How Being Bilingual Will Help You Connect With the World

HOW BEING BILINGUAL WILL HELP YOU CONNECT WITH THE WORLD

At this time of crisis, we feel disconnected from people. Some are even divorcing. Others were already single. We’re in a year when people need people. We’re trained to stay apart. But we’re all on the computer, trying to connect. We can talk to France, Germany or Japan! Or can we?

What would mean for you to be able to speak French, Mandarin, or Spanish? How many people to connect with, make friends, do business with, or even find The One?

If you’re anything like me, you’ll relate to my story.

I broke down in tears because he laughed at me when I said this word wrong. Having a Master Degree and serving coffee to people who could be my colleagues wasn’t exactly my plan. I couldn’t understand the bus drivers. I felt like a failure. Coming to a foreign country, with bright results in school, I was “fluent” on paper – not in real life.

But I made myself a promise. No matter what, I’ll figure out a way to master conversation. Even in a second language, I should be able to get an audition, and not to be laughed at in a coffee shop. I found a language coach, and I practiced pronunciation with a CD. Only after 2 years of practice, 2 hours a day, I started to hear my own mistakes. It was taking too long, so, little by little, I created a method using performing arts techniques.

And, after 10 years of coaching people just like you, helping them to speak French confidently in 5 months, I know this works.

20 percent of Americans are bilingual, compared with 56 percent of Europeans. Many people know English, but imagine speaking the language of someone else’s heart.

I believe that we can be fluent no matter our knowledge level in a second language. For me, it was becoming fluent in English, for you it’s maybe learning French, Mandarin or Hindu. Even if you know 10 words and 3 verbs, you can put them together in a clear way.

You don’t have to go through Hell like me. Speaking is a very vulnerable enterprise: it represents our style, who we are. Your story matters. Nobody should be limited by language barriers. A 3 year old child can turn the World around her little finger with a handful of words. Wouldn’t you want to be as fluent as her in your second language?

Here are two of my secrets:

Firstly, words are not important. While everyone tells you to start by building your vocabulary, I’ll say that you can become fluent with a handful of words. Sure, maybe not at a sophisticated level, but focus on how to use them, and you’ll become a clear communicator.

Secondly, convey authority, while controlling the conversation. Slow down, much like The Godfather, and you’ll claim attention, while slowing down the pace of the conversation, thus giving yourself time to find your words.

Whether you never tried to learn another language, you did in the past, without great results, or you have a Major in a foreign language, this is for you.

Picture a day when you don’t have to worry about what words to use in another language.

Picture a day when a charming native comes up to you and says: “Wow, I would never have guessed you’re not French”.

Picture a day when you have a steady stream of new customers coming through your door every time you do a sales presentation in another language.

They will feel you’re one of their own. Especially now, when we crave connection. And all this while keeping your brain healthy. Travel won’t be the same, relationships will transform, and, if you have a business, you’ll double your audience.

NOW IT IS YOUR TURN!
Tell us in the comments below, what are YOUR stories about your struggles with the French conversation? 🙂

Let me guess.

Do you constantly have the feeling that you can’t hear what the French say and you don’t know how to read all the French words because they are written so much differently than they sound?

Learn 3 secrets that will help you be self sufficient in the way you pronounce French words – even if you don’t know what they mean – so that you can read that sophisticated menu in your favorite French restaurant.