The following site may also be useful for finding professional public email lists to
which learners can subscribe.
Tile.Net
http://www.tile.net/
A search engine for finding email lists.
Project 3.
BUSINESS PRESENTATION STYLES ACROSS
CULTURES
Learning Focus:
Reading, writing, business presentation guidelines, cross-cultural
communication.
Technology Needed:
Email, chat, discussion forum, or course web site.
Instructions:
Overview
: Being able to communicate effectively is key to success in business.
However, what is considered "effective" is culture-specific; acceptable practices vary
across cultural boundaries – national culture, industry culture, and company culture.
Audiences vary around the globe in their expectations for presentation content,
organization, and delivery style. Ethnocentric presenters who assume the rules are the
same overseas as in their home office may well be mistaken.
Task
: In this project, research presentation styles in different cultural (national,
industry, and company culture) contexts. Use a questionnaire (see a sample below) to
interview an expert in their home country or elsewhere about presentation delivery in that
national and workplace culture context. You can conduct the interview face to face or
administer the questionnaire by email, chat, discussion forum, or course web site.
Business
Presentations
Across
Cultures:
Sample Interview Questionnaire
1. What kinds of presentations do you have to give in your job?
2. Describe one type of presentation. What is its purpose? Who is the audience
(age, gender, position, etc.)?
3. How do you prepare for the presentation? Do you work on it alone or with
other people?
4. How do you organize your presentation? What do you do first? Next? How do
you conclude?
5. Do you usually read the presentation, memorize it, or use notes? If notes, what
format (e.g. cards), and why?
6. Do you use any kinds of audio-visual materials in your presentation? If so,
what are the most common?
7. How do you deliver the presentation?
Do you stand behind a lectern or a table, or move around?
What do you do with your hands when you are presenting?
8. What is considered appropriate dress?
9. Do you get nervous? If so, what do you do to help relax?
10. What are one or two key pieces of advice for someone going to make a
presentation in your field?
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