- Speak concisely and clearly without mumbling or running words together.
- Use natural tone and rhythm. Natural English emphasizes content words which are important for the listener.
- Avoid speaking louder than normal but don’t speak under your breath either. English learners are not usually hard of hearing but a dynamic dialogue can be easier to understand than soft speech. Gestures or actions can be helpful.
- Avoid speaking too fast. Pause after a sentence or two to give the listener a chance to sort out what you have said. Allow time for response.
- Avoid unnecessary words. For example, “This isn’t a particularly good idea for obvious reasons.” Just say “This is not a good idea.”
- Avoid embedded sentences and multiple clauses. “She’s the person who was helping us when we used the map that showed us how to get to the class from here,” is confusing to the ESL listener.
- Use simple vocabulary. Instead of “It would be my preference to meet alternate weeks on Monday mid-afternoon,” say “I would like to meet every second Monday afternoon.”
- Avoid idioms. An English learner probably does not understand the meaning of “I realized after the fact that I was barking up the wrong tree.”
- Do not use “pidgin English,” such as “go food store” instead of “Let’s go to the supermarket.” It is demeaning to the listener and not helpful for understanding or for learning.
- Be mindful whether the listener has learned informal or formal English. Some learners know book English, so they are better at formal, Standard English. Others have learned English by listening (ear learners) so they may understand informal English better.
- Don’t assume learners understand everything you say, even when you speak well. It is not enough to ask a group "Does everyone understand?" Many people would hesitate to speak up. Check frequently for understanding by asking specific questions.
- If someone with limited English indicates that he or she doesn't understand something it won't help if you give a long, complicated explanation. That would just be more English that the person doesn't understand. Backtrack and explain your point more simply, using actions, writing, pictures, and short, simple restatements.
NOTE: This list is available as a handout - email janetl@chilliwacklearning.com
