Non-native english speaker having a hard time addressing people

Hi everyone,

I have a hard time figuring out the level of formality and just generally how I should be addressing people when hopping on networking calls. Translating it literally from how I would greet people in my homecountry I find is too informal. I often find myself saying “yall, you guys” etc and other things I think sound too jolly and unprofessional when I’m having networking chats. People from my country are too personal and jolly compared to how bankers command respect in the US

I guess, how should I introduce myself in a networking calls w a VP, how should I express myself, what words should I avoid, what phrases to not say, etc…

I am now recruiting FT (May27 grad)and have been targeting a niche group and have gotten a couple VPs to get on calls with me. Trying to also keep those connections warm so when jobs open up in August/September, I can just hop on one more call and ask for a referral.

6 Comments
 

I’m one of few so I won’t say specifically where but I’m from the Caribbean

 

I’m from a friendlier place than NYC so get it. 

Have found biggest change is you should just be slightly more direct/task orientated/serious/soulless. Maybe practice speaking into ChatGPT for 10 minutes using voice mode, get it to identify casual language/slang/tone/filler words etc and give you feedback. 
 

 

Thanks! On another note, what do you think a VP would like to hear compared to an analyst? I don’t waste their time.

 

Keep the call tight/structured/time efficient - 15-20 mins max 

For a VP, I’d make it less about sounding technical and more about genuine interest in them/group. They’re probably thinking more about whether you’re polished, coachable, serious about banking, and able to represent the team well.


 

 

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