How to communicate cross-culturally

In a highly globalised world, the critical need for cross-cultural communication awareness and training has become less of a nice-to-have, and more of a must-have. With colleagues and family peppered around the world, it’s important to remember that communication varies - not just by country, but by state, upbringing, area and more. This is why we’ve plotted out some of the key things you need to be mindful of, and how you can communicate cross-culturally, effectively.

It’s also worth mentioning that this is something even new tools like AI and Google Translate often can’t get around cultural nuances. They can aid communication but they also have limitations. For example, Victoria Rennoldson from Culture Cuppa points out that AI models often have inbuilt biases from Anglo-Western inputs, which can affect their effectiveness in diverse cultural contexts. It’s crucial to combine technological tools with a deep understanding of cultural nuances to communicate effectively.

So, what are some of the ways you can adapt your communication style to different cultural audiences?

1. Remember, it’s not about you!
   Take the time to tailor your communication to your audience’s preferences and cultural norms. Understand their perspective and adapt your message accordingly. Do your research and make sure you are understanding of any specific no-gos.

2. Look inward: Reflect on your own cultural influences and how they shape your communication style. For example, try not to let your own cultural biases play a role, and instead, recognise when you might need to adjust your approach.

3. Be observant: Pay attention to how people from different cultures express themselves and respond to communication. Use these observations to refine your approach.

4. Ask good questions: Engage with your audience by asking thoughtful questions. This shows respect for their perspective and encourages more open communication.

But wait, what about how to improve a person’s cultural intelligence overall? We’re glad you asked. We’ve also got some tips on that, too.

1. Start with an assessment: Know your starting point with a cultural intelligence assessment, that way you can work up from there. Understanding your own cultural preferences and those of your team can provide a solid foundation for improving your comms. 

2. Study up on the cultures most-relevant to you: If you know that half of your team are from a specific culture, it’s a good idea to try and research as much as you can about this culture and the way they interact. This can help give you talking points, too!

3. Be open minded: Make sure you come into this with an open mind; for example, don’t take your colleague’s silence to your comms brief as immediately rude because it may end up being the complete opposite - remain open minded and try to get an understanding before you jump to a conclusion!

Effective cross-cultural communication is essential in today’s globalised work environment. By understanding and respecting cultural differences, we can build stronger, more collaborative teams. As Victoria aptly puts it, “Communication is a journey, and there’s always room for growth.”

Need a template?

We’ve just launched our new template packs! These packs are filled with useful, easy-to-edit templates that can help get your business comms-ready in no time. Check them out here.