Use these Tips When Talking with Non-Native Speakers of English:

• Speak Simple but not simple-minded English. Speak slowly and avoid cumbersome words. Rather than "I’ll facilitate this," say "I’ll help with this. "Rather than "I’ll reimburse you," say "I’ll pay you."

• Avoid using idioms because they’ll only get you puzzled looks. Don’t say, for example: "The idea hit me like a ton of bricks," "You hit the nail right on the head," "He threw me a curve ball."

• Avoid using slang. Your home is not your "pad." You don’t "hang-out."

• Avoid using business jargon. Spell out acronyms, i.e., PR people are in "Public Relations," 9 A.M. is "nine o’clock in the morning."

• Repeat important ideas by expressing them in different ways; i.e., "I’ll send you the transistor as soon as I receive your payment." "First, you send me your check and then I’ll send you the part."

• Use short, simple sentences and allow your listener to silently translate what you’ve said.

• Never criticize or tease. Jokes often go over like "lead balloons."