Imagine being in an important meeting where you have a great idea—but you hold back because you’re unsure about your English. Many EFL/ESL professionals see their English communication skills as a weakness. This belief can wreak havoc on your confidence. When you feel unsure, it becomes even harder to speak up, share ideas, or present in meetings.
But what if your English skills are not a weakness? What if, in the right context, they are a powerful strength?
Simon Sinek, a well-known leadership expert, once said that we do not have “strengths” or “weaknesses”—we have attributes that can work for or against us depending on the situation. For EFL/ESL professionals, this idea is powerful. It suggests that what feels like a language weakness might actually be a hidden advantage in certain contexts.
We all have attributes. An attribute is a characteristic or quality we all have. In some situations, that attribute is a strength. In other situations, it can feel like a weakness.
For example, being “disorganized” might seem like a weakness. But in one story Sinek shared in his interview, his disorganization actually helped him land a business opportunity. Why? His disorganization led him to misplace contact information of a person he met. This delayed his contacting the person. However, the delay made the other person believe he was very busy and in high demand. His “weakness” became a strength.
The same can be true for your English skills. In the right situations, the way you communicate as a non-native speaker is a unique advantage.
Reframe Your “Weakness” as a Strength
Shifting how you think about your communication style can boost your confidence and help you see your English skills as valuable. Here are a few ways to change how you see your English communication
- Clear and Simple Communication
Many non-native speakers speak more clearly and directly. In business, this is a strength. If you speak simply, people can understand you better. While others might use complicated language, you focus on what is most important. - Active Listening
If you are not rushing to respond (because you may be hesitant to join in the conversation), you are probably listening carefully. This helps you catch important details others may miss. Good listeners are often better at building trust and understanding. - Thoughtful Responses
It might take more time to find the right words, but your replies are often more thoughtful. Your careful communication can add value because you think before you speak. - Simplifying Complex Ideas
Because you may be translating ideas in your head, you often explain things in simple ways. This is a great skill, especially when working with global teams. Clear and simple ideas help everyone understand and stay on the same page.
How to “Stack the Deck” in Your Favor
Simon Sinek suggests that we should “stack the deck.” This means creating situations where your attributes work as strengths. Here are some ways to do that:
- Choose Your Communication Style
If speaking under pressure is difficult, suggest other ways to share your ideas. For example, follow up with a clear email after a meeting. This gives you time to organize your thoughts. - Find an “English Extrovert”
If presenting alone in English feels stressful, partner with someone who is more comfortable speaking. They can help share the speaking load while you focus on your key points. - Own Your Strengths
Recognize what you do well. Your global perspective, active listening, and clear communication are valuable. Focus on these strengths instead of worrying about what you cannot do.
Your Takeaway?
Your English skills are not a weakness—they are attributes. They are attributes, that in the right context, become strengths. Instead of focusing on your limitations, ask yourself:
In what situations is my way of communicating a strength?
When you start to reframe your thinking, you will feel more confident and capable.
And that confidence will help you make your voice heard!
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