Presenting and communicating in a non-native language, particularly English, poses significant challenges for leaders, speakers, and scientists. These challenges can lead to struggles with paper publication, facing more rejections and revisions, and missed networking opportunities. It also presents opportunities for growth and development.
Non-native speakers can boost their confidence by slowing down their speech, pausing for audience comprehension, avoiding unnecessary pressure to sound like a native speaker, and "overlearning" through repetition to aid spontaneous speaking and reduce anxiety during delivery.
Strategies like prioritizing, and focusing on core content can also help boost confidence and authenticity during presentations.
Global collaboration and presenting in English pose additional challenges for non-native speakers. Overcoming language barriers in the scientific community has largely been left to individuals' own efforts, with minimal support provided historically, leading to increased time spent preparing papers and presentations.
Journals, institutions, funders, and conference organizers can take proactive steps to support non-native English speakers, such as offering English editing support, implementing programs to enhance inclusivity, exploring the use of AI tools like language editing software, and initiatives like special journal issues, designated sessions, and translation technology.
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq
Sources: Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, Louisiana State University, Australian Broadcasting Corporation