What are the most effective ways to communicate with stakeholders who do not speak your primary language?

1 Know your audience

Before you communicate with your stakeholders, you need to understand who they are, what they care about, and how they prefer to receive information. This will help you tailor your message and choose the most appropriate channel and format. For example, if your stakeholders are mostly young and tech-savvy, you might use social media, videos, or podcasts to communicate your CSR efforts. If your stakeholders are more traditional and formal, you might use newsletters, reports, or webinars. You should also research the cultural norms and expectations of your stakeholders, and avoid any words, images, or gestures that might be offensive or misunderstood.

2 Use simple and clear language

When you communicate with stakeholders who do not speak your primary language, you should use simple and clear language that avoids jargon, slang, or idioms. You should also use short sentences and paragraphs, and use bullet points, headings, and subheadings to organize your information. You should also avoid using acronyms or abbreviations, unless you explain them first. You should also use active voice and positive tone, and emphasize the benefits and impacts of your CSR actions. You should also use examples, stories, or testimonials to illustrate your points and make them more relatable.

3 Translate and localize your content

If possible, you should translate and localize your content for your stakeholders who do not speak your primary language. Translation means converting your content from one language to another, while localization means adapting your content to the specific context and culture of your audience. You should use professional translators or localization services to ensure the accuracy and quality of your content. You should also test and review your content before you distribute it, and ask for feedback from your stakeholders or local partners. You should also be prepared to answer any questions or clarifications that might arise from your content.

4 Use visual aids and multimedia

Another way to communicate with stakeholders who do not speak your primary language is to use visual aids and multimedia to support your message. Visual aids and multimedia can help you convey your CSR information in a more engaging and memorable way, and can also reduce the dependence on words. You can use images, graphs, charts, infographics, videos, or animations to illustrate your CSR data, goals, achievements, or stories. You should also use captions, subtitles, or voice-overs to provide additional information or translation. You should also use colors, symbols, and fonts that are appropriate and appealing for your audience.

5 Leverage technology and tools

Technology and tools can also help you communicate with stakeholders who do not speak your primary language. You can use online platforms, apps, or software to create, share, or access your CSR content. You can also use communication tools, such as email, chat, or video conferencing, to interact with your stakeholders in real time or asynchronously. You can also use translation tools, such as Google Translate, to translate your content or speech, or to understand your stakeholders' feedback. However, you should be aware of the limitations and errors of these tools, and always verify and proofread your content.

6 Seek feedback and improvement

Finally, you should seek feedback and improvement from your stakeholders who do not speak your primary language. Feedback can help you measure the effectiveness of your communication, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of your CSR content. You can use surveys, polls, quizzes, or interviews to collect feedback from your stakeholders, and use metrics, such as views, clicks, shares, or ratings, to analyze your feedback. You should also thank your stakeholders for their feedback, and use it to improve your communication and your CSR performance.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?