“I Don’t Understand That Saying” – What Roger Federer Can Teach Us About International Communication
/In 2021, I noted a powerful language moment during a Wimbledon interview with Roger Federer. I shared it in this short post:
When you do not understand someone’s English
That interview is still a masterclass in humility, clarity, and communication across cultures.
And this week, that lesson resurfaced during a coaching session with a native English-speaking executive preparing a keynote for his company’s global event.
As we simulated his speech—a classic example of an executive presentation—I heard two idiomatic expressions. I asked:
“Do you think everyone in your international audience will follow these?”
He nodded thoughtfully and said:
“Good point. Let’s take them out.”
That moment reminded me—again—of Federer. And why I do what I do as a communication coach.
🎾 The Federer Interview
Wimbledon, June 2021.
The interviewer asks Federer:
“Is it true what they say about absence making the heart grow fonder?”
Federer, smiling politely, replies:
“Sorry, I don’t understand.”
The interviewer repeats the same phrase. Federer responds, this time:
“I don’t understand that saying.”
And he says it with complete humility.
Once the question is rephrased in plain English, Federer answers with a simple:
“There you go.”
It’s a small moment—but one that speaks volumes about how to improve public speaking in international contexts.
💬 What Is an Idiom?
An idiom is a common expression whose meaning isn’t obvious from the actual words.
For example:
🗨 “Absence makes the heart grow fonder” means: We value people or things (in this case, Wimbledon) more when they’re not around.
Idioms are often confusing for non-native English speakers because they rely on cultural familiarity, not logic or grammar.
And that’s why, in persuasive presentations, idioms can alienate or confuse part of your audience—often the part you're most hoping to reach.
🌍 Federer’s English Level: CEFR C2
Roger Federer speaks English at CEFR Level C2, the highest level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
A C2-level speaker can:
Understand virtually everything heard or read
Express ideas fluently, precisely, and persuasively
Handle nuance and complexity across all contexts—professional, academic, and informal
So this wasn’t a vocabulary problem. It was a clarity problem—a gap between speaker intent and listener understanding.
💡 What Can We Learn?
Federer’s response gave the interviewer a chance to rephrase.
My client’s choice gave his audience a better chance to connect.
And both moments remind us:
Clarity is a courtesy. Simplicity is strength.
In global settings, this is how executive communication should work.
✨ Takeaways for Speakers and Leaders
Whether you’re delivering a persuasive presentation, joining a panel, or giving a team update:
✅ If Federer at C2 didn’t understand an idiom, your audience might not either
✅ Idioms are easy to use—but easy to lose people with
✅ Clear English isn’t “basic”—it’s brilliant leadership
So next time you're preparing a simple speech or company update:
👉 Swap clever for clear.
👉 Remove the idioms.
👉 Make sure your message lands—for everyone.
Because public speaking—especially in global environments—isn’t about sounding native.
It’s about being understood.
📞 Ready to simplify your message and connect with impact?
If you're preparing for an international audience—whether you're a native or non-native speaker—and want to speak more clearly, confidently, and persuasively, I’d love to help.
👉 Book a free 30-minute call with me here:
Let’s make sure your next executive presentation or talk delivers the clarity and impact you want.