Using More Idioms and Colloquial Expressions to Make Your Communications More Interesting and Evocative—Action Item for Foreign-borns As Well As Those Who Manage or Lead Them

This morning, while listening to NPR’s “Morning Edition,” I was thrilled to learn that Christine Ammer has come out with an all-new edition of her book on American idioms and colloquial expressions--“The American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms—Second Edition.”

I have possessed a copy of her first edition since 2002, during which time I must have consulted it hundreds of times. It comes in most handy when I am trying to spice up an email or other piece of writing, or an upcoming presentation, with an interesting expression whose meaning I am not 100% sure of. Of course, I also refer to it on those rare occasions when I hear an idiom or colloquial expression that I am not perfectly familiar with.

When I arrived in the U.S. in 1977 from Bombay, I already had a superior command of English because that was my primary language both at home and at work. Yet, I was not able to understand every expression uttered by my professors and fellow-students at Northwestern because American English teems with idioms and other expressions that are unique to this country. And for the same reason, whenever I spoke in class, I must have sounded so very austere, and formal, and alien not only because of my accent but because my speech was devoid of colloquial expressions.

Strongly recommended action items for both foreign-borns and those who manage or lead them:

1. For foreign-borns: From the preceding narrative, it should be obvious to every foreign-born employee that it is in their interest to acquire a good dictionary of American idiom and refer to it frequently. Remember, when trying to “connect” with a mainstream American instantly, it helps if your language is interesting, fun, and pleasing. Merely having the ability to speak English is not sufficient.

2. For managers/ supervisors of foreign-born employees: They, too, should posses such a dictionary and proudly display it on their office bookshelves, even if they are intimately familiar with the idioms commonly encountered in the American workplace,  Why? Because, by occasionally grabbing such a book and making at least a pretense of referring to it with enthusiasm, in full view of the others, they would inspire and encourage their foreign-born employees to acquire their own idiom dictionaries and use them frequently.

© Copyright 2013  V. J. Singal

New Seminar/ Coaching Topic for Executives and Managers who have Foreign-born Employees

At the urging of some of my client firms, including Technip, I have developed the following new topic: 

For those who manage foreign-born employees:

(i) How to "connect" and establish a stronger bond with your foreign-borns. 

(ii) Strategies and tactics to help enhance the communication effectiveness of those foreign-born employees.      

Thus, to help increase productivity and strengthen the esprit de corps within organizations that comprise one or more foreign-born employees, I now offer the following topics by way of seminars and one-on-one coaching:

A. the one mentioned above, and

B. For foreign-borns:

(i) How to "connect" and engage with the typical American professional. 

(ii) Strategies and tactics to compensate for the loss in communication effectiveness that occurs because of an accent.

The topics at B were very well received at one of Shell Oil’s annual events for employees of Asian origin.

Email me or call me at 281-463-2500 if you or your organization needs help. I will be delighted to send a proposal.

© Copyright 2012  V. J. Singal