Do not make cultural assumptions, by the use of jokes, slang words, that could confuse, or offend someone. Always, remember that verbal and non-verbal communications relies on a shared set of cultural beliefs and attitudes. When speaking slow down your rate of speech a little not too much. The use of active listening is an effective strategy for continued improvement in communications with the person, by restating what you say to ensure the person understands. Also, use a formal communication style with new acquaintances, then as you get to know them scale back as the relationship develops to not so formal. The supervisor or lecturer develops a culturally sensitive communication practice, it will make a difference in a diverse staff, preventing communication from slipping through the cracks.
Simma Lieberman Assoc. in Ten PC Tips For Communicating with a Diverse Audience, talks about knowing how to make a diverse group of people feel included, the more they will listen. If you offend people they will shut down and you will lose them. 1) Be careful not to use ladies, instead use women, when using metaphor, be conscious they have different meaning in different countries Ex. Football in Europe is soccer. 2) Know the demographics of the group of people, you are speaking too. 3) Do not assume everyone shares your religious beliefs. 4) Smile at everyone when speaking to the group 5) Do not use humor, that puts down any one group. 6) Example your assumptions about people, who are different than you. be open to letting go assumptions. 7) Do not be afraid to ask for correct pronunciation of someone’s name Example, why this is important an employer mispronunciation of an employee’s name Huy gee, the boss called him Hey Guy. When he looked this up in the dictionary the meaning translated hey boy, denoting, what a African man was called during segregation times. The employee became offended and quit the job. 8) If a person has a accent and you can’t understand them, ask them to repeat what they said slowly, what they are saying is important to you. 9) Use methodology in your presentation to accommodate different learning styles. Visual auditory kinesthetic. 10) Be comfortable with silence. In some cultures that can mean respect and attention. The adaptation of the group of people values, customs and beliefs will help successful communication to occur in the workplace. Communication leads to a smooth and comfort work environment for the future.
References Hcareers, on Target Jobs Source, Cross-Cultural Communication Tips for Effective Diversity Management, 1998-2009.
Kudirka, Joi Constance, Cross Cultural Communication in the Workplace: can we Stay Home Without It. 3, Oct, 1989, Eric Title ED319897.
Lieberman, Simma Assoc. Ten PC Tips for communicating with a Diverse Audience.
O’Rourke IV, James, Management Communication, A Case-Analysis Approach, 3rd, edition, copyright 2007,2001, Pearson, Prentice Hall.
References: Hcareers, on Target Jobs Source, Cross-Cultural Communication Tips for Effective Diversity Management, 1998-2009. Kudirka, Joi Constance, Cross Cultural Communication in the Workplace: can we Stay Home Without It. 3, Oct, 1989, Eric Title ED319897. Lieberman, Simma Assoc. Ten PC Tips for communicating with a Diverse Audience. O’Rourke IV, James, Management Communication, A Case-Analysis Approach, 3rd, edition, copyright 2007,2001, Pearson, Prentice Hall.
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