#44: Make your language skills clear

If you speak a language other than the dominant one in your area, that’s excellent. However, if you don’t ‘look’ like it, patrons may not be able to benefit from your skills. While some people will approach the desk and ask if anyone speaks their language, other patrons will see that no one behind it appears to come from their same ethnic/linguistic/cultural group, and assume that they are out of luck. Consider adding something to your badge or work outfit indicating your talents, and try greeting hesitating patrons not only in the dominant language of the area, but also in whatever other languages you know.