One Simple Tool to Reduce Perfectionism when Speaking English
Perfectionism is the enemy of progress, according to Voltaire. In the case of speaking a second language, that couldn’t be more true. In my work over the past decade with non-native English speaking executives, the biggest barrier to their progress that I have seen, is perfectionism. When we speak another language, it is not perfect, nor will it ever be. Imperfection is par for the course when it comes to language learning (and if we are totally honest with ourselves, imperfection is a normal part of all aspects of life), and ironically, learning how to embrace it, is a guaranteed way to improve your foreign language communication. Here’s how:
To reduce perfectionism, STOP memorising, START organising.
Don’t worry, I won’t leave it there. Let me explain. So often, before presentations, pitches, and important meetings, non-native speakers (and indeed native speakers) write out their speech word for word. In addition to stress and overwhelm, doing this increases our cognitive overload. This results in our inability to process information or think logically. Instead of helping us, writing texts out word for word, actually hinders us. Instead of stimulating, it stifles. Instead of assisting our communication, it obstructs.
So what’s the alternative to memorising?
Organising.
Yep, organising.
The best communicators are often those who put structure to what they say, and present it in an organised fashion.
Mapping out our communication is a simple but effective alternative to memorising large chunks of text. The same is true for a journey, no? We might glance at our map in advance of setting off, in order to know our general direction, but don’t try to memorise each and every step as we know that is inefficient. With communication, outlining your plan gives you enough confidence to know where you are going, without stressing about remembering each and every detail.
The key to ensuring this new approach works for you, is to ensure your outline works for you. If you’re going to map it out, you must do so efficiently. In taking an audience approach, consider these outline prompts:
What is the goal of your communication?
What do you want people to know, feel and do?
How will your communication start and finish?
How can you support your listeners to help them follow you?
In considering the latter point, it’s worth reflecting on the types of supporting documents or visuals that might prove helpful to your audience. Will your agenda be a list of topics, questions, icons, pictures or key words? What will create ease, clarity and flow? What will compel and engage? And of course, what will keep you on track, whilst avoiding memorising and cognitive overload?
In English we have the expression “a little goes a long way” – a phrase that feels very apt here.
If we want to strive for progress over perfection, it’s time to: