If you’re an international professional working at a global company, you might feel like your communication skills are holding you back. Perhaps you’ve found it challenging to express your ideas clearly in meetings, or you’re unsure how to communicate with authority in a way that resonates with both local and international teams.
The reality is, strong communication is an essential skill that can elevate your career. But it’s not about speaking the loudest or dominating conversations. It’s about making sure your voice is heard when it matters. It’s about being confident in your expertise, your value, and your ability to influence others. Below are some strategies to help you build confidence in communication and become a more impactful communicator in your role.
1. Recognise the Value of Your Perspective
As an international professional, you bring a unique perspective to your team. You may have experiences that others don’t, especially in the areas of cultural diversity, cross-border collaboration, and understanding global markets. These experiences can be incredibly valuable, but it’s important to realise the worth of your voice.
Many introverted professionals hesitate to share their ideas because they fear they won’t be as “relevant” as others, or they may question whether their insights will be taken seriously. The truth is, no one else has the same perspective you do. Recognise that your experiences are important, and it’s your duty to share them in the right way.
What You Can Do:
• Focus on your value. Before any meeting or presentation, remind yourself why your insights matter.
• Think about how your experiences can help solve problems or create new opportunities.
• Be proud of the unique knowledge you bring to the table, and use it as a confidence booster.
2. Practice Clear and Concise Communication
As an international professional, it’s common to face the challenge of communicating in a second language or in a culturally diverse setting. This can sometimes lead to the feeling that you aren’t able to get your message across as effectively as you’d like.
However, confidence in communication isn’t just about language; it’s about clarity. The more concise and clear your message, the more powerful it becomes.
What You Can Do:
• Before speaking, take a moment to collect your thoughts. Think about the key points you want to communicate.
• Avoid using jargon or overly complex terms that might confuse your audience. Aim for simplicity and directness.
• Practice your message out loud. This will help you refine your speech and sound more confident when speaking.
3. Build Trust with Your Audience
In any global company, your ability to build trust with colleagues and clients is key to successful communication. This is particularly important for international professionals who may face challenges around accents, cultural differences, or the fear of not being fully understood.
Trust is built over time, but you can start establishing it from day one. The more confident and authentic you are in your communication, the easier it will be to build relationships and gain respect from others.
What You Can Do:
• Be consistent. When you say something, follow through on it.
• Be authentic. Don’t try to change who you are to fit in. Your uniqueness is part of what makes you valuable.
• Practice active listening. Show that you respect and understand others’ viewpoints, and they’ll return the favour.
4. Manage Nervousness with Preparation
It’s completely normal to feel nervous before speaking in meetings, especially if you’re dealing with senior executives or large groups. That nervousness can cause you to stumble over your words, forget key points, or feel like you’re not coming across as confident.
The good news is that there are practical strategies to manage these nerves, and the best one is preparation. The more prepared you are, the more confident you will feel.
What You Can Do:
• Before a meeting, identify the key points you want to make and rehearse them several times.
• Visualise yourself in the meeting. Imagine yourself speaking confidently and making a great impression.
• If possible, rehearse with a colleague or coach. Getting feedback can help you refine your delivery and boost your confidence.
5. Use Non-Verbal Communication to Reinforce Your Message
Strong communication isn’t just about words. In fact, research shows that non-verbal communication such as body language, facial expressions, and eye contact can make up to 70% of how your message is received. As an international professional, it’s crucial to pay attention to how you present yourself physically, especially in meetings or presentations.
Your body language sends signals about how confident you are, so using positive, open gestures can help reinforce your message.
What You Can Do:
• Maintain good posture. Stand or sit up straight to project confidence.
• Use open body language. Avoid crossing your arms, which can make you appear defensive.
• Make eye contact with your audience. This shows that you’re engaged and confident in what you’re saying.
6. Learn the Art of Asking Insightful Questions
One of the most effective ways to communicate with impact in meetings is by asking insightful questions. This demonstrates your critical thinking skills and shows that you’re engaged and thoughtful. For international professionals, asking the right questions can also help you navigate cross-cultural conversations and show your expertise.
What You Can Do:
• Ask questions that move the conversation forward, such as: “How do you envision this evolving in the next year?” or “What are the risks we should be mindful of?”
• Avoid yes/no questions. Aim for questions that require deeper reflection or insight.
• Practice listening to others’ points of view before asking your questions. This will help you ask more relevant and meaningful questions.
7. Get Comfortable with Silence
One of the biggest challenges for introverted professionals is overcoming the fear of silence. It can feel uncomfortable when no one is speaking, but the silence can actually be a powerful tool. It gives you time to collect your thoughts, weigh in on the conversation, and respond thoughtfully.
What You Can Do:
• Don’t rush to fill the silence. Allow yourself time to reflect on the discussion and choose your words carefully.
• If you’re in a group setting and the conversation is moving quickly, wait for the right moment to add your perspective.
• Embrace pauses. A short pause before responding can make you sound more authoritative and in control of your message.
8. Seek Feedback to Continuously Improve
Communication is a skill that can always be improved. As an international professional in a global company, getting feedback from colleagues or mentors is a great way to ensure that your message is being communicated effectively. Feedback will allow you to understand how others perceive you and highlight areas where you can continue to improve.
What You Can Do:
• Ask for feedback after meetings or presentations. Be open to both positive and constructive criticism.
• Find a mentor who can provide guidance on improving your communication skills.
• Reflect on your own communication and make adjustments as needed. Practice makes perfect.
9. Embrace the Power of Confidence
Ultimately, building confidence in your communication comes down to believing in yourself and your message. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being authentic, prepared, and focused on delivering value. When you embrace these principles, your communication skills will improve, and you’ll become a more influential leader in your global company.
What You Can Do:
• Focus on your strengths. Everyone has unique skills and perspectives—recognise and leverage them.
• Practice self-compassion. It’s okay to make mistakes along the way. What matters is that you keep learning and growing.
• Keep developing your communication skills. This will help you stay adaptable and confident in any situation.
Conclusion
Effective communication is a game-changer for international professionals working in global companies. By recognising the value of your perspective, preparing effectively, managing nervousness, and using non-verbal communication, you can enhance your confidence and make a bigger impact. Keep practicing these strategies, seek feedback, and continue refining your approach. Over time, you’ll become a stronger, more confident communicator who commands attention and respect in any professional setting.
Dr Hiten Vyas is an Executive Communication Coach who helps introverted international professionals to develop their public speaking skills and their executive presence. You can book a free 30 minutes discovery call with him by clicking the button below: