Pack Your Bags With Global Communication Skills
Posted on February 10, 2012 by Baxter Dickson
Chances are, your organization is operating in a global community with colleagues, clients, suppliers and partners in other countries. Do you worry that your relationship may be getting lost in translation? The topic comes up withVoicePro® clients, many of whom are multinationals. And, it’s top of mind right now because I’m flying to Australia to work with U.S. client offices there.
My advice? Yes, there are cultural practices you want to understand. That’s more than we can handle here, but rest assured that just a little research will go a long way. What we can talk about here, though, is the simple tools that work in the common language of connection. Whether you’re making a presentation to a group or working with a small team, these elements can make a difference.
Body language is universal language.
You convey an easy confidence when you keep an open, relaxed stance. Some studies suggest the most relaxed person in the room is perceived to become the leader. When you take a hunched-over stance or shrink into the chair at the conference table, you give up authority and strength.
Eye contact is always understood.
Eye contact communicates that you’re truly listening to other speakers and signals authentic belief in your own words. More important, it gives you a way to see if the listeners understand your message. In this case, it may signal a language barrier, but in any communication there’s a possibility of misunderstanding.
Skip the local clichés.
I don’t think starting my Australia workshops with “G’day, mates” makes me an instant Aussie. It reminds me of a southern colleague who’s a bit annoyed when colleagues from the north start tossing “y’all” into every sentence. When visitors latch on to clichés, it conveys the message that they see the audience as sterotypes instead of flesh-and-blood individuals.
Learn to pronounce foreign colleagues’ names.
Ever hear your own name pronounced incorrectly? It’s an awkward start to a relationship at best, insulting at worst. Try to get a list of new contacts before your meetings so you can get pronunciation help (and practice, if necessary) before the first work conversation.
Ask checking questions.
This is a crucial part of communication with anyone, familiar or foreign, but particularly helpful in new working groups. Remember to ask often during the interaction, “Do you have any questions about that?” It opens the door for clarification. You may also consider asking someone in the group to recap next steps or key points. It’s another way of being sure you’re being clear.
Listen as well as you speak.
This is another bit of advice that knows no boundaries. Still, any time language, accents or simply local practice may cause confusion, make sure you’re as focused on what others are saying as on your own presentation.
Still have concerns?
Before you leave, set up a one-on-one conversation with a few of the key colleagues you’ll be meeting and ask for advice. It’s to everyone’s benefit to help you make the most of time together.
The world is getting smaller, your communications need to reach farther. Put the accent on clarity, authenticity and relaxed focus, and you’re speaking the world’s language.
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Image provided by Mamboman1
