As a non-native speaker, forming meaningful connections in English can be overwhelming. You might feel like you're constantly focusing on how to respond, and in the process, miss out on building a true connection with others.

The good news? You don’t need to be fluent to make people like you—you just need to apply some timeless techniques.

Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People” has been helping professionals build strong relationships for decades.

In Part 2, Carnegie shares six simple but powerful ways to make people like you—techniques that work even if English isn’t your first language.

1. Become Genuinely Interested in Others

One of the best ways to make someone feel valued is to show genuine interest in them. If you’re meeting someone for the first time, research their interests ahead of time or ask open-ended questions. This takes the pressure off you to do all the talking and helps create a more natural flow in the conversation.

Example:
Before a meeting, check their LinkedIn or ask mutual colleagues about their hobbies or projects. Use this knowledge to ask insightful questions.

2. Smile

Smiling is one of the easiest and most universal ways to connect with others, no matter the language. A genuine smile can instantly make you seem more approachable and friendly, helping to break the ice in new or formal situations. Don’t rush a smile—let it form naturally to convey warmth.

Pro Tip:
If you're nervous, take a deep breath and smile slowly. This will help your smile feel more authentic.

3. Remember Their Name—It's Music to Their Ears

Pronouncing someone’s name correctly might seem like a small detail, but it can make a huge difference. It shows respect and care. If you’re unsure of the pronunciation, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. People appreciate the effort you put into getting their name right.

Actionable Tip:
If someone’s name is difficult to pronounce, repeat it a few times in the conversation to practice and lock it into memory.

4. Be a Good Listener

As a non-native speaker, you might feel the pressure to plan your next response instead of actively listening. But being an engaged listener will do more to build rapport than anything you say. Encourage others to talk about themselves by asking open-ended questions and responding genuinely.

Example:
Use phrases like, “Tell me more about that,” or, “How did you get into that field?”

5. Talk in Terms of Their Interests

One of the best ways to make a person feel valued is to tailor the conversation to their interests. By paying attention to nonverbal cues—such as their enthusiasm when certain topics come up—you can guide the conversation toward things they enjoy discussing.

Actionable Tip:
Ask follow-up questions when you see someone light up about a topic they love. This keeps the conversation flowing and shows you’re genuinely engaged.

6. Make the Other Person Feel Important—Sincerely

Compliments are great, but they should be sincere and specific to things people have worked hard on, like their presentation skills or leadership abilities. This not only shows that you’re paying attention, but it also helps you come across as professional and thoughtful.

Example:
Instead of saying, “You look nice today,” try, “Your presentation was really clear and engaging—I could see the effort you put into making it informative.”

By using these techniques, you can build strong, genuine connections in English—without having to worry about fluency. Remember, people respond to warmth, interest, and sincerity, no matter what language you speak.

Practice these strategies consistently, and you’ll not only improve your relationships but also your confidence in any conversation.

Keep Learning

Loved these takeaways? Don’t stop now—go even deeper with these tips from “How to Win Friends and Influence People” about How to Give Negative Feedback in a Constructive Way. Click here to dive in!

Also, download your free audio training of the three must-know leadership communication skills for non-native speakers here.

Be a More Confident Leader in English

If you’re ready to elevate your English communication and executive presence, or if you're looking for training resources for the international leaders in your company, book a call today at TanniaSuarez.com, or learn more about my Leadership Communication Accelerator here.