TLDR;
The speaker discusses how effective communication in English is more about attitude than proficiency. They share anecdotes illustrating how focusing on the listener and the desired outcome, rather than grammatical perfection, leads to clearer and more confident communication. The speaker emphasizes that English is now a global tool for connection and results, advocating for a shift in how it's taught and approached, especially in multilingual communities like Malaysia.
- Communication effectiveness hinges on attitude, not just English proficiency.
- Focus on the listener and desired outcome, not self-judgment.
- English is a global tool for connection, not an art to be mastered.
Introduction [0:22]
The speaker has spent 20 years helping Southeast Asians improve their English and has found that communication skills depend more on attitude than English level. People with lower English proficiency can communicate effectively by focusing on their audience and desired outcome. The speaker will share insights on how these individuals achieve this, why it's important for communities like Malaysia, and a practical tip for speaking with confidence.
The Piano Player vs. The Gamer [1:47]
The speaker draws a parallel between her daughter's dread of piano lessons and many Malaysians' anxiety about speaking English. Both are often driven by a fear of making mistakes and being judged. The speaker contrasts this with a person playing a video game at a cybercafe, who, despite being bad at the game, is completely focused on the game and unconcerned with how others perceive them. This gamer embodies the attitude of people like Faizal, who communicate effectively in English by concentrating on the conversation and desired outcome, not their own perceived shortcomings.
Real-Life Examples [6:19]
The speaker shares a personal anecdote from a pharmacy to illustrate the difference between focusing on correctness versus focusing on the listener. A well-dressed sales representative with high-level English skills overwhelms the speaker with technical details about omega supplements, failing to provide useful advice. In contrast, a counter girl with limited English gives clear, practical advice by focusing on the speaker's needs and using simple language to achieve a result. This highlights that effective communication is about clarity and connection, not just linguistic perfection.
English as a Global Tool [9:10]
The speaker emphasizes that English is now primarily a language used between non-native speakers. Native speakers account for a small percentage of English conversations worldwide. English is no longer a language to be mastered as an art but a tool to achieve a result. The speaker shares a story about engineers from France, Korea, and Japan struggling to communicate about cheese in a hot dog, illustrating how creative and imperfect English can still be effective for understanding and collaboration.
Shifting the Focus in Education [12:01]
The speaker argues that English education often focuses too much on correctness rather than clarity, which can hinder real-world communication skills. Students are sometimes penalized for minor grammatical errors even when they demonstrate comprehension. This approach can lead to anxiety and a tendency to overthink when speaking English in adulthood, causing listeners to misunderstand them.
The Key to Confident Communication [14:42]
The speaker advises to focus on the other person and the desired outcome, rather than on oneself. By adopting this mindset, individuals can communicate more confidently and effectively, regardless of their English level. The speaker envisions a future generation of Malaysians who approach English with the same confident communication style as Faizal, understanding that it is a tool for achieving results.