[Global Business English] Why does work not progress even when your English is understood? - The rules of 'how to communicate' required globally

On note, I share not only English but also how to confidently and independently succeed globally for business people who want to play an active role in global business in the future.

When working globally, have you ever had an experience like this?

You explained it in English.

The other person nodded.

It seemed to end without any problems at the time.

However, at a later date, the content of the meeting was understood differently, or the email reply was different from what you expected.

And you think to yourself:

'My English shouldn't have been wrong, so why didn't it get across?'

Many Japanese business people think the cause of this is a lack of English proficiency.

I should memorize more words.

I should learn more natural expressions.

I should improve my pronunciation more.

But in reality, the problem is not English proficiency itself.

The real cause is that the 'design of how to communicate' remains in Japanese.

Japanese is communication for maintaining relationships

Japanese is a very excellent language.

It has high capabilities, especially in keeping human relationships smooth.

We do things like the following on a daily basis:

1. Considering the other person's feelings

2. Communicating without saying it directly

3. Reading the room

4. Reading between the lines

For example,

"That might be a little difficult."

There is an expression like this.

Between Japanese people, this one phrase conveys a great deal.

In reality,

"It is difficult,"
"I don't want to do it,"
"I would like to pass on this for now"

It may also contain these meanings.

Even so, the conversation works because the other person shares the same culture.

In other words, Japanese is a language that conveys meaning not just through the words themselves, but also through the background and emotions involved.

English is communication for sharing decisions

On the other hand, English used in global business has a different role.

English is not a tool for sensing emotions, but a tool for sharing decisions.

What the other party wants to know is:

1. Are you for or against it?

2. Will you execute it or not?

3. By when will it be done?

4. Who is in charge?

That is what it means.

In other words, English exists to move work forward.

Therefore, ambiguous expressions often cause confusion.

The reason why you are not understood even if your English is correct

There is something that many Japanese people misunderstand.

That is,

'If the grammar is correct, it will be understood'

is the way of thinking.

However, in actual business,

grammatical correctness and how well you are understood are separate issues.

For example,

I think it might be a little difficult.

There is an English sentence like this.

Grammatically, there is no problem at all.

However, the other party feels this way.

'So, in the end, are you doing it or not?'

Even if Japanese people intend to decline indirectly, it may look to the other party as if they are avoiding making a decision.

There is a big pitfall here.

People who are valued globally do not hide their conclusions

People who are trusted in global meetings have something in common.

It is to state the conclusion first.

For example,

If you have a decision like

'I cannot do it now,'

you communicate that first.

After that, you explain the reason.

And if necessary, you offer an alternative.

The flow is,

Conclusion

↓

Reason

↓

Alternative

.

It is very simple.

However, many Japanese people speak in the reverse order.

Situation explanation

↓

Background explanation

↓

Consideration

↓

Conclusion

And the conclusion is vague

This difference creates a major gap in global communication.

'Being direct is rude' is a common sense unique to Japan

One of the reasons why Japanese people struggle with English is

the assumption that

'being direct is rude.'

However, in a global environment, it is the opposite.

Hiding the conclusion is considered unkind.

This is because the other party wants to decide their next course of action.

If the decision is not visible,

meetings will not progress,

projects will not progress,

and decisions cannot be made,

leading to such a situation.

That is precisely why

communicating clearly is perceived as

sincerity.

Examples of improving communication for practical use

For example,

Suppose there is a situation where you want to say,

'It might be a little difficult.'

With a Japanese sensibility,

I think it might be difficult.

is what you would want to say.

However, in practical business, the following is more effective.

It’s not possible right now because of the schedule.

State the conclusion first.

Explain the reason afterward.

Furthermore,

We can revisit it next month.

Adding an alternative like this is sufficient.

With just this, the other party can make a decision.

And they can move on to the next action.

In global English, what is most important is not 'what you say' but 'how you arrange it'.

When many people think of English learning,

vocabulary

grammar

Focus on pronunciation.

Pay attention to it.

Of course, it is important.

However, what really makes a difference in global business is how you organize information.

Put the conclusion first.

Put the reasons after.

Add considerations if necessary.

Just by following this order, the other party's level of understanding will change significantly.

Summary

It is not that your English is not understood.

It is just that the design of how you communicate remains in Japanese style.

Japanese is a language that protects relationships.

English is a language that shares judgments.

Understanding this difference will greatly change your global communication.

From now on, when you use English, please try to be conscious of the following order.

1. Conclusion

2. Reason

3. Consideration or alternatives

Change how you communicate before improving your English proficiency.

That small change should evolve your English from 'English that is understood' to 'English that gets work done.'