Winston Churchill famously said once – “England and the United States are two countries separated by a common language”. I have found the same to be true as an Australian living in the US today.
As an Australian working internationally, one of my biggest revelations was about our speaking patterns. For example, like many Aussies, I had always assumed we were relatively slow speakers. The reality? We’re anything but! This realization hit home when I started working with international colleagues. What I considered a normal pace was actually quite rapid for many non-Australian English speakers. It became clear that I needed to consciously adjust my communication style and pace to be more effective.
I Made The Adjustments
Several key changes helped bridge the communication gap I was experiencing: Slowing Down: The most significant adjustment was deliberately speaking at a slower pace. This wasn’t just about dragging out words – it meant being more thoughtful about my delivery and giving others time to process what I was saying. Better Articulation: Clear pronunciation became crucial. What sounds perfectly clear to Australian ears might be confusing for others. I found myself paying extra attention to how I formed each word. I even learned to pronounce some words using American accent, for for example water became “warrterr” so I would stop getting blank stares in restaurants. Word Choice: Australian English has its own unique vocabulary and expressions that don’t always translate well internationally. I learned to be more mindful about the words I chose, often avoiding colloquialisms that might confuseAmericans, and some that out right offended them 🙂
The Impact?
These adjustments not only improved my professional communications but also led to deeper, more meaningful interactions with people from different cultural backgrounds inside the US, as well as my overseas clients. What started as a challenge became an opportunity for personal growth and better cross-cultural understanding. It also added gravitas to the idea that it may not be international cultures but behaviors or other differences we need to bridge.
Key Takeaways
The experience taught me that effective communication isn’t just about speaking the same language – it’s about being aware of how we deliver our message. For anyone working globally or across a different team culture, this might mean:
- Being conscious of our natural speaking pace
- Taking time to articulate clearly
- Choosing words that have universal domestic understanding
- Staying mindful of cultural differences in communication styles
Remember, successful communication isn’t about changing who we are – it’s about adapting our style to ensure our message is received as intended. Communication is what the listener does – so if the listener does not act as intended, then the communication break is on you and your delivery.
ACTION STEPS:
- Where are you experiencing communication disconnects with your team / friends /family?
- Take note of what they are and how you might be causing them
- Talk to the other party / ies and see if you cant work things through
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