Business people tend to focus on their productive skills (writing and speaking), but, in an intercultural context, greater attention should be placed on receptive skills (listening and reading). With regards to listening in Business English, one needs to be aware of the types of listening styles people from different cultures prefer.
Some general listening guidelines for Business English students to consider:
- Listen carefully to what the other person is saying. Listen to understand rather than just waiting for your turn to speak.
- Before responding, make sure the person has actually finished speaking.
- Use body language to convey to the speaker that you are engaged and actively listening.
- If you are unsure about the message the speaker presented, don’t be afraid to ask polite, follow-up questions.
We need to be respectful of all cultures. When engaging with a client, or another business associate, respectfully listening will result in a positive communication outcome for all parties involved.