Even if you’ve studied English for years, understanding native speakers can still be a challenge. They often talk fast, use idioms or have strong accents. The problem is—they might not realise this.

The good news? You can ask for help. 

Many native speakers are happy to adjust—they just need to know how. Print out this list, send it as a message (or a sticky note) or even say it aloud when needed.

———-

Can We Adjust How We Talk? A Small Request!

I’m still learning English, so sometimes I might:

• Not understand fast speech (it’s hard to catch every word).
• Get confused by idioms (e.g., “break a leg”) or slang (“chinwag”)
• Miss cultural references (e.g., jokes about “The Office” TV show or local holidays).
• Struggle with strong accents (my ears aren’t used to them yet).

Could you help me by…

1. Speaking a little slower.
2. Using simpler words (e.g., “happy” instead of “ecstatic”).
3. Rephrasing (not repeating) if I look confused.
4. Explaining idioms or cultural references briefly if they’re important (“That phrase means…”).

Don’t worry!

• I’ll ask questions if I’m lost.
• It’s okay to check if I understand (“Does that make sense?”).

Thank you for being patient. Together, we’ll make this work.

……….

Good communication is a two-way street. Don’t be afraid to speak up—you deserve to be understood. 😊

What do you think? Would this help in your conversations?

Ever been asked a question where the answer is both yes and no?

In German, there’s a perfect word for that: “jein” (ja + nein). It’s simple, efficient and, frankly, something English could use.

So how do we express jein in English?

A few options:

• “Yes and no.” – The most direct translation.
• “It depends.” – Great for nuanced answers.
• “Sort of.” / “Not exactly.” – When the truth is somewhere in between.
• “Kind of, but not really.” – A casual alternative.

Or maybe it’s time for a new word—“yaybe” (yes + maybe)? 😆

What do you think—should English adopt jein?

Or do we already have enough ways to say it? 

Good conversations are not just about talking—they’re about saying the right things at the right time.

Imagine three gates in front of you before you speak:

🚪 Gate 1: Is it true?
🚪 Gate 2: Is it necessary?
🚪 Gate 3: Is it kind?

If your words pass through all three gates, they are worth saying.

In business, this can help you:

✅ Give honest but respectful feedback
✅ Share useful information, not just small talk
✅ Communicate in a way that builds trust

Speaking less but saying more is a powerful skill.

Try this today: Before speaking, pause and ask yourself—does this pass the three gates? 💡 

👉 Which of these three gates do you think is the hardest to follow? 

If you’ve heard the song “Jiggle Jiggle, It Folds” by British-American journalist and documentary maker Louis Theroux (and produced by Manchester-based DJ duo Duke & Jones), you know exactly why it’s stuck in my head.

The lyrics are fun and playful, and the catchy tune makes it impossible not to sing along (although it does need a bit of practice!). With its easy beat and clever rhymes, the song has become a viral hit.

The line “My money don’t jiggle jiggle, it folds” is particularly memorable—it’s simple, but somehow genius. It’s a perfect example of how a catchy phrase can take over and stay with you for days.

You need a mood boost or want to enjoy something light-hearted? Then this is a great tune to play.

So, if you haven’t heard it yet, check it out! You might find yourself singing “jiggle jiggle” before you even know it.

Check it out here (with the lyrics): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2W6gACB6MU

Wouldn’t it be nice if one big change solved everything? A new language app that makes you fluent overnight? A single habit that turns you into a confident speaker?

But as animal behavior scientist Temple Grandin wisely said:

“People are always looking for the single magic bullet that will completely change everything. There is no single magic bullet.”

Real progress doesn’t happen in a flash. It’s a bridge—between what we can do now and what we want to achieve. And we build that bridge one careful step at a time.

• Tiny steps lead to big changes.
• Consistency beats quick fixes.
• Small improvements create lasting results.

So, next time you feel stuck, don’t search for a magic bullet. Just take the next small step forward. That’s how real progress happens.

What’s one small step you can take today?

PS: Perhaps joining one of my free Speed Networking sessions?

I believe simple language is the strongest tool for powerful speeches.

Throughout history, leaders (like Nelson Mandela and Winston Churchill) have used plain words to share deep ideas.

Take Malala Yousafzai’s UN speech, for example—she spoke clearly and honestly, and her message touched many hearts.

Simple language helps everyone understand and feel the power of a message. It breaks down barriers and brings people together.

Even a few clear words can spark change and hope.

Which influential speech has inspired you the most?