When internet started, it made geography history. Now, after the pandemic, the easy accessibility and ubiquity of online platforms have brought the world within our reach. We are able to listen and interact with global audiences, attend webinars and participate in panel discussions or industry conferences, but we do need to keep certain norms in mind while addressing different audiences.
The first thing to research when accepting the global assignment is the demographics and cultural background of the listeners. Check if the audience is familiar with English or whether a translator is required.
While speaking, make the talk/speech as universal as possible, avoiding local references or colloquialisms that are likely to confuse the audience. Especially with data, use international terminologies like millions and billions rather than lakhs and crores. References to Gandhi/Mother Teresa and Nelson Mandela will be more recognisable than Rajnikanth or Shah Rukh Khan. Similarly, Tom Cruise is more current than Humour is always risky – avoid all sexist, racist or other jokes likely to cause offense. One speaker sent us a snippet asking if the humour in it was ok and our chapter unanimously said they were offended by the toilet humour jokes, so he dropped it from his final talk.
Use the local language or phrases if possible. Politicians across the globe are known for opening their election speeches with a greeting in the local language- the most famous of these being John F. Kennedy’s declaration “Ich bin ein Berliner” (I am a Berliner).
It also helps to explain where the speaker is from, and some phrase of the local language can add flavour to the speech. If there is a word that jells with the theme, go ahead and use it- ‘Ubuntu’ and ‘Ikigai’ are now universal.
While talking to audiences that are unfamiliar with your accent, speak at a slower pace and take the time to enunciate each word carefully. Indians use both British and American pronunciation for words like schedule, semi, missile, etc. so check what the audience is more comfortable with
