Asking & Guessing Cultures
ADVANCEDCOMMUNICATION CULTUREMINDSET
Guessing Culture:
Asking feels discomfiting & awkward.
Subtly asks for what they want.
Feels uncomfortable saying no.
Directly asks when the answer is 'yes.'
Asking Culture:
Asking is typical and expected.
Easily asks to gather information.
'No' is a normal part of the conversation.
Directly asks for what they want.
When communicating, I lean towards...
Asking or Guessing Culture
Which communication style do you lean more towards? Asking Culture? Guessing Culture?
#1 – I think the CEO is busy.
11/10/2022
Guessing:
Anthony: Will you be able to meet your CEO this afternoon?
Jae-Woo: *CEOs are busy people, so I don't think my CEO will have time to meet me this afternoon.
Anthony: **Did your CEO say that he was busy?
Jae-Woo: No. But I think he is busy because he is the CEO.
*In business English, even though we may think (or feel) a certain way, it is better to ask and clarify the situation.
**In business English, asking is not a burden but a great way to receive accurate information.
....
Asking with a positive outcome:
Jae-Woo: Hi, Mr. CEO. How are you?
The CEO: I am fine, thank you. And you?
Jae-Woo: *Great, thanks. I am from the Korean headquarters. I want to ask you a few questions on behalf of the home office. Do you have a few minutes to talk?
The CEO: Oh, sure! I have been expecting you. Let's step over here to have a little more quiet.
*In business English, asking is a great way to get an accurate answer and clarify a situation.
....
Asking with a negative outcome:
Jae-Woo: Hi, Mr. CEO. How are you?
The CEO: I am fine, thank you. And you?
Jae-Woo: Good, thanks. I am from the Korean headquarters. I want to ask you a few questions on behalf of the home office. Do you have a few minutes to talk?
The CEO: *Oh, I apologize. No. I don't have time right now. Please contact my secretary to schedule an appointment.
Jae-Woo: Okay, great.
*In business English, a person (The CEO) can freely say "No."
....
Have you ever felt frustrated when speaking English?
"No matter how well you speak English, there will always be misunderstandings because of communication & cultural differences."
