CANADIAN COMMUNICATION: HOW TO USE SPEECH SOFTENERS

Canadian Communication

Canadian communication is usually either:• Direct for information-

Canadians have a strong desire for CLARITY• Indirect for avoiding conflict and softening

requests –Canadians are CONFLICT AVERSE

Direct for getting information Employer is A – not worried about the file*

A: Did you get the file ready for Client XYZ so we can present tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.? B: Not yet, I sill have to complete the second half of the report, which I will work on this afternoon.. A. I need to see it this afternoon in case there are any changes required. Can you have it on my desk by 3:00? B. I can do that.

Indirect if there might be conflict Employer is A – definitely worried about the file*

A: I’m wondering if the Client XYZ file is progressing, do you have an update? B: Is that the one we need for tomorrow morning at 9:00? A: Yes, what’s your progress report? B: I haven’t finished it yet… A: Of course I’m confident that you will get it done on time, I’m just checking.

4 C’s of Canadian communication:

Clarity: It is the responsibility of the speaker to speak clearly and to make intention known. Clarity includes clear pronunciation and looking directly at people as you speak.

“I’m looking for a more effective way of implementing this process.” 

4 C’s of Canadian Communication

Conciseness: Explanations should be short and to the point. Timely, factual speech is appreciated.

“Can you provide a run-through of the process going through each of the five points in brief?”

4 C’s of Canadian communication:

Coherance:What you say should show a logical sequence – a long story where the point is not made clear by the speaker is not usually acceptable. Back up opinions with evidence.

“We have run this process three times with consistent results. Here are the stats.”

4 C’s of Canadian communication:

Consensus:Draw other people into the conversations without actually telling them what to do. Use “speech softeners” to get others to agree to what you want them to do, and to have a “way out” if they don’t want to do it.

“I’m hoping this meets your expectations for the  project report, please feel free to add comments.”

Speech softener/indirect examples“Could you have it on my desk by 3:00?” “I’m wondering… if the Client XYZ file is progressing… do you have an update?” “Excuse me, do you mind passing that file please?” “I’m not sure I understand.” “Maybe in your last workplace you did…but here we usually…”

Canadian Speech Softeners

https://vimeo.com/channels/canadianculture

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