People who speak English as a second language (ESL) often complain that native English speakers are in fact more difficult to understand than ESL speakers. Why is this so? Native English speakers use a broader vocabulary which is often interspersed with slang expressions. They also often speak too fast and presume others have understood, and even agreed to, ideas that have been missed entirely.

When working with people whose English is different from yours, slow down. It is hard for anyone to comprehend what you are saying if you talk too fast. People from another ethnic group or from another country will find it twice more difficult to understand you.

Do not say, �I need to have a conversation with you at the earliest possible time.� when you simply mean �I want to talk to you today.�

To clarify important points, ask people what they understood you said and also paraphrase what they said to you. There might be a big difference in interpretation.

Do away with jargon, slang and colloquial expressions. If you ask somebody, �Where are you coming from?� you might get answers such as �I just came from the doctor.� He may even tell you the name of his hometown or his last travel destination instead of explaining why he said what he said. Many slang expressions may have ethnic or racial connotations besides being hard to understand.

Jokes more often than not depend on intricate nuances of language. To make sure they do not offend, pre-test them. Try them out beforehand with someone who is familiar with the culture and sensitivities of the audience.

Reactions to what you said from people who are not speaking their native language may take longer than you are used to. This is especially true when speaking to a group or through an interpreter. They take more time to comprehend a joke and will laugh at it only when they feel it safe and polite to do so.

Go easy on acronyms. Many acronyms change in foreign languages. The initials in your own company may not make sense to listeners from another culture. They may even spell out something unpleasant or obscene in another language.

It also helps to use visual aids. Keep pictures and diagrams just simple enough to help the listener see what you are seeing. Make sure the images are not so culture-bound they cause misunderstandings or offense.

As an afterthought, when learning English as a second language (englisch sprachreise), give yourself permission to make mistakes and rely on the good will of others. Let your enthusiasm and interest in people and the topic override worries about getting the words right.