Become a more effective speaker by strengthening your cross-cultural communication skills.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to speak to audiences in other countries (virtually) as well as coach professionals not from the United States who wanted to improve their presentation delivery to a US-based audience.
Whether speaking to an audience from a country and culture different than your own or from outside the US and speaking to a US-based audience, it’s crucial to consider several key points to ensure effective communication and cultural sensitivity.
5 Ways to Ensure Effective Cross-Cultural Communication
1. Research Your Audience
Before any speaking engagement, learning about the cultural norms, values, and beliefs of your audience’s country or culture is critical to your effectiveness as a speaker. Appreciate and show genuine interest in their customs and traditions.
Andy Molinsky, Professor of International Management and Organizational Behavior and author of the recently released book, “Forging Bonds in a Global Workforce: Build Rapport, Camaraderie, and Optimal Performance No Matter the Time Zone”, has developed a tool to help identify cultural gaps you may be unaware of:
https://hbr.org/2013/06/improve-your-global-dexterity-by-diagnosing-your-cultural-gap
2. Language Considerations
Be mindful of language barriers. Speak at a slower rate than you would normally speak, use simple language, and avoid jargon or slang. In many cultures, it’s helpful to learn a few key phrases or greetings in the audience’s language as this demonstrates respect and effort.
Oftentimes, I will have clients that express confusion when they hear common US idioms such as, “hit it out of the park” or “tee it up” in business presentations. On the flip side, learning a few phrases of jargon in the country in which you are going to be presenting can be helpful.
One of the first pieces of jargon we learned in Columbia was, “Don’t give the papaya”. We learned that it meant don’t open yourself up to or make it easy for petty theft (pickpockets).
3. Tailor Your Content
Adapt your message to resonate with the audience’s cultural context. Use examples, stories, and analogies that they can relate to. Consider incorporating local references or anecdotes to make your presentation more engaging and relevant.
Focusing on areas of common interest and shared values can help to foster connection and understanding.
4. Nonverbal Communication
Be aware of nonverbal cues such as gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, and body language, as these can vary widely across cultures.
Other cultural nonverbal considerations include whether to shake hands, hug, or give a cheek kiss when greeting others. In my experience, a smile is generally a universally accepted positive facial expression.
5. Be Open to Feedback
Remain open-minded and receptive to feedback from the audience and use this experience as a learning opportunity. Encourage questions and dialogue to facilitate cross-cultural communication and learning.
After the presentation, follow up with the audience to express gratitude and reinforce key points. Seeking feedback is key to improving future presentations with audiences from different cultures.
Effective Intercultural Communication
By considering these points, you can enhance your effectiveness as a cross-cultural communicator.
I’m curious – what is your experience with communicating or presenting to a cross-cultural audience? Please share in the comments below.
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