Whether you’re negotiating for the first time with a client or building relationships with global business partners, it’s essential to understand the nuances of cross-cultural communication.
Knowing your body language and other non-verbal cues is also a good idea. This will help you connect with people more profoundly and build trust.
Observe Body Language
Body language is essential in delivering messages when communicating via IP phones or video conferences. Eye contact, facial expression, and tone of voice are all non-verbal communication cues that can indicate something meaningful.
Observing body language is essential to master when making international calls and can help you navigate cultural differences more easily. It can also improve your relationships with clients and business partners by putting them at ease.
In some parts of the world, people tilt their heads from side to side to show that they are listening actively. This gesture originated during the British occupation of the country and was a way for locals to demonstrate that they were being understood.
Listen Actively
One of the most important steps you can take when making international calls is to listen actively. This means paying attention to the other person’s voice, body language, and words.
This helps you to understand their message better and allows you to respond accordingly. It also enables you to avoid misunderstandings when communicating with people from different cultures and backgrounds.
Taking the time to listen actively to another person can make a huge difference in a business relationship. It can help you communicate more effectively with clients, customers, and partners, allowing you to build relationships that lead to success.
Ask Questions
Asking questions is a great way to keep the conversation flowing and ensure you’re on the same page. However, it’s essential to choose your questions wisely.
The answer may depend on the culture you’re talking with. For example, asking someone about their religion could be a little off-putting if you’re talking to them from the Middle East.
If you need help asking the right questions, try understanding why they want to share information. This will help you ask questions that prompt the other person to explore and develop ideas.
Ask for Clarification
Asking for clarification is an excellent way to avoid miscommunications and ensure you get all the facts before moving on to the next step. This is also a perfect way to show the other person that you are paying attention and are interested in what they say.
The best way to ask for clarification is to be specific about what you are looking for and state your case clearly. This is especially true if the speaker is a native English speaker. This will allow them to provide you with the most critical information without guesswork. This also helps you to feel more at ease when speaking with them in your native tongue and will improve the quality of your communication overall.
Avoid Slang
Using slang is a common mistake made by native and non-native English speakers. If you’re communicating with a non-English speaker, consider how slang affects their understanding of what you’re saying.
If your staff uses slang in emails, memos, or other documents they send to customers, investors, or management; it’s essential to set clear rules regarding the use of slang. Explain to them that slang can hurt their ability to communicate effectively with your audience and could also negatively influence how they view your business. Having a second pair of eyes read any written communication before it’s presented to your audience is also a good idea.
