For many people who feel insecure about their English language abilities, the thought of communicating in a professional setting can be intimidating. This insecurity can stem from a variety of factors, including a lack of confidence in their grammar skills, discomfort with pronunciation, or a fear of making mistakes. However, we should not let these insecurities hold us back from achieving our goals! How can we do it?
Written with love by: Suzanne Pilch, ICF Certified Coach & MPEC Partner
Why can we feel insecure when we have to use English for work?
Knowing how to speak another language can be difficult, and it can make many people feel insecure. When one feels insecure in communicating in a second language, the brain can react in various ways. For example, the fear of making mistakes can lead to a mental block, preventing the person from speaking or expressing their ideas clearly. The pressure to speak well can increase tension and stress in the brain, making it even more challenging to communicate effectively.
Moreover, the lack of confidence in one’s linguistic abilities can lead to a feeling of discomfort and self-awareness. This can prevent the person from feeling comfortable in communicating, even if their linguistic abilities are actually good. The fear of being judged or criticized can also play a role in making the person insecure in communication.
However, it is essential to remember that these feelings can be overcome with practice and experience. There is no need to be perfect or to speak impeccably to communicate effectively in a second language. With time and practice, linguistic skills will improve, and communication confidence will increase.
Open-Ended Questions: An Unexpected Ally
One approach that can help individuals overcome these insecurities and improve their professional communication skills is through the use of open-ended questions. Open-ended questions allow individuals to speak without shame or fear of judgment, providing a safe space for individuals to express their thoughts and ideas without worrying about the technicalities of their language skills.
In a coaching approach, open-ended questions can be used to help individuals learn, not study, the English language. Rather than focusing on grammar rules or memorizing vocabulary, the focus is on improving the individual’s ability to communicate effectively in English. This approach can be particularly helpful for individuals who have struggled with traditional language learning methods in the past.
English coaching, using open-ended questions as a core component, can be an effective way for individuals to improve their professional communication skills. This coaching approach emphasizes the importance of discovering one’s linguistic identity, encouraging individuals to embrace their unique communication style rather than trying to conform to traditional English language norms.
MPEC : Engage, Not Teach.
Through this approach, people can learn to speak confidently without feeling the need to apologize for their linguistic background. This can be especially important for individuals who come from non-English speaking backgrounds or who have experienced discrimination due to their language skills.
Here are 5 examples of how open-ended questions can be used to help those who feel insecure communicate in English:
- “Can you tell me a little about yourself?” – This open-ended question allows the person to comfortably talk about themselves without having to focus too much on grammar or pronunciation.
- “How would you describe your job in a few words?” – This open-ended question allows the person to describe their job in a free and creative manner, without feeling limited by their language proficiency.
- “What do you think about this topic?” – This open-ended question encourages the person to express their opinion without worrying too much about grammar or syntax.
- “How do you feel about this situation?” – This open-ended question allows the person to express their emotions and feelings openly and without judgment.
- “What are your ideas on how to solve this problem?” – This open-ended question encourages the person to think creatively and express their ideas without feeling limited by their language proficiency.”
The bottom line is that, for individuals who are insecure in their English language abilities, open-ended questions can be a powerful tool for improving their professional communication skills. By using a coaching approach that emphasizes learning over studying and encourages individuals to embrace their linguistic identity, individuals can speak without shame and confidently communicate their thoughts and ideas. With this approach, the focus is on effective communication rather than technical language skills, which can lead to greater success in both personal and professional endeavors.
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