1) Slow Down
Even when English is the common language in a cross cultural situation, this does not mean you should speak quickly. Slow down, speak clearly and ensure your pronunciation is intelligible. Don´t be afraid to ask native-english speakers to slow down, or to repeat things or to explain points again. They also need to realise that speaking more slowly helps intercultural communication.
Even when English is the common language in a cross cultural situation, this does not mean you should speak quickly. Slow down, speak clearly and ensure your pronunciation is intelligible. Don´t be afraid to ask native-english speakers to slow down, or to repeat things or to explain points again. They also need to realise that speaking more slowly helps intercultural communication.
2) Take Turns
Cross cultural communication flows better when people take turns to make a point and to really listen to each other.
Cross cultural communication flows better when people take turns to make a point and to really listen to each other.
3) One Question
Try not to ask double questions such as, “Do you want to carry on or shall we stop here?” In a cross cultural situation, the listener may only comprehend one question.
Try not to ask double questions such as, “Do you want to carry on or shall we stop here?” In a cross cultural situation, the listener may only comprehend one question.
4) Avoid Negative Questions
Many cross cultural communication misunderstandings have been caused by the use of negative questions. For example, “Aren´t you satisfied with our progress?” In English we answer ‘yes’ if the answer is affirmative and ‘no’ if it is negative. In some 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.’
Many cross cultural communication misunderstandings have been caused by the use of negative questions. For example, “Aren´t you satisfied with our progress?” In English we answer ‘yes’ if the answer is affirmative and ‘no’ if it is negative. In some 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.’
5) Be Supportive
To work in another language requires confidence and feeling comfortable. Giving encouragement to professionals whose English is good but not perfect.
To work in another language requires confidence and feeling comfortable. Giving encouragement to professionals whose English is good but not perfect.
6) Write it Down
If you are unsure whether something has been understood, write it down and show the other person or check with them. This can be useful when using large figures.
If you are unsure whether something has been understood, write it down and show the other person or check with them. This can be useful when using large figures.
7) Check Meanings
When communicating across cultures never assume the other party has understood. Be an active listener and summarise the main points of what has been said.
When communicating across cultures never assume the other party has understood. Be an active listener and summarise the main points of what has been said.
8) Avoid Excessive Use of Jargon
Professionals working in multinationals often use an excessive amount of jargon in their day to day activities that people outside of their company often don´t understand.
9) 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. Humour can be used, but think carefully whether it will be understood and that it won´t cause offense.
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. Humour can be used, but think carefully whether it will be understood and that it won´t cause offense.
10) Maintain Etiquette
Many cultures have certain etiquette when communicating and doing business. Do some research and ask colleagues about cultural differences when communicating and doing business.
Many cultures have certain etiquette when communicating and doing business. Do some research and ask colleagues about cultural differences when communicating and doing business.
These are really interesting and easy tips to follow something i am sure will be really helpful for people who don't speak English as their 1st language. Great Blog
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