Understanding direct and indirect communication

- One of the aspects of communication that I hear most about from non-native speakers in US business culture is direct versus indirect communication. Let's look at the differences. With direct communication, verbal language tends to be explicit, even blunt sometimes. Direct communication occurs when a speaker's true intentions are communicated in their verbal message. It expresses their needs and desires explicitly. I want you to do X. When a direct communicator wants or needs something, they'll come right out and say it. In the workplace, value is placed on freedom of expression. The idea of saving face is less important than being straightforward or candid. Communication is efficient, focused on getting things done. People often don't want to hear all the background or all of the context. They might want just the gist of it, the most important things they need to know and get the job done. And in the direct style,…