How can you show empathy to non-native speakers?

Speak slowly and ensure they comprehend what you are saying. This can be done by rechecking if they follow what we were saying. Using simpler vocabulary should also be helpful for them.

Always speak in words that will be easy for people to understand and avoid using fancy language. If you have to draw things out or write things out as well. Finding a way to communicate has many ways but the key thing is to be vocal, patient, and overall have a smile and a tone that will allow the other person to gain trust.

In a modern work place where cell phones and goggle translate and internet are an option, I find in my experience that the best approach is to be polite and patient and accept the language barrier and use the tools available such as a translator app to approach the situation. I don’t feel that being clear and slow to a person that doesn’t know what you are saying is affective but maybe I’m alone in that opinion?

The most important way of empathy is to be calm first secondly be there in shoes specially for the eg.Customers has a concerns. also you have to be a good listener to them let them feel that you are with them to listen for that they are concerned with. While you listen you also open your heart clearly analyzing the problem and it will drive in right solution.

Speaking clearly and slowly is a simple yet powerful way to show empathy to non-native speakers. Be patient, take your time and avoid slang, idioms, or jargon – stick to plain language that’s easy to follow. This helps prevent confusion and frustration. It’s also a good idea to repeat or rephrase key points and ask open-ended questions to make sure they’ve understood you. Summarizing what they’ve said can also be really helpful. These small adjustments can make a big difference in making someone feel comfortable and respected. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely trying to connect and communicate effectively.

Listening actively and attentively is huge when it comes to showing empathy. It shows you care and respect the other person. For non-native speakers, it’s extra important to avoid distractions, interruptions, and judgments. Really focus on what they’re saying and how they’re saying it. Remember that a large component of communication is non-verbal. Use little cues like nodding, smiling, or saying “mm-hmm” to show you’re engaged and following along. These small gestures can make them feel heard and understood, which is key to building trust and making communication smoother. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in what they have to say.

Before taking on a program, understand your audience. Research is important to not commit cultural faux pas. Some cultures are less accepting of being called up to answer something, so sometimes a little bit of competition going on eases those cultural issues. There is a need to use words attendees are familiar with, including slang as they would be more accepting of a trainer/facilitator in that regard. This does not mean having to speak in slang throughout, it is about word dropping in order to be accepted.

I have been in both situations and I believe that the first thing is to be empathetic and patient and to treat them as we would like to be treated ourselves.

Always emphasize that you are there to listen and encourage them to continue in any way they know to ask or express themselves. This way one can also learn their language at times. By encouraging and expressing to others that they are not a bother or taking time from you l, they will feel comfortable and in turn spread word that you and your company/staff are willing to listen and take the time help without anyone making them feel rushed or a bother.

Understanding different cultures enriches our perspective. They may have unique insights and ways of approaching problems that we can learn from. Observing how people from other countries navigate different environments can teach us valuable lessons in adaptability and resilience. Engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds helps us gain insights into global issues and encourages collaboration on solving common challenges. Interacting with them can challenge our assumptions and broaden our horizons, leading to personal growth and development.

Simply ask questions about their culture how and what they celebrate what significance each aspect of their traditions mean and how much of an influence impacts their life. This way you will know and understand how a person is and why they may or may not partake in certain western traditions or experiences.

Sometimes a classroom setting does not work, instead there was a particular instance I changed what had to be done and gathered participants in a circle to share. This requires though an understanding and deep empathy for what they do and the situations they face, so again, research is key to understand every single nuance. To remove the authoritative feel and to inject something that's more familiar to them can work. In some instances, it can be done in simple ways such as dressing more casually than usual or to remove that jacket if you were wearing one.