315. It’s Not Just You: The Reality of Speaking English at Work

The podcast addresses the psychological challenges professionals face when communicating in English at a senior level, emphasizing that discomfort doesn't equate to incompetence. It explores common experiences such as receiving weird looks, feeling like a duller version of oneself, and encountering snarky comments. The podcast suggests reframing these experiences by recognizing that facial expressions and comments often reflect the other person's issues, not one's own abilities. It highlights the importance of building technical competence to better express one's personality and advises against over-interpreting non-verbal cues. Listeners are encouraged to track their English communication activities to build evidence of their capabilities and boost confidence.