How do you overcome language barriers when speaking at a conference?

I remember the first time I did public speaking and I had the jitters to be able to speak in front of an audience. What I've learned is that it's not the language that's a challenge but how you deliver the message. Language is a medium of expression and if you're passion outshines in your delivery, your confidence reflect.

Researching your audience is crucial when speaking at a conference, especially to overcome language barriers. By understanding their backgrounds, cultural nuances, and language proficiency, you can tailor your message to resonate better. This helps you choose simpler language, avoid jargon, and use relatable examples that everyone can grasp. Plus, it shows your audience that you value their understanding, which fosters connection and engagement. When you meet them where they are, you're more likely to keep their attention and ensure your message lands effectively. In short, knowing your audience can turn a potentially challenging situation into a powerful communication opportunity!

Explain what you're saying, why you're saying it, and why it's useful, how the audience can use it. I taught English in China. Some of my classes were about the deeper cultural sources of idiomatic language: myths and legends, Shakespeare, Bible stories, popular understanding of history, etc. I needed my students to get my main point. What I was teaching was what any average intelligence adult would know in America, not rocket science. I explained what I was teaching, why it was useful, taught the lesson, and reviewed. I gave my students time to connect the concepts at their level of English and I gave them a framework to hang their understanding on.

Start by avoiding jargon and complex vocabulary; instead, use everyday words that everyone can understand. Break your ideas into short, straightforward sentences to make them easier to follow. Incorporate visuals, like slides or props, to reinforce your points without relying solely on words. When you speak, maintain a steady pace and pause occasionally to give the audience time to absorb what you’re saying. Encouraging questions and feedback can also clarify any confusion. Overall, the goal is to make your message as accessible as possible, so everyone feels included!

Using visual aids and subtitles is a fantastic way to overcome language barriers at a conference. Visual aids, like slides or infographics, can help convey your message quickly and clearly, making it easier for everyone to grasp the main ideas, even if they struggle with the language. Use images, charts, and diagrams that complement your speech and reinforce your points. Subtitles are also incredibly helpful; they provide a written version of what you’re saying, which can aid understanding for those who might not catch every word. Just make sure the subtitles are clear and easy to read. Together, these tools can create a more inclusive environment, allowing everyone to engage with your content!

Learn how to use PowerPoint well. Don't put all your notes on the slides. Certainly don't read from the slides. Put key terms and definitions, key things like hard to spell words and key facts and figures on slides.

Professional conference interpreters, especially those belonging to a respected professional association such as the International Conference Interpreters' Association (AIIC), will ensure your message is correctly and fully relayed to your target audience. Getting lost in translation or your message falling on deaf ears are not desirable outcomes, and translation apps are still AI- or software-based, therefore they fail to grasp all of the nuances and cultural facets a person would get in a heartbeat. Lastly, don't forget to properly brief your conference interpreters - the more we know about your message and intention, the better we can ensure you sound as confident and engaging in another language.

While studying for my undergraduate, I always made an effort to at least practice my speech a week in advance to make sure I was prepared. One of the biggest struggles that I faced even as an extrovert was the fact that others may "ridicule" or "make fun of" your presentation. However, the most important part is to realize that as long as you try your best it is not important of what others think. It is better to practice and do as much as you can. I know that while my presentations were not perfect, I did my best to leave my audience with a smile or something informative. Do not let the pressure or anxiety overwhelm you from doing your best! Let it drive you! I suggest doing mediation such as prayer as well.

Expressing ideas in a foreign language is not easy. As a native French working in English 90% of the time, I have 3 recommendations for you: 1. Learn to be fluent in the language, not necessarily the professional jargon, it can be daily life things. This will help build confidence. Once you have this confidence, start scripting your content. 2. Top tip to sound natural when you present on stage is not to script full sentences, but rather bullet points so that your brain has to build the sentence live. You don't want to sound like a robot delivering content. 3. Don't be scared to state the obvious in your intro, believe me, people will appreciate that and will respect you for your effort!