subject: How To Achieve Global Communicatingwith Total Confidence [print this page] Working with virtual teams and global partners? Ever wonder how youre coming across and if you are truly communicating effectively? Find out exactly how to know youre spot onwith total confidence.
As business continues to expand and teams increasingly work globally, many professionals have asked me about how to be effective. As we all know, its easy to become used to a style of presenting that may work regionally or nationallybut does not work with a global audience.
Many of my coaching clients start out with presentations that are approved by headquarters. But these presentations often contain expressions, metaphors and stories that are specific to one culture.
If youre struggling with global communication, use these 5 tips to boost your skills.
Tip 1. Time Zone
Seems like a funny first tip, right? Think about it. Its very easy to schedule times for virtual conference calls that are convenient to you. This sets the tone that you or corporate headquarters is more important than the regions.
Be sensitive to time zones. Rotate times for team calls so everyone will be equally respected. Also, take the extra step to put local time zones into the call time. This prevents confusion and mistakes.
Tip 2. Advance Warning
A lot of people want to be prepared for a team meeting or presentation. Especially if English (or the dominant language) is not their native language.
In many teams, sending documents in advance is the key to unlock greater participation. Participants have an opportunity to preview the materials, research any unfamiliar phrases, and get up to speed.
If you havent tried this outgive it a shot.
Tip 3. Regional Expressions
When youre gathering around the water cooler or at a sports event, its easy to talk in slang and use regional expressions. But on global conference calls, this just doesnt fly.
Strangely enough, many of us are so used to our particular way of speaking that we dont even hear these regional influences. If you are concerned about your ability to speak in a way everyone will understand, consider working with a presentation coach. Youll get candid and direct feedback.
Tip 4. Visual Impact
Pictures, photos and hand-drawn icons are powerful ways to bridge barriers of culture, language and regional differences. Still, there may be images that send a message you do not intend.
If you are presenting to an audience you arent familiar with, test out the images youre using. Ask for direct feedback from a peerbefore your formal presentation.
Tip 5. Anonymous Feedback
Provide a method for participants to give you candid, anonymous feedback. In many cultures, direct feedback is considered impolite or inappropriate. By encouraging people to speak freely in an anonymous method, youre much more likely to find out whats truly workingand what can be improved.
The fastest way to gain confidence is experimenting and using these 5 tips. Start today. Your confident global communication skills will be increasingly more crucial.
by: Milly Sonneman
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