From the moment you walk into your classroom, look at the reactions of your students. You may visibly see some students look anxious that you are not from the United States or that you have an accent.
Help make your students feel welcome by introducing yourself and have a smile on your face.
Write your name on the board and explain how to pronounce it.
Tell the students how you would like to be addressed.
Talk to your students about your language challenges. By openly discussing your English language difficulties, this should ease tensions and concerns some students may have.
Let students know your English problem areas. For example, if you have trouble saying the hard "gr" sound in English words, let your students know. For example, "When I say 'follow this glaf' I really mean 'follow this graph'."If your students can anticipate your errors, they will adjust to them much better.
Do not apologize for your English language faults.
Let your students know how long you have studied English.
Explain that you will make grammar mistakes or use the wrong words at times.
Just make sure you let the students know that if they do not understand you, that they can ask for you to repeat the statement.
Speak at a moderate rate of speech.
Make pauses after meaningful phrases in your speech so that students can easily follow your message.
Make sure you ask your students if they need clarification or that if you are going too fast.
For example, "Is this clear?"
"Is there any point that needs clarification?"
Raise the pitch of your voice and the volume to accentuate certain points.
Native English speakers find it difficult to follow a lecturer who has a monotone voice.
Make intonation a priority! It will capture your students' attention.