Prof. Robert M. March, Ph.D.
In the 1st session, the students were required to make self-intros to the entire class by pretending that the audience are foreigners. The Prof. wrote a very simple sentence on the blackboard----'My name is ....very pleased to meet you.' Not as originally expected, the seemingly concise self-intro sentence turned out to be a very difficult part for almost all students presenting this as demanded.
What their mistakes were had not been perceived in our past dozens of years of english learning, which include pronunciation error----even when telling of their names, wrong or misleading body languages or gestures, and improper cross-cultural interpretation which resulting confusing understanding.
When communicating with foreigners, one might not pay attention to the gap between different countries/nations and even between different cultural backgrounds, and this always, if not happening every time, cause hinderance in business communications and relations.
Of course mutual understanding and proper tolerance/discretion are generally accepted rules, as I believe, in cross-cultural communications, but when concerned with the course itself, the basic and indispensable skills required is the students' english----listening, speaking, and interpretation capability.
When class was over, at least we knew the proper expression when one makes his business trip abroad and self-introduces himself is Hi, My name is (Ang, and please call me Arnold). Pleased to meet you.. The rule for this situation is:
- Be confident, and use proper body language</li>
- Make your name easy to pronounce, ready to recall and better meaningful to both sides' interests</li>
- Showing your concerns and friendliness</li>
