3.1 Communication at work

1. 3.1 Communication at work 工作中的沟通

2. What communication tools do we use at work? • Email • Telephone • Tax • Msn

3. So we can see that… • There are many tools we can use. • However, how can we communicate effectively? • Be aware of cultural differences.

4. How do you do?/ Hello./Hi there./How are you doing?/How are you?/ Are you doing well? • Most greetings you get from strangers on the street or anywhere is "Hey how ya doing?" , "Hi" , "Hey, how’s it going?" or "Hey what’s up“. The latter is used amongst people you see at the gym or library but don't personally know them.

5. Case study • George suggested that they arrange a meeting. • Mr. Li replied in fairly good English, “That would be interesting.” • “When can we met?” asked George. • “Ah. This week is very busy,” replied Mr. Li. • “It sure is,” said George, “How about 10 o’clock tomorrow? Meet you here.” • “Tomorrow at 10 o’clock?” asked Mr. Li thoughtfully. • “Right,” said George, “I’ll see you then?” • “Hmm, yes, why don’t you come by tomorrow,” was the reply. • The next day at 10 o’clock he went to Mr. Li’s company’s exhibit only to find that Mr. Li had some important business and was not able to meet with George. He called back later in the day and was told that Mr. Li was not available.

6. Possible answer • Understanding differences • Global culture • Cross-cultural communication

7. Question You meet somebody at work, and invite her and her husband to your house for dinner. • In Chinese culture… • How should the host behave? • How should the guest behave?

8. Case study: “Dinner with Friends” • Janice & George (American) • Liu Lingling & Yang Feng (Chinese)

9. Janice and George prepared spaghetti and salad • Liu Lingling and Yang Feng asked the price of the TV, video player, vacuum cleaner, etc • they took small tastes of the appetizers • they seemed surprised when Janice and George sat down • they only ate a little spaghetti and salad • Janice and George talked about their families and jobs • “They’re going to have to eat again when they get home!” • Liu Lingling and Yang Feng were busy in the kitchen • Liu invited Janice and George to look at their new CD player • half an hour later, she sat down and the three of them started eating dinner • Yang Feng kept bringing out dish after dish • there was more food than George and Janice could eat • they wished that Yang Feng would sit down so that they could talk to him • afterwards, they were unhappy that they had no chance to talk