International COMMUNICATION –

        Having worked in over 16 countries, mainly running training programs, I have only worked in the English language. It’s widely known as the ‘link language’.

        To get your ideas accepted, and understood keep to basic communication skills. These skills are simple but are often forgotten.

        Here are some reminders.

A Handful of Tips to improve your international communication skills.

* Show don’t chatter

        We learn best by doing things and by seeing things being done.

        We learn least by hearing people talking to us.

        When giving instructions back up your spoken words in writing.  

* Words have many meanings

        The English language has well over half a million-word definitions. The 500 most frequently used words have over 14,000 definitions.

        There are many forms of the English language spoken in different countries.

        Use words that are understood by the people you are communicating with.

        Try to talk their version of the English language, not your version.  Don’t use your own slang or jargon terms

        If you are working through an interpreter keep to simple basic English.

         The essence of good communication is clarity

*Don’t talk too fast

        Often English is your audience’s second, or in some cases, their third language so speak clearly and slowly.

        Pause before introducing a new topic or idea.  

        The shorter your words and sentences, the easier they are to understand, remember, and translate.

* Your written words

        Be ruthless with your editing and the words you use.

        Break up your messages. Use sub-headings.

        Use underlining or BOLD print for emphasis.

        Vary the lengths of your paragraphs.

        Use direct speech and quotation marks.        List points you want to make with large dots or numbers.

        Leave space between paragraphs and use larger print and readable fonts for older audiences, such as Times New Roman.

* Watch your colour combinations

        Bold basic contrasting colours are best seen.

        Be careful with your colour combinations. Black on white, or white on black, black on yellow, or dark print on a light-coloured background are best.  Pastel colours are weak when it comes to visibility on such things as projections.      

        Remember about 8% of men are colour blind so be aware of red/green problems. Red on black is difficult to read for many people.

        Aim to keep all your international messages simple and clear. You will be well rewarded.

-Geoffrey Moss (mossassociates.co.nz)

“Choose your words carefully – to express, not to impress.”

SOURCE: “Persuasive Ways” published by Moss Associates Ltd, New Zealand and in Chinese by the Shanghai People’s Publishing House and as “Secrets of Persuasion” by Cengage Learning Asia. Also published in Hungarian as “Getting Your Ideas Across” by  Bagolyvar Kft, Budapest and by Kogan Page Ltd., U.K. Also available as an e-book from Amazon.com.