When you’re communicating for business purposes, being a professional isn’t optional. That holds true whether you’re interacting with English-speaking colleagues or with those whose English proficiency are at a less than optimal level.
Of course, projecting an air of professionalism is not as easy when you’re conversing in a foreign tongue. Regardless, you should do everything within your power to bring a professional tone to your interactions. For instance, you can:
- Learn the basics of professional business communication in the language. Many foreign language software specifically target business communicators. You may not be able to completely grasp the nuances of a vernacular, especially one that’s industry-specific, but knowing how to show tact and respect can go a long way.
- If you hold correspondences in written form, such as email, have someone knowledgeable proofread it. Use a language checking software, if necessary.
- Know the local customs. Do they expect calls to be returned promptly? Is it acceptable to put it off for a day? Get acquainted with how they conduct business and arrange to be able to fulfill those expectations.
When you communicate in a professional manner, it fosters an image that reflects both on you and your organization. That’s true whether that picture paints you in a good or bad light.