Seminar overview

Focusing on countries of interest to you, this course explores verbal, non-verbal and written communication. Through practical exercises, you will learn to recognize and adapt to different communication styles.

Benefits	Learn how culture affects the way we communicate. Discover techniques to improve written and oral communications with international colleagues, partners and clients.
Audience	Secretaries, personal assistants, international account managers, sales and marketing teams. Anyone working in an international environment.
Languages	English, French.
Duration	1-2 days.
Approach	The seminar combines theory, practical exercices, role play and a discussion of participants’intercultural experiences to date.

Programme

Understanding different cultural models

Developing cultural self-awareness
The problems with cultural stereotypes and preconceptions
The cultural iceberg: symbols, heroes, rituals and values
Attitudes to time, space and the environment

 

Verbal and non-verbal communication

Sentence structures and choice of wording
The use of humour, metaphors and cultural references
Voice qualities: volume, intonation, pace and emphasis
The meaning and use of silence
Eye contact, facial expressions and gestures
Physical contact

 

Communicating effectively across cultures

Comparison of communication styles favoured in selected countries
Self-evaluation: becoming aware of your own communication style
Understanding how others may perceive your style
Recognizing and adapting to a different way of communicating
Tips and techniques for overcoming language barriers

 

Writing for an international audience

Style guidelines
Writing and editing texts for translation
E-mail etiquette

 

Making presentations

Structuring the presentation
Choosing content
Using visual aids