Understand Native English Speakers
Understanding Native English Speakers
in Professional Contexts
Is professional communication in English important in your work?
If so, having competent English listening skills is critical. But understanding native English speakers can present unexpected challenges if English is not your first language.
You may be in an important meeting, undertaking negotiations or attending an international conference. You need to communicate with clients or colleagues from the UK, the USA, Australia, or other countries. Some speakers are clear and easy to follow but others leave you feeling lost.
What is happening?
Why communication feels difficult
Here are a few reasons for why you may find native or proficient English speakers difficult to understand:
Accent
English is spoken as a first language in many countries worldwide. Each country has evolved its own distinctive accent and, within individual countries, accents also vary. For example, in the United Kingdom, you will find a wide variety of regional and local dialects and accents. People from Scotland sound very different to someone from Wales or from London.
Rate of Speech and Intonation
Native speakers often talk quickly. They also blend words together in a way that can sound like a blur. For example, sounds or syllables may be omitted when speaking (this is known as elision): camera becomes cam-ra, chocolate becomes choc-late and history becomes hist-ry.
Colloquial Language & Idioms
Colloquial language is also known as ‘everyday language'. It is the informal way people speak when going about their daily activities. Colloquial language is also highly localised - every place will have its own cultural references.
Everyday language contains many informal expressions that do not translate literally.
"I'm off now" means “I'm leaving now”
“I don’t get it” means “I don’t understand (the joke, the implication)”
“We have hit a snag” means that “We have encountered a problem”.
Phrasal Verbs
These verb combinations, such as ´to come across´ or ´to make up´ are a part of the English language. They often have multiple and subtle meanings, making them especially tricky for non-native listeners.
Here are at least four meanings for the phrasal verb: ‘To wind up’
To finish or to end: “We need to wind up the meeting now. It’s late.”
To close permanently / to end a business or trade: “His uncle decided to wind up the company. All the staff will be out of a job.”
To be in a situation, maybe unexpectedly: “How did they wind up in London? I thought that they were going to Paris!”
To irritate or annoy someone : "Those two wind each other up. They are always exchanging insults.”
What will help?
Below are some practical strategies to try:
Recognize the Challenge
Understanding native and high-level English speakers can be challenging. Acknowledge this without self-criticism.
Evaluate the Context
Consider the setting and your role within it. Focus on understanding key information rather than every word.
Build Your Listening Skills
Immerse yourself in everyday English.
Read blogs, books, and poetry
Listen to podcasts, music, and radio shows
Watch series, films, and documentaries (with and without subtitles). Seek out ones that use natural, conversational English.
Study Everyday Language
Explore idioms, phrasal verbs, and informal expressions. Familiarity with these phrases will help you recognize them in conversation.
Ask for help
Communication is a two-way process. Native speakers may not always adjust their speech to accommodate non-native listeners. Do not hesitate to ask someone to repeat themselves or clarify what they mean. If needed, seek a colleague who can help bridge the gap.
Download the Guide
If this is something that you experience regularly, I have put together a short guide on understanding native English speakers—covering accents, fast speech, and informal language in more detail, with practical examples. You can access it here.
Professional Communication Language
Use these phrases when you haven’t understood what has been said to you:.
“Sorry, I didn’t catch what you said. Could you repeat it? “
“Apologies, I didn’t understand. Could you speak more slowly, please?”
“I’m not familiar with that term. Could you clarify what you mean?”
“Just a minute and I’ll ask my colleague to help me here”
A guide to Understanding Native English Speakers
For professionals who need to communicate internationally
Recognise why native English speakers can be challenging to understand and develop strategies to address the issue.
Download here.
