Module 6 Unit 6.1 Lesson 2 - Verbal and Nonverbal Communication Across Cultures

 

LESSON 2 — Verbal and Nonverbal Communication Across Cultures

50 Minutes

Lesson Objectives

Students will:

• identify verbal and nonverbal communication differences
• understand gestures and body language in different cultures
• practice polite clarification strategies

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Lesson Flow

1. Warm-Up Activity — Guess the Gesture (7 minutes)

Teacher Instructions

Teacher performs gestures:

• thumbs up
• bowing
• handshake
• pointing
• waving

Students guess meanings.

Teacher Discussion Script

“Do these gestures mean the same thing in every culture?”

Students discuss examples.

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2. Vocabulary Focus (8 minutes)

Expression	Use
Body language	Nonverbal communication
Facial expression	Expression on the face
Personal space	Physical distance between people
Tone of voice	The emotional sound of speech
Clarify	Make something clear

Useful Clarification Expressions

• “Could you clarify what you mean?”
• “I’m sorry, I misunderstood.”
• “Did you mean…?”
• “Could you explain that differently?”

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3. Listening and Discussion (10 minutes)

Teacher Script

“I will describe several communication situations. Tell me if they may cause misunderstanding.”

Situations

1. A manager avoids eye contact during a meeting.
2. An employee stands very close while speaking.
3. A visitor arrives 20 minutes late.
4. Someone says ‘maybe’ instead of ‘no.’

Students discuss possible cultural interpretations.

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4. Pair Practice — Misunderstanding Dialogues (18 minutes)

Situation 1

An international coworker misunderstands indirect feedback.

Practice Dialogue

Student A

“I think your report may need a little more work.”

Student B

“Oh, so the report is acceptable?”

Student A

“Actually, I think it needs major revisions.”

Student B

“I understand now. Thank you for clarifying.”

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Situation 2

Different opinions about punctuality.

Practice Dialogue

Student A

“The meeting started at 9:00. We were worried.”

Student B

“I’m sorry. In my culture, arriving a little late is common.”

Student A

“Thank you for explaining.”

Student B

“I’ll be more careful next time.”

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Teacher Feedback Focus

Correct:

• clarification language
• intonation
• polite tone
• grammar accuracy

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5. Reflection and Homework (7 minutes)

Reflection Questions

• “Which nonverbal behaviors differ across cultures?”
• “What misunderstandings are common in global workplaces?”

Homework

Observe communication styles in movies or international videos. Write 5 observations.

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