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If I were to choose one common language that my kids could learn to help them converse with people around the globe say 10 -15 years from now, which language should that be? I hear of kids learning German, French, Mandarin Chinese etc but is there any trend that can help decide going forward which language would be most beneficial..even if not around the globe, just in the Americas..
Just in the Americas? Isn't that obvious? What's the common language through most of Latin America? Is this really a question?
As to your question about global applicability, I assume that as an English speaker yourself, your kids are also English speakers. Therefore, they already know the one most practical language internationally. Aside from that, they should learn several languages: the more, the merrier, IMO. But that's just me.
OP, are your kids any good at foreign languages? Not everyone is. If they're good at languages, encourage them to learn several. If they're not that good at it (some of this has to do with having a good ear for language, like having an ear for music), then recommend that main Latin American language. What was it again?
One regret in my life is that I didn't pickup a secondary language when I was younger. So I highly encourage it. Unfortunately, my elder son doesn't seem to be taking to foreign languages; currently struggling with Spanish. It is what it is... I personally would choose Spanish. Plenty of areas that are predominantly Spanish speaking which equates to plenty of opportunities to practice. Its difficult to pickup a language fluently without having a daily interaction with it.
I picked up phrases from my Russian from my friends... all of them think it is "cute" but also say "Why, what's the point?". lol.
If I were to choose one common language that my kids could learn to help them converse with people around the globe say 10 -15 years from now, which language should that be? I hear of kids learning German, French, Mandarin Chinese etc but is there any trend that can help decide going forward which language would be most beneficial..even if not around the globe, just in the Americas..
Proper English grammar and mathematics. After that, reading music. Those are three great languages.
Now, if they demonstrate skill and interest in a foreign language after English for the Americas, well Spanish of course. Portuguese is more of a niche, I would say.
Everybody should know enough "Street Spanish" if they live anywhere near an urban area. Not so much for self preservation but to be able to conduct day to day activities. Growing up, my grandparents and my mother spoke German. I'm a little rusty but I can understand more than I speak. I could see the importance of learning Mandarin as China has pretty much gained global power for manufacturing. That would dovetail nicely with an advanced business degree.
As far as having the ability to learn another language, it helps if one has any natural musical talent. I Play guitar, mandolin, dulcimer and I sing. English is my first language. I can get by with Spanish. Conversation in German might be a bit halting but it comes back to me quickly. I'm learning Scots Gaelic as thats the other side of my families heritage. American English might be spoken all over but it's a difficult language to learn.
English will always be the #1 international language, for a number of practical reasons.
After English, French is a pretty widely used business language in parts of Africa. Southeast Asia still has a French legacy where merchants and educated people learn French.
Besides English, French and German are widely used in parts of Europe for business.
Spanish is spoken in most of Central and South America, with the notable exception of Brazil. A few small countries speak French, Dutch, and English. But just like in the U.S. there are enclaves of immigrants where they still speak their native languages, and then there are the indigenous languages. But again, most people doing business with an American will know English.
Mandarin Chinese? Unless you want to travel the countryside and meet the hicks, why not just speak English?
my wife is spanish speaking but we never focused on it with our kids. when we started sending my daughter to hebrew school, she seemed very interested in learning the language. it bothered me so much that she would waste an interest in learning langauges on hebrew. i tried hard to ask her to take up mandarin. i am willing to bribe her substantially to do so. so far, it hasnt worked.
recently, she got some app on her phone that teachers languages. she started with italian. once again, i begged her to learn chinese not some langauge with little to no value. my wife got angry that she would choose that over her native spanish. so my daughter switched to spanish on the app. spanish is certainly better han italian and hebrew, but i still want mandarin!
OP asked "fastest growing language" - I'd guess Spanish, English, Hindi, or Chinese (Mandarin).
OP also stated “even if not around the globe...just in the Americas”
I’d say Spanish.
But I learned French growing up, know some Italian, German and a smattering of a few others including Spanish. During my travels I always made sure I had at least a dozen serviceable words (with good pronunciation) in the local language.
A lot depends on one’s career choice. If doing international manufacturing in China, Mandarin would be more useful than Spanish. If running a chain of businesses in southern US, then the reverse would be true.
I’ve been to India 8 times and unless you’re going to northern India you don’t need Hindi, just as you really won’t need Marathi, Kannada, Bengali, Tamil, etc. English works fine in commerce.
Probably English, Spanish and Chinese. So if native English speaking I would go for one of the other two, and defintely Spanish if staying in the Americas.
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How about this metaphor classic from Star Trek Next Generation fame? 
