Page 59 - 633 102 Professional English for Pharmacists E-Course book

B. I occasionally use courtesy words and phrases.
C. I never use courtesy words and phrases.
Recommended Answer is B The courtesy words are required in the business culture. However, the
appropriate use of it should be considered as the different cultures can interpret levels of courtesy
differently. For example, Asians tend to use courtesy words more frequently from how they have
been taught for politeness and deferential to authority. Overly use of courtesy words can refer to
the sign weakness, negative reputation, easily picked on in the US cultures. Therefore, if Asian
often uses courtesy words when doing business with American people, it can lead to disadvantage.

Core communication style

4. When start a conversation, I usually
A. “Warm-up” new conversations with small talk.
B. Avoid small talk and jump into more important matters.
C. Avoid starting conversations.
Recommended answer is A. Warming up with small talk when new conversation begins can help
to break the ice between speakers. However, this depends on the culture and situation. If the
speakers are known to each other well, such as close friends, they may avoid small talk and jump
to the main topic instead. For western, in the business situation, they usually think that small talk
is wasting their time, so jumping into an important part is better.

5. When I discuss a topic
A. I tend to talk about and focus on positive (good) aspects.
B. I tend to talk about and focus on negative (bad) aspects.
C. I tend to complain
Recommended answer is B. However, this is potentially because of cultural differences. In Asian,
most people think about negative aspects because they want to be honest. For example, project
presentation, if people tend to talk only positive aspects but in fact there are some problems
about the project, so that problem will not be solved. For western countries, in contrast, they will
focus on positive aspects more than negative ones.

6. While listening,
A. I tend to be distracted by things going on around me.
B. I listen for meaning and ask questions.
C. I listen intently and I don’t ask questions, as it would be impolite.
Recommended answer is B but it still depends on cultural structure and the situations. If you are
in an important meeting among Asians, it can be rude to ask questions while others are
presenting. But in western countries, it can show your understanding and your attentiveness while
asking questions.

7.While conversing
A. I tend to interrupt before the other person is done speaking to show my excitement for
the subject.
B. I wait until the other person is done speaking before I speak.
C. I try to talk as little as possible

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