Communication “Soft” Skills for the International Executive

Since the language alone is inadequate for effective communication it is essential to grasp how the international partners “tick”. By doing this, you have put yourself on their wavelength – this done, you are both “speaking the same language.” A feeling of trust arises when you develop an empathy for the other culture – the way they think, work and, most of all, the way they express themselves.

  • Language Skills:
 Effective greetings
Small Talk and Active Listening
Apologizing
Giving Feedback
Tactful Agreement and Disagreement
Polite Questions
Interviewing Techniques
Making Requests
Giving Orders
Making and Dealing with Complaints
Business Jargon – how and when to use it
  • Writing Skills:
 How to write emails and memos to get fast results
“Netiquette “
Report Writing in English
  • Telephoning:
 Your telephone voice
The 1-2-3 of calling your Anglo-Saxon colleagues
Dealing with complaints over the phone
  • Presentations:
 What makes a “good” presentation?
Effective “ad hoc” presentations that really work
Stages of a presentation
How to convince with arguments
  • Negotiations:
 Stages of a negotiation
Know your BATNA
Styles of negotiation
  • Meetings:
 Preparation is everything!
Stages of a meeting and phraseology
Expectations in international meetings
  • International Empathy:
 Your Body Language and reading others’ body language
Mind Your Manners around the world
Concepts of contracts around the world
Concepts of Time around the world
Working with the Americans, British, Dutch, French, etc