Here is an article about some things to avoid when communicating.
Click on the title to read the article
Four signs you're a terrible communicator
By Les McKeown Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Four Signs You're A Terrible Communicator
There are some things to avoid when communicating.
Here is an article about some things to avoid when communicating.
Click on the title to read the article
By Les McKeown
Here is an article about some things to avoid when communicating.
Click on the title to read the article
By Les McKeown 
Monday, May 28, 2012
Flattery (Giving Compliments)
In social situations, as well as business situations, there is an amount of flattery that goes around. Flattery (giving compliments) is making positive comments on a persons appearance, preference, accomplishments or other personal reference. Flattery can sometimes be mistaken for flirting or being a kiss-ass.
When making flattery, be aware of the cultural norms. Making flattery to some people in certain countries can be very offensive, while in other countries it may be perfectly acceptable.
When making flattery, don't say something that can be easily misconstrued. For example, you should avoid saying to a woman, "That skirt and blouse really shows your body shape." Or to an Indian, "Your turban is so colorful."
If you feel the need to compliment on someone's appearance, it should not be taken in the wrong way. Instead, you could say, "That is a nice bag, where can I get one?" or "I love your jacket, it goes well with your suit."
But note, that making any references to the opposite sex could be considered impolite.
A safer way to flatter someone is to make comments on their accomplishment. Saying, "That was a great speech," or "Your presentation was helpful," are great examples on how to flatter someone.
When making flattery, be aware of the cultural norms. Making flattery to some people in certain countries can be very offensive, while in other countries it may be perfectly acceptable.
When making flattery, don't say something that can be easily misconstrued. For example, you should avoid saying to a woman, "That skirt and blouse really shows your body shape." Or to an Indian, "Your turban is so colorful."
If you feel the need to compliment on someone's appearance, it should not be taken in the wrong way. Instead, you could say, "That is a nice bag, where can I get one?" or "I love your jacket, it goes well with your suit."
But note, that making any references to the opposite sex could be considered impolite.
A safer way to flatter someone is to make comments on their accomplishment. Saying, "That was a great speech," or "Your presentation was helpful," are great examples on how to flatter someone.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Email Subject Line
There have been many occasions when business professionals whose native tounge is not English asked me about the email subject line. They find it a challenge to construct a good, short, impacted subject line. This concern is also true for people whose native language is English.
1) The subject line should clearly tell the receiver what the email is about. There should be no guessing what the email contains.
ex.) Reminder About Meeting on Monday / Test Results Enclosed / RE: John Smith Contact Info.
2) The email subject should be as short as possible. It should also be a sentence or less. I understand that sometimes it seems really difficult to state the contents in under 6-8 words. Don't get too stressed out. This is my recommendation, but once in a while if you have to then (you can not think of any other way) go ahead.
3) The first letter of the first word should be capitalized. After that all first letters should be capitalized except for articles, prepositions and conjunctions. Although, I occasionally capitalize prepositions.
ex.) Thoughts on the T5 Project / Thoughts About the T5 Project / Final Draft for Upcoming Seminar / Regarding Wednesday's Luncheon
4) The use of punctuation can be helpful by reducing the amount of words and also so the receiver can understand the email easier.
ex.) Materials for Commencement Speech (Final Draft) / (Urgent) Counteroffer From Supplier / Today's S&M Meeting Cancelled - Contact Mr. Smith for Details
5) You can shortened or abbreviate words in an email subject line. Use only common abbreviations or abbreviations that the receiver can understand.
ex.) Question Reg. Order / Attn: John Smith (Renewal Requested) / Rx Expires Next Week
6) You can use the email subject line to deliver your message with no contents. In this case use (EOM). EOM stands for end of message.
ex.) Package Sent at 10AM (EOM) / Resend the Documents (EOM)
7) Use common business-like vocabulary in your subject line. These words can help reduce the amount of words and also send a clearer message to the receiver.
ex.) P45 Test Validated / Please Clarify Pg. 4 of the Proposal / Details of the On-Going Test / Circular Letter Detailing Merger / Short Term Proposal / OSHA Compliance Insepction Scheduled
8) Do not write all the letters in capital letters or in lower case letters.
I want to reiterate that it is sometimes difficult in constructing a good subject line. Try to utilize some of the tips above and with a bit of testing and trying, you should find yourself better at writing the email subject line.
1) The subject line should clearly tell the receiver what the email is about. There should be no guessing what the email contains.
ex.) Reminder About Meeting on Monday / Test Results Enclosed / RE: John Smith Contact Info.
2) The email subject should be as short as possible. It should also be a sentence or less. I understand that sometimes it seems really difficult to state the contents in under 6-8 words. Don't get too stressed out. This is my recommendation, but once in a while if you have to then (you can not think of any other way) go ahead.
3) The first letter of the first word should be capitalized. After that all first letters should be capitalized except for articles, prepositions and conjunctions. Although, I occasionally capitalize prepositions.
ex.) Thoughts on the T5 Project / Thoughts About the T5 Project / Final Draft for Upcoming Seminar / Regarding Wednesday's Luncheon
4) The use of punctuation can be helpful by reducing the amount of words and also so the receiver can understand the email easier.
ex.) Materials for Commencement Speech (Final Draft) / (Urgent) Counteroffer From Supplier / Today's S&M Meeting Cancelled - Contact Mr. Smith for Details
5) You can shortened or abbreviate words in an email subject line. Use only common abbreviations or abbreviations that the receiver can understand.
ex.) Question Reg. Order / Attn: John Smith (Renewal Requested) / Rx Expires Next Week
6) You can use the email subject line to deliver your message with no contents. In this case use (EOM). EOM stands for end of message.
ex.) Package Sent at 10AM (EOM) / Resend the Documents (EOM)
7) Use common business-like vocabulary in your subject line. These words can help reduce the amount of words and also send a clearer message to the receiver.
ex.) P45 Test Validated / Please Clarify Pg. 4 of the Proposal / Details of the On-Going Test / Circular Letter Detailing Merger / Short Term Proposal / OSHA Compliance Insepction Scheduled
8) Do not write all the letters in capital letters or in lower case letters.
I want to reiterate that it is sometimes difficult in constructing a good subject line. Try to utilize some of the tips above and with a bit of testing and trying, you should find yourself better at writing the email subject line.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Writing Effective Emails
Since most of our communication can be in the form of emails, it is essential that your emails be written in the most effective way possible.
And for English as a Second Language speakers, writing effective emails can be especially beneficial in terms of overall communication.
See the tips below (click on the title for the entire article/click on each tip for more information):
And for English as a Second Language speakers, writing effective emails can be especially beneficial in terms of overall communication.
See the tips below (click on the title for the entire article/click on each tip for more information):
Friday, May 18, 2012
Supplementary Question
Many times when we do business with foreign clients, conversation may stall after a short time. This may be because of the difficulties in language or cultural issues. To help the dialog along, use a supplementary question. A supplementary question is asking a question in return after answering a question.
Look at the visual below:
Example
(A) How was your flight?
(B) It was quite comfortable in business class. Do you like to fly?
(A) No, not really. I don't mind the short trips, but anything over five hours causes my legs to hurt. How about you?
(B) My legs get cramped sometimes, but I try to stretch every two hours.
(A) That's a good idea. How do you stretch on the plane?
(B) If I am sitting, then I raise my knees about six inches off the floor. And when I stand, I do a few leg stretches. It really helps.
(A) I will have to try that next time. Are you hungry?
(B) A little bit. Maybe we can stop by a convenience store before we leave the airport. And you, are you feeling hungry?
(A) Actually no, but I am a bit thirsty. Do you like American food?
As you can see, the supplementary questions are highlighted in bold. These questions help the conversation continue.
Look at the visual below:
(A) How was your flight?
(B) It was quite comfortable in business class. Do you like to fly?
(A) No, not really. I don't mind the short trips, but anything over five hours causes my legs to hurt. How about you?
(B) My legs get cramped sometimes, but I try to stretch every two hours.
(A) That's a good idea. How do you stretch on the plane?
(B) If I am sitting, then I raise my knees about six inches off the floor. And when I stand, I do a few leg stretches. It really helps.
(A) I will have to try that next time. Are you hungry?
(B) A little bit. Maybe we can stop by a convenience store before we leave the airport. And you, are you feeling hungry?
(A) Actually no, but I am a bit thirsty. Do you like American food?
As you can see, the supplementary questions are highlighted in bold. These questions help the conversation continue.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
How To Tip
There are many countries that don't practice the system of tipping. However, in some countries tipping is usually expected. It can be at a restaurant, hair salon, taxi or any other service-based business.
Click on the article below as a guide to tipping do's and don'ts.
Click on the article below as a guide to tipping do's and don'ts.
A Cheat Sheet on Tipping Do's and Don'ts
Take the confusion out of tipping
Monday, May 14, 2012
How to do effective tele calling for getting new clients | gsjobpoint.com
These days it is harder and harder to make calls to try to gain new clients. Many people are wary of scams that involve all forms of communication.
Even at the hint that someone is calling to sell something, the receiver hangs up or makes a quick excuse to end the call. But in spite of this, we still need to market our products using the telephone.
This article provides tips on how to effectively use the telephone to get new clients.
How to do effective tele calling for getting new clients | gsjobpoint.com
Even at the hint that someone is calling to sell something, the receiver hangs up or makes a quick excuse to end the call. But in spite of this, we still need to market our products using the telephone.
This article provides tips on how to effectively use the telephone to get new clients.
How to do effective tele calling for getting new clients | gsjobpoint.com
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Sunday, May 6, 2012
3 Steps To Effectively Communicate
This PPT will give you tips on effectively communicating at work or in your personal life.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Small Talk
Many cultures around the world engage in small talk before getting down to business. The number one topic is the weather. Other topics may include, sports, current events, travel, technology and the company each person is working for. While there are a wide range of things to talk about, you should steer clear of political or religious topics. Also, try to remain neutral when talking about personal preferences. For example, "My sports team is the best." These topics can result in negative feelings or even worse, an argument.
The basis for small talk is primarily to break the ice. Exchange of pleasantries to warm up to the business at hand. So avoid any topics that could result in a cold exchange that could affect your business.
Another point worth mentioning is that some cultures openly talk about personal things. They may ask you your age, if you are married or if you have any children. Generally, these questions are not meant to be rude, but just normal to them. If you feel that you don't want to answer them, just smile and say that you feel that it is personal and would not like to answer. Don't take offense. It is not an interrogation, rather a cultural issue.
When doing business with others, try to keep an open mind and remember the phrase, "When in Rome..."
The basis for small talk is primarily to break the ice. Exchange of pleasantries to warm up to the business at hand. So avoid any topics that could result in a cold exchange that could affect your business.
Another point worth mentioning is that some cultures openly talk about personal things. They may ask you your age, if you are married or if you have any children. Generally, these questions are not meant to be rude, but just normal to them. If you feel that you don't want to answer them, just smile and say that you feel that it is personal and would not like to answer. Don't take offense. It is not an interrogation, rather a cultural issue.
When doing business with others, try to keep an open mind and remember the phrase, "When in Rome..."
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