Stop comparing your English to theirs

There’s always someone in the meeting whose English sounds smoother than yours. You hear them speak and immediately start judging yourself.

But here’s the problem.

You’re comparing your English from the inside, with all the effort, hesitation and searching for words, to someone else’s English from the outside.

That’s never a fair comparison.

And often you’re comparing yourself to the wrong person anyway. Someone who grew up with English. Someone who’s had years more practice. Someone who’s led this type of meeting countless times.

Their fluency isn’t your goal.

Being understood is.

Quick win: The next time you catch yourself comparing, ask yourself one question instead.

“Was I understood?“

If the answer is yes, your English did exactly what it needed to do.