Our first version missed the mark completely. The client wanted simple; we delivered complex. Frustration was building on both sides. Then, during a critical video call, I decided to change our approach. Instead of defending our work, I listened. Really listened. I asked the client to walk me through exactly what they envisioned, screen by screen. "Show me, don't tell me," became our new motto. The breakthrough was simple: we started drawing the solution together, step by step. No technical jargon. No assumptions. Just clear, visual communication. Two weeks later, the app was exactly what the client wanted. Not because we were technically brilliant, but because we learned to understand each other.

English is widely accepted as a common business language, making it easier to manage outsourced IT projects. Instead of focusing on verbal fluency, prioritize partners who communicate clearly through written channels like email or chat. Weekly voice or video calls can supplement regular updates effectively. To ensure smooth communication, use simple, clear language in all correspondence. Create a shared glossary for technical terms to avoid misunderstandings. Regular check-ins and a culture of open feedback help address any issues quickly and build stronger collaboration over time.

Short sprints, wireframes, and demos. Discuss outcomes not code. Focus on why, less on how. Why is x a functional requirement or why is y a technical requirement. When people know what they are designing for, the "how" falls in place.

starts with simplifying communication. In a past project, using tools like Grammarly and translation apps improved clarity by 25%. Establishing visual workflows and shared documentation ensures everyone stays aligned despite language differences. Regular check-ins help address any misunderstandings early.

Hire team members with multilingual skills who can act as bridges in communication, ensuring smoother interactions and deeper cultural understanding. Use tools like real-time translation in platforms such as Microsoft Teams or Google Translate to complement human efforts and enable seamless conversations. Simplify discussions by using clear, concise language and visual aids like charts or diagrams to enhance clarity. Foster cultural sensitivity through training and openness to different communication styles, building rapport and mutual respect. Regularly summarize meetings in writing to ensure alignment and minimize misinterpretations, creating a strong foundation for collaboration.

How about injecting some bi-lingual professionals in the team upfront. English is a global language so recruiting English speaking professionals upfront would help eliminate the language communication barrier.

prepare yourself for the meeting first then, if have some time prepare some visuals to present like a mindmap or any visual presentation. Remember visuals always get remembered. In the meanwhile focus on your communication skills improvement each day

To improve communication with offshore IT partners, use clear, plain language and rely on visual communication tools like flowcharts and diagrams. Set up frequent touchpoints, encourage written summaries after meetings, and create a shared vocabulary for technical terms to ensure alignment.

I was involved with a successful offshore outsource and found three helpful elements: - weekly calls with key players at a time that worked across time zones. - we had one resource on-site with the US team for 6 weeks to build a relationship between teams - tracking important tasks and planning in writing in a common framework used by all teams to track status and update each other Communication is key in writing and via meetings.

1. eye contacts 2. visual aids 3. talk slow 4. use bulletized format or excel 5. use simple and common english terms 6. always have online translator turned on 7. always ask for confirmation (yes/no) 8. be patience