You’ve got the technical skills, but can you navigate a meeting where cultural nuances and diverse communication styles are in play? Business meetings with international participants can be tricky. It’s not just about using the right vocabulary; it’s about making sure your message is understood, respected, and acted upon across cultural lines.
This week, at The London Eye – English Consultant, we’re leveling up your Business English by focusing on the soft skills and language strategies required for global meeting mastery.
1. Clarity Over Complexity: The Rule for International English
When speaking with non-native English speakers (or even native speakers from different countries), remember that clarity is your superpower.
- Ditch the Jargon: Avoid overly niche industry terms or complex acronyms unless you are 100% sure everyone understands them. If you must use one, define it quickly: «We need to hit our KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) this quarter.»
- Speak at a Moderate Pace: Resist the urge to rush. Slow down your speaking slightly, and make sure to enunciate clearly. This isn’t just polite; it drastically improves comprehension.
- Confirm Understanding: Instead of asking, «Does everyone understand?» (which often gets a shy «yes»), try: «To make sure we’re aligned, let’s quickly recap the main goal.» or «What are your initial thoughts on this proposal, [Colleague’s Name]?»
2. Mastering the Language of Polite Intervention
In many cultures, directly interrupting or disagreeing is seen as rude. Use soft, polite language to manage the flow and ensure you get your point across without causing offense.
| Goal | Polite English Phrase |
| Gently Interrupting | «Excuse me for jumping in, but I have a quick question…» |
| Disagreeing | «That’s a good point, however, I’d like to offer a different perspective.» |
| Bringing Focus Back | «Just to bring us back to the main agenda item…» |
| Asking for Clarification | «Could you elaborate on what you mean by ‘streamline’?» |
| Giving Soft Suggestions | «Perhaps we could consider X,» or «It might be beneficial to look at Y.» |
3. Active Listening: Showing You Value Their Input
In a meeting with foreign colleagues, it’s not enough to simply hear what they say; you must actively show you are listening. This is especially important as many cultures value strong active listening as a sign of respect.
- Paraphrase and Summarize: Use phrases to check that you have understood correctly: «If I understand correctly, you are suggesting we delay the launch until next month?» or «So, to recap, we have decided on these three action points…»
- Acknowledge Contributions: Always affirm a colleague’s input before adding yours: «That’s a great idea, Maria. I agree, and I would add that…» This simple step validates their participation and encourages them to speak up again.
4. Handling Cultural Differences in Silence and Participation
Participation rules vary globally. In some cultures, silence means thoughtful consideration. In others, it means disagreement or that the person has nothing to say.
- Proactive Inclusion: If someone has been quiet, specifically invite them to speak: «Kenji, I haven’t heard your input yet. What are your team’s thoughts on the budget adjustment?»
- The Power of the Pause: Don’t be afraid of silence after asking a question. Give your colleagues an extra moment or two to process the question in English and formulate their response. Rushing to fill the silence can prevent someone from contributing.
By focusing on these strategies—clarity, polite intervention, active listening, and cultural sensitivity—you won’t just participate in international meetings; you’ll lead them effectively.
What is the most challenging thing about international meetings for you? Share your experience in the comments!
The London Eye - English Consultant 