When you aim to work abroad or build an international career, English is no longer just a communication tool but a core skill that sets you apart in a multicultural environment. Whether you are in a foreign-owned company in Taiwan or working in the United States, Canada, Europe, Singapore, Australia, or Dubai, being able to speak English confidently and professionally is indispensable for success.
If you are not studying English for the love of literature or simply for travel—your priority is to use it effectively at work so you can advance in your field—what approach helps you feel comfortable and move past the challenges of the professional world? Drawing on the experience of many Taiwanese managers, coaches and trainers who have worked overseas for years, this article highlights common difficulties and offers practical solutions.
Table of contents
- See English as a skill, not just a school subject
- Polish your self-introduction to make a strong first impression
- Express your opinions with confidence
- Show leadership in English-language meetings
- Blend naturally into informal English conversations
1 | See English as a skill, not just a school subject
You do not have to master every nuance like a native speaker. The key is to treat English as a professional skill. Deploy your current level efficiently, leverage the resources you already possess, and face intercultural situations head-on. With steady practice you will refine your grammar and expand your vocabulary—by using what you learn rather than memorising it passively.
Accustom yourself to thinking in English and immersing yourself in local culture; that reduces misunderstandings caused by literal translation and makes you appear more professional. Observe the jargon and expressions specific to your field, then practise them in real scenarios. Mimicking the sentence patterns and structures used by native colleagues is highly effective: you will quickly gain ease in your sector and showcase your expertise.
2 | Polish your self-introduction to make a strong first impression
In formal situations (onboarding, business meetings, etc.), self-presentation is not limited to what you say; it also includes appearance and body language. First clarify the purpose and length of your introduction. In international contexts, favour a clear and concise opener.
Observe how locals introduce themselves: do they use full names, what titles or honorifics? Adapt to these conventions. When you say your name, add brief information about your role, years of experience or current project to boost credibility, e.g.:
“Hi, I’m ___, the project manager for ABC. I’ve been working in X industry for N years. Today I’m going to address 1-2-3 in this meeting.”
If the people before you are extremely brief, feel free to shorten yours on the spot:
“I’m ___, project manager for ABC. Glad to join you and looking forward to working together.”
3 | Express your opinions with confidence
Speaking up in English at international meetings can be intimidating, but a clear structure calms nerves. Even if English is not your mother tongue, concise and transparent communication earns respect.
First, know why you want to share: to endorse or to challenge? Then state your stance and reason in simple sentences:
- To agree: “I share your opinion because…,” followed by one or two concrete points.
- To disagree: Start with acknowledgment—“I understand what you’re saying,”—then add, “however, I’m afraid I can’t agree on X because…”.
💡 Further reading:
– Do you need perfect fluency to work in Europe? decoding language requirements
– What is PCM? from communication to leadership and interpersonal influence
4 | Show leadership in English-language meetings
Running a meeting in English is a major challenge, yet a few meeting-management phrases and a mental roadmap keep discussions on track:
- Opening: “Welcome. Thank you for joining us this morning…”
- Stating the topic: “Today I will cover…”
- Guiding the flow: “Let’s start with… / let’s move on to…”
- Inviting input: “What is your opinion? / How can we improve? / What makes you say that?”
- Closing: “To conclude, let me summarise…”
- Q&A: “Thank you for your attention. I’m happy to answer any questions.”
If you need to interrupt politely, borrow local phrases—or ask at the outset: “Is it ok if I interrupt when something isn’t clear?” A line such as “Excuse me, can I jump in for a moment?” shows courtesy. Equipped with these formulas, you can focus on substance and demonstrate leadership.
5 | Blend naturally into informal English conversations
Even native speakers sometimes struggle with small talk; it requires both language and social skills. Start by observing: who seems approachable? Engage those colleagues first.
As a foreigner, asking for help is an excellent ice-breaker—recommendations for local food, where to shop, etc. Food is universally safe: vocabulary is simple and everyone can join in. In Western contexts, sport or movies also work well.
Prepare a “mini-topic” beforehand: “I just read in XYZ Magazine about…”. Keep it brief—the essence of small talk is short exchanges. Over time, these micro-interactions build rapport and mutual trust.
Apply these tips and tailor them to your daily routine; you will overcome linguistic and cultural hurdles and thrive in your career.
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