Facilitating Intercultural Competence With Experiential Meth

Facilitating Intercultural Competence Experiential Methods And Toolss

Facilitating Intercultural Competence: Experiential Methods and Tools Source: Communication Highwire: Leveraging the Power of Diverse Communication Styles (Intercultural Press). © 2005 Dianne Hofner Saphiere, Barbara Kappler Mikk, and Basma Ibrahim DeVries. All rights reserved. Source: Communication Highwire: Leveraging the Power of Diverse Communication Styles © 2005 Dianne Hofner Saphiere, Barbara Kappler Mikk, and Basma Ibrahim DeVries. Intercultural Press. All Rights Reserved.

Leveraging the Power of Diverse Communication Styles Understanding the impact of communication style differences and effects… Think about specific situations in which a miscommunication occurred that you believe was based on a communication style disconnect of some kind. Defining Communication Style Communication style is the way in which we communicate, a pattern of verbal and nonverbal behaviors that comprises our preferred ways of giving and receiving information in a specific situation. If the message content is the what and the communicators the who, then communication style is the how. Communication style includes, for example, how we accomplish the following tasks: 1. Organize and present information and like it to be organized 2. Encourage and like to be encouraged 3. Agree or disagree with others’ ideas and prefer agreement or lack thereof to be communicated 4. Build relationships, trust, and intimacy with others 5. Communicate politeness and perceive politeness to be communicated 6. Negotiate and prefer to be negotiated with 7. Establish credibility 8. Approach, manage, and resolve conflict 9. Make decisions and solve problems 10. Interrupt and prefer to be interrupted Source: Communication Highwire: Leveraging the Power of Diverse Communication Styles (Intercultural Press). © 2005 Dianne Hofner Saphiere, Barbara Kappler Mikk, and Basma Ibrahim DeVries. All rights reserved.

2 Based on our definition and the preceding list, you can see that communication style is broad in scope, and as such it encompasses many specific patterns we engage in every day. Our belief is that these patterns are not universally accepted rules of human interaction; instead, communication style preferences reflect our personal and cultural upbringings. Even simple nonverbal behaviors that we may consider “natural” are typically learned. People all over the world smile and use eye contact, but they do so in different ways and for different purposes. Answers to the following questions, all about communication style, vary by culture as well as by individual and specific context:  How do you show respect to those with whom you are communicating? One person might look someone directly in the eye to show respect, while another averts eye contact. One person might speak loudly and clearly as a sign of respect, another softly.  How do you attempt to establish credibility? One person may do so by stating her past experiences and citing her credentials, while another might humbly explain that her lengthy experience has given her more questions than answers.  Is it polite to answer a question when you are asked directly? People who value explicit communication may expect a direct answer to a question. People who value implicit communication might find a direct answer to be condescending or patronizing.  Is it best to discuss conflict with the person with whom you disagree? One person may desire to analyze a disagreement giving a specific comment-by-comment replay and paying special attention to the actual words used, while another may prefer to discuss the feelings experienced because of the disagreement, and a third might prefer to overlook the disagreement or to bring it up only after much time has passed and careful consideration has been given. Communication style—how we express ourselves—reflects our underlying values and beliefs, and those values and beliefs are determined both by culture and personality. People use and interpret communication styles differently according to these personal and cultural filters. How we communicate (the communication style we use) and how we see others communicating (the meaning we attach to their communication style) depend on many factors. Do we expect interaction to be easy, difficult, enjoyable, or frustrating? Do we believe relationships should be well planned, emergent, explicit, or implicit? Do we think it is smarter to focus first on task or on relationship? A full definition of communication style needs to include these six key points: 1. Communication style is a situational tendency, not a type. 2. The style we use is influenced by many factors. 3. As with culture, everything’s relative with communication style. 4. Neutral descriptions are needed, yet those descriptions have their own weaknesses and liabilities. 5. Communication style provides a link between the observable and the unconscious—between our behavior and its underlying motivation. 6. There are advantages and disadvantages to every style. (Communication Highwire, 2005, p. 5-7) Source: Communication Highwire: Leveraging the Power of Diverse Communication Styles (Intercultural Press). © 2005 Dianne Hofner Saphiere, Barbara Kappler Mikk, and Basma Ibrahim DeVries. All rights reserved. 3 Factors Affecting Communication Style 1. CONTEXT ~ The circumstances in which an event occurs (Physical context, Roles, Historical context, Chronology, Language, Relationship, Constraints) 2. GOALS ~ The outcome we intend to accomplish 3. SELF-CONCEPT ~ How we see ourselves 4. VALUES ~ Priorities and principles that guide our behavior 5. COMMUNICATION STYLE REPERTOIRE ~ Amount of, and ability to use, diverse communication behaviors Skill Building 1. Am I aware of my own style? 2. Can I accept validity of another style? 3. Can I figure out how style differences may have an impact in a particular conflict? 4. Can I see a style difference for what it is as it is happening? 5. Can I hear the style; can I take it in as it is happening? 6. Can I engage in receiving and sending behaviors according to another style? Additional Information regarding communication styles: Persuasive Styles Across Cultures: • QUASILOGICAL – Statistics, testimony – ASSUMPTION: If an idea is “true” it just needs to be presented logically • PRESENTATIONAL – Emotional appeals emphasized – ASSUMPTION: Immutable truths do not exist; There are no clear rights or wrongs to be discovered • ANALOGICAL – Stories, parables, analogies (explicit/implicit lessons) – ASSUMPTION: The collective experience of a group is persuasive Source: Communication Highwire: Leveraging the Power of Diverse Communication Styles (Intercultural Press). © 2005 Dianne Hofner Saphiere, Barbara Kappler Mikk, and Basma Ibrahim DeVries. All rights reserved. 4

Paper For Above instruction

The concept of intercultural competence is fundamental in our increasingly interconnected world. It refers to the ability to communicate effectively and appropriately across cultures, respecting and understanding diverse communication styles, norms, and values. This paper explores the importance of experiential methods and tools in fostering intercultural competence, emphasizing practical approaches that can be employed in various settings. Drawing on theories from intercultural communication, as well as real-world examples, the discussion highlights how experiential learning methods—such as role-playing, simulations, and reflective activities—are potent means for developing intercultural awareness, sensitivity, and adaptability.

Experiential methods are essential because they actively involve learners in authentic intercultural encounters, encouraging them to reflect on their own biases and assumptions while gaining insights into others' perspectives. For instance, role-playing exercises simulate intercultural interactions, challenging participants to navigate communication styles different from their own. This method enhances learners' ability to recognize verbal and nonverbal cues, appreciate cultural differences, and develop strategies for effective communication. Additionally, simulations of real-world scenarios, such as negotiating or conflict resolution, foster practical skills and intercultural sensitivity. These approaches enable participants to experience firsthand the complexities of intercultural encounters, thus promoting deeper understanding and competence.

Tools such as intercultural communication assessments, cultural questionnaires, and observational checklists serve as valuable resources for self-awareness and skill development. Assessments can help individuals identify their predominant communication style, biases, and areas for growth, while cultural questionnaires illuminate specific cultural norms and values that influence communication. Observational checklists allow learners to analyze intercultural interactions objectively, pinpointing communication style differences and their impacts. These tools facilitate a reflective process that encourages ongoing learning and adaptation, which are vital in cultivating intercultural competence.

Incorporating experiential methods and tools into intercultural training programs also addresses the emotional aspect of intercultural interactions, which is often overlooked. Activities that promote empathy, such as storytelling or sharing personal experiences, help learners connect emotionally and build trust with people from different backgrounds. Such emotional engagement is crucial because it fosters openness, reduces stereotypes, and enhances intercultural sensitivity. Moreover, debriefing sessions after experiential activities encourage participants to articulate their experiences, extract lessons learned, and develop action plans for intercultural interactions in their personal and professional lives.

Effective intercultural competence development also requires continuous practice and reflection. Facilitators should create environments that promote ongoing experiential learning—through community engagement, cross-cultural projects, or virtual intercultural exchanges—thus embedding intercultural awareness into Daily life. Digital tools, such as online intercultural simulations or social media platforms, expand opportunities for intercultural engagement beyond traditional settings. Overall, experiential methods and tools are indispensable in fostering genuine intercultural competence, enabling individuals to navigate diverse cultural landscapes with confidence, sensitivity, and respect.

References

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