How to Handle the Foreign Accent

By Nancy Friedman

It’s more and more common to talk with people whose native language isn’t our own. These accents can be both international and domestic. How many times have you talked with someone just from a different region of the county and not understood him or her? Miscommunication is easy with anyone who is not talking as we’re used to hearing. Today, with more and more business going global, it’s key to be ready to know how to deal with a foreign accent. Don’t forget, sometimes it’s us that has the foreign accent to others. To those from another country – we are the ones that have the foreign accent. So these tips will go both ways, and they’re effective both on the phone and in person.

Taken from our popular video of the same name, How to Handle the Foreign Accent, here are the 5 key points to know to help you at your job (and in your personal life, too) when working with someone who is difficult to understand – accent or not.

1. Don’t Pretend to Understand. It’s okay to gently explain you are having a little difficulty understanding the other person. Let’s face it, if you have an accent – you know it. So it’s not a surprise. One of the least effective things you could do when not understanding someone is to PRETEND you do. Some folks nod or say "okay," just to move the conversation along. That’s not doing anyone any good. It’s perfectly okay to simply and gently say, "I apologize. I am having a little difficulty understanding you. If you could slow down...just a little bit...I’ll be able to get it all correct for you." That’s the most important thing to the person with the accent; knowing you WANT to help and get it right. He or she is aware you might be having difficulty. And if you nod yes or pretend you understand, it won’t help the situation at all. Your tone of voice is international; universal. So keep it at a light, slower pace – and yes, smiling is also universal. Your smile is heard in any language.

The phrase I mention above is most effective – and a key phrase to learn. I know for a fact, it is accepted warmly. I’ve had many a person from another country come up and thank me for sharing that technique with the audience. It apologies, acknowledges, empathizes, and creates credibility. It shows you want to help.

2. Don’t RUSH. Rushing threatens callers. Often there’s a tendency to want to really rush someone who speaks with an accent. Not a good idea. Rushing threatens the best of us...let alone someone who is not able to express himself in our own style. Slow down. Not to excess of course, but if you find yourself constantly saying "uh huh," over and over in rapid succession, you’re probably rushing the customer.
   
   
3. Don’t Shout. They are NOT hard of hearing. We usually get a little laugh on this one. Many a time we subconsciously speak louder – or repeat the same word over and over, thinking that will help. It doesn’t. People with accents normally hear very well. It’s insulting to shout at them. Keep that smile on your face – it’ll show that you have the patience to help – and keep trying to let them know "you are there to help." It might take time, but it will help.
   
   
4. Don’t Be Rude. No one really thinks they’re rude. But if you’ve ever said: "Hey, I can’t understand you" or even a short, terse, "HUH?" – you’re considered rude. Again, go back to # 1 and explain you’re having a little difficulty understanding. They’ll often repeat it for you. If the situation is hopeless and you simply aren’t getting anywhere, don’t be embarrassed or afraid to call for help. Perhaps another person can better understand what the customer is saying. But remember, being shuffled from one person to another is frustrating to anyone – accent or not.
   
   
5. Do Keep a JOB Aid Available. Most often, we hear that 80% of the calls are from a certain area with the same accent. Be it all Hispanic, or all Asian, or all European. If your job has you working with a large percentage of one accent, keep a few simple phrases in that language near you. Short phrases that would let the customer know you’re trying. If you’re in an Hispanic environment, phrases like, "Un momento por favor" (One moment please) will help. Even if we mispronounce it, they’ll understand. Hopefully, there is someone in your area that is either fluent or well spoken in one particular language who can help you formulate an effective work aid.

And remember what we said earlier – your smile is universal. Use it early and often, no matter who you’re talking to!

Nancy Friedman is a KEYNOTE speaker at chamber & association conferences and corporate gatherings. Call (314) 291-1012 for more information or visit the Telephone Doctor Web site at www.TelephoneDocotor.com

Published in Networking Today, March 2004.