How to Present in English to a Global Audience

Did you know that more than 1.5 billion people speak English around the world? That’s around 17% of the world’s population. It’s widely considered the international language of business, as presenting in English is so commonplace across global meetings, conferences, and negotiations.

However, not all English speakers are at the same level of fluency. In fact, a whopping 75% of English speakers have it as a second or third language, rather than their mother tongue.

If you’re presenting in English and are unsure of your audience’s level of fluency, you may be at risk of using words, expressions or cultural references which are confusing or unfamiliar to them. This can lead to miscommunication and barriers to understanding, as well as lowering the impact of your presentation.

Don’t believe me? Check out this hilarious thread on Reddit, which is all about why some English phrases ‘confuse the hell out of foreigners’ – even the fluent ones!

This became clear to me on a recent work trip in Europe, when one of our team used the idiom “food for thought”. Whilst many delegates in the room listened and nodded, a few people looked a little bit confused and eventually asked what the presenter meant.

If you’re a fluent or native English speaker, a phrase like ‘food for thought’ might seem simple. But for someone who has never heard it, understanding its meaning could take longer. We’ve written before about how nerve-wracking it can be to present in a foreign language – but presenting well in English also requires careful consideration, especially if your audience is of mixed-level fluency…

How to present in English to speakers of other languages

When presenting to an international audience or to people for whom English isn’t a first language, it’s essential to adjust your communication style to make your message clearer and more accessible. Effective communication isn’t just about what you say—it’s about how you say it, how you deliver it, and how well you connect with your audience.

Here are a few key points to think about.

1. Keep your language clear and concise

Simplicity is key when speaking to a diverse audience. Avoid using complex sentences, business jargon, or English phrases that might not translate well. Instead:

• Speak in short, simple sentences that are easy to understand.
• Choose common words over technical terms, unless they’re essential for the topic. If you do need to use technical language, explain it clearly.
• Be mindful of idioms. Expressions like “don’t put all your eggs in one basket” or “hit the nail on the head” can confuse listeners who aren’t familiar with them.
• Phrasal verbs can also be difficult for less fluent speakers to understand.
• Use plain language to make your point. For example, instead of saying “Let’s touch base later,” you could say “Let’s meet later to discuss.” Focus on clarity over creative phrases.

2. Speak slowly and clearly

The pace at which you speak can significantly affect how well non-native speakers understand you. Speaking at a slower pace will help to give your audience time to ‘tune in’ to your accent and to follow what you’re saying.

When presenting in English to people who might not speak it fluently, it’s important to:

• Slow down your pace to make it easy to follow.
• Articulate each word clearly, ensuring you pronounce consonants like T, D, S and Z sounds crisply.
• Pause between key points to give the audience time to absorb what you’re saying.

Doing this will not only help your audience to follow what you’re saying, but it will also give them more time to translate in their own heads if you need be. As an added bonus, speaking more slowly can also help you to look more confident when presenting in English – it’s a win win!

3. Support your words with visual aids

A well-designed presentation can reinforce your spoken message and help your audience understand it more easily. Visual aids can provide context and clarity, reducing the need for complex explanations.

• Use simple, well-spaced slides with minimal text to avoid overwhelming your audience.
• Incorporate visuals like images, simple graphs or icons to illustrate key points.
• Where possible, provide written summaries or handouts that people can refer back to later.

These techniques can make it easier for non-native English speakers to follow along, especially if they miss a word or phrase while listening.

4. Check for understanding and encourage interaction

It’s important to gauge whether your audience is following along and to create an environment where they feel comfortable asking questions. There are several ways to do this:

• Ask simple, open-ended questions such as, “Does this make sense?” or “Would you like me to explain that in another way?”
• Encourage participation by inviting people to summarize key points in their own words.
• Be patient and open to clarifying anything that isn’t understood.
• If you’re unsure of your audience’s level of English, ask them at the beginning. Make it clear that you are willing to slow down, repeat or explain in different ways if they need you to.

Additionally, if appropriate, consider repeating key messages in different ways or summarizing important points at the end of each section. This reinforces understanding and gives the audience multiple chances to absorb the information.

5. Use congruent body language to reinforce your message

Of course, one of the best ways to add clarity to your message is to use congruent body language to reinforce your ideas. Key things to think about include:

• Using your gestures to help give meaning to your words.
• Ensure your facial expressions are matching the ‘feel’ of the information that you’re sharing – is it positive news or something more negative? How can you show that on your face?
• Make regular eye contact with your audience to help to ‘check in’ with them and see if they understand.

Presenting to an audience that includes non-native English speakers requires thoughtfulness, patience, and a focus on clarity. By using clear and concise language, speaking slowly, incorporating visual aids, and actively checking for understanding, you can ensure that your message is effectively communicated. These small adjustments not only benefit non-native speakers but can also make your presentation more engaging and impactful for everyone in the audience.

Next time you prepare a presentation, keep these strategies in mind—you’ll create a more inclusive and accessible experience for all. And if you would like any support in doing that, get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to help.