Here are some simple tips to help you improve your cross cultural communication skills:
Slow Down
Even when English is the common language in a cross cultural situation, this does not mean you should speak at normal speed. Slow down, speak clearly and ensure your pronunciation is intelligible.
Separate Questions
Try not to ask double questions such as, "Do you want to carry on or shall we stop here?" In a cross cultural situation only the first or second question may have been comprehended. Let your listener answer one question at a time.
Avoid Negative Questions
Many cross cultural communication misunderstandings have been caused by the use of negative questions and answers. In English we answer 'yes' if the answer is affirmative and 'no' if it is negative. In other cultures a 'yes' or 'no' may only be indicating whether the questioner is right or wrong. For example, the response to "Are you not coming?" may be 'yes', meaning 'Yes, I am not coming.'
Take Turns
Cross cultural communication is enhanced through taking turns to talk, making a point and then listening to the response.
Write it Down
If you are unsure whether something has been understood write it down and check. This can be useful when using large figures. For example, a billion in the USA is 1,000,000,000,000 while in the UK it is 1,000,000,000.
Be Supportive
Effective cross cultural communication is in essence about being comfortable. Giving encouragement to those with weak English gives them confidence, support and a trust in you.
Check Meanings
When communicating across cultures never assume the other party has understood. Be an active listener. Summarise what has been said in order to verify it. This is a very effective way of ensuring accurate cross cultural communication has taken place.
Avoid Slang
Even the most well educated foreigner will not have a complete knowledge of slang, idioms and sayings. The danger is that the words will be understood but the meaning missed.
Watch the humour
In many cultures business is taken very seriously. Professionalism and protocol are constantly observed. Many cultures will not appreciate the use of humour and jokes in the business context. When using humour think whether it will be understood in the other culture. For example, British sarcasm usually has a negative effect abroad.
Maintain Etiquette
Many cultures have certain etiquette when communicating. It is always a good idea to undertake some cross cultural awareness training or at least do some research on the target culture.
Cross cultural communication is about dealing with people from other cultures in a way that minimises misunderstandings and maximises your potential to create strong cross cultural relationships. The above tips should be seen as a starting point to greater cross cultural awareness.
For more information on cross cultural communication training please visit http://www.kwintessential.co.uk
Neil Payne is Director of London based consultancy http://www.kwintessential.co.uk
Cash is king-so they say. If you work for yourself... Read More
Here are some simple tips to help you improve your... Read More
You have a great idea you know is a winner.... Read More
Have you put a lot of effort, time, and money... Read More
Talking is the least important half of any conversation. Listening... Read More
With today's technology and people's need for more information it... Read More
The following tips are from an article we contributed to... Read More
If you are like me, you are living some distance... Read More
Seven Questions to Improve Your Business, Your Relationships, and Your... Read More
I believe some people create and publish websites for the... Read More
Looking for an old friend? Want to know if your... Read More
From an employee's perspective, management often conducts itself in ways... Read More
What would You do with $1,000,000With $1 Million would you:?... Read More
Do you know exactly what actions you need to do... Read More
1. Get to know people. First meet those people in... Read More
Advertising executive Alex F. Osborne first coined the word "brainstorming"... Read More
Who doesn't have issues with organizing their inbox!? I receive... Read More
I have some good news and I have some bad... Read More
Cross cultural differences can and do impede upon communication and... Read More
If you don't possess the time, money or inclination to... Read More
Always include a powerful signature on every email you send... Read More
The term "junk mail" is a well-known term. To... Read More
1. Use subheads throughout your ad copy.Subheads are great to... Read More
Your business card is a valuable piece of real estate... Read More
1. You have a big goal and you want someone... Read More
Counselling non-performing team members is a tough part of any... Read More
Buckling under the weight of chronic corporate restructuring, and frustrated... Read More
Here are seven excellent ways to earn income from international... Read More
I believe some people create and publish websites for the... Read More
We've heard numerous success stories of Internet entrepreneurs like Jeff... Read More
Do you run a business that seems to run you?... Read More
Getting focused on what you want to achieve and creating... Read More
Only one of every 5 businesses makes it to its... Read More
So you have set up your company, fairly established and... Read More
1. Examine everything in your office from the view of... Read More
A lot of people are at a loss when it... Read More
There are so many simple, yet really sure-fire ways of... Read More
What follows is a bold statement, but sometimes it takes... Read More
1. Outsource what takes you too long to doWhen you... Read More
Do you find great joy in being a coach? If... Read More
Cash is king-so they say. If you work for yourself... Read More
As a counselor, therapist or healing professional (massage therapist, physiotherapist,... Read More
Do you plan events for the corporate world like product... Read More
The number may seem grim for Web-based commerce. In 2004... Read More
Never in history have more entrepreneurs launched more new businesses!... Read More
If you're a beginner, starting a website doesn't have to... Read More
Clarity is an absolutely essential ingredient for you to achieve... Read More
The Internet is a fast growing medium, trancending the personal... Read More
Positioning Your Company for Debt Financing:There was a time in... Read More
Ever lost a sale you thought was in the bag?... Read More
|