1. A scribble pad could help you the best
Buy yourself a small pocket notebook that you can carry around with you at all times. Whenever you hear a word you don’t understand, write it down so you can look it up later. Similarly, if you have a friend who is a native English speaker in the office, ask them if they can help you understand any of these new words and phrases. It’s a great way to start a conversation and meet a new friend. You can also use your phone for this, but pausing mid-sentence to type something into your phone looks less professional than writing in a notebook. The other person may think you’re texting and that’s a huge no-no in any workplace scenario!
2.Extend your chat to outside of work
If your co-workers go for a drink or dinner after work, join them. If they invite you to lunch say yes. Even if you are shy, it’s helpful to talk to your co-workers outside of work. This way, you will become more familiar with how they communicate and speak. They too will become more familiar with your accent and the way you speak. Overall, making a friendship makes it easier to ask for help later.
3.Learn Slang and Idioms, Especially Those Relevant to Your Job
Every job, company, and industry has their “jargon,” or set of vocabulary and idioms that are specific to that job, company, or industry. Be sure to make extra effort to learn the jargon, slang, and idioms that your co-workers use often so you can understand them better, and communicate with them better.
4.You are acknowledged when you say you don’t understand
Most bosses and co-workers will prefer you say “I don’t understand” or “I don’t know what you just said” than pretend like you understand. Not admitting that you didn’t get something will cause problems later, and honesty is important for good workplace communication. Get comfortable with saying “I don’t understand.” Ask your co-worker/boss to slow down, repeat it a different way or demonstrate what they wanted to explain (if possible). When possible, repeat what you think they said, and ask if it was correct. Eventually, most of these new words will become familiar and you will ask for help less and less often.
Examples of what to say:
Sorry, I didn’t understand. Can you explain that again?
I’m not sure I understood, could you [show me/demonstrate] how to do this task?
Sorry, could you please repeat that slower?
Could you please say that again slowly?
I think you mean ~. Is that correct?
5.When your colleagues don’t understand what you say
You know the situation. You start explaining something to a co-worker or boss, and when you are finished, they shake their head and say “I’m sorry, I didn’t understand.” When that happens, don’t just repeat what you said again—try explaining your idea in a different way. Use different vocabulary and examples if you can. For example, if you said at first “How do I fix this error?” but maybe mispronounced something, say instead, “There is a mistake, how can I correct it?” Sometimes, it also helps to simplify your language the second time around. Be extra obvious and the first explanation may just “click” (make sense) for your co-worker.
6.Say “I Want to Ask a Question” Before You Ask a Question
Since you’re speaking a foreign language, there’s a chance you speak slower than usual or have not yet mastered intonations. So, when you ask a question to someone at your work, begin by saying “I want to ask a question.” If you have an idea you want to explain, say “I have an idea” before telling the person about it. If you want to explain something, say “Let me explain, please.” This way, your co-workers will know not to interrupt you until your question, idea or explanation is finished. They will also know to give you an answer or response afterwards. Especially when you are still becoming comfortable using English around new people, this communication strategy is very helpful.
7.Intonation is a tool of expression to say what you feel
Similarly, be aware of your intonation when speaking. Especially if intonation in English is very different from your native language, you will need to pay attention to these details in order to have successful communication. For example, if you ask a question and forget to raise your pitch at the end, the person you’re speaking to may not know to answer you. If you say something with no intonation very flatly your co-workers may think you are bored or uninterested. They may not know how to read your emotions and that can cause problems in the workplace.
8.Practicing language in workplace environment with a Native Speaker
When you first begin your job, find a native speaking friend or teacher and practice common work scenarios with them. This will help you feel more comfortable speaking in English at work. You will be able to think about how you want to phrase certain ideas in a non-stressful environment. And most importantly, your friend can correct your mistakes while you’re practicing, so you won’t make them later.
Some common scenarios to practice
[Note: This may vary depending on your profession/industry]
Asking for help/explanations
Writing emails
Giving an overview of what you accomplished for the week
Calling clients
Discussing projects, project timelines and budgets in depth
Small talk
Job interviews
9.When Possible, Ask for Demonstrations
When someone at work explains a new concept or task to you, ask them to demonstrate it (if possible).For example, if they want you to use a new website, ask them to sit with you on the computer and use it together. You could ask:
Could you show me how?
Could we do an example once together?
Do you have time to show me how to do ___?
Do you have an example of a past [email/report /etc.] I could see?
Even if you understand all or most of what they are saying, seeing a new activity in action will help you remember the explanation later, and it will minimize confusion.
10.Show Your Personality!
You are not a robot. You are a person, and you have a wonderful personality (I’m sure!). So let your co-workers and boss get to know your fabulous personality. It can be easy to worry so much about whether or not you are speaking English correctly that you forget to relax. You forget to make jokes. You forget to talk about things that make you happy. You forget to let others see your personality. Don’t do this! Try to remember to add your personality to your conversations and let your co-workers get to know the real you.
11.Don’t be shy or Embarrassed, Just Do Your Best
In the end, the most important thing is to just try your best. Don’t worry about the little errors when speaking to co-workers. The most important thing is to be understood even if you accidentally use the wrong tense or say something a little strangely! As a non-native speaker, you will make mistakes, and that’s okay. Your boss and co-workers know that, and they should be helpful and understanding about it. If they aren’t, maybe you’re in the wrong workplace. Best of luck!