Presenting Internationally: Language Barriers

Presenting to an international audience and delivering your message across language and cultural barriers, can present many challenges. It’s dangerous to assume that a simple translation will be sufficient, or that speaking slowly will allow the audience to understand you better. It’s often a bit more complex than that. And if you have an important business deal riding on the success of your meeting, it’s best to keep these factors in mind as you prepare.Body Language Speaks Volumes Body language communicates more than we realize, even within our own native languages. When you consider an international audience, however, certain gestures can be deemed offensive. Whereas a “thumbs up” gesture is largely considered to be a good thing, that same gesture in Greece, Australia, and the Middle East essentially implies “up yours.” Many more gestures would similarly convey a variety of unintended meanings. Be aware of – and educate yourself about – the cultural and communication differences.Expectations and QuestionsWhile Americans and Canadians are likely to expect presentations that get to the point, and will ask questions to clarify information, some Europeans will expect more detail in the presentation and will – as a cultural norm – actively challenge a presenter. Conversely, some members of Asian audiences may be reluctant to ask questions after a presentation, so be sure you have packets of information available to support whatever you are discussing. Consider the cultural norms of your audience as you prepare your talking points as well as when you are preparing your accompanying visuals, to ensure you are delivering the level of detail they expect.ComprehensionWhether your audience speaks and understands English or not, if it is not their first language, it may be more difficult for them to understand everything you say if you:

• Speak too quickly
• Speak in jargon
• Use clichés

Speaking slowly and more clearly can make a huge difference in the audience’s ability to absorb what you are saying.In addition, use vocabulary that accurately communicates your message. If an initiative was successful, avoid saying “we hit a home run” in favor of saying “the plan exceeded our expectations.” Avoid referring to a new initiative as “testing the waters.” Instead, refer to the effort as an exploration of the possibilities or a new project launch. Monitor the audience for signs of understanding (nodding along, taking notes, making eye contact). If you are ever unsure, ask the audience, “Is there anything I can explain again in case I was unclear?”The path to comprehension goes both ways: If there are questions from the audience after the presentation, repeat the question back to make sure you understood it correctly.Additionally, unless you know the people in your audience well, it is better to be conservative and avoid humor.Building your cultural knowledge before an international presentation is the wisest course of action. Learn about and embrace the culture, language, and customs of the audience you’ll be communicating with. As with any presentation, the more prepared you are, the more success you will enjoy.