Enhancing Oral Communication in a Multicultural Setting

1. Learn foreign phrases. Even when conversing in English, foreign nationals appreciate speakers who
know how to speak their language --- greetings and survival expressions in their language.
2. Use simple English. Use simple vocabulary with short sentences. Simple and more familiar words are
easier to understand than difficult and unfamiliar ones. The simplicity of the language contributes to
comprehensibility and appreciation of the communication process. Avoid using culture specific terms
that can be confusing, such as blue-collar, white-collar, high-five, knock-knock.
3. Speak slowly and enunciate clearly. Do not talk fast when communicating, especially to the people who
have different language and culture as yours. Americans talk fast because the language is not a problem
for them. As native speakers of the language, they talk with accuracy and fluency. There is an automatic
processing of the language in use. However, some non-native speakers of the English language speak
slowly with less accuracy and fluency. They talk slowly in order to process their ideas carefully and
allow time for them to retrieve ideas. Besides speaking slowly, it is also suggested to pronounce words
clearly.
4. Observe eye messages. “The eyes are the windows of the soul.” The sincerity of speakers is gauged at
their eyes. As speakers, be alert to a glazed expression or wandering eyes that means the listener is lost.
This could help you adjust the communication context.
5. Encourage accurate feedback. Let your listeners respond verbally. Ask them questions that will allow
them to paraphrase your talk. Do not rely on short responses like a “yes” or non-verbal responses, such
as, a head nod or a smile because these do not indicate comprehension.
6. Check frequently comprehension. Do not finish your talk before you request for feedback or ask
questions for comprehension check. Present your point at a time, pausing to check for comprehension.
Do not proceed to B unless A has been grasped.
7. Accept blame. If your listeners were not able to understand what you said, and they became inquisitive
due to your unclear message, graciously accept the blame. It is your obligation as the speaker to talk
with clarity.
8. Listen without interrupting. Do not attempt to fill out ideas for the speaker, else you will be described
impolite. Turn-taking is a rule of thumb and must not be taken for granted.
9. Smile when appropriate. Smile is a useful form of communication in either personal or business
transactions. However, smile only when appropriate and warranted. Do not smile excessively because in
other cultures, it would mean insincerity.
10. Follow up in writing. Results of conversations or oral negotiations should be confirmed with follow up
letters. For documents that require a full understanding of the recipient (e.g., proposals and contracts),
translation of this kind in the local language is highly recommended.