Communicating Across Cultures

Successful Communication  Awareness of different values / behaviors  Sensitive to verbal / nonverbal action  Ability to be flexible

Diversity in Business  Gender  Race / ethnicity  Regional / national origin  Social class  Religion  Age  Sexual orientation  Physical ability

High & Low Context Cultures  Preferred communication strategy  Reliance on words  Reliance on nonverbal signs  Importance of written word  Agreements made in writing  Agreements made orally  Attention to detail

Values, Beliefs, & Practices  Fair & Preferential treatment  Social Status  Individualism  Work ethic & Religion  Communication & Religion  Everyday Practices  Names, writing, printing

Nonverbal Communication  Body language  Eye contact  Smiling  Gestures  Personal space – touch  Spatial arrangements  Time  Monochronic vs Polychronic

Nonverbal Communication  Color

Oral Communication  Understatement vs exaggeration  Compliments  Silence  Tome of Voice  Pitch  Emphasis  Volume