Stage 3 · Lesson 8 of 8
Plain English at work, as a first or second language
Most tech teams work in English across many first languages. Whether you speak or as your first, you do not need perfect English; you need clear English. Use short sentences, common words and one idea per message, and put the main point first.
In meetings, it is fine to ask someone to repeat something or to write it down, and to follow up in writing after you speak. Keep a list of useful phrases for disagreeing politely, asking for clarification and giving updates, and practise them.
A little listening practice every day builds comfort over months. Clear writing helps native speakers too.
Common trapstaying quiet because of your accent or grammar, when a short, structured comment would add real value.
A question to check yourself, an AI practice session and 1 cheat sheet entry come when you add the roadmap to your account. Add it
Resources for this stage
Start with· follow one of these
- GuideFreeAtlassian Agile Coach
Atlassian · Beginner
Short, practical pages on standups, estimation, sprints and retros, whatever tool your team uses
- GuideFreeThe Scrum Guide (2020)
Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland · Beginner
The original definition of sprint events in half an hour, so the vocabulary makes sense
Practise
Keep handy
Also worth your time
- Shape UpGo deeper
A different way to plan work than sprints, useful for understanding why teams choose their process