October, 11

 

October, 11

Communication styles.

Communication in the U.S. is low-context, meaning there is not always a lot of contextual information known or assumed about the people with whom you interact and do business. This is a result of the united states’ relatively short history, combined with a transient and geographically mobile population. It is not typical for most people to spend their lives in the company of relatives and friends, as is the case in many other cultures.

Key points:

Communication in the U.S. is low-context; U.S. Americans rely heavily on verbal explanations rather than nonverbal signals.

Most Americans tend to have a fairly direct style of communication; speakers come to their main point quickly and prefer to be told just the relevant facts.

People in the U.S. tend to have an informal and egalitarian style of communication; the use of first names is common even when addressing superiors.

They often use superlatives exaggeration and the language of salesmanship in conversation.

They tend to be at ease showing anger or pleasure, though not to extremes; they also frequently use humor.

The U.S. tends to be an “either/or” culture; many people see issues in black and white and may show impatience with nuance.