Ten Tips for Cross Cultural Communication

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

---

Top 7 Ways to Profit from Foreign Trade

Here are seven excellent ways to earn income from international... Read More

10 High-Impact Viral Marketing Strategies

Viral Marketing is allowing people to giveaway and use your... Read More

Ten Tips for Cross Cultural Communication

Here are some simple tips to help you improve your... Read More

7 Strategies for Handling Last Minute Meetings

Have you ever found yourself having to scramble to organize... Read More

Top Ten Ways to Manage Interruptions

So many people I worked with said they got more... Read More

How To Take Daily Big Rock Actions To Jumpstart Your Business Into Massive Momentum

Do you know exactly what actions you need to do... Read More

Managing Your Major Sales - 7 Steps That Could Change The Way You Pursue Business

Ever lost a sale you thought was in the bag?... Read More

Seven Ways to Get the Most Out of the Next Training You Attend

Sometime soon you will be attending some training. It may... Read More

Top 7 Reasons You Should Back Up Your Data Online!

How much is your data worth to you? In this... Read More

Making Money over the Internet : 5 Cool Tips

The Internet is a fast growing medium, trancending the personal... Read More

10 Tips for Effective Proofreading

Proofreading may not be terribly fun, but it's one of... Read More

10 Nifty Tips for Better Business Cards

Not having a business card is as bad as using... Read More

Advice for New Coaches: 10 Ways to Attract Your First Paying Client and Receive Endless Referrals

Many new coaches struggle to attract their first client. Often,... Read More

Top Ten Tips for Online Publishing Success

Use the checklist below to make sure your article, tip,... Read More

Top 10 Ways to Start a Business For Less Than $500

We've heard numerous success stories of Internet entrepreneurs like Jeff... Read More

Ten Tips on Delegating Work

One way to manage your time more effectively is to... Read More

Top Ten Reasons to Write a Sales Letter for Each Product? - Part 2

Authors/publishers are great at getting their books written. Entrepreneurs know... Read More

5 Tips to Manage and Organize E-Mail

How do you focus on your urgent e-mail and organize... Read More

Get Your Mailing Noticed - Seven Tips for Effective Direct Mail Pieces

When sending mail to clients and potential clients, make your... Read More

Never Sell Again: Get Repeat Business and Avoid the Need to Prospect

If you're a business owner, you know that repeat business... Read More

Checklist for Hiring a Private Investigator

Looking for an old friend? Want to know if your... Read More

Event Planning: Seven Best Practices Successful Planners Use

Do you plan events for the corporate world like product... Read More

The Top Ten Reasons to Hire a Coach

1. You have a big goal and you want someone... Read More

The Top Ten Ways to Stop Procrastinating Now

10. Procrastination Condemnation - Lose the Labels! All those things... Read More

Sales Marketing: 10 Tips On How To Promote Yourself And Generate Sales

A lot of people are insecure about buying something or... Read More

How to Become an Expert in Your Niche Business

What is a niche business? A niche business is one... Read More

7 Tips for Home Business Start-up Success

1) Prepare a realistic business plan.Think of this as your... Read More

10 Incredibly important business basics EVERYONE needs to know BEFORE they start a business!

In my career, I have had a total of 3... Read More

The Top Ten Qualities that Allow Business Operations to Grow Easily

My husband and I were enjoying our dinner meal one... Read More

Increase Exposure, and Profits With Powerful Memorable Business Cards Using These Ten Strategies

Your business card is a valuable piece of real estate... Read More

How To Make Money With Your Junk Mail

The term "junk mail" is a well-known term. To... Read More

Shaking Your Money Tree: Seven Ways to Make Quick Cash

Does your business have a money tree you can shake... Read More

Top Ten Tips for Improving Your Cash Flow

Cash is king-so they say. If you work for yourself... Read More