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cover of episode 196. Ditch the Dictionary: Communicate Confidently Through Connection

196. Ditch the Dictionary: Communicate Confidently Through Connection

2025/4/8
logo of podcast Think Fast, Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

Think Fast, Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

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Lindsay McMahon
M
Matt Abrahams
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Lindsay McMahon: 我在All Ears English的节目中,主要帮助那些英语水平处于中高级的学习者,他们面临的主要挑战是信心不足和缺乏练习机会。这是一种恶性循环,因为他们需要练习来提升信心,但缺乏信心又阻碍了他们练习。因此,我们更注重帮助他们转变思维模式,将重点放在与他人建立联系,而非自身信心和语言表达的完美程度。我们相信沟通的核心在于人际连接,比个人自信和语言表达的完美程度更为重要。有效的沟通在于与听众建立联系,关注他们的需求,而非自身感受。 我经常说‘连接重于完美’,因为许多人在沟通中追求完美,这会给他们带来压力。这种追求完美的压力源于教育体系,我们从小就被教育要死记硬背,这与语言学习和沟通的本质不同。语言学习需要理解和实践,而非死记硬背。 在我们的节目中,我们经常强调了解你的听众,并根据听众调整你的表达方式。积极倾听并表达你正在倾听也很重要,这能帮助建立联系。我们可以通过一些表达方式来做到这一点,例如‘我听到你说的是…’、‘我明白你的意思’等等。重要的是要表达你正在倾听,而不是沉默不语。 理解习语和文化背景对于有效的沟通至关重要。文化背景会影响我们选择的语言和表达方式,因此我们需要了解不同文化背景下的差异。在新的工作或文化环境中,应该多倾听,少说话,以更好地了解情况。总结或复述他人所说的话是一种低风险的有效沟通方式。 提高沟通技巧需要实践,包括与母语人士互动和进行情境化练习。通过多种方式使用信息,例如角色扮演和讨论,可以提高语言流利度。为了提高沟通技巧,可以尝试用多种方式表达同一个想法。在播客制作过程中,我学到了简洁的重要性。成功的沟通需要自我意识、开放的反馈和实践经验。 Matt Abrahams: 我认同Lindsay的观点,沟通的重点在于建立联系,而非追求完美。在与学生和学员的沟通中,我也经常遇到类似的焦虑问题,即害怕在别人面前说话,而克服这种焦虑的最好方法就是实际练习。 我注意到,在沟通中,语境会影响含义。例如,在不同的场合,‘你好吗?’的含义可能大相径庭。在沟通中使用比喻时,也需要考虑文化差异和听众的背景知识。在新的工作或文化环境中,多倾听少说话,总结或复述他人所说的话也是一种有效的沟通方式。 为了提高沟通技巧,我们可以进行情境化练习,例如模拟真实的沟通场景。此外,还可以尝试用多种方式表达同一个想法,以增强表达能力。

Deep Dive

Chapters
Many non-native English speakers, especially those aiming for global careers, face a confidence-related challenge. They need practice to build confidence, but lack of confidence prevents them from practicing, creating a catch-22 situation. Shifting focus from self-doubt to connection can help overcome this.
  • Confidence issues and lack of practice opportunities are major challenges for intermediate-to-advanced English learners.
  • The "confidence catch-22" involves needing practice to gain confidence but lacking the confidence to practice.
  • Shifting focus from self-esteem to human connection is key to improving communication.

Shownotes Transcript

Communication isn’t about perfect word choice, it’s about connecting with others.

For native speakers and language learners alike, communicating comes with all kinds of challenges. But no matter how much we stumble over our words, Lindsay McMahon) says communication isn’t about perfection — it’s about connection.

The CEO and founder of All Ears English) and host of the All Ears English podcast, McMahon is on a mission to help non-native English speakers around the world hone their ability to communicate and connect. Whether you’re forming your first sentences in a new language or giving a presentation in the language you’ve spoken your whole life, “It's about human connection,” she says. “What really matters is are we connecting to our audience… the human being[s] in front of us?”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart), McMahon joins host Matt Abrahams to explore strategies for improving our communication — not by finding the right words, but by finding the right mindset. From active listening and cultural awareness to quieting nerves and building confidence, McMahon's practical approaches help communicators connect more authentically in any language or context.

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Chapters:

  • (00:00) - Introduction

  • (01:44) - Common Challenges for English Learners

  • (03:09) - Overcoming the Confidence Catch-22

  • (05:00) - Communication Lessons from CEOs

  • (05:48) - The Art of Listening

  • (07:35) - Idioms and Hidden Meanings

  • (08:53) - Context Shapes Communication

  • (10:40) - Cultural Analogies and Miscommunication

  • (11:46) - Entering a New Role or Culture

  • (14:05) - Immersive Language Learning

  • (17:20) - The Final Three Questions

  • (21:39) - Conclusion

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