Learn the intercultural nuances that will help you to be a more effective communicator.
The curriculum for Intercultural Communication, in all settings (one-on-one, workshops and group classes), focuses on improving communication and reducing misinterpretation based on the following elements of language:
Expression
Learn to better express yourself via Idioms and Slang.
Listening
Learn how to make requests for clarification and confirmation. So many of us are fearful of "losing face" in a public setting -- but not asking for clarification can have an expensive impact, both financially and on our relationships.
Pronunciation
Increasing awareness of how accent and intonation aid successful interactions. We all come from somewhere -- and accent and dialect influence our perception of the speaker in so many ways. Recognizing that pronunciation can cause meaning to vary significantly is essential.
Formality/Style
Every local and company culture has different guidelines for etiquette, style, formality and gestures that apply to various settings, such as meetings and social situations.
The Bottom Line
Non-native speakers will communicate more successfully in different contexts within the United States workplace. As a bonus, non-native speakers will have an increased awareness about the local culture, how pronunciation and accent influence interactions, and increased confidence and productivity.