As Brazilian executives, you are known for your warmth, courtesy, and a natural inclination towards politeness. These are admirable qualities that foster strong relationships. However, when it comes to communicating in English in a professional setting, there’s one habit that often undermines your authority and impact: excessive apologizing for your English.
“Sorry for my English,” “My English isn’t perfect,” “Please excuse my accent.”
Do any of these sound familiar? While seemingly harmless and intended to show humility, these phrases can inadvertently send the wrong message in high-stakes international business environments.
The Unintended Consequences of Constant Apologies
In the fast-paced world of global business, every word matters. When you preface your contributions with an apology for your language, you risk:
- Undermining Your Credibility: Even if your English is excellent, an apology can signal a lack of confidence or a perceived weakness. This can lead others to unconsciously discount your valuable insights, simply because you’ve suggested a limitation.
- Distracting from Your Message: The focus shifts from the brilliant idea you’re about to present to the perceived “imperfection” of your delivery. Your audience might start listening for errors instead of absorbing your content.
- Appearing Less Authoritative: Executives are expected to exude confidence and competence. Apologies can erode the perception of authority, especially in cultures where directness and self-assurance are highly valued.
- Creating a Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: The more you apologize, the more you reinforce the idea in your own mind that your English is “not good enough,” leading to increased anxiety and potentially hindering your fluency
CEO Inglês | Coaching e Curso de Inglês particular para executivos e empresários
You’ve Earned Your Seat at the Table – Your English is a Tool, Not a Barrier
Consider this: You’ve reached your executive position through intelligence, strategic thinking, hard work, and a proven track record. Your insights, your experience, and your uniquely Brazilian perspective are precisely why you are valued in international discussions. Your English, even with an accent or an occasional grammatical slip, is simply the vehicle for sharing those valuable assets.
Think of it this way: Would you apologize for your unique perspective as a Brazilian executive? Of course not. You’d embrace it. Your English, with its authentic accent, is part of that authenticity.
From Apology to Authority: Practical Strategies
It’s time to reframe your mindset and refine your communication habits. Here’s how to stop apologizing and start owning your voice:
- Shift Your Mindset: Recognize that your English is a tool, not a performance. Your objective is clear communication, not flawless elocution. Embrace your accent as a part of your identity, not a flaw. Many global leaders speak English with accents; it adds character, not detraction.
- Focus on Clarity, Not Perfection: Instead of striving for unattainable “perfection,” focus on being clear, concise, and impactful. Prioritize getting your message across effectively. If you occasionally choose a simpler sentence structure for clarity, that’s a strength, not a weakness.
- Rephrase with Confidence: If you’re truly worried about being misunderstood, instead of apologizing, use phrases that demonstrate your commitment to clear communication:
- Instead of: “Sorry for my English, but…”
- Try: “To be clear, my point is…”
- Instead of: “My English isn’t good enough to explain this…”
- Try: “Let me put this another way to ensure clarity…”
- If you need to clarify a point: “Did I explain that clearly?” or “Is there anything you’d like me to elaborate on?” – These questions show engagement, not apology.
- Embrace “Strategic Pauses” over Fillers: When you’re searching for a word or forming a thought, a confident pause is far more impactful than “um,” “uh,” or a nervous apology. It signals thoughtful consideration.
- Practice Assertive Communication: Work on techniques that allow you to interject, express opinions, and challenge ideas respectfully and directly in English. This is a skill that comes with practice and confidence in your linguistic abilities.
Your Value Transcends Language
Your unique perspective as a Brazilian executive is a significant asset in the global marketplace. The insights you bring, your cultural understanding, and your business acumen are invaluable. Don’t let a misplaced apology for your English diminish the powerful contribution you make.
At [Your Website Name], we empower Brazilian executives to communicate with the confidence and precision that global leadership demands. Our programs focus on elevating your English from a tool you “manage” to a powerful asset you “wield.”
It’s time to silence the inner critic and let your executive voice shine through – in English, on your terms.
Ready to own your message and ditch the apologies?
CEO Inglês | Coaching e Curso de Inglês particular para executivos e empresários
