Communication Skills: Cross-Cultural Conversations

About this course

This workshop examines how cultural background and communication habits can shape conversations, including differences between direct and indirect styles. Participants consider tone, eye contact, silence and other non-verbal cues, while exploring how unconscious assumptions can create misunderstandings. Teaching combines tutor-led discussion with roleplay, scenario analysis, reflective group work and practical communication exercises. The course focuses on adapting conversational approaches when communicating with ESOL speakers and people from different backgrounds in community, workplace and volunteering contexts.

What you'll learn

• Distinguish between direct and indirect communication styles across cultures
• Interpret non-verbal cues including tone, eye contact and silence
• Identify unconscious cultural assumptions that may contribute to perception gaps
• Adapt conversational strategies when communicating with ESOL speakers and people from different backgrounds
• Apply techniques for clearer and more respectful cross-cultural communication

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for learners at Improver level who want to examine communication across multicultural settings. It suits volunteers, front-facing staff, community workers and members of the public. Participation involves roleplay, group discussion, scenario analysis and practical communication exercises. A minimum English level of Entry 3 / Level 1 is specified, with no formal qualifications or volunteering experience required.

• Designed for communication in community, workplace and volunteering situations
• Suitable for volunteers, front-facing staff, community workers and members of the public
• Requires English at Entry 3 / Level 1 or above

Before you go

• Learning sheets, scenario prompt cards and discussion guides are provided.