There are more than 7.7 billion people living on this planet, but as you know, there is not one culture. There are many different cultures, and this makes our planet a most interesting place to live. Because there are many different cultures, we do many things differently, of which one is how we talk to each other. Did you know that not everyone talks in the same way Americans do? People from different parts of the world talk with each other slightly differently. What do people from other parts of the world find different about the way we talk? The answers may surprise you.
Compared to people from other cultures, we are supposedly very direct in our speech. People from other cultures tend to use a lot of body language. We are not one of them. We are people who “cut to the chase”. We know what we want to say, and we pretty much say it, and our body language is just, well, there. Americans tend to use speech to persuade the other person. Therefore, we generally appear quite enthusiastic, even assertive, when we talk. We also are not as modest as people from other cultures. We will freely boast about our own achievements and success, rather than wait for others to do it for us. Americans tend to speak louder in public spaces. This perhaps explains why we are generally uncomfortable with long pauses, and we will say something just to break the silence.
No matter which part of the planet you are from, every person needs to talk with each other. Every person wishes to improve, and become better communicators, so that we get along better with one another. What are some of the basics across all cultures we must learn to improve in our talking skills with one another? Solomon made his own observations in his life, and he has shared with us some of his wisdom in the Book of Proverbs to help us. Let’s come together this Sunday, and hear what God has to say to you and me about talking, and change.
Your Friend,
Alvin