Skip to main content
Appropriate Non-Verbal
Strategies
(Communication Beyond
Words)
• Lesson 10: Using
Culturally Appropriate
Verbal and Non-Verbal
Strategies
SESSION 2 Lesson
English - Grade 11
Designed by Teacher/s: Rholdan S. Aurelio
Communication Beyond Words
Welcome to Session 2 of our English
Grade 11 series on communication
strategies. Today, we explore how culture
shapes both what we say and how we
move. Understanding these nuances is
key to becoming a successful global
communicator.
Lesson 9: Using Appropriate Non-Verbal Strategies
(Communication Beyond Words)
• Lesson 10: Using Culturally Appropriate Verbal Slide 1
Today's Learning Goals
1. Contrast verbal and non-verbal norms
across cultures. 2. Determine appropriate
responses for cross-cultural scenarios. 3.
Demonstrate intercultural sensitivity
through role-play.
Lesson 9: Using Appropriate Non-Verbal Strategies
(Communication Beyond Words)
• Lesson 10: Using Culturally Appropriate Verbal Slide 2
Global Greeting Check-in
Think back to our entry activity. How
many different ways can we say hello
without using the same gesture twice?
Examples: The Wai (Thailand), The Bow
(Japan), The Handshake (Western), The
Hongi (Maori).
Lesson 9: Using Appropriate Non-Verbal Strategies
(Communication Beyond Words)
• Lesson 10: Using Culturally Appropriate Verbal Slide 3
The Danger of Universal Gestures
What does this mean? The OK sign,
Thumbs Up, and V-Sign. In the US, they
mean 'Great' or 'Victory'. Elsewhere: The
OK sign is an insult in Brazil. The Thumbs
Up is offensive in parts of the Middle East.
The V-sign (palms in) is an insult in the UK
and Australia.
Lesson 9: Using Appropriate Non-Verbal Strategies
(Communication Beyond Words)
• Lesson 10: Using Culturally Appropriate Verbal Slide 4
High-Context vs. Low-Context Cultures
Low-Context (e.g., USA, Germany):
Communication is explicit, direct, and
literal. Meaning is in the words. High-
Context (e.g., Japan, Philippines):
Communication is indirect. Meaning relies
on the setting, relationship, and non-
verbal cues.
Lesson 9: Using Appropriate Non-Verbal Strategies
(Communication Beyond Words)
• Lesson 10: Using Culturally Appropriate Verbal Slide 5
Verbal Strategies: Honorifics and Speech
The use of 'Po' and 'Opo' in the
Philippines. Formal vs. Informal address
(Tú vs. Usted in Spanish). Directness vs.
Saving Face: Is it better to be honest or to
be polite?
Lesson 9: Using Appropriate Non-Verbal Strategies
(Communication Beyond Words)
• Lesson 10: Using Culturally Appropriate Verbal Slide 6
Non-Verbal Strategies: Space and Silence
Proxemics: High-contact (Latin America,
Mediterranean) vs. Low-contact cultures
(Northern Europe, East Asia). Silence: A
sign of agreement, reflection, or
awkwardness? Eye Contact: Respectful vs.
Aggressive.
Lesson 9: Using Appropriate Non-Verbal Strategies
(Communication Beyond Words)
• Lesson 10: Using Culturally Appropriate Verbal Slide 7
Critical Incident: The Misunderstanding
Scenario: A manager from New York tells
an employee from Kyoto, 'Your proposal
was interesting, but we might need to
look at other options.' The manager thinks
they said 'No.' The employee thinks it's
still being considered. What went wrong?
Lesson 9: Using Appropriate Non-Verbal Strategies
(Communication Beyond Words)
• Lesson 10: Using Culturally Appropriate Verbal Slide 8
Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC)
ICC is the ability to understand and adapt
to different cultural communication
norms effectively. It involves: 1. Curiosity,
2. Openness, 3. Knowledge of others, 4.
Discovery and interaction skills.
Lesson 9: Using Appropriate Non-Verbal Strategies
(Communication Beyond Words)
• Lesson 10: Using Culturally Appropriate Verbal Slide 9
Formative Assessment: Part 1
1. Identify the term: A culture where
communication is often indirect and relies
heavily on context and non-verbal cues.
(Answer: High-Context Culture). 2.
Identify the term: The verbal strategy
used in the Philippines to show respect to
elders. (Answer: Honorifics).
Lesson 9: Using Appropriate Non-Verbal Strategies
(Communication Beyond Words)
• Lesson 10: Using Culturally Appropriate Verbal Slide 10
Formative Assessment: Part 2
3. Identify the term: A culture where
communication is explicit, direct, and
literal. (Answer: Low-Context Culture). 4.
Identify the concept: The ability to
understand and adapt to different cultural
communication norms effectively.
(Answer: ICC / Cultural Intelligence). 5.
Identify the behavior: Maintaining intense
eye contact is often seen as aggression in
many ______ cultures. (Answer:
Asian/Eastern).
Lesson 9: Using Appropriate Non-Verbal Strategies
(Communication Beyond Words)
• Lesson 10: Using Culturally Appropriate Verbal Slide 11
Empathize: Our Global Responsibility
Why is it our responsibility to learn these
strategies? Inclusivity: Making others feel
seen and respected. Respect: Valuing
diversity over 'sameness'. Global
Citizenship: Thriving in a connected world.
Lesson 9: Using Appropriate Non-Verbal Strategies
(Communication Beyond Words)
• Lesson 10: Using Culturally Appropriate Verbal Slide 12
Final Task: Global Communication Tip
Create a 'Global Communication Tip' for
social media. Example: 'Before you give a
thumbs up abroad, check the local
meaning! #GlobalCitizen #ICC'. Share your
tip with the class.
Lesson 9: Using Appropriate Non-Verbal Strategies
(Communication Beyond Words)
• Lesson 10: Using Culturally Appropriate Verbal Slide 13