Does your company have international contacts, recruitments or partners? Then you may have noticed that communication can be a challenge for linguistic or cultural reasons. Here you will find out how you can improve your communication and get better relationships with your international contacts.

Communicating with people from different countries and cultures can easily mean that obstacles arise, not least in professional contexts. When you hold meetings or negotiations with international parties, there are some preparations you can make for the communication to flow as well and unhindered as possible. A path to successful communication with international contacts consists of a good understanding of the parties’ cultural background, effective negotiation techniques, good meeting structure and good knowledge of the English language.

To communicate in an international arena

Intercultural communication is about taking into account your interlocutor’s cultural background and based on that adapting the communication. The social code differs in different parts of the world and affects people’s way of talking and collaborating. In order to understand others, it is also important that you are aware of your own cultural background and how you can be perceived by outsiders.

Three different types of behaviour – and their characteristics

One way to get an idea of the cultural tendencies that govern human behaviour in different parts of the world is through a triangle model, called The Lewis model. Here, cultural characteristics are divided into three main groups: Linear-active, Multi-active and Reactive.

The Linear-active group tends to be structured, fact-oriented and likes to separate private and working life. This group dominates in Sweden and the rest of Northern Europe and North America. For multi-active counted properties as outgoing, emotional and spontaneous. This includes South America, the Mediterranean, most of Africa and the Middle East. The third group, Reactive, is mainly associated with Asia and is described as polite, diplomatic and prefers to listen more than talk.

Many people have traits from several groups but usually have the most characteristics associated with one of them. This model is a way to give a rough idea of the challenges that may exist in a meeting or negotiation with a person who belongs to a group other than your own. In this way, you can adapt your preparations and tactics for the conversation.

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Negotiation technique in English

Negotiation technology is an art in itself, and negotiating in a language that is not your mother tongue is another challenge. English is the language most often used in connection with professional meetings where the parties do not have the same mother tongue. Communicating effectively with the help of good negotiation techniques and a high level of language is crucial in a negotiation situation.

consult offers training in negotiation techniques in English where the intercultural perspective is woven together with negotiation strategy and sharper knowledge of the English language. During the training, you will receive tools for analyzing the cultural conditions, preparing materials, submitting proposals and participating in practical elements such as role-play, feedback and discussions.

Meeting technique in English

In an increasingly globalized and digitalized world, good meeting technology is perhaps more important than ever. With a good and effective meeting technique, you give a professional impression of yourself and your company and create conditions for collaborations and good relationships. An education in meeting technology in English gives you the best tools for holding good meetings in international contexts.

ComCult’s courses in meeting technology in English are based on the intercultural perspective and offer solid strategies for a good and well-structured meeting. During training in meeting technique in English, you will, for example, learn to set an agenda, lead and participate in a meeting, present proposals, evaluate opinions and sum up and end the meeting. You will also learn to plan and follow up on your meetings.

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About The Author

Mohamed Firnas

“🌟 Meet Mohamed Firnas: With over two decades of experience in HR, Mohamed is a trusted advisor known for his strategic insight and compassionate leadership style. He’s committed to creating workplaces where every voice is heard and valued. 💼 Passionate about nurturing talent and driving positive change. Join him on the journey towards building better organizations! #HRProfessional #GulfRegion #Leadership”

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