UNIT 4 GOOD TO HEAR FROM YOU AGAIN! Business English

Conversation Question When two people in a conversation have a different cultural background, what are some problems they are likely to have in their communication? Describe some communication barriers.

Cross-cultural Communication Conversation 1 – picture B Problem – the receiver speaks only Japanese Solution – the caller should or fax before making their call to set up a time to call and give the reason for their call. Conversation 2 – picture C Problem – the caller uses a metaphor Solution – avoid difficult idioms or metaphors in speaking.

Cross-cultural Communication Conversation 3 – picture A Problem – there is no active listening by the receiver Solution – the receiver needs to show interest and understanding by using words like yes, okay, right, uh huh, I see, etc.

Barriers to Oral Communication Read the first paragraph. What is the first barrier to communicating with someone from another native language?

Barriers to Oral Communication Read the second paragraph. Give some examples of how people from different cultures use their voice.

Barriers to Oral Communication Read the third paragraph. What do you think an idiomatic expression is? Why are idiomatic expressions difficult to understand? Why did the author use the example of the German woman and the bread? What was the problem in their communication?

Barriers to Oral Communication You can only control yourself in a cross-cultural conversation. Try to eliminate noise Look for feedback Rephrase your sentence when necessary Don’t talk down to the other person Use objective, accurate language Let other people finish what they have to say

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