007-04-24T15:39:00.016+02:00

When you communicate clearly, people will perceive you as friendly, respectful, and efficient. If you do not communicate clearly, you risk frustrating people and compromising their productivity.
How do you want people to perceive you?

Imagine Carol, an English manager, who goes to her French subsidiary to give Georges a financial presentation. She has made this presentation many times in front of her English colleagues. Georges and his colleagues speak English quite well, but are native French speakers. Carol speaks at a native speed and uses typical English expressions. Her presentation is projected onto a screen and she feels confident that they understand her.

Ineffective Communication

In fact, Georges and his colleagues did not understand her and lost the importance of her presentation. Details were not communicated successfully. Time was lost. The presentation was meaningless to them.

From meetings and presentations to E-mail and telephone conversations, the English you use is crucial to your success in communicating information.

Typical native English is often ineffective and inappropriate for people from different countries. Expressions we use every day may be incomprehensible and create unnecessary frustration and compromise job performance.

For example,

"Let me know."
"Look forward to meeting you."
"What is your take on this?"
"We ought to drive up production."
"We must address through prioritizing."
"Variance increased by 40%."

The examples above are appropriate for native English speakers. If you use the same English with people from different countries, there is great risk of little or no understanding.

The time that people from different countries might spend on understanding English is surprising. It is a significant loss of productivity that you may not be aware of in common business situations:

Meetings
Presentations
Conference calls
E-mail
Reports
Seminars

Your English Success enhances your ability to communicate effectively in English in professional activities.

Related Links: Our Approach | Services | Articles

Company Profile

2007-04-24T15:38:00.014+02:00

Your English Success was founded in Paris, France in 2006 on the premise that clear English cultivates professional relationships.

After 15 years of teaching English to native French and Asian business professionals, Terry decided to look closely at their frustration, complaints, and issues, concerning communications with native English speakers. He assessed all of their problems and then created a program that is custom-designed for native English speakers, to alleviate the language barrier and enhance English communications.

The Your English Success program sensitizes English speakers to the difficulties that non-native speakers experience. Once awareness is attained, the program focuses on immediate, "Use it now!" techniques, which adds tools to native speakers' "communication toolbox".

The next part of the program focuses on Sustainable English, which is the productive use of English to cultivate business relationships and facilitate clarity. The goal is to be comprehensible and consistent in various business situations: Meetings, E-mail, presentations, and conference calls. Your English Success emphasizes creativity, personal style, and confidence in using the English language effectively.

Between the “Use it now!” techniques that are acquired and Sustainable English, English speakers are able to create a communication-friendly environment, in which everyone understands the objectives and viewpoints of others.

Finally, the program focuses on cultural differences that affect communication, to provide a holistic approach to facilitate English communications between English speakers and non-native speakers.

Related Links: Executive Bio | Advisory Board | Client Testimonies

Who is Terry Kaufman?

2007-04-24T15:37:00.026+02:00

Terry Kaufman: Your English Success Founder,

Clear English Communications Coach and Facilitator

Terry Kaufman is the founder of Your English Success. Based in Paris and Los Angeles, Terry has served English speakers and has promoted clear English communications since 1995.

English Communications Consulting

Terry coaches and trains English speakers to communicate more effectively with people from different countries. Techniques concentrate on language strategies and personalized solutions for managers and trained professionals who wish to enhance their communication skills.

As a contributing author to Plain Language in Plain English, published in July 2010, Terry joined leaders in the movement to help people use and experience the benefits of plain language.

Facilitating Clear English Communications

As a facilitator, Terry encourages clarity and comprehension during conference calls and meetings with people from different countries (native English speakers and non-native speakers).

Teaching and Coaching of English as a Foreign Language

Terry helps non-native English speakers to effectively use the English language in their professional and personal lives.

Advisory Board

2007-04-24T15:36:00.047+02:00

The advisory board consists of an international group of experts who specialize in Business, Management, Education, Health, IT, and Consulting. The board provides expert advice and counsel on business development, communication issues, and program elements.

Professor Anne-Wil Harzing, Professor in International Management, Department of Management, Associate Dean Research, Faculty of Business & Economics, University of Melbourne, Australia

Anne-Wil has a BA in Business & Languages from the Hogeschool Enschede, an MA in Business Administration & International Management from Maastricht University (both in the Netherlands), and a PhD in International Management from the University of Bradford. She is currently Professor in International Management at the University of Melbourne, Australia.
Read more >>>

Julie Freelove-Charton, PhD, MS, is a Fellow at the Institute of Gerontology, California State University of Fullerton.

Julie Freelove-Charton completed a doctoral degree at the University of South Carolina’s Arnold School of Public Health where she conducted research on healthy aging behaviors, and the prevention and self-management of chronic diseases across the lifespan. A primary focus of her work is to increase communications and knowledge sharing between individuals, organizations, and academia.
Read more >>>

Cheryl Stephens: Mentor, Author, Consultant

Cheryl Stephens is a leader in the field of plain language communications, and a dynamic and vibrant speaker. She lives with her family in Vancouver, BC, but provides training and workshops to clients all over North America. Read more >>>

Gilles Asselin, President and Founder of SoCoCo Intercultural Inc., a New Jersey- and California-based training and consulting firm

His international business experience includes France, Africa and the United States. In addition to being a French Certified Public Accountant and audit manager, he spent three years in French-Speaking Africa, working with the French Peace Corps in Cameroon and then conducting an organizational development assignment in the Congo.
Read more >>>

Mr. Jeff Swartz, President, Business Strategy Group, Inc.

Jeff Swartz has 30 years of experience as an executive and entrepreneur in technology-based businesses and currently serves as the President of Hundsun Global Services, Inc., a provider of high-performance software development and go-to-market consulting services. Jeff is the co-founder and former CEO/President of Current Analysis, Inc., the innovative and award-winning provider of competitive response information solutions to the world's leading telecommunications, IT, and business infrastructure software vendors.
Read more >>>

Alain Jouffroy, President and Founder of Ginalfi Finance

Mr. Jouffroy has over 35 years of experience in money and financial markets. He is also a founding member of the European Broker Network.

Michael Riley, Managing Director of MKR Consultants,
Managing Director of RPM Twist Co., Ltd.

A thirst for travel and adventure combined with a love of the media business inspired Michael to leave the quiet suburbs of Indianapolis, move west to California, criss-cross the globe and then transplant himself to Asia. Read more >>>

Marc Lerman, Product Manager at adhoc International

Marc Lerman is a Product Manager at adhoc International, where he contributes to the adhoc Performance Platform and adhoc Performance Studio integrated environment. Read more >>>

Sherry Wilk, Consultant and Owner of Imagine-Become

Sherry Wilk has worked as a Freelance Makeup Artist, Stylist, and Beauty and Color Consultant for the past 33 years.
Read more >>>

Welcome

2007-04-24T15:35:00.002+02:00

Welcome to Your English Success.

This site is dedicated to different subjects that correspond to English communication. In particular, the connection between the use of English and how it affects relationships.

For example:

A working relationship between an American manager and his non-native English colleagues
A doctor and her patient
An educator and his non-native English students
A health specialist and her group of listeners

There are many different relationships that exist between native English speakers and non-native speakers. The relationships can also exist between native speakers.

The Your English Success goal is to promote awareness and empathy in the world of English communications. Through effective communication techniques and solutions, you can achieve productivity and success.

I hope you enjoy your visit.

Terry Kaufman
Executive Director

Testimonies

2007-04-24T15:34:00.015+02:00

Your English Success is proud to serve clients in diverse professions. We take pride in bringing effective communication to their organizations and satisfying their personal and professional needs.

"Working in Paris after being transferred from Vancouver, Terry's program has given me the awareness and skills I need to more effectively communicate with my non-native English speaking colleagues."
- Carl Lashua, CIO, Continental Europe, HSBC Group

"Terry's coaching provided me with greater awareness when I communicate with my global team. Applying skills such as repeating and rephrasing, punching words, pacing, and following up by E-mail should help me be more effective. I liked his immediate feedback, challenge via Q&A, and practical tools and techniques which were specific to the need."
- Tricia Myers, Director - Learning, Talent and Resourcing - HSBC Technology and Services, HSBC Group

"The Your English Success programme has given me invaluable tools and techniques which enable me to communicate more effectively with my non-native english speaking colleagues."
- Paul McBride, Head of IT Operations, HSBC Group

"In my view, the greatest benefit of the Your English Success program was to set a context on the new culture that I was settling in. The context-setting exercise helped me understand better the new culture I was about to emerge, the possible challenges I would have given my cultural background and more importantly, it helped adjust my own goals and expectations.
By adjusting my goals and expectations, I was able to avoid a great deal of frustration and integrate better in the new environment."
- Deyves Fonseca, IT Project Manager, HSBC Group

"An environment is friendly when everyone understands the stakes, objectives, and viewpoints of others."
- Mr. Boyer, Executive IT Security Manager, HSBC Group

"I think what you are doing is what we academics should be doing too--we are too busy talking to each other.... So I really admire what you are doing."
- Dr. Ryuko Kubota, PhD, School of Education, Department of Asian Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

"I hired Terry Kaufman and Your English Success earlier this year because I had a shortage of editors to proofread stories for my global trade magazine. Since that time, I’ve found Kaufman and Your English Success to be extremely professional and accommodating. He proofreads my stories better than the full-time editors I had earlier had on staff. In fact, while I’ve been a journalist for more than 20 years, Kaufman taught me a thing or two about grammar and usage. And he is willing to work with my deadlines, even if those deadlines change on short notice.
I would not hesitate to recommend Your English Success to any editor or publisher who needs competent and professional proofreading services."
- Dan Balaban, Chief Editor, Card Technology magazine, Paris, France

"Terry has given me helpful insight in teaching adults English as a second language."
- Jesus Gonzalez, ESL Teacher, Los Angeles

"It was important to learn how it feels for non-native speakers. Also, I learned a new appreciation for how to approach non-native speakers at different levels."
- Aimee Adatto Freeman, AF Communications, www.afcommunications.com

Related Links: Executive Bio | About Your English Success

Our Current Rates

2007-04-24T15:33:00.007+02:00

Our current rates are as follows:

One-on-one coaching: 80 euros ($120) per hour
Full-day customized workshop (6 hours): Please contact Terry Kaufman at tkaufman@yourenglishsuccess.com or by phone at +33 6 61 77 07 84 for a free consultation and workshop rates
Your English Success Docs: 7.50 euros ($11.25) per 1000 words / 18.50 euros ($27.75) minimum per document

All prices exclude tax and material.

Contact Us

2007-04-24T15:32:00.012+02:00

If you have any questions or would like more information about Your English Success services, please contact:

Terry Kaufman
Clear English Communications
Coach and Facilitator
Founder, Your English Success
Phone: +33 6 61 77 07 84
tkaufman@yourenglishsuccess.com

Your English Success is based
in Paris and Los Angeles.

What is Sustainable English?

2007-04-24T15:30:00.006+02:00

Sustainable English: The productive use of English to cultivate relationships and facilitate clarity.

Professor Anne-Wil Harzing

2007-04-24T15:28:00.005+02:00

Professor Anne-Wil Harzing, Professor in International Management, Department of Management, Associate Dean Research, Faculty of Business & Economics, University of Melbourne, Australia

Anne-Wil has a BA in Business & Languages from the Hogeschool Enschede, an MA in Business Administration & International Management from Maastricht University (both in the Netherlands), and a PhD in International Management from the University of Bradford. She is currently Professor in International Management at the University of Melbourne, Australia. Before joining Melbourne, she worked at the Open University, Tilburg University, Maastricht University (all in the Netherlands, her country-of-origin), and the University of Bradford (UK).

Her research interests include international HRM, expatriate management, HQ-subsidiary relationships, cross-cultural management, and the role of language in international management. She has published about these topics in journals such as the Journal of International Business Studies, the Journal of Organizational Behaviour, Strategic Management Journal, Human Resource Management, and Organization Studies.

Anne-Wil is Associate Editor for the International Journal of Cross Cultural Management and is on the editorial board of the Journal of International Business Studies, Mananagement International Review, International Business Review, Thunderbird International Business Review, European Journal of International Management, Human Resource Management, European Management Review, and The International Journal of Management Reviews. In the past, she has also acted as Associate or Departmental Editor for the Journal of International Business Studies and the Australian Journal of Management.

Since 1999, she has also maintained an extensive website (www.harzing.com) with resources for international and cross-cultural management. In addition to her substantive research areas, Anne-Wil also has a keen interest in issues relating to journal quality and research performance metrics. In this context she is the editor of the Journal Quality List and the provider of Publish or Perish, a software program that retrieves and analyses academic citations.

Related Links: Advisory Board

Julie Freelove-Charton, PhD

2007-04-24T15:27:00.003+02:00

Julie Freelove-Charton, PhD

Julie Freelove-Charton, PhD, developed Travel Fit Club™ to promote enjoyment and social support for participation in lifestyle behaviors that are essential for healthy aging, including physical activity, lifelong learning, cognitive health, and social engagement.

She is a senior research associate at the Center for Behavioral Epidemiology and Community Health and an adjunct professor at the School of Exercise Science and Nutrition at San Diego State University. She received her PhD in health behavior from the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina, and holds an MS in kinesiology, a professional certificate in gerontology, and a BA in psychology.

Her research focuses on promoting healthy aging behaviors and well-being, the role of self-perceptions of aging on health, caregiver health, and evidence-based programming for the prevention and self-management of chronic conditions across the life span. She has worked extensively with community and state-level organizations on establishing productive multiprofessional collaborations for the development and implementation of evidence-based community health programs.

She is also a published author, contributing to academic papers and books, and has presented at national and international scientific and industry conferences. Recently, she was elected to the board of directors for the California Council of Gerontology and Geriatrics.

Prior to returning to academia, she was the account manager of the SilverSneakers® Fitness Program, a Medicare health benefit for Blue Shield of California’s HMO members in Southern California; a market analyst for FieldCentrix, Inc.; a market researcher for Primus Corporation; and competitor in the 2006 US Olympic Trials for Road Cycling.

Related Links: Advisory Board

Cheryl Stephens: Mentor, Author, Consultant

2007-04-24T15:26:00.000+02:00

Cheryl Stephens: Mentor, Author, Consultant

Cheryl Stephens is a leader in the field of plain language communications, and a dynamic and vibrant speaker. She lives with her family in Vancouver, BC, but provides training and workshops to clients all over North America.

Cheryl has consulted to businesses, legal organizations, and government. She has mentored business people, attorneys, other professionals, and students in the art of clear communication. Her lively, informative seminars and her no-nonsense consulting approach can help anyone create clearer, more client-friendly documents and processes.

After six years of practicing law, Cheryl Stephens found her calling as an educator, trainer, and consultant in legal communications and marketing. For nearly twenty years, she has been writing, speaking, and teaching about plain language, helping clients to become more successful communicators using plain language principles. Cheryl is the author of several articles and books, including Plain Language Legal Writing. Her plain language blog, Rapport, is a popular online resource.

She received her BA degree in 1970 from the University of the Pacific, in California, and her LLB (law) degree in 1977 from the University of British Columbia.

For more information visit her website, www.cherylstephens.com.

Cheryl’s books may be found at:

Plain Language Legal (http://www.lulu.com/content/1236368) and with co-author Kate Harrison Whiteside, Plain Language in Organizations: An Action Plan
(http://www.lulu.com/content/887501)
Website Usability: A Plain Language ToolBox
(http://www.lulu.com/content/1041414)

Related Links: Advisory Board

Gilles Asselin, President and Founder of SoCoCo Intercultural Inc.

2007-04-24T15:24:00.004+02:00

Gilles Asselin, President and Founder of SoCoCo Intercultural Inc., a New Jersey- and California-based training and consulting firm

His international business experience includes France, Africa and the United States. In addition to being a French Certified Public Accountant and audit manager, he spent three years in French-Speaking Africa, working with the French Peace Corps in Cameroon and then conducting an organizational development assignment in the Congo.

In January of 1990, he took on a new academic adventure and moved to Wisconsin where he earned a Master's Degree in Business Administration and a Master’s of Science Degree in Industrial Psychology. After completing his research project on the meaning and importance of work among French and American workers, Gilles Asselin opted for the field of intercultural communication. He specializes in business relations and has since been coaching global managers and teaching training programs for employees of international companies.

In the spring of 2007, he started a global initiative entitled Gardeners of Peace, aimed at nurturing people’s reflection of their inner spiritual practices (inner gardening) while tending to Earth’s peace (outer gardening). The Gardeners of Peace meet virtually every fourth Sunday of the month.

Related Links: Advisory Board

Mr. Jeff Swartz, President, Hundsun Global/America

2007-04-24T15:22:00.005+02:00

Mr. Jeff Swartz, President, Business Strategy Group, Inc.

Jeff has 30 years of experience as an executive and entrepreneur in technology-based businesses and currently serves as the President of Hundsun Global Services, Inc., a provider of high-performance software development and go-to-market consulting services.

Jeff is the co-founder and former CEO/President of Current Analysis, Inc., the innovative and award-winning provider of competitive response information solutions to the world's leading telecommunications, IT, and business infrastructure software vendors.

Prior to Current, Swartz was senior vice president with Giga Information Group in Cambridge, Mass., where he served on the management committee and was responsible for marketing, events, and research publications. Giga was acquired by Forrester Research. Before Giga, Swartz was employed by BIS Strategic Decisions, a former NYNEX subsidiary, acting as interim co-CEO in 1995 and filling a variety of executive management positions including senior vice president, Conferences and Publications Division (1994-1996) and senior vice president of Consulting (1992).

Jeff’s earlier background also includes the founding of a technology-oriented newsletter publishing company, Communications Publishing Group, Inc., which he managed from 1982 to 1986. Additionally, he conducted independent consulting in the advanced materials field from 1986 to 1989 and spent a year at an Arthur D. Little division, Decision Resources, Inc., where he was vice president of the Research Publishing Division.

In 2002 Jeff was a finalist in Ernst & Young's National Entrepreneur of the Year program. Mr. Swartz earned a B.S. in psychology from Boston College.

Related Links: Advisory Board

Michael Riley, Managing Director of MKR Consultants, Managing Director of RPM Twist Co., Ltd.

2007-04-24T15:20:00.000+02:00

Michael Riley, Managing Director of MKR Consultants,
Managing Director of RPM Twist Co., Ltd.

A thirst for travel and adventure combined with a love of the media business inspired Michael to leave the quiet suburbs of Indianapolis, move west to California, criss-cross the globe and then transplant himself to Asia.

In those years he worked in many sectors of the entertainment and media industry: print, broadcast, film production, music promotion, digital media and co-founding Thailand’s first in-door advertising company.

Having spent significant time building businesses for others, Michael is now developing his own companies.

MKR Consultants combines Michael’s 20+years in entertainment and media with his wife Kay’s 10+ years in hospitality. MKR’s focus is helping clients to achieve clear, consistent communications with their customers.

RPM Twist capitalizes on Michael’s 11 years in Bangkok and fills an important void in Bangkok’s quick dining options. The challenge, as always, will be educating the buying public with clear yet memorable communications.

Related Links: Advisory Board

Marc Lerman, Product Manager at adhoc International

2007-04-24T15:16:00.001+02:00

Marc Lerman, Product Manager at adhoc International

Marc Lerman is a Product Manager at adhoc International, where he contributes to the adhoc Performance Platform and adhoc Performance Studio integrated environment.

Previously, Mr. Lerman worked as a Senior Software Architect at Fair Isaac Corp. where he led the design of the Blaze Advisor product. He is also the co-inventor of several US patents used in that product.

Mr. Lerman holds an MSc in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Edinburgh (Scotland), a BEng (Hons) in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the Nottingham Polytechnic (England), and a Technical Engineering degree in Electronics engineering from the ESTE (France).

He co-published an article in Dr Dobb's Journal: Object Models and Java: Mixing and matching disparate object models (1997).

Related Links: Advisory Board

Sherry Wilk, Consultant

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Sherry Wilk, Consultant and Owner of Imagine-Become

Sherry Wilk has worked as a Freelance Makeup Artist, Stylist, and Beauty and Color Consultant for the past 33 years.

Communication in writing and performing have played a large part in her life. Motivating people to find their passion in life and fulfill their dreams is extremely important to her. She has a special gift for guiding people and helping them find their personal path.

Related Links: Advisory Board

Links and Resources

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Discovering different aspects and dimensions of English communications can increase awareness and understanding of how the English language is used.

Please find below a list of links and resources for your reading pleasure.

Harzing.com - Research in International and Cross-cultural Management
Cheryl Stephens - "Cheryl Stephens has been a plain language champion for over two decades, consulting to businesses, legal organizations, and government."
Carla Kimball - Cultivating presence in speaking, leading, and life! - "RiverWays Enterprises has evolved over the past 13 years as a manifestation of Carla Kimball's vision of our full potential as effective, interactive, and expressive human beings."
Visit her informative and engaging blogs at: SpeakingPresence and Revealed Presence Photography

The One Minute How-To - "The One Minute How-To is your podcast. The show features a guest who explains how to do something. The catch is that the guest is only given 60 seconds, so they have to get right to the point. But that's a good thing."