Question

Stephanie is fresh out of college and is getting ready for her first business trip overseas. Previously, Stephanie travelled very little and even her family vacations were normally about an hour away from her home. Which of the following advice would be appropriate to help prepare Stephanie for success on her overseas visit?

a) Stephanie should not worry and just relax and be herself.
b) If the person does not understand Stephanie, Stephanie should talk louder so they can understand the point she is trying to make.
c) When appropriate, Stephanie should alter her facial expressions and gestures as needed to facilitate a cross-culture interaction.
d) In order to carry on a conversation, Stephanie should maintain direct eye contact with the person she is speaking with.

Answer 1

c) When appropriate, Stephanie should alter her facial expressions and gestures as needed to facilitate a cross-culture interaction.

d) In order to carry on a conversation, Stephanie should maintain direct eye contact with the person she is speaking with.

Step-by-step explanation:

Stephanie has no experience traveling abroad and must be concerned about what her first trip will be like, especially as traveling abroad is often difficult due to the language barrier between countries. If Stephanie is not able to speak the same language spoken in her destination country, her nervousness could increase. It is important that Stephanie knows that this nervousness is common and that there are strategies she can use to lower the linquistic barrier. First, Stephanie needs to know that she must maintain eye contact when talking to the native citizens of the country she will be traveling to. Eye contact will allow these citizens to understand that Stephanie is trying to communicate and that she is willing to make an effort to make that communication happen. Second, Stephanie must make use of nonverbal language when necessary and present facial expressions and gestures that help her communicate what she wants.