Non-English-speaking People

Here’s an idea for those of you who are seeing more and more non-English-speaking people. You may be frustrated by your inability to educate them properly to the value of regular chiropractic care. What about the idea of enlisting the help of those who are bilingual in your practice… those who speak English and are also able to speak in the native tongue of those who cannot? You will want to make sure whomever you enlist understands chiropractic. As their understanding of chiropractic increases, you can ask them if they would be willing to translate some brief articles that you feel will help their fellow foreign-speaking friends to get the big idea. Perhaps they could even record something you have written and you could have a CD made. Think of the benefits of doing this.

It will obviously bring more non-English-speaking people into the office because your bi-lingual practice members will more than likely be more enthused and anxious to share the message with their friends. They will understand that you want to see non-English-speaking people in your office. The more they understand the more they will be able to explain. As they help you translate the message, there will be more material for them to give to their friends. I believe that non-English-speaking people are often naturally drawn to chiropractic. Look at all the people who get adjusted on missions trips without ever hearing a lay lecture or reading a scientific research study. Having no understanding of English does not keep people out of the office, if they hurt enough, but having no understanding of chiropractic will keep them from coming back on a regular basis after their pain disappears. It’s really a great public relations idea. People will understand that you really do want to see them (and hopefully, you do!).

This is a significant opportunity for the spread of chiropractic. We need to carry our message to the world and the best way is to have it carried by people who share a common language that they understand and trust.

There is one more advantage. It can enable you to see more people than you ordinarily would. Non-English-speaking people do not take time sharing their symptoms, talking about the weather, the Super Bowl, or making small conversation. They come in, get their adjustment and go about their lives. Try this out with the people you have the greatest contact with or who make up the largest population in your area or your practice. If you come up with other ideas, please share them with me.