April 08, 2025

196. Ditch the Dictionary: Communicate Confidently Through Connection

25 minutes

Communication isn’t about perfect word choice, it’s about connecting with others.

For native speakers and language learners alike, communicating comes with all kinds of challenges. But no matter how much we stumble over our words, Lindsay McMahon says communication isn’t about perfection — it’s about connection.

The CEO and founder of All Ears English and host of the All Ears English podcast, McMahon is on a mission to help non-native English speakers around the world hone their ability to communicate and connect. Whether you’re forming your first sentences in a new language or giving a presentation in the language you’ve spoken your whole life, “It's about human connection,” she says. “What really matters is are we connecting to our audience… the human being[s] in front of us?”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, McMahon joins host Matt Abrahams to explore strategies for improving our communication — not by finding the right words, but by finding the right mindset. From active listening and cultural awareness to quieting nerves and building confidence, McMahon's practical approaches help communicators connect more authentically in any language or context.

Episode Reference Links:

Lindsay McMahon
All Ears English
Ep.8 Don't Get Lost in Translation: How Non-Native Speakers Can Communicate With Confidence

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Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction

(02:33) - Common Challenges for English Learners

(03:30) - Overcoming the Confidence Catch-22

(05:21) - Communication Lessons from CEOs

(06:09) - The Art of Listening

(07:56) - Idioms and Hidden Meanings

(09:14) - Context Shapes Communication

(11:01) - Cultural Analogies and Miscommunication

(12:07) - Entering a New Role or Culture

(14:26) - Immersive Language Learning

(18:54) - The Final Three Questions

(23:13) - Conclusion

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