Communicating Across Cultures Under Pressure
What happens when pressure, language and culture intersect?
A meeting moves on before everyone has fully understood.
Feedback is interpreted differently than intended.
Humour, politeness or indirect language creates confusion.
People are reluctant to ask for clarification because they don’t want to appear incapable.
We’ve all experienced moments where communication doesn’t quite go to plan. When pressure increases, these challenges become even more pronounced.
The challenge
Today’s workplaces are increasingly diverse, bringing together people who speak English as a first language and those who speak English as an additional language.
This diversity brings enormous strengths, but it can also create communication challenges, particularly when teams are working under pressure.
Language, cultural expectations and communication styles all influence how messages are given, received and interpreted. When misunderstandings occur, they can affect collaboration, wellbeing, relationships and performance.
This programme helps participants recognise and navigate these differences with greater confidence and cultural awareness.
About the programme
Developed in collaboration with Acrobat Global, this interactive programme explores communication between people who speak English as a first language and those who speak English as an additional language.
Combining expertise in intercultural communication, inclusion and leadership development, the programme helps participants understand how language, culture and workplace pressures influence communication, relationships and collaboration.
Using practical exercises, discussion and reflection, participants explore real-world workplace scenarios and develop strategies for communicating more clearly, inclusively and effectively across cultures.
Participants leave with
- Greater confidence communicating across language and cultural differences
- Increased awareness of how communication styles can be interpreted differently
- Practical techniques for making conversations, meetings and online communication more inclusive
- Improved ability to communicate effectively under pressure
- Greater understanding of the experiences of colleagues who speak English as an additional language
- Stronger collaboration within culturally diverse teams
- Practical actions to improve inclusion, psychological safety and team effectiveness
Who is this programme for?
This programme is particularly valuable for organisations with culturally and linguistically diverse teams.
It supports leaders, managers and team members who want to improve communication, strengthen collaboration and create environments where everyone can contribute confidently, regardless of their cultural or linguistic background.
Interested?
If you’d like to explore how “Communication Across Cultures Under Pressure” could support your organisation,
we’d love to have a conversation!
