“Slow Down,” And Other Useful Presentation Strategies For Nonnative English Speakers

Communicating in a second language can be challenging, writes Deborah Grayson Riegel in 3 Tips for Presenting in English When You’re Not a Native Speaker. Enough to cause nonnative English-speaking leaders to shy away from important presentations in front of peers, superiors, decisions-makers, and other stakeholders:

But for nonnative speakers, the anticipatory and situational anxiety associated with their unique challenges — being understandable, choosing the right words, speaking spontaneously — can be overwhelming. Moreover, if these concerns interfere with your willingness or ability to make business presentations, the impact can be career limiting.

Grayson Riegel lays out three preparation strategies for nonnative English speakers that will increase their public-speaking confidence and competence. But they’re not the only ones who can benefit from her post: following her tips will help everyone give better presentations, regardless of the language they grew up speaking. Read them, and you’ll agree.