Intercultural business communication strategy

Verbal intercultural communication strategies are becoming increasingly important.

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Technology connects people in business from around the world, with various cultures interacting on a regular basis. Learning how to use verbal strategies for intercultural communication is an issue of growing relevance, particularly in the global business market where the ability to work and generate profit depends on intercultural communications to a large degree.

Definition

Verbal strategies in intercultural communication enhance the ability to produce or understand speech between members of different cultures. The plans may be formal or informal, based on the context of the communication. Formal strategies are devised and agreed on by a group of people and are put in writing as part of larger communication policies. Informal strategies may have the same focus as formal strategies, but they usually are not written down and are adopted more "on the fly." An example of a verbal strategy in intercultural communication is keeping verbal communications as brief and simple as possible.

Strategies Versus Tactics

Verbal strategies in intercultural communication should not be confused with intercultural verbal communication tactics. Strategies are a particular path or approach you can take toward improving the intercultural communication. By contrast, tactics in intercultural communication are the specific actions you take to follow the strategy. For instance, if your strategy is to keep verbal communications brief, a tactic might include pausing before you respond to mentally clarify the point of what you're going to say.

Related Reading: How Can Communication Strategies Affect Consumers?

Importance

Verbal strategies in intercultural communication are critical for reducing confusion and misunderstandings. They also help improve relationships. Furthermore, the strategies usually benefit overall efficiency, productivity and profit or other results. Employing the strategies also demonstrates your willingness to accept different cultures and learn about people.

Examples

Specific strategies for aiding intercultural communication depend largely on the context of the communication. However, some good examples include gaining information about the cultures involved, using interpreters, giving more than one chance for individuals to hear and understand, supplementing what people say with written or other visual cues and defining key terms.