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Adjusting to Communication Styles

Communication is the basic tool by which people interact.

Communication is the basic tool by which people interact. How people communicate depends on their culture and cultural characteristics. This is very important to remember when you are part of a multicultural workplace. Knowing what type of communicator you are and what type of communicators you interact with can help you build relationships and foster successful conversations and feedback. It’s also important to understand the differences between cultural actions and language and the ability to behave and react appropriately to those differences, like being polite during interactions. So what are some best practices for communicating across cultures?

In these lessons on Adjusting to Communication Styles, you will learn how to change how you communicate with others. You will learn the difference between direct and indirect communication. You will also understand how to communicate effectively across cultures, such as using inclusive actions and language in your communication, showing politeness, and giving effective feedback.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify the difference between direct and indirect communication
  • Learn how to use inclusive actions and language
  • Explain the different types of cultural politeness
  • Demonstrate how to give cross-cultural feedback

Author: Erin Shankie

Duration: 17m · 6 lessons
Level: Beginner
Language: English

Skills you’ll gain

Intercultural CommunicationVerbal Communication SkillsCommunication StrategiesCommunicative ApproachesHuman CommunicationLearning Styles

What You'll Learn

  • Identify the difference between direct and indirect communication
  • Use inclusive actions and language in cross-cultural communication
  • Explain the different types of cultural politeness
  • Demonstrate how to give cross-cultural feedback
  • Adjust how you communicate with others across cultures

Key Takeaways

  • Communication is the basic tool by which people interact, and how people communicate depends on their culture and cultural characteristics.
  • Knowing what type of communicator you are and what type of communicators you interact with can help you build relationships and foster successful conversations and feedback.
  • Communicating effectively across cultures involves using inclusive actions and language, showing politeness, and giving effective feedback.
  • Understanding the differences between cultural actions and language helps you behave and react appropriately, such as being polite during interactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this course for?

It is intended for people who are part of a multicultural workplace and want to adjust how they communicate with others across cultures.

What will I learn in this course?

You will learn the difference between direct and indirect communication, how to use inclusive actions and language, the different types of cultural politeness, and how to give cross-cultural feedback.

What topics or lessons does the course cover?

The lessons cover an Introduction, Direct and Indirect Communication, Inclusive Actions and Language, Politeness Principles Across Cultures, Feedback Across Cultures, and a Test Your Knowledge section.

What skills does this course help develop?

It helps develop intercultural communication, verbal communication skills, communication strategies, communicative approaches, human communication, and learning styles.

Transcript

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Communication styles between cultures include subtle distinctions. How are certain nonverbal cues interpreted in different cultures? Are certain groups more used to a direct communication style or an indirect one? How does certain cultures expect feedback to be given? Be aware that what you consider to be polite or appropriate isn't the norm to everyone. This course on adjusting to communication styles will help you identify different styles of communication, demonstrate inclusivity through actions and language, consider metrics of politeness across cultures, and give feedback in a culture conscientious way. Being able to communicate effectively, regardless of differences in background, is crucial for true collaboration. Learn how with adjusting to communication styles.

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