Adjusting to American Communication

1. Adjusting to American Communication Types of Communication Differences in the Workplace

2. Different Communication Types • Intrapersonal • Interpersonal • Public • Mass • Small Group • Non-verbal • Source: www.ehow.com • Each type of communication occurs in several different contexts- for example: • Starting & maintaining relationships • Accomplishing specific task • Disseminating information

3. Communication Descriptions • Intrapersonal- communication with yourself • Interpersonal- communication with others • Public- speaking to an audience to inform or persuade • Source: www.ehow.com • Mass- sending a message to many receivers at once. • Small Group- 5-10 people communicate to accomplish a task or fulfill need for companionship or support • Non-verbal- communication does not include words- people use their bodies & eye contact

4. Different Communication Types-No Problem! • Differences present challenges in workplace • Communication styles and ways of relating to others – influenced by many factors- • High- Context vs Low-Context – one major factor Source: http://smallbusiness.chron.com • High-Context Communication-Eastern-based & some European cultures • Relies on relationships- • Use sublet & implicit messaging • Low-Context Communication- Western-European based cultures • Relies explicitly on spelling out instructions, rules, directions and expectations. • Important to follow instructions as given.

5. High Context vs Low Context • What’s the difference & how do I know it when I see it??? • Ask yourself (Intrapersonal) • Do I recognize implied messages from others, am I aware of verbal and non-verbal cues to understand the speaker’s message? • (high-context) Source: http://mqjeffery.hubpages.com • Do I “let my words speak for themselves” Do I prefer to be more direct, relying on what is explicitly stated in my speech? (low-context) • Problems that can occur in both context: • Differences in • direction, • quantity & • quality.

6. Types of Communication Problems • Communication is key, but problems are a fact of life. • Bad communication can lead to further problems and poor outcomes. • For example: • Lack of personal contact • Can lead to misinterpreting the tone of an email or phone message. • Lack of clarity- • Different employees interpret information in different ways. • Lack of feedback- • Getting and giving feedback on a regular basis is important – can provide opportunity to improve • Lack of Honesty- • Honesty is always important – lay out the facts and provide as much information as possible.

7. Communication Tools for Understanding Cultural Differences • Low-Context communicators with High-Context listeners be aware of: • Nonverbal messages & gestures important as what’s said • Face-saving ad tact are important- need to be balanced • Building good relationship, indirect routes & creative thinking important alternatives to problem-solving Source: www.beyondintractability.org • High-Context communicators with Low-Context listeners be aware of: • Things taken at face value rather than layers of meaning • Roles & functions not same as status & identity • Efficiency & effectiveness important to stay on task • Direct questions & observations not meant to offend, but rather to clarify • Indirect cues not enough to get other’s attention