Why speaking another language is vulnerable. (And how it helps)

Hello all, Jen here.

Something a little different with this blog, but something that is central to our approach at AUTHOR.

Many people in my network will know how I have spent years working with non-native speakers, training them in English communication for key moments in their business life. I have been fortunate to work with wonderful people, ranging from assistants, managers and C-suite executives, to actors, diplomats, politicians and MEPs. As well as variance in roles, I have also been exposed to a wide range of industries: chemical, media, cosmetics, oil & gas, steel, engineering, transport & logistics, food & beverage, legal – the list goes on.

And despite such divergence in sector, status and seniority, one thing remains the same for these clients – speaking English is a vulnerable necessity.

Why Necessity?

In an increasingly connected world, and in an ever increasingly international business world, language is one of the most fundamental currencies. In order to do business, English is a must. In order to allow your business to thrive, English is non-negotiable.

International suppliers, customers or remote working staff, English is the common thread. Whether those suppliers are native English or non-native English speakers, the common language is English. The common denominator is English. And not speaking it, puts you on the back foot. Not speaking English is disadvantageous.

“Vulnerability is the emotion we feel in times of risk,

uncertainty or emotional exposure.”

Why Vulnerable?

Speaking another language is inherently vulnerable – it is perhaps one of the most vulnerable things we can do. It exposes us to risk, uncertainly and emotional exposure. It strips us of our identity, our status, our usual eloquence, our usual self-confidence. We are no longer reliant on our turn of phrase, our way with words that we have in our native tongue. We can no longer depend on our linguistic charm to help us. We are reduced to the words – often limited - we have. We are forced to ‘make do’. We are required to risk grammar mistakes and poor pronunciation. We are obliged to face the reality that we may not understand a question asked, irrespective of our expertise, qualifications and experience. We can no longer fall back on our extensive industry knowledge, where words fail us.  

Risk, uncertainty, emotional exposure.

The definition of vulnerability.

To share or not to share? That is the question.

Clients often say that speaking another language for work can often like they have no choice, that they are forced into this reality. On top of that, it can feel like forced vulnerability – where they feel forced into feeling exposed.

Opting to share vulnerability is  a personal choice, and one which should be considered. Who am I sharing with? Are they deserving of hearing my story? Am I safe? Will what I share be used against me?

“Not everyone deserves to hear your story.” – Brené Brown

And yet, the vulnerability of speaking another language comes with little choice - but in this case, I argue, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Why Vulnerability can be an advantage

Vulnerability is where and how we connect. We identify with another’s vulnerability, we recognise the discomfort, we empathise. When someone shares a struggle with us, more often than not, we are naturally inclined to hold that person in higher esteem – not necessarily related in any way to what they have shared, but by virtue of the fact that they have shared at all. Sharing earns respect. Sharing allows for acknowledgement of a person’s reality. Sharing allows for understanding. Sharing promotes empathy. Sharing fosters compassion. Sharing nurtures connection.  

When we dare to speak another language, to be vulnerable - the simple act of doing,  often warrants a certain respect, admiration and appreciation of courage required and acted on.

Strive for connection, not perfection.

Speaking another language is about performance, not grammar. It’s about connection, not perfection. Acknowledging to your audience that you are not speaking your mother tongue, that you make mistakes and that you sometimes don’t understand, fosters understanding and allows the audience to empathise and connect. Is that really such a bad thing? After all, connection is where deals are done, business is won, contracts are signed. Connection is where influence begins, and convincing commences.

The saying goes that people do business with people. As inherently imperfect beings, we can all relate to imperfection, self-doubt and vulnerability.  

So when next you are ‘forced’ to speak another language and you feel crippled by exposure, why not try a new performance ‘tactic’? Why not wear your vulnerability on your sleeve and acknowledge the elephant in the room?  

If you’re silently thinking to yourself “I’m uncomfortable speaking another language”, why not share that with the person in front of you? Chances are, they will respect you all the more – for the act, and for the share.

Language is about communication; about facilitating the need to get the job done. Let’s not lose sight of that end goal: to simply communicate the message, even imperfectly.

Strive not for ‘perfect’, strive to connect.