Everyone speaks English, right?
Allow me to disagree.
The data is hugely misleading, I’ll give you that, so let’s have a look.
While English is widely spoken, only about 18% of the world’s population speaks it at all, and just 5% are native speakers.
A more accurate picture
Even within Europe, there are major gaps: according to the EF English Proficiency Index, countries like Italy, France, and Spain rank in the “moderate” to “low” proficiency categories. It’s worth noting that the Index takes into consideration the results of those who take EF’s test: a selected sample population which isn’t entirely representative as it’s skewed toward those who have already an interest in the language and want to test their skills. Globally, key business markets such as China, Brazil, and Mexico have large professional populations with limited English skills.
Crucially, the data is often not disaggregated by proficiency level – people who can get by asking questions at their hotel reception are lumped in with those who can hold their own during long and complex technical meetings. So – when we read statistics like over 1 billion people speak English as a second language, I would venture that only a fraction can read, write, speak and understand English at an advanced level.
Ask, don’t assume: your international event is on the line
Why is this important for you? When English is the only language offered at international events, a significant portion of potential attendees, speakers, and sponsors are either excluded altogether or forced into passive participation.
Assuming “everyone speaks English” comes with real business risks:
- Lower attendance: professionals who “speak” English but only get by may choose not to register at all.
- Limited engagement: attendees who struggle to follow sessions won’t ask questions, network effectively, or engage.
- Missed revenue opportunities: if people don’t fully understand the content, they are far less likely to convert—whether that means signing up for a service, buying a product, or attending future events.
No interpreters, no international events
To every problem, its solution: rather than defaulting to English-only, you can expand your event’s reach and revenue by integrating live and written translation services. No need to go big or go home: you can first test the waters by identifying key markets and provide interpretation for those languages and choose which sessions require interpretation to maximize ROI.
(Truly) global events should reflect their name. Language accessibility isn’t just about inclusivity – it’s a smart business strategy.
Still relying on “everyone speaks English” for your international event? Let’s have a chat.