Your words convey only about 7% of your meaning. Body language, tone and facial expression make up the other 93%, according to researcher Dr. Albert Mehrabian. It’s important anywhere. But if you’re interacting with other cultures want to forge strong positive connections, check non-verbal cues familiar to you don't mean something else entirely to others:
- OK hand signal (index finger and thumb together, other three fingers extended). In Japan, it usually refers to money or request for payment. In Brazil, Russia and some parts of Germany, it's rude. In Turkey, Venezuela and some parts of Europe it signifies a person is homosexual. In France it’s 'zero'.
- Thumbs-up means it's all good to us. It’s rude and insulting in the Middle East. In Germany and Hungary, it's problematic, referring to the number 1. In Japan, it’s the number 5.
- Pointing: many of us grew up being told not to point at other people, though it was ok to point at objects or places. In many parts of Asia and South America, it’s genuinely considered rude. It's better to use an open hand with all fingers together.
- Gesturing 'come here', curling the index finger with the palm facing up is offensive in Slovakia and many parts of Asia. In much of Europe, Asia and some Pasifika countries, if you want to gesture for people to come closer, hold your hand palm down and move your fingers in a curling motion.
Because effective communication is so much more than words.
"Great overview, very interesting to see it all broken down." "I will implement the knowledge and share it with my non-profit committees. I look forward to attending the next workshop"
