"What did you say?" How to tell someone you don't understand them.

Peri Levin — 2010-07-07T00:40:56Z

There was a woman from Italy at a meeting I recently attended. She spoke so quickly that it was hard to understand her.

My thoughts on this subject:

Every language has a rhythm. She spoke English using the rhythm and intonation of her first language. Although it sounded lovely, it was hard to understand. I tell people who want to reduce their accent to pretend they are an actor. They should put on an accent as if they were preparing for a movie role. There is a lot more to accent reduction, but this gets someone to relax and have fun while working on reducing their accent in English.

Because it was a meeting and I did not know her, I did not say anything.

If you want to say something, should you be blunt or circumspect with your comments?

I think it depends on your relationship wit the person and your personality. Think of your different responses to a guest or an employee. Now realize that your employees are probably insecure about the way they speak English. If you are too strong or harsh, they will freeze up.

NOW share your thoughts on this subject. What do you do? Remember your thoughts will help someone.

Peri

Welcome

Peri Levin — 2010-06-10T19:41:32Z

Welcome to the Language Express Blog.

I am Peri Levin, the founder of Language Express. My company promotes clear and concise communication between management and employees in the hospitality industry. Language Express specializes in efficient communication that involves English as a Second Language (ESL).

For more information, please visit my website, www.languageexpress.com <http://www.languageexpress.com>.

This blog presents ideas and tips to help managers communicate with their limited English-speaking employees and guests. Let me help when you hit a bump. In other words, when you are frustrated and do not know what to do, this blog will give you pointers. ...Even when you -- not a language teacher by training --might need to teach English as a Second Language to staff.

This blog welcomes you to a dynamic online community! So, ask away! The questions or comments you have to share may be the one others also have, but are too timid to ask.

The blog format is designed around your questions and ideas. With each comment contributed our blog community gains energy!

My expertise is teaching English as a Second Language. I have 20 plus years of experience in the workplace and in adult school classrooms. Your daily, on-the job experience, framed through your thoughts and answers to others’ questions, brings life to our blog.

Managers like yourself add new posts frequently, so come often and join the discussion. Share your expertise, and I’ll share mine.

Sincerely,
Peri Levin