It is a well-known fact that the English language is the most commonly used language. And it’s not because it’s being spoken by native English speakers. It’s due to the non-native English speakers using it to help United States customers. They are using it to communicate daily with employees and clients. And this continues to grow at a rapid pace.
There are many tools on the Internet to help improve communication with non-native English Marketers and Coworkers. However, it can feel overwhelming and disheartening to know where to start.
Not only that, but clients, customers, and consumers are feeling frustrated as they try and sift through disconnected business communications via emails, phone conversations, and written documents.
Clients everywhere are having a tough time adjusting to more and more non-native English speaking employees. Are you one of them? It’s true that more and more businesses are assigning them to either market to clients or solve escalated customer service issues.
There are solutions to better client satisfaction when it comes to communications with non-native English speakers.
Here at MessagePath, we’ve narrowed it down to several actionable ways to help assist the business owners needing better business communication skills among non-native English employees and co-workers.
Establish an Open Line of Communication
Keep an open line of communication with non-native English speakers. It will increas the chance at a better workplace among co-workers (and even clients).
Chances are, you witness uncomfortable body language in the work place every day among employees and co-workers. So, watch out for it, especially with non-native English speakers!
Why is this?
Great question. Keep in mind that Non-native English speakers are less likely to reach out for help with their communication struggles out of the fear of losing their job. These employees are always looking at their superiors and coworkers for direction.
Sometimes all it takes is an awareness of body language.
Speak Clearly to Non-Native English Employees
Don’t use English-based idioms when speaking to non-native English-speaking employees. It makes it hard for them to understand.
Assist with Learning Resources
Bombarding non-native English-speaking employees with confusing ideas and lessons on how to improve their business speaking and writing can feel overwhelming. Instead, direct them to editing and proofreading tools such as MessagePath. Copy editing checkers like this give both English learners and native English speakers great ways to improve on:
- Customer Service Communication
- Word Appropriateness
- Tone and Choice of Words
- Sales and Marketing Pitches
- Internal Communication
Proofreading, Vocabulary, and Translation Resources for English Learners
Google Translate is one of the best tools online to use when English is not native to the person trying to speak it. Encourage these coworkers to use it as a resource to learn about the words they don’t know about.
Free books from Project Gutenberg can assist with vocabulary. Anyone can always learn from reading English literary classics!
MessagePath is an amazing text editor for legal documents, press releases, emails, web copy, marketing emails, and Zendesk tickets. It will scan phrases that weaken what your employees are writing to clients or other team members. Non-native English-speaking employees can utilize its feedback so that correctly written English can be obtained. It will even scan business communications for language that could create HR or other legal communication risks.
Testing and Quizzing for Learning Better English
Encourage your employees to take tests and quizzes. Simply direct them to Activities for ESL Students or the Cambridge English Websites. These tools can be used to measure English advancement through:
- Crossword Puzzles
- Bilingual Quizzes
- Vocabulary Quizzes
- Grammar Quizzes
- IELTS Practice Tests
Read more in depth information about How to Improve Customer Service and Sales and Effective Business Communication Skills in the work place.