Communicating with

AmericansPresented by,

Professor Tom GrotheDepartment of Communication

Arts and Sciences,California State University, Chico

What is American culture?

The allure of California

Draw a picture of a tree

Visible cultural differences

Invisible cultural roots

Dimensions in Cultural Variability

Individualism - - - - Collectivism

Rights and needs of individual are primary

Communication Style: – Direct– Concerned with

honesty

Group rights and needs are primary

Communication Style: – Indirect– Concerned with

harmony

What are the Different Ways to Communicate Nonverbally Across

Cultures?

Misattribution Sending the Wrong Signal Missing Signals

Pitfalls of Nonverbal Communication

Be aware and delay attributions

Be aware of your own nonverbal

communication

Match your communication behaviors t

o that of the new culture

Suggestions For Successful Nonverbal Communication

Culture Shock The anxiety and discomfort felt as a result of coming in contact with a new

culture

Tips for Managing Culture Shock

Realize that culture shock exists Learn more about your host country Develop friendships Suspend ethnocentric evaluations And above all . . .

Have faith in yourself, in the essential goodwill of your hosts,

and in the positive outcome of the experience