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Verbal

Singapore

Indirect Communication: As an extension of the need to maintain harmonious relations, the Singaporean
people rely heavily on indirect communication. They rely less on words and are more attentive to
posture, expression and tone of voice to draw meaning. Speech is ambiguous as they may often
understate their point. The purpose of this is to maintain harmony throughout the conversation and
prevent a loss of face on either end of the exchange. The best way of navigating this rhetoric to find the
underlying meaning is to check for clarification several times.

Refusals: A Singaporean person’s preoccupation with saving face and politeness means they will seldom
give a direct ‘no’ or negative response, even when they do not agree with you. Therefore, focus on hints
of hesitation. Listen closely to what they say and double check your understanding by asking for their
opinion. Though they may not willingly speak up to contest an idea, they generally give their honest
opinion when invited to do so.

Voice: Speaking loudly can be seen as rude and overbearing in Singapore.

Non-Verbal

Pointing: Pointing with the index finger is considered to be rude. Rather, people point by using their
whole hand or nod their head in the intended direction.

Body Language: It is common for Singaporeans to nod a lot during interactions, however their body
language is generally quite modest with gestures being infrequent and restrained.

Physical Contact: Singaporeans are generally less tactile and reserve touching (such as back-slapping,
hugging and holding hands) for close friends. That being said, Singaporeans are accustomed to coming
into close contact with strangers due to how crowded the country is. Public displays of affection are not
always appreciated.

Eye Contact: Eye contact shows confidence and attentiveness in most scenarios. However certain
Singaporeans (e.g. particularly Muslim Malays, some Hindus) may avert their eyes more often,
particularly when interacting with those superior to them. Holding eye contact for too long can be
interpreted as impolite or challenging.
Silence: Silence is an important and purposeful tool used in Asian communication. Pausing before giving
a response indicates that someone has applied appropriate thought and consideration to the question.
It reflects politeness and respect.

Head: It is considered disrespectful and offensive to touch someone’s head.

Laos

Verbal

Indirect Communication: Lao generally communicate indirectly. This is mostly due to the concept of face
and the need to preserve face among all present in a conversation. In turn, Lao tend to be
non-confrontational and will avoid giving direct refusals. Lao may offer a response that they assume one
wants to hear, regardless of their personal feelings or plans.

Conflict: Among all ethnic groups, particularly the Lao Loum (ethnic Lao), a high value is placed on
avoiding conflict or actions that may cause emotional discomfort or embarrassment. When there is a
conflict, it is usually resolved through an intermediary rather than directly with the person who has
taken offence. Once a conflict has been resolved, the two parties can meet hospitably without
addressing the conflict.

Hierarchy: Lao tend to pay close attention and respect to the social hierarchy to avoid a faux pas that
may cause conflict. In conversation, it is important to address the most senior person first (e.g., the head
of a family) before speaking directly with others.

Soft Voices: Lao are often softly spoken and reserved. Loud expressions of feelings are usually not
appreciated.

Agreement: The word ‘yes' does not always mean agreement. At times, when a Lao agrees with
something, they may say ‘yes', ‘maybe', ‘possibly' or ‘no’. Thus, an effective way of communicating is to
pay attention to non-verbal cues like facial expressions, as well as to ask the question in different ways
to gain a clearer understanding of your Lao counterpart's position.

Non-Verbal
Physical Contact: Physical contact in Laos is acceptable among people of the same gender, but is usually
minimal. Between men and women, affection is rarely shown in public. Similarly, it is forbidden for a
woman to directly touch a Buddhist monk. A couple may hold hands with one another depending on
where they are located. Lao tend not to touch others during conversations.

Personal Space: The general distance between two people conversing is an arm’s length. When
conversing with a superior or elder, Lao tend to stand over an arm’s length apart. Meanwhile, when
conversing with a close friend or family, the personal space is usually shorter.

Eye Contact: Direct eye contact with the gaze occasionally diverted is common in most situations. When
conversing with a superior or elder, one usually would not make direct eye contact unless the superior
one initiates it first. When a woman, particularly younger women, are in a conversation with a man, she
may avoid making direct eye contact by keeping her gaze directed to the ground.

Smiling: Lao tend to have a variety of smiles that each indicate different emotions or feelings. Some
smiles indicate happiness, while some may be an attempt to cover awkwardness or embarrassment.

Pointing: To indicate direction, one usually points with their entire hand.

Beckoning: The common way to beckon someone is by gesturing with all fingers facing downwards and
towards oneself.

Passing: Passing in between two people should be avoided. In circumstances when this is not possible,
usually one will ask permission to pass through and bow slightly so that their head is lower than those of
the other two people conversing.