| Here are some simple tips to help you improve your | | | | Giving encouragement to those with weak English |
| cross cultural communication skills: Slow Down Even | | | | gives them confidence, support and a trust in you. |
| when English is the common language in a cross | | | | Check Meanings When communicating across cultures |
| cultural situation, this does not mean you should speak | | | | never assume the other party has understood. Be an |
| at normal speed. Slow down, speak clearly and ensure | | | | active listener. Summarise what has been said in order |
| your pronunciation is intelligible. Separate Questions Try | | | | to verify it. This is a very effective way of ensuring |
| not to ask double questions such as, "Do you want to | | | | accurate cross cultural communication has taken place. |
| carry on or shall we stop here?" In a cross cultural | | | | Avoid Slang Even the most well educated foreigner |
| situation only the first or second question may have | | | | will not have a complete knowledge of slang, idioms |
| been comprehended. Let your listener answer one | | | | and sayings. The danger is that the words will be |
| question at a time. Avoid Negative Questions Many | | | | understood but the meaning missed. Watch the |
| cross cultural communication misunderstandings have | | | | humour In many cultures business is taken very |
| been caused by the use of negative questions and | | | | seriously. Professionalism and protocol are constantly |
| answers. In English we answer 'yes' if the answer is | | | | observed. Many cultures will not appreciate the use of |
| affirmative and 'no' if it is negative. In other cultures a | | | | humour and jokes in the business context. When using |
| 'yes' or 'no' may only be indicating whether the | | | | humour think whether it will be understood in the other |
| questioner is right or wrong. For example, the response | | | | culture. For example, British sarcasm usually has a |
| to "Are you not coming?" may be 'yes', meaning 'Yes, I | | | | negative effect abroad. Maintain Etiquette Many |
| am not coming.' Take Turns Cross cultural | | | | cultures have certain etiquette when communicating. It |
| communication is enhanced through taking turns to talk, | | | | is always a good idea to undertake some cross |
| making a point and then listening to the response. Write | | | | cultural awareness training or at least do some |
| it Down If you are unsure whether something has | | | | research on the target culture. Cross cultural |
| been understood write it down and check. This can be | | | | communication is about dealing with people from other |
| useful when using large figures. For example, a billion in | | | | cultures in a way that minimises misunderstandings and |
| the USA is 1,000,000,000,000 while in the UK it is | | | | maximises your potential to create strong cross |
| 1,000,000,000. Be Supportive Effective cross cultural | | | | cultural relationships. The above tips should be seen as |
| communication is in essence about being comfortable. | | | | a starting point to greater cross cultural awareness. |