Know the Power of Language at Work

Preaction

Discuss the challenges and possibilities of working in a diverse workplace.

4/5 Work in a Global World

Know the power of language at work A globalised world leads to a more diverse workforce. This in turn leads to great innovations, new businesses and working relationships all over the world! At the same time, globalisation can be challenging for employees who feel unprepared to deal with different languages and cultures. Contracts can be lost because DIFFERENT CATEGORIES OF WORK COMMUNICATION Verbal communication: face to face, telephone, media Non-verbal communication: gestures, body language, clothing Written communication: emails, reports, Vurderingseksemplar text messages, manuals, social media one word is misunderstood, and conflicts can arise due to cultural Visual communication: signs, graphs, misunderstandings. So what can we do? People you meet think and infographics, maps, logos act differently from you, and you have to try to understand them and be understood. In the end, diversity is beneficial to everyone! Language has the power to both include or exclude people. Work-specific jargon, while necessary at times, can be difficult to understand for someone not working in the business. Idioms and expressions can make communication difficult, so be aware of how and when you use them. Be mindful of your language, and it will be a fantastic resource in your work life.

innovations oppfinnelser/ oppfinningar misunderstood misforstått jargon fagspråk idiom idiom, fast uttrykk

BE SERVICE MINDED

What could have been done differently? Rewrite John’s lines in a way you think would result in a more positive communication. See formal or informal, page 68; express yourself, page 72; communicate at work, page 78; keep calm and be polite, page 124-125; and how your words reflect your attitude, page 173.

affordable rimelig/ rimeleg convenient beleilig/ høveleg acknowledge anerkjenne

GO ONLINE

to work on vocational jargon.

John: Welcome to network support. This is John. What can I help you with? Customer: Yeah, your company promised delivery Tuesday. Now Friday and still not here. Do you have any idea what problems you causing me? John: Ma’am, please: Calm down! And speak English! Customer: Calm down?!? Calm down??? Don’t tell me calm down!!! Thanks for advice, but if your company would have done what they promised, no conversation! REMEMBER BODY LANGUAGE

Find out what the sign means in France. See body language, task 12, page 130. I was working in France one summer. l met this girl, but she did not speak much English, so most of our communication was through body language. I went shopping with her one day, and she showed me a dress that looked beautiful on her. I showed her the sign for “perfect” by putting my thumb and index finger together. She looked offended – not very strange when I found out what the sign meant in France.

Say “you” more than “I” Words that inspire, motivate and persuade at work best convenient discover easy enjoy free to focus on and include your listener.Vurderingseksemplar → Turn page for more examples and tasks.

BE CLEAR

What are you supposed to do? Rewrite the boss’s order for clearer communication.

Your boss tells you to “not boil the ocean on this one” and to “pick the low-hanging fruit”.

PRACTICE THE THREE A'S

Appreciate, Acknowledge, Ask Show a person they are valued. Generate positive emotions. Create job satisfaction. Boost morale.