Business

CountryPreferred communication style Non-verbal communication practicesBusiness communication normsStrategies to increase cross-cultural communicationCanadaCanadas preferred communication style in general is moderately indirect perhaps reflecting an amalgamation of both North American and British tendencies. Although most Canadians can disagree openly when necessary, they prefer to do so with tact and diplomacy. Their communication style is essentially pragmatic and relies on common sense. Canadians communicate more by the spoken word rather than non-verbal expressions.Non-verbal communication practices are only really used to add emphasis to a message or are part of an individuals  personal communication style. Canadians like their space and prefer to be at an arms length when speaking to someone. The most common non-verbal communication when meeting greeting someone is the handshake. It should be firm and accompanied by direct eye contact and a sincere smile.Canadians in dealing with their business meetings are generally well-organized and adhere to time schedules. They tend to be informal and relaxed in manner even if the subjects being discussed are serious. Meetings in Canadian companies are used to review proposals, make plans, brain storms and communicate decisions. Canadians are essentially rational and logical and thus they will not be convinced by emotions, passion or feelings.One of the many conflicts arising in our world today is handling cross-cultural differences.  The key to effective cross-cultural communication is knowledge. First, it is essential that people understand the potential problems of cross-cultural communication, and make a conscious effort to solve these problems. Second, it is important to assume that ones efforts will not always be successful, and adjust ones behavior appropriately.  There are many ways to increase awareness of cross-cultural communication such as understanding communication and form seminars, orientations and training and employing intermediaries who are familiar with different cultures and communications.

When you live and work in another culture and actively strive to develop cross-cultural understanding and allow you to adjust to the culture, there are fundamental changes in the way you think, feel and behave. This refers to informal on-the-job training and it can be very effective. Formal training programs in cross cultural communications also bring about the changes in people that are necessary to interact cross-culturally.GermanyGermans value their privacy. Since intimacy is not freely given, this maybe interpreted as coldness. Communication styles in Germany may be perceived as direct, short and to the point. Formality dictates that emotions and unnecessary content do not have a place in conversation.Firm, brief handshakes are the norms when doing business in Germany. When several people are being introduced. They take turns to greet each other rather than reaching over someone elses hands. Avoid shaking hands with one hand in your pocket. When women enter a room it is considered polite for men to stand.Germans plan ahead.

Germans in dealing with their business meetings are functional, formal and usually stick to a set agenda including start and finish times. The phrase lets get down to business is definitely appropriate for German business meetings as small talk and relationship building are not priorities.JapanJapanese relies heavily on non-verbal communication practices more than the spoken word. They fear that words can have several meanings. The context in which something is said affects the meaning of the words. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the situation to fully appreciate the response.Since the Japanese strive for harmony and are group dependent, they rely on facial expression, tone of voice and posture to tell them what someone feels. Frowning while someone is speaking is interpreted as a sign of disagreement. Non-verbal communication is so vital that there is a book for gaijins (foreigners) on how to interpret the signs.With regards to Japanese  handling business meetings, they always deal with a team as opposed to an individual. The Japanese are very detail-oriented. Expect lots of questions repeated in different ways. Be sure to have the answers as the failure to do so will look unprofessional. Be sure to bring as much information as possible, in writing, on your company, service, product or proposal.