Question

suggest 10 cross- cultural communication strategies that might be valuable in community service facility.

Answer 1

Strategies that will help develop cross-cultural communication skills in comunity service facility:

Strategy 1: Listen: Active listening is the single most useful way to overcome barriers to effective communication. Listen for meaning. For example, people from diverse cultures may use the same word in different ways, so repeat what was heard and asking if that’s what was intended confirms understanding of its meaning.

Strategy 2: Effectively communicate: The aim is to keep the communication lines open and transparent so that when conflicts arise—and they will—can quickly find a resolution.

Strategy 3: Avoid ambiguity: The goal is to avoid the uneasiness that could lead to frustration, which hinders the ability to effectively communicate. Having prior knowledge about the’cultures can also help reduce ambiguity. Create a safe, friendly environment that encourages participation. Build in feedback loops to ensure clarity.

Strategy 4: Respect differences: Assume a clear and welcoming tone when communicating. Demonstrate flexibility. Be open to discussing other options. However, using the phrases please and thank you in the individual’s native tongue is appreciated.

Strategy 5: No judgment: Respecting others means suspending judgment. Take the time to reflect before saying or doing something. Be aware of your personal biases. Be patient, flexible, forgiving. Remain positive. Don’t always assume the worst, most negative outcome. Use descriptive and objective language. Be mindful of terms people use to explain themselves and the world around them, as certain terms have different meanings across cultures.

Strategy 6: Maintain etiquette: Many cultures have specific etiquette around the way they communicate. Know the target culture, or if time allows, do some cross cultural training.

Strategy 7: Speak slowly: Even if English is the common language in a cross cultural situation it’s not a good idea to speak at the normal conversational speed. Modulating the pace will help, as will speaking clearly and pronouncing your words properly.

Strategy 8: Keep it simple: In a cross cultural conversation there’s no need to make it harder for both by using big words. Just keep it simple. Two syllable words are much easier to understand than three syllable words, and one syllable words are better than two syllable words.

Strategy 9: Take turns to talk: Make the conversation flow more freely by taking it in turns to speak. Make a point and then listen to the other person respond.

Strategy 10: Write things down: When not sure whether the other person has understood properly, its better to write it down to make sure.