Cross-Cultural Communication 30-Day Challenge – Get Extreme With Clarity
Yesterday we saw how our own assumptions make us forget the obvious explanations and how this can wreck havoc on cross-cultural communications. As simple explanations improve cross-cultural communication drastically, we need to go through an internal checklist to make sure our conversation is clear to everyone no matter what their background is.
Clarity In Cross-Cultural Communication Tip 23
Today’s tip reminds us to question ourselves about what we think is obvious:
Do not forget to mention the information you think as obvious
This is often difficult to do thoroughly prior to a cross-cultural encounter. Of course, there is a lot you can do before a meeting. But the truth is that cultural differences also crop up in the unexpectedly places. This is why you need to have this little tickler at the back of your mind during a cross-cultural encounter:
- Is there something that I have assumed that the other person does not understand?
- Do we have the same assumptions, ways of doing things?
- Is there anything or any detail that needs more explanation?
This is where you also need to listen to the conversation to pick up any signals that might hint at a need for further explanation. The earlier you give the explanations needed, the smoother your 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
- Show The World Your Location
- A Multicultural Writer Gets More International Readers?
- Be Reachable To Everyone
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
Free Mini-Posters With Monthly Calenders
| Mindset | Clarity | Trust |
 |
 |
 |
She is who I turn to when I have questions and you should too"
-- Chris Garrett, co-author of the "Problogger" book
