Has anyone ever worked with a client that is difficult to understand due to their thick accent? I feel terrible having them constantly repeat what they said. Any solutions to approach this with sensitivity and respectfully??

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likeuplifting

We’re not allowed to record meetings due to client confidentiality.

Communicate as much as possible through email? Or you could just learn their native language, whichever is easier 👍🏻✌🏻🤙🏻

likefunny

Typically, the client and I will agree on a third language to learn together and communicate only in that language going forward. This way, everyone is on even footing and no one is embarrassed.

likefunny

Tell the client the truth. Also complement them on their mastery of English as its highly likely to be not their native language. I am from the states and work in Europe in an English speaking country. They still can't understand me and I can't understand them half the time. Just be honest.

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Most people are respectful of this and appreciate it. They appreciate people taking the effort to make sure things don't get lost in translation. Its a good idea.

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English is not my first language and I noticed when we dealt at foreigners at work I was the the who understood them much easier than native speakers. That is probably because my brain was trained to understand the concept and meaning when my vocabulary was limited. So try not to understand every word but get an idea what they are trying to say and ask questions. You will over time understand them more and more easily I am sure. It’s a practice.
Maybe jokingly say that you are, for example, American who only understands New York accent and ask them to speak slower. Jokingly blame yourself so they feel more comfortable.
With email I found that if I read it out load I am able to understand what they are saying.

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I will add that learning a foreign language (any foreign language - and only just conversational) made me better able to understand people with accents better. Once your mouth can speak another tongue, your ears can hear, and your brain can comprehend other accents much easier! It's like it woke up a new skill in my brain!

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Bring a resource that speaks their language. Why make the client struggle?

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Usually I bring a translator to the said meeting

likesmart

There is no polite way to say it. Accent is the worst insecurity to ESL people, especially those who are successful in other areas.

Ideally, bring someone who speaks their native language or a person who speaks English as 2nd language (they pick up contexts better)

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