7 Tips on Becoming an Effective Intercultural Communicator
Let me start this article by saying that I am neither a professional intercultural trainer, nor am I a certified communication coach. What I definitely am though is a third culture kid who over the course of her life has studied, lived, and worked with people from 100+ countries. Therefore, it’s safe to say that over the years, I’ve learnt a ton about how to effectively communicate with those whose backgrounds and cultures are different from mine. What that also means though is that I’ve witnessed firsthand what terrible communication skills in an increasingly international and connected world can lead to — missed opportunities, broken relationships, and a so-so reputation among others!
Improving the way I communicate with those in my personal and professional circles has been at the top of my priority list for as long as I can remember. Initially, I shied away from opportunities to engage with those who didn’t look like me for fear of being misunderstood, or confusing, or making a terrible first impression. However, the older I grew, the more I found myself in spaces where I was the only person who looked like me. Therefore, instead of focusing on the loneliness that came with existing in these spaces, or wondering whether I did indeed belong, I decided to use the discomfort as a learning opportunity.
