Technology

How to Communicate with Customers that Speak Another Language

Business owners are increasingly needing to be able to communicate with customers who don’t speak the same language as them. Whether it’s because the business has gone global or due to increasing numbers of immigrants in the local community, being able to communicate with them is essential. Business owners who want to communicate with all their customers can get through the language barrier with the following tips.

Look into Available Translation Services

When the business owner doesn’t have any common language with the customer or the customer has trouble understanding the language spoken by the business owner, translation services can help. They allow for longer, more detailed conversations and can help a business owner communicate with a customer who understands very little of the language spoken by the business owner. Interpreter services are available for in-person conferences or, something like Ezispeak telephone interpreter services, when the customer needs to speak with the business owner over the phone.

Be Patient When Talking to Them

When the customer understands a little bit of the language spoken by the business owner, it may be possible to speak with them, while being careful about the words used. The business owner should try to speak in simple terms and follow up with questions to make sure the customer understands what they’re saying. This can be possible even when the customer is just starting to learn the language spoken by the business, but it can be difficult, so patience is key.

Avoid Unnecessary Jargon When Talking

When the business owner is communicating with a customer in person or through email and the customer doesn’t understand a lot of what the business owner is saying, they should make sure they are avoiding jargon. It’s easy for workers to use words that are only used for their business as naturally as they would any other words, but the customer isn’t likely to understand the jargon. Instead, it’s best to keep communication as simple as possible and choose more basic words that the customer may be able to understand. Some words simply don’t translate well, so avoiding jargon can help.

Check-In with the Customer Later

After the communication is done between the business owner and the customer, it’s a good idea to follow up in a few days. The follow up communication may be done in person, on the phone, or through email. The idea here is to make sure the customer understood everything and is satisfied with the outcome of the conversation. If there are any further issues, the business owner can then work with them to make sure they have everything they need. Despite the language barrier, follow up communication is important and can help create a repeat customer.

Today’s world is increasingly becoming closer and business owners may need to deal with a language barrier when they’re working with their customers. Use the tips here to make sure you can connect with all your customers, no matter which language they speak. This can help you provide better customer experiences, which can help your business grow.