Imagine you are on a business trip and need to interact with a culture you are not familiar with. Discuss five strategies you can use to improve your cross-cultural nonverbal communication

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

In order to improve my cross-cultural communication, I would first make sure to observe others closely. Rather than assuming that my culture is the "correct" culture, I would watch and see what norms and rules are appropriate in that culture.

During interactions, it would also be important for me to mirror others' behaviors in order to follow their nonverbal customs or traditions. This way I could observe what others are doing and follow their lead. For example, if they remove their shoes at the door, you should do so as well.

I can also not assume that another culture uses time and space the same way my culture does. I would attempt to recognize and appreciate differences in time and space. I would especially try to note what constitutes being on time and appropriate distances to stand apart from other people when talking with them.

I would also use nonverbal emblems cautiously or avoid them all together, recognizing that gestures that are appropriate in one culture might be offensive in another culture. For example, if I was in Brazil I should not make an "OK" symbol with my fingers so as not be offensive.

Finally, I would confirm my interpretations and attributions by asking others if I am using nonverbal communication appropriately and how others are interpreting my behavior. This way I could make sure that I am not offending others and that my communication is effective.