Final answer:
To ensure understanding with a non-native speaker, use clear speech, simple vocabulary, and be mindful of culture in body language and speech delivery. Adjust language use according to the communication medium and maintain professional language in workplace settings.
Step-by-step explanation:
To adjust their usual mode of communication and ensure mutual understanding with a speaker of another language, a person can employ various strategies. Firstly, they should apply conventions of speech delivery, which include using clear pronunciation, slow speech, simple vocabulary, and avoiding idioms that may not translate well. Non-verbal cues such as gestures can aid understanding, but it is essential to be aware of cultural differences in body language.
When communicating through different mediums such as text or voice, language usage might shift appropriately. For written communication, one might employ simpler sentence structures and check for clarity. For verbal communication, especially in environments like the workplace, language should reflect professionalism and comprehension of industry-specific language. In cross-cultural contexts, knowledge of the other language, even if basic, can significantly impact communication outcomes. Utilizing bilingual skills in a way that respects both languages, known as code-switching, may also be advantageous.