Cross-Cultural Communication 30-Day Challenge – Get Extreme With Clarity
To get extreme with clarity in your cross-cultural communication, simplify what you say. Of course, you say. That is obvious. The trouble is that most people think this means using simple words, just like you do when you talk to a child. Yes, it does mean this to some extent, but there is an even more important way to simplify your communication.
Clarity In Cross-Cultural Communication Tip 19
Today’s tip will require a little of your time.
Know what you want to say before starting
Knowing what you want to say, does not mean that you stop all dialogue. You still need to adapt your communication to make an easier connection with another culture.
There are two reasons why this tip is useful.
Simple Communication
If you are improving your cross-cultural communication skills to improve your international business you are probably very busy.
Prepared To Adapt To Any Cultural Differences
International professionals have to become experts at multi-tasking their thought processes. This is one of the most common traits of a person with strong international skllls. As I have mentioned here before, the first step in improving your cross-cultural skills is to look at your own communication. Before you can adapt your communication for a cross-cultural encounter you need to know what you want to say.
Now, you might think that establishing what you want to say is simply a short session prior to your cross-cultural meeting. And of course, this is a good idea. But when you do this, it is a good idea to set priorities and dig down to the essentials of what you want to say.
Why?
Cultural differences often create unexpected issues and events. If you are used to winging it with people from your own culture, in a cross-cultural communication you might:
- Lose purpose and direction of the initial reason for your meeting
- Expose yourself to a higher risk of cross-cultural blunders
When you know the essential things you want to say, it is much easier to stay on track and to find the path towards effective communication.
Use this tip as a starting point. Think about what this means to you. Not sure what you think about this? There are a few links below for suggested reading to get you started. Follow each of these tips this month to improve your cultural skills.
Further Suggested Reading & Viewing
- Customize Your Content For Different Cultures
- What Flavor Is Your English?
- Multicultural Marketing And Colors
Get All Cross-Cultural Communication Tips:
- Read more about all of the 2009 Cross-Cultural Communication Challenges
- Cross Cultural Communication Challenge 1 – Expand Your Mindset
- Cross Cultural Communication Challenge 2 – Get Extreme With Clarity
- Cross Cultural Communication Challenge 3 – Build Trust
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She is who I turn to when I have questions and you should too"
-- Chris Garrett, co-author of the "Problogger" book
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