Business English

CommunicationCommunication

when people communicate their verbal and when people communicate their verbal and non-verbal signals are influenced by their non-verbal signals are influenced by their experienceexperienceand cultural backgroundand cultural background

Presented by: Saad saleemKashif Ali Zahid

Defining CommunicationDefining CommunicationCommunication is the process of

transferring information from one source to another.

Communication is commonly defined as "the imparting or sharing of thoughts, opinions, or information by speech, writing, or signs.

A process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior.

An act or instance of transmitting.

Defining CultureDefining Culture

Culture is a very complex subject encompassing a variety of aspects of everyday life including art, music, philosophy and customs.

Culture is important to the way you communicate, even though it is often hidden.

Culture influenceCulture influence

Everything you say is influenced by culture. You operate with a set of invisible beliefs, values, and assumptions that become apparent to other people in the way you behave.

Cultural differences can sometimes make relationships difficult. Whether a person speaks in a different way (or another language altogether) or has different irreconcilable stands on moral and global issues.

Cross-Cultural Cross-Cultural CommunicationCommunication

Culture is a shared set of beliefs and experiences common to people in a specific setting.

The setting that creates a culture can be geographic, religious, or professional.

What can mean one thing in one country, can often mean something completely different in another.

Need for Cross-Cultural Need for Cross-Cultural Awareness Awareness Business has become more global.

Communicating across cultures effectively improves productivity and promotes harmonious work environments.

It involves understanding cultural differences and overcoming language problems.

Problems of Cultural Problems of Cultural Differences Differences Two qualifying statements begin

this study of culture:

1. It is improperly blamed for some miscommunication. It is often confused with the other human elements involved.

2. It is easy to over-generalise cultural practices.

Major types of cultural Major types of cultural differences differences Two major types that affect

communication

1. Differences in body positions & movements; and

2. Differences in views & practices concerning various factors of human relationships (Time, Space, Intimacy etc)

Body Positions & Body Positions & Movements Movements Body Positions & Movements Body

positions and movements differ among cultures. E.g. Sit Vs. Squat. Manners of walking also differ.

Communication with body parts – hands, arms, head etc – varies by culture.

Hand gestures differ by culture. E.g. The V- Sign has different meanings in different cultures.

Other DifferencesOther Differences

Factors of Human Relationship

• Time• Space• Frankness• Intimacy of Relationship• Values• Expression of Emotions

Cultural Differences in Cultural Differences in CommunicationCommunication • It includes —

• General Appearance and Dress• Body Movement• Posture• Gesture• Facial Expressions• Eye Contact and Gaze• Touch• Smell   • Paralanguage  • Words• Tone of voice• Attentiveness

communication gesturescommunication gestures

Effects on Business Effects on Business Communication Communication Cultural differences affect

communication. Communication techniques are not universally acceptable.

People in Asian cultures prefer an indirect approach, Westerners prefer to be direct.

One must modify one’s communications to fit the culture of the recipient.

Effects on Business Effects on Business CommunicationCommunication

Lack of Language Equivalency

Grammar differences in languages

Difficulties in using English

Colloquialisms (expressions developed within cultures)

To Over Come Communication To Over Come Communication HazardsHazards

Following skills should be developed:

Effective Listening

Checking your Perceptions

Gathering Information

Avoiding Judgmental Reactions

Communicating to Others

Acceptance of differences