10 Communication TipsLinks to an external site.

Communication is used in your personal and professional life. There are two important aspects of communication- verbal and nonverbal. Verbal communication involves words spoken directly by a person. Nonverbal communication is messages delivered without words. Learning how Americans communicate can help you feel more settled.

1. Pay attention to nonverbal communication. This includes the tone of the speaker, eye contact, hand gestures, and silence.
2. Be direct and clear. How direct and clear you need to be depends on the region in the US. When communicating, clearly identify what you want to say, why you want to say it, who you want to say it to, and how you can best say it without feeling overly charged. 
3. Know when to speak casually or formally. Avoid "slang" in the workplace.
4. Try small talk! Most common small talk conversations are about the weather, sports, food, tv shows, or movies. These are surface level conversations with people you don't fully know yet.
5. Ask questions. Ask for explanations or clarifications if you don't understand.
6. Be an active listener. Make eye contact, nod, and remain engaged in the conversation. Ask open-ended questions if needed.
7. Learn common phrases and idiomsLinks to an external site..
8. Understand humor. Jokes are heavily based on culture, and speak up if a joke offends you.
9. Be careful with sensitive topics. Avoid discussing money/pay, relationships, and politics with coworkers or those that you do not know well. 
10. Be honest! If you're uncomfortable, not understanding something, feel hurt, or don't want to do something - communicate that in a professional, polite way.