Can YOU speak...
with your Hispanic Employees?
Speaking Spanish, and communicating with Spanish-speaking persons, are not identical skills. The first requires years of training, study, and practice which usually results in a good grade in school, but very little practical ability in a real-life situation. The second requires a mental adjustment, along with the understanding that perfection is not necessary in order to communicate.
TIPS for Communication
- Speak clearly (No need to shout; we can hear you fine.)
- Patience (Pause to let it sink in)
- Use short phrases ( “I need the book.” )
- Mix it up (Use Spanish & English together. Ex.: I hablo English.)
- Use gestures (Always helps)
- Re-phrase (Say it another way; different word)
- No slang (Generic words)