* Communication style in American and VietNam.

- What is a communication style?

Communication styles refer to how individuals express

themselves and respond to others in everyday conversations
and interactions. It encompasses a person's tone,
language choice, nonverbal behavior, and overall
approach to communication.
* Communication style in American and Vietnam.
- Direct : American
+ Americans generally value directness and clarity in communication.
+ They tend to speak their mind and prefer open, straightforward conversations.
+Disagreements and conflicts are typically addressed openly and directly.
-Indirect: Vietnam
+In contrast, Vietnamese communication tends to be more indirect, especially in formal settings.
+People often avoid saying “no” outright or discussing sensitive topics openly to prevent
embarrassment or loss of face.
+Subtle language and non-verbal cues are frequenly used to convey meaning without confrontation.
- Politeness and Respect:
* American:
+ While politeness is valued, American communication is often informal, even in professional
contexts.
+Titles may not be used as frequently, and first names are commonly used in both social and business
interactions.
+ Politeness is often expressed throught tone, body language, and maintaining a friendly demeanor.
*Vietnam
+In Vietnam, politeness and repect are deeply embeddeb in communication, particulary in addressing
elders or people of higher status.
+Proper titles and honorifics are used regularly, and there is a strong emphasis or showing respect in
both language and gestures.
+The concept of “face” (danh du) is central to Vietnamese communication, and avoiding causing on
maintaining respectful interactions.
- Formality vs Informality
*American:
+Americans tend to adopt a relatively informal communication style, even in workplaces.
+Small talk,humoer, and a casual tone are often used to build rapport.
+While formality is observed in some professional contexts, communication tends to become more
relaxed quickly.
*Vietnam:
+ Vietnam communication is generally more formal, particulary in hierarchical relationships such as
between elders and younger people or superiors and subordinates.
+ There is a clear distinction between formal and informal language, and respect for social status is
often reflected in how people speak to one another.
- Non-Verbal communicaton
*American:
+ Non-verbal communication in the U.S is generally expressive, with moderate eye contact, facial
expressions, and hand gestures used to convey emotion.
+Personal space is respected, but physical gestures like handshakes are common in both personal and
professional contexts.
*Vietnam:
+ Non-verbal communication in Vietnam is more reserved. Direct eye contact, particulary with elders
or superiors, may be avoided as a sign of repect.
+Subtle gestures like a nod or a smile can carry significant meaning. Personal space may be smaller
compared to American norms, and handshakes or bows are common when greeting, especially in
formal settings.
- Hierachical Relationships.
*American:
+American culture is generally egalitarian, and communication tends to reflect this.While there is
respect for authority, it is common for individuals to speak freely and share opinions, even with
superiors.
+Hierachical boundaries are less rigid, and open discussions are encouraged.
*Vietnam:
+Vietnam communication reflects a strong respect for hierarchy. Younger people or those in lower
positions are expected to show deference to their elders or superiors.
+In professional settings, junior emoloyees may be hesitant to express opinions unless asked, and
decision-making is often to-down.
-Expressing opinions and Disagreement.
* American:
+ Americans are generally comfortable expressing opinions and disagreement directly. While
maintaining repect, open discussions and debates are common, and people are encouraged to share
their views freely.
*Vietnamese
+ In Vietnam, expressing opinions, especially disagreements, is often done indirectly to avoid conflict.
+Openly disagreeing with someone, particulary in a group or formal setting, can be seen as impolite or
disrespectful.
+Discreet communication is preferred to maintain harmony and avoid causing loss of face.
- Communication in Business:
*American:
+Business communication in the U.S tends to be straightforward, with an emphasis on clarity and
effciency.
+Decision-making is usually collaborative, and feedback is given openly, with constructive criticsm
encouraged.
*Vietnamese:
+ In Vietnamese business settings, communication is more formal and hierarchical.
+Decision-making is often top-down, and feedback is usually given carefully to avoid offending or
causing loss of face.
=> The communication style in the U.S. is characterized by directness, openness, and informality, with
a focus on clarity and individual expression. In contrast, Vietnamese communication emphasizes
indirectness, respect for hierarchy, and maintaining social harmony. Understanding these differences is
key to effective cross-cultural communication between Americans and Vietnamese people.

* Video communication style American:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDJFTyYfpYk
Question 1: In American culture, when communicating, people usually?
A. Avoid eye contact
B. Make direct eye contact
C. Only make eye contact to emphasize a point
D. Look down to show respect.
Question 2: American communication style is often described as ?
A. Direct and clear
B. Indirect and subtle
C. Cautious and careful
D. Quiet and avoids arguments.