I'm an English coach, polyglot, entrepreneur, and digital nomad who loves to talk about education, travel, and business & entrepreneurship. Subscribe to my newsletter, I look forward to meeting you!
Same message. Different culture. Totally different result. What's going on?
|
Hi Reader Giving feedback might seem simple, but cultural differences can completely change how it's delivered, and received. Let’s compare three common styles: British. Polite and indirect. Criticism is often softened with phrases like “Perhaps you could…” or “It’s not quite there yet.” This is known as using a downgrader, a softening phrase to make feedback sound less harsh. It’s also common to wrap criticism in praise (the classic “feedback sandwich”). American. Confident and clear. Feedback often starts with praise and moves quickly to the point: “Great job on X, next time try Y.” Downgraders like “kind of” or “maybe” are sometimes used, but Americans are more comfortable mixing praise with direct suggestions. German. Honest and detailed. Feedback is usually direct and unfiltered, focusing on improvement rather than feelings: “This part didn’t work. You should change it like this.” Downgraders are rare because too much softening can feel unclear or inefficient. Tip of the monthNext time you give or receive feedback across cultures, notice the tone Reader. Are you being too direct? Or too vague? A small language shift can make a big difference. November 2025Coaching cornerA moment for quiet reflection or journalling, even just thinking about your answers can help you notice patterns and shift your focus. What’s one small change you could make to give clearer or more culturally aware feedback? Stay tuned for more tips, videos, client stories, podcast episodes, travel reflections, language disasters and everything inbetween! Hit reply and tell me what you're learning at the moment. Meg P.S In my lessons, I create a safe, welcoming space for feedback and suggestions, and I want the same for this newsletter. Let me know what you'd love to see more (or less) of. I’m listening. Fully certified Business English coach
“Megan is an excellent teacher! Our classes are so dynamic that the 50 minutes pass too quickly. Having lived in different countries and loving to travel gives her knowledge of other cultures and languages which enriches our conversations.” |
Mega Language Coach
I'm an English coach, polyglot, entrepreneur, and digital nomad who loves to talk about education, travel, and business & entrepreneurship. Subscribe to my newsletter, I look forward to meeting you!
Hi Reader, My baby is growing up fast (don't panic Mum, not a real human but my business), and turned 2 this month!! It feels like I've been managing MLC forever and also just a few moments, time has a strange way of creeping up on us. From on outside perspective, people often focus on what I’ve gained from living abroad, learning languages, building my own business, and creating a life where I can work from almost anywhere. The freedom. The travel. The flexibility. And while those things are...
Hi Reader As both a language learner and coach, I’ve always felt language is about much more than grammar or pronunciation. It shapes how we connect with people, who feels included in conversations, and sometimes who doesn’t. 🌈 Since it’s Pride Month, I wanted to share something that matters to me both personally and professionally. If you’ve looked at my social media profiles before, you might have seen that I describe myself as an Inclusive Language Advocate. For me, that means trying to...
Hi Reader A recent poll I shared showed something interesting: Many people said they feel like a quieter version of themselves in another language. But I do not think this is a weakness. Learning another language is an incredibly complex skill. You are not just memorising vocabulary or grammar. You are learning new ways to express ideas, build relationships, understand culture, and see the world from different perspectives. That ability is powerful. People who speak another language often...