suggestions for enhancing comprehension when you are talking with people for whom English is a second language

Answer 1

If they are all of the same native tongue, then try speaking with some of the similarities that they say words in English.

After all, you do want them to understand you. I am particularly good at speaking to someone in English but with their accent pattern. They begin to understand me much more right away.

So rather than expecting them to comprehend me more, because they need to learn English etc. I start comprehending them more. Use a few of their phrases. It won't disturb their learning. Once you can teach them more effectively then you can slowly drop the accent that you use to help them better understand what you are saying.

I speak two foreign languages. Since those native speakers speak English, when I speak English to them with their own sounds in English they think I'm another native French speaker just speaking English. When they discover what I've done...often some will comment...hey that's clever, I understand you better this way. But that's after they ask me where I'm from in France etc. ha ha... Same with Spanish. So I know this works.
The added benefit is that I understand them better with this technique. I become familiar with their " mispronunciation" and can help them eliminate some of those as we progress.

I teach real estate classes. Many ESL people come to us to seek their fortunes in the real estate business.

Hope that helps.

Best of luck,

Answer 2

as many visual aides to the words ur speaking

Answer 3

talk slowly..use simple\common words..check often for understanding...rephrase your sentence if they do not understand