How Can IT Companies Encourage English Communication Among Employees?

Dear Members,

Please share the ways to implement English communication within an office, specifically an IT company.

- The factors to motivate the employees on this.
- The strategy to kick start this.

Regards,
Karthikeyan.V

Dear Mr. Karthikeyan,

Acceptance of English as a language and a mode of communication is a must to begin with (inner meaning). There is no place for emotions such as shyness, embarrassment, attitude, etc., towards English. Ensure that all supervisors who communicate with their co-staff or subordinates do so in English. Be the first to start in English, even if you are hesitant or shy, and no matter what, continue. Most importantly, "think in English." Only then can we learn any language quickly and more effectively (we all think in our regional or other languages and try to communicate/translate the same in English).

With Warm Wishes,
Sandeep Janardhanan

Make it part of their KRA. We do that in our company, and it works. If the employee does not follow the "speak English" rule in the office, show it effectively in their appraisal and let them know why it was done so.

Dear Mr. Karthikeyan,

I am a Corporate Trainer based in Chennai. I tried this a few years back in a corporate setting and found it to be effective.

1. Form a group of like-minded staff who will devote time to teach English to those who need this communication skill.
2. In vantage points, write down a new English word every day with its meaning, usage, grammar, etc.
3. Make an attractive badge (with your brand logo) with the line "Speak to me in English" or "Talk to me in English." Make this compulsory for the staff who need to improve and send a circular to other staff to communicate with these people only in English.
4. Monitor the progress. Select a team who will do this.
5. Start with spoken skills first.
6. Give credits or marks and a pat or two to those who have shown improvement. Announce this in your newsletter, etc.
7. Kick-start this mission with a budget and invite a trainer!

All the best.

Regards,
Ravi Shivram
9840082237

Dear Ravi,

Regarding point number three from your input, why can't the same badge be worn by the Heads and Senior Executives, so that the executives down the line have to communicate with their superiors only in English? The higher-ups can be a role model to all.

I am eager to know your views.

Regards,
Karthikeyan.V

Dear Karthikeyan,

One way is to start a "Toastmasters club" at your organization. I have heard that there are quite a lot of clubs in India where organizations like Infosys are taking an active part. For more details, please visit Toastmasters International - Home.

ZJ

Dear Karthikeyan,

If you can get the cooperation of these HODS and Senior Executives, nothing like it!!!

Regards,
Ravi Shivram

These are all positive steps, and I believe they will guide many others who are facing the problem.