Keynote on English Communication in Southeast Asia

Introduction

• Speaker: Phuong Cao
• Topic: Effective English communication among Southeast Asians.
• Key Insight: The ability to communicate effectively in English is less about language proficiency and more about attitude.

Key Points

1. Attitude Over Proficiency

• Many Southeast Asians, regardless of their English level, communicate very effectively.
• Example: Faizal, a factory supervisor with limited English skills, communicates clearly and calmly, showcasing high effectiveness despite a low proficiency level.

2. The Role of Attitude

• The speaker draws parallels between his daughter’s attitude towards piano lessons and Malaysians' attitude towards speaking English.
• Comparison: Both faced dread and fear of making mistakes, leading to hesitation and lack of confidence.
• Self-image negatively influences language learning and communication.

3. Discovering Confidence

• The speaker shares an anecdote about a visit to a cybercafé, observing a boy playing a computer game with confidence and without fear of mistakes.
• Insight: Success in communication, like in gaming, comes from focusing on the objective rather than the fear of making errors.

4. Real-life Examples

• Pharmacy Encounter: A sales rep with high English proficiency but low confidence fails to communicate effectively, whereas a counter girl with limited English skills successfully conveys the necessary information with confidence and clarity.
• Barbecue Scenario: Engineers from different countries bridge communication gaps using broken English, demonstrating that English is a tool for achieving results, not just an art to master.

Importance of Effective Communication

• English as a global language is dominated by non-native speakers. In global conversations, non-native speakers constitute 96% of interactions.
• English has evolved from a language of native speakers to a global tool for communication.
• Implication: Clarity and achieving communication objectives are more important than grammatical perfection.

Educational System and Real-world Communication

• The current educational system often emphasizes correctness over effective communication.
• Real-life application requires understanding and conveying meaning rather than perfect grammar.
• Practical communication skills are vital in professional settings where understanding and clarity outweigh grammatical accuracy.

Overcoming Communication Barriers

• Listening: Focus on understanding the speaker rather than pre-composing a response.
• Speaking: Don't let the fear of mistakes hinder your ability to communicate; the vocabulary you know should be used confidently.
• Confidence: Displaying confidence in communication can influence others’ perception of your overall competence.

Actionable Advice

• Focus: When in a conversation, concentrate on the other person and the desired outcome, not on potential mistakes.
• Goal: Cultivate a generation of confident communicators who use English as a practical tool for effective interaction.

Conclusion

• English is a tool for achieving communication goals, not an art to perfect.
• The key to effective English communication lies in confidence and focus, not just language proficiency.