Make a Difference: How Everyone Can Support Non-Native English Speakers

Be the Person Who Helps: Supporting Non-Native English Speakers

Have you ever struggled to understand a non-native speaker during a conversation? Did you nod along, pretending to follow, even when you were lost? Have you hesitated to ask someone to repeat themselves, worried about causing embarrassment? Have you wanted to suggest a language resource or offer help but weren’t sure how to do so tactfully?

Communicating in a second or third language can be challenging, but there are many ways you can help make conversation easier for non-native English speakers.

5 Tips for Smoother Conversations with Non-Native English Speakers

1. Speak slowly, use clear pronunciation, and ask the other person to speak more slowly as well.
2. Use simple words when possible. Refrain from using idioms or expressions that your conversation partner may not understand.
3. Be honest! Don’t pretend to understand something if you don’t.
4. Remember that communicating with someone who doesn’t speak English well or clearly can be frustrating for both of you. Patience always helps!
5. Make a point of learning a few words in different languages. Being able to say “Hello,” “How are you?” or “Thank you” in the other person’s language can relieve tension and make everyone feel more comfortable.

But what if you feel that the person could use some extra help?

How to Be a Genuine Support to Non-Native English Speakers

1. Start by listening. Ask open-ended questions about their experience and let them lead the conversation. People open up when they feel heard, not evaluated.
2. Normalize the struggle. English pronunciation is genuinely hard, especially for adults learning it later in life. A simple acknowledgment — “that must take a lot of effort” — can mean more than you’d expect.
3. Don’t rush to fix. Offering help before someone is ready can backfire. Let trust build naturally before suggesting resources or solutions.
4. Be mindful of when and where. If you want to bring up the topic of language support, choose a private, quiet moment.
5. Follow their lead. Some people want practical help; others would just appreciate some empathy. Reading that difference is just as important as knowing what resources exist.
6. Be a safe person to practice with. One of the most valuable things you can offer is a judgment-free space to speak, stumble, and try again.
7. Check in over time. A one-time offer of support means less than someone who makes themselves available, time and again, with patience and consistency.

Language is more than words — it’s how we connect, build trust, and show up in the world. Being the person who helps someone feel truly heard is one of the most generous things you can offer.

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