Hi there,

It is difficult to answer a communication question without seeing you “in action” but I will try anyway ;)

If you want to specifically improve your English, possible tips are:

• Find a teacher. I am personally using preply.com, another alternative is italki.com. You can filter the teachers based on languages, reviews, budget, availability, etc, similarly to PrepLounge coaches. I am using it for a couple of languages and it works really well. In your case, you should target teachers willing to help you with business terms. Working with a teacher is relatively cheap and helps enormously if you manage to stick to a weekly class
• Study daily new words. I recommend the app Anki, which uses the SRS system – the best way to learn new words. Focus on the words critical for your job – usually, if you master the 1000 most important ones, you can talk and understand relatively well your niche
• Gamify your learning. I tried a few apps and the one I liked the most in terms of that is Memrise – you should target a course based on business terms in your case

If you want to improve case communication, possible tips are:

• Present the first level, then the second level: “So given the goal XXX, I think we could look at 3 main areas: first ABC, second DEF, third GHI. If ok with you I would like to go deeper into each”
• Use numbers/clear bullets when presenting levels: “In the first area I would like to look at the following: First…, Second..., Finally..."

Hope this helps,

Francesco

Hi,

This question has been answered before and there are plenty of threads in the Q&A forum. Have a look at these:

• https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/how-to-be-more-concise-6237
• https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/how-to-give-concise-answers-during-interviews-575
• https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/not-concise-enough-3533
• https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/how-to-improve-communication-skill-oralwriting-more-concise-to-the-point-8942

In terms of English not being your first language can actually help- you will keep it simple, use simpler vocabulary. Believe me, I have come across many native speakers candidate who just talk non-stop and try to bullshit their way. Its all about structured thinking and presenting well. This will come with practice.

All the best,

Interesting point. Personally, I feel it's the opposite; it's more correlated with clarity of thought.

Hello! Such a good question.
Start with finding a good teacher. Watch news, read business journals, everything in English for sure. But the best way is to have native speakers friends, With them you can polish and practice your skills - something like a specking club. And don’t forget: practice, practice, practice. 

Hello!

I totally get you, English is not my 1st language either and it seems that you are running the race with less speed!

What helped me most was honestly tons of practice. Of course once in McKinsey, but in the prep, I found GMAT verbal part really useful too. It forced me to take a toooon of practice, which was a pain but helped a lot.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Hi there,

Having learned (and maintained) 3 languages, I recommend the following approach...efficiency in time is key here:

1. Conversational: Download the app HelloTalk. It pairs you up with people that are opposite to you (i.e. learning your language, but native in English) and you chat via text, audio, call etc. It has awesome features (such as edit functionality so the other person can edit your messages for correctness).

2. Vocabulary: Use either handwritten flashcards and/or the app Quizlet. Review these whenever waiting (i.e. on the bus, cooking, on hold, etc)

3. Listening: Download English podcasts and listen while you sleep. I.e. put the phone next to your bed, at a soft enough volume that you can sleep, but loud enough that you cna hear the words. You'll be amazing how your listening improves.

4. Dedicated/tailored training: Go to www.italki.com. It's the PrepLounge for languages!