Because it is not always what you say, but it can be all about the way you say it.
Have you ever wondered what is stopping you from getting your message across in the English language?
Do you always express yourself appropriately given the context within which you are communicating?
Do we always know how to adapt our communication style to meet the cultural expectations of our interlocutors?
These are important questions that we all need to consider if we want to obtain the desired outcomes in any communicative event. Whether it be to effectively present ourselves or company, or just whilst out-and-about, knowing who our audience is is key to getting our message across.
After all, it is not the same to give a keynote speech to a Japanese audience as it is to a Finnish one; just as it is not the same to send an email to a prospective client as it is to ask a colleague a favour. To succeed in all our endeavours, we need to be able to draw on a wide range of verbal and non-verbal skills that are deemed appropriate for every context.
Successful communication, therefore, is about the four basic language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. And it is also about the way each component part interweaves within a rich underlying framework of meaning that has its roots in our cultural heritage, personal vision and feelings. We use every verbal and non-verbal element to effectively create something much bigger than ourselves: our social groups and our future.
It must come as no surprise that a lack of understanding of the complexity of communication can lead to misunderstandings, conflict and failure. For this reason, the WW blog aims to raise awareness by openly sharing these insights. It will be a thought-provoking space where the key factors that intervene in effective communication will be set out to offer a better understanding of how intercultural communication actually works.
WW’s Functional Approach: the need for upskilling in the English language
The importance of learning how to say what you really want to say.
We all have our own preferred learning styles, are at different stages in life, with different needs and interests. This is why in the WW blog we will also be looking at how real people face the challenges posed by upskilling.
This will involve taking a look at real-life situations, such as people transitioning to new jobs, those who wish to gain and retain fluency, or who may encounter invisible barriers when relocating to another country, to name but a few. In every case, the aim of the blog will be to bring to the fore the hurdles that need to be overcome for a person to reach their objectives and the solutions that are available to achieve these.
There are no age limits. Whether you are 5 years of age or 50, dynamic learning is what WW is all about.
Enjoy the journey!
© 2024 Walwyn Communications
