1. Cross Cultural communication

2. Verbal communication Language Catchphrases, slang, accents, dialect
Second-Language Use
People go out of their way to learn English
Speaking to someone who is not fluent in English – use standard terms, and avoid jargon and obscure language
Conventions
Cultural values and norms affect how we use language in certain situations

3. Explicit and Implicit Communication
Western view – individuals perceive truth and state it explicitly.
Middle Eastern/Asian cultures – politeness is more important (so communication is implicit/indirect)
Verbosity/Silence
Cultures vary in how much and how loudly they talk
Other cultures use silence for negotiating/to encourage people to continue to speak their mind
Silence is NOT always a bad thing

4. Non verbal communication
Physical proximity, orientation, body movements, gestures, facial expressions, eye contact and tone of voice
Smiling is universal! 
However, it may also be used in some cultures to conceal nervousness
Shaking of the head means no…in the west
But sometimes means yes, in other places

5. Non verbal communication
Distance
How close you are to someone when you are speaking to them
Greeks stand closer than Americans who stand closer than Norwegians
Be culturally intelligent and mindful of the comfort of the other person
Touching
Symbolizes various emotions/relationships
Handshake – normally considered friendly
Kissing – depends on culture and also differences for men/women
North Americans – low touch
Body Position
Waiting for others to sit/standing when others enter the room

6. Non verbal communication
Facial Expression
Many cultures disguise their true feelings from how they actually feel
Some Asian countries – use smiling to hide displeasure, fear, or anger
Eye Contact
Making/avoiding eye contact
Observe and be mindful of non-verbal communication
Be skilled to modify one owns behaviour to the situation = cultural intelligence