5 Questions
What is highlighted as being more important for communication effectiveness in English?
Attitude towards English
What does the speaker compare attitudes towards speaking English with?
Attitudes towards playing the piano
What is the ratio of non-native English speakers to native English speakers in the world today, as mentioned in the text?
5:1
How is English portrayed in the text?
As a tool for communication
What is the main challenge highlighted regarding how English is taught in schools?
It is taught more as an art to master
Study Notes
- The speaker has been helping Malaysians and Southeast Asians improve their English communication skills for the past 20 years.
- Communication effectiveness in English is more about attitude towards English rather than the actual English proficiency level.
- An example of a person named Faisal who had a low English level but could communicate very well due to his attitude towards English is provided.
- The speaker relates attitudes towards playing the piano with attitudes towards speaking English, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the other person rather than oneself.
- A comparison is made between a person who is highly focused on their own correctness in English and another who is focused on the listener, highlighting the effectiveness of the latter.
- The importance of this distinction in communication styles is emphasized for individuals, children, communities, and the future of countries like Malaysia.
- Statistics show that for every native English speaker, there are five non-native speakers in the world today.
- English is portrayed as a tool for communication rather than an art to be mastered, with a real-life example of language barriers at a barbecue shared.
- The challenge is highlighted regarding how English is taught in schools more as an art to master rather than a tool for communication, leading to judgment based on correctness over clarity.
- The impact of carrying the school attitude towards English into adult life and work is discussed, with a focus on how stress can affect communication effectiveness.
- The speaker recommends focusing on the other person and the desired result when speaking English to improve confidence and effectiveness in communication.
Explore the importance of attitude towards English communication over proficiency level through real-life examples and comparisons. Learn how focusing on the listener rather than oneself can greatly enhance communication effectiveness, with insights for individuals, children, communities, and nations.
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