Learning strategies & the 50/50 method
How do you stop international colleagues from switching straight to English?
You try to speak Dutch, German or French at work, but the moment you make one small mistake, the person you're talking to switches straight to English. Sound familiar? With these 5 practical strategies, you stay in control of the conversation and build the confidence to speak up in no time.
It is one of the most common frustrations our learners share: you have practised for weeks, you start a conversation in the target language full of good intentions, and after one hesitant sentence your colleague kindly replies in fluent English. Well-meant, but disastrous for your learning process. With these five strategies, you stay in control.
1. Announce your intention
Tell your conversation partner in advance that you are learning the language and that you would like to have the conversation in that language, even if it goes more slowly. People almost always respect that request; they usually only switch because they think they are helping you by doing so.
2. Consistently reply in the target language
Does your colleague switch to English anyway? Then simply reply in the language you are learning. This feels awkward at first, but the signal is clear: we are having this conversation in your target language. Usually the other person switches back within two sentences.
3. Prepare your 'rescue phrases'
Memorise a handful of phrases you can use to keep a conversation going in the target language: 'Could you say that a little more slowly?', 'What does that word mean?', 'I may not say it perfectly, but I would like to try.' That way you do not have to reach for English when you get stuck for a moment.
4. Choose your practice moments deliberately
Not every conversation is a good moment to practise. An urgent meeting about a deadline is not the place to wrestle with cases. Choose low-pressure moments, the coffee machine, lunch, one-on-ones, and build up from there.
5. Build your foundation with a trainer
The courage to speak grows with competence. The stronger your foundation, the less often conversation partners feel the urge to switch. In our individual training, you practise exactly the conversation situations from your own working life with a certified trainer, a safe environment to make mistakes, so that you come across with confidence in the workplace.
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