General Communication Skills
Communication is simply the act of transferring information from one place to another, whether this be vocally, written, visually or by use of gestures or even posture.
Cultural differences:
Communication with people of different cultures is challenging. Cultures provide people with a variety of ways of interpreting the world. Thus words can mean different things to people from different cultures in the same way gestures can.
Some gestures or words that are acceptable in one language or culture may be misunderstood or considered offensive in another, for example, While the standard, index-finger beckon may have come to be known as a way to request someone’s presence all the more nearer, in some countries, most notably the Philippines, it is only for use on dogs (though use on prostitutes is commonplace). So you might choose to use different words or gestures from the ones you would usually use.
There are many ways you can communicate with an audience and there are many techniques to hold their attention
It is important that you engage the audience to keep them locked into listening to your every word and paying close attention to detail. An easy way to engage them is by asking questions but the way you present can have an equally engaging effect. It’s also important to adapt to an audience. If it’s a bunch of normal people it’s best to assume they don’t know everything about what you’ll be talking about.
You could only use terminology everyone understands to make sure that everyone in your audience knows what you’re explaining.
You could raise your voice or vary your tone of voice to maintain the interest of your audience or throw in some gestures.
You could use images or a presentation for those who remember visually the best.
You could pause from time to time so the audience have time to think about what you’re saying and so they don’t get overloaded with information.
You could also vary the length of your sentences. A continuous train of long sentences is sure to bore the audience so by adding in some short snappy sentences you can add some variety and the audience won’t be as bored.
It is important that what you are conveying is accurate, if it isn’t then those who know you are inaccurate will question the credibility of what you’re saying. Sometimes you may want to add your opinion to what you’re saying but it’s important that everyone knows that you are expressing your opinion.