Speaking English to Americans

English speaking 2020

Speaking English to Americans create challenges for those from other cultures.  People from countries such as China or India may misinterpret words when American culture seeps into a conversation.    

English Speaking 2020 will examine several cultural aspects of talking to Americans over the next few weeks with the goal of effective English speaking.

Today’s discussion involves Americans belief in self-reliance.

Many Americans believe individuals create their own success. People from China or India are more likely to see success as a collective effort of family and community.

A big-world example is trade war between the US and China.  China’s government helps Chinese companies succeed with collective support while individualistic American companies call it unfair trade practices.  The cultures collide.

Six years in China taught me how much students consider family when making decisions.  Americans students love their families but are more likely to make decisions as individuals.

On a personal level you’re more likely to hear an American student say “I graduated from college” while a Chinese student might say “My family put me through college.”  The cultures differ.

This self-reliant streak in Americans fosters independent thinking and speaking.   

Keep self-reliance and independence in mind when talking to an American.  They take pride in being self-reliant individuals and will not be shy to tell you.     

Tip: Listen for self-reliance when talking to an American. Ask questions or compliment individualism for a positive outcome.

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For hundreds of tips to improve English speaking then consider John McGory’s book Seeking Balance:  The ultimate guide to English-speaking excellence for the shy, foreign, or frustrated

Seeking Balance helps you

  1. Become a confident English speaker
  2. Seamlessly navigate speaking situations
  3. Create a strong public-speaking persona
  4. Control challenging conversations 
  5. Build business and social relationships
  6. Understand cultural differences
  7. Develop excellent speaking skills

English Speaking 2020 and yinyang

English Speaking 2020 follows the Chinese philosophy of yinyang.  It believes opposite forces are complimentary. For example, the moon and stars need the darkness to highlight their beauty.

Our speaking habits often reflect either the moon and stars or the darkness, leaving people unable to see our true beauty.

Improve communication by balancing your light and dark English-speaking forces. 

English Speaking 2020 is free and cover a wide range of topics that only take a minute or two to let your moon and stars shine brightly in the darkness. Follow and share us on your favorite social media outlets. 

Here’s to you becoming a more productive English speaker in 2020.

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