Inform, talk, evaluate, learn
How do you handle a conversation in a foreign language at work? Use this strategy: inform - talk - evaluate - learn.
These are the 4 steps you can follow every time you speak a foreign language.
1. INFORM
Do you feel a little insecure speaking a foreign language at work? Then briefly inform your interlocutor(s) that you are learning the language and will do your best to explain everything clearly.
Tip: it may be that your conversation partner then suggests switching to another language - to help you. In that case, thank him/her politely, but continue in the foreign language you want to practice.
2. TALK
Don't shy away from any speaking opportunities, even if you are still a beginner. You will certainly make language mistakes, but that's okay. It's the only way to learn. It's challenging, but fun at the same time!
When speaking a foreign language at work, it is important to focus as much as possible on communication: how do you get your message across clearly?
Use simple and plain language and not too difficult words or structures, unless you are already trained to use these.
3. EVALUATE
Take 3 minutes immediately after the conversation to evaluate: how do you think the conversation went? What words were you unable to come up with? Where did the communication falter?
4. LEARN
You can write the new words in an agenda item to repeat them regularly without effort. Read more about this learning tip here!
By making mistakes and working with them, you will learn a lot. Your best teacher is your last mistake.
This way, your language level will improve with every conversation!
Share with friends:
Do you encourage language learning with compliments or criticism?
Do you really want to help your colleague learn a new language? Then give compliments instead of criticism. By focusing on the positive - even when mistakes are still being made - you create a safe environment in which your colleague dares to practice.
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