Ten Tips for Cross Cultural CommunicationWritten by Neil Payne
Ten Tips for Cross Cultural CommunicationHere are some simple tips to help you improve your cross cultural communication skills: Slow Down Even when English is common language in a cross cultural situation, this does not mean you should speak at normal speed. Slow down, speak clearly and ensure your pronunciation is intelligible. Separate Questions Try not to ask double questions such as, “Do you want to carry on or shall we stop here?” In a cross cultural situation only first or second question may have been comprehended. Let your listener answer one question at a time. Avoid Negative Questions Many cross cultural communication misunderstandings have been caused by use of negative questions and answers. In English we answer ‘yes’ if answer is affirmative and ‘no’ if it is negative. In other cultures a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ may only be indicating whether questioner is right or wrong. For example, response to “Are you not coming?” may be ‘yes’, meaning ‘Yes, I am not coming.’ Take Turns Cross cultural communication is enhanced through taking turns to talk, making a point and then listening to response. Write it Down If you are unsure whether something has been understood write it down and check. This can be useful when using large figures. For example, a billion in USA is 1,000,000,000,000 while in UK it is 1,000,000,000. Be Supportive Effective cross cultural communication is in essence about being comfortable. Giving encouragement to those with weak English gives them confidence, support and a trust in you.
| | gomembers’ Virtual Booth for ASAE Annual Conference a Big Success!Written by gomembers, Inc.
The gomembers new “virtual booth” concept was in full swing for company’s attendance at ASAE (American Society of Association Executives) annual conference recently held in Minneapolis, MN. Hundreds of visitors to gomembers’ booth were able to get product information regarding company’s flagship membership and meeting planning software solutions, take an industry-related survey, and enter booth prize giveaway at only virtual booth during and after ASAE exhibition.Visitors to gomembers’ booth were able to access site via ASAE “Blog” (http://blogs.centeronline.org/ASAEMinneapolis2004/) which detailed much of Annual Meeting’s events, impressions and interesting notes, and also could visit booth via gomembers’ website, www.gomembers.com. gomembers was exclusive technology sponsor of ASAE Blog, and felt use of changing technology was an excellent way to launch it’s virtual presence at meeting. “We are very pleased and excited about positive response, and high volume of visitors to our virtual booth,” said gomembers Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Tom McGourty. “It was perfect opportunity for us to showcase technology and its interrelationship in Association industry. Our software products are leading industry, and we felt it important to be first with virtual booth at meeting,” McGourty also noted. The gomembers’ virtual booth remains at www.gomembers.com, and will remain to enhance gomembers presence at future industry meetings.
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