Introduction
Communicating effectively is vital in addressing an international audience. A high degree of sensitivity, skills and regulation is required. According to Victor (2009, p. 36), monitoring the content of a speech before and after its delivery, is necessary. Compared with casual speech, public speech requires a high degree of sensitivity. This is because one has to consider a number of factors. For example, a number of ethical considerations should be integrated to ensure that the content of the words used are not injurious. In order to attain this, it is important to consider the audience as honorable. This is a vital ingredient for those aspiring to become effective communicators. By considering phrases such as “…are you enlightening the world or are you speaking in tongues?” the author intends to outline the factors to consider when addressing an international audience. The essay will evaluate the ethical and cultural implications created by analyzing the impact of the author’s culture on his style of communication.
Factors to Consider while communicating
One of the factors to consider with regard to international communication is the language of choice. Effective translation is one of the major challenges facing international communication (Wood 2009, p. 57). This is because the meaning of words varies from one language to another. The second factor to consider is the issue of the environment. The environment in which an individual addressing an international audience lives has an impact on the culture adopted. This has an effect on the style he or she uses while giving a speech. For instance, the individual may find it difficult to understand or accept other people’s views.
The social organization of the speaker or author has an effect on the effectiveness with which he or she addresses an international audience. Some of the social issues considered include the level of education, social class, religion, gender and one’s job status. Other factors include face-saving and the level of authority. In addition, there are also non-verbal behaviors such as eye contact, sense of touch, dressing code and use of paralanguage (Victor 2010, p.1).
In the case provided above, the author gives an example of “speaking in tongues” in an effort to illustrate the usage of frame of reference (Osthuizen 2006, p.1). In practice, this is effective for explanation purposes. However, the writing may be perceived as offensive by some readers. A considerable degree of sensitivity is required while communicating in international business. From the phrase above, the employee is right to a certain degree with regard to the matter of discussion. However, the diction used should be addressed by his manager. The culture implied by this statement portrays a sense of religion. The author seems to have background knowledge of Christian faith whereby speaking in tongue is common. However, the author seems to have little regard to some of the sensitive issues portrayed by the phrase illustrated above. His communication style is therefore perceived to be modernized and aggressive. This is evident in the way in which he seems to violate principles held by other people (The CEDA Meta-Profession Project n.d., p.1). The phrase depicts the author to have less consideration for other people’s feelings and a perception of being superior to others. Stern warning and possible form reprisal should be given to such employees.
Conclusion
While addressing the public either via writing or in a public speech, it is important to address the targeted parties in a respectable manner. In addition, possible forms of misconception should be eliminated. Although an individual’s communication is influenced by various factors, it is important to ensure that the content and tone of the message they communicate does not hurt other individuals.
Reference List
Osthuizen, T., 2006. In Marketing Across Cultures: Are You Enlightening the World or Are You Speaking in Tongues. Vol. 20. Massachusetts: Massachusetts Institute of technology.
The CEDA Meta-Profession Project., n.d. Communication Styles. Web.
Victor, D., 2010. Cross Cultural/ International Communication. Reference for business. Web.
Wood, J. 2009, Interpersonal Communication: Everyday Encounters. 6th Ed. South Melbourne, Victoria: Cengage Learning.