How can you use non-verbal cues to communicate across cultures?

1 Know your own style

The first step to using non-verbal cues across cultures is to be aware of your own style and how it may be perceived by others. For example, do you tend to use a lot of gestures, or do you keep your hands still? Do you maintain eye contact, or do you look away frequently? Do you speak loudly, or softly? Do you stand close, or far from others? These are some of the dimensions of non-verbal communication that can vary across cultures, and they can affect how others interpret your message and your relationship with them. By knowing your own style, you can identify potential areas of conflict or confusion, and adjust accordingly.

2 Research the other culture

The second step to using non-verbal cues across cultures is to research the other culture and learn about their norms and preferences for non-verbal communication. For example, you can read books, articles, or blogs about the culture, watch videos or movies featuring the culture, or talk to people who have experience with the culture. You can also ask questions to your cross-cultural counterparts, such as how they prefer to greet, show respect, express agreement, or give feedback. By doing this, you can gain a better understanding of the context and meaning of their non-verbal cues, and avoid making assumptions or stereotypes.

3 Observe and adapt

The third step to using non-verbal cues across cultures is to observe and adapt to the situation and the people you are communicating with. For example, you can pay attention to how they use non-verbal cues, such as their eye contact, gestures, facial expressions, posture, and tone of voice. You can also notice how they react to your non-verbal cues, such as their facial expressions, body language, and feedback. By doing this, you can pick up on subtle cues that indicate their level of interest, comfort, agreement, or disagreement, and adjust your own non-verbal cues accordingly. For instance, you can match their level of eye contact, mirror their gestures, or moderate your tone of voice.

4 Clarify and confirm

The fourth step to using non-verbal cues across cultures is to clarify and confirm your message and understanding. For example, you can use verbal cues, such as words, phrases, or questions, to supplement or reinforce your non-verbal cues, such as nodding, smiling, or pointing. You can also use verbal cues, such as paraphrasing, summarizing, or asking for feedback, to check your understanding of their non-verbal cues, such as their facial expressions, body language, or silence. By doing this, you can avoid misinterpretations, misunderstandings, or miscommunications, and ensure that you and your cross-cultural counterparts are on the same page.

5 Be respectful and open-minded

The fifth step to using non-verbal cues across cultures is to be respectful and open-minded. For example, you can show respect for the other culture by following their etiquette, norms, and expectations for non-verbal communication, such as bowing, shaking hands, or maintaining eye contact. You can also show respect by avoiding gestures, expressions, or tones that may be considered rude, offensive, or inappropriate in their culture, such as pointing, frowning, or raising your voice. Moreover, you can be open-minded by accepting and appreciating the diversity and richness of non-verbal communication across cultures, and by learning from your cross-cultural experiences and interactions.

6 Practice and improve

The sixth step to using non-verbal cues across cultures is to practice and improve your skills and competence. For example, you can practice your non-verbal communication skills by engaging in cross-cultural simulations, role plays, or exercises, where you can experiment with different non-verbal cues and scenarios, and receive feedback and guidance. You can also practice by participating in cross-cultural events, activities, or groups, where you can interact with people from different cultures, and observe and learn from their non-verbal communication styles and behaviors. Furthermore, you can improve by seeking feedback, reflection, and evaluation, where you can identify your strengths and weaknesses, and set goals and action plans for your improvement.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?