T is for Turntaking
If you turn on Greek TV during a talk show, interview, or even some sitcom, you will note that Greeks do interrupt each other frequently and freely, so much so, that it’s sometimes impossible to follow what anyone of them is actually saying.
But they are not the only ones – watch this video….
Surprised? No wonder so many people consider Trump to be the epitomy of a bully!
The following video shows how mother tongue teachers may teach this feature of good communication skills.
Teachers can use it to drive home this business of waiting for the signal to take one’s turn politely as the rules of politeness dictate.
It’s actually easier to start with children – adults can process this information more efficiently but old habits die hard!!!!
And yet, this is the cause of many misunderstandings in international business communications, in the academic world, in many social situations.
Deals have been lost, jobs not offered because people who interrupt are considered to be extremely rude and, often, undesirable in social or professional situations.
The English speaking world has different norms than other cultures and it may be important to you for professional communications or interacting in an academic environment to be able to pick up those cues. .
Let us know what you think about this topic and if you would like your lessons to focus on good communications skills.
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