Writing and Presenting in international situations

Writing and Presenting in International Situations:

Dos:

• Speak Clearly:
  • Enunciate each word to ensure understanding.
• Speak Slowly:
  • Slow down your speech to give listeners time to process. Use clues to gauge understanding.
• Triangulate Main Ideas:
  • Express the same idea in three different ways to reinforce understanding.
• Use Tempo and Intonation:
  • Vary your voice tone and pace to emphasize key points and maintain listener engagement.
• Provide Signposts:
  • Inform listeners of the structure and changes in your presentation. E.g., “Today I’ll discuss three areas…”
• Verification Loops:
  • Regularly check for understanding by asking questions like, “Is everything clear so far?”
• Say Numbers and Dates Slowly:
  • Clarify numbers and dates to avoid misunderstandings, e.g., “That’s sixteen—one six.”
• Write Down Unfamiliar Names/Terms:
  • Show unfamiliar terms on slides or handouts for clarity.
• Double-Check Time Arrangements:
  • Confirm time and date arrangements to avoid confusion.
• Be Sincere:
  • Show genuine interest and build positive relationships.
• Keep a Sense of Humor:
  • Stay relaxed and appreciate efforts to overcome cultural hurdles.

Don’ts:

• Avoid Slang:
  • Slang can confuse and offend non-native speakers.
• Avoid Contractions:
  • Use full words to prevent misinterpretation.
• Avoid Idioms:
  • Idiomatic expressions can be confusing. Use clear, direct language.
• Avoid Double-Negatives:
  • Speak directly to avoid confusion.
• Avoid Understatement:
  • Be clear about your abilities to avoid being misunderstood.
• Avoid Sarcasm and Irony:
  • These can be misinterpreted without cultural context.
• Don’t Use Curse Words:
  • They can signal disrespect and harm relationships.
• Be Careful About Humor:
  • Humor may not translate well across cultures.
• Don’t Speak Loudly:
  • Speaking louder does not help understanding.
• Don’t Assume Anything:
  • Avoid assumptions about language skills or cultural knowledge.

Additional Tips:

• Prepare Visual Aids:
  • Use slides or handouts to supplement verbal communication.
• Practice Active Listening:
  • Pay attention to verbal and non-verbal feedback from your audience.
• Adapt to Feedback:
  • Be flexible and adjust your presentation based on audience reactions.

By following these guidelines, native English speakers can effectively present to international audiences, ensuring clear communication and fostering positive cross-cultural interactions.