'Can I Present In Hindi?', Snapdeal Co-founder Was Once Asked By A Founder. Here's How He Reacted
Recently, Snapdeal co-founder and investor Kunal Bahl recalled a situation which left him thinking about the ¡®colonial mindset¡¯ that is associated with English language in the professional world. He insisted that one should have the confidence of
Isn¡¯t it a given that corporate language is English by default? From presentations to client pitches, the presenter is judged on the basis of his/her fluency and hold over the language.
Recently, Snapdeal co-founder and investor Kunal Bahl recalled a situation which left him thinking about the ¡®colonial mindset¡¯ that is associated with English language in the professional world.
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He insisted that one should have the confidence of using their mother tongue for business communication.
Taking to X, he posted, "Getting your point across, the complete and authentic essence of it, is much more important than having a colonial mindset that if it's an important business presentation, it must be done in English."
Mr. Bahl shared an anecdote about a startup founder who was requested to deliver their pitch in Hindi to ensure a more comfortable and effective presentation.
"Obviously I replied with a resounding "Yes, of course! It seemed strange that two people, who understand and speak the same native language fluently, are having to discuss whether they can have a business presentation in their own language, which they know best," he further added.
"??? ? ??????? ?? ??????"
¡ª Kunal Bahl (@1kunalbahl) April 22, 2024
I was surprised when a startup founder sheepishly asked me a few days ago whether he can walk me through his startup's presentation in Hindi because he would be more comfortable.
Obviously I replied with a resounding "???,¡
Mr. Bahl noted that many founders feel compelled to present in English in order to appear polished.
"At least from my standpoint, it absolutely doesn't matter. Zero," he said.
Kunal Bahl's message struck a chord with other founders, with one entrepreneur acknowledging that they may have missed out on a funding opportunity because they felt pressured to present in English, a language they were not comfortable with.
Pritesh Lakhani, co-founder of Pneucons, an industrial marketplace, shared, "We missed out on an opportunity for similar reasons. After multiple calls with analysts over months, today on a partner call I stumbled and disrupted the flow because I was asked to present in English. PS: The call lasted 16 minutes."
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