As we go through the different stages of our lives, we encounter the diversed world around us.

In
connecting towards other people, communication is very essential. That is why it is important to
THINK before we CONNECT and COMMUNICATE.

It is very essential to know the appropriate terms in communication, especially during this times
where we are in the era of modernization.
For instance here in the Philippines wherein we are rich in culture and different tribes it is only
essential to keep in mind that whenever we visit other places we must be considerate and keep
our limitations in terms of our actions to the other people we communicate, like for example in
the Mandaya culture wherein they are known as conservative people. Always keep in mind the
cultural awareness!

Next is Gender sensitivity, imagine meeting up with your friends’ friends knowing that your
friend has shared to you that she has a lesbian friend. You must use gender neutral words in
communicating in order to avoid making the person feel offended. Promote equality in whatever
gender identity a person is.

Have you tried going abroad? If yes then, communicating and respecting various races is one
thing you must be mindful. Imagine walking down the roads of South Korea without seeing
anyone stereotyping or discriminating other nationals base on their color or identity. This would
result to effective intercultural communication.

One thing to also consider is the sensitivity to socioeconomic classes. Not all of us are
privileged enough and it is important that we showcase equality no matter what situation a
person is in. Hence, just like those who are in the marginalized sector we must always make time
to make them understand especially in communicating with them and also if possible, why not
lend a helping hand??

On the other hand, when talking about businesses or politics, formalities must always be
observed. Such as during media conferences wherein a reporter must practice political
correctness in terms of word usage because misinterpretations may occur especially if spread in
a vast media.

According to a famous adage of Edward T. Hall “ The essence of cross cultural communication
has more to do with releasing responses than with sending messages. It is more important to
release the right response than to send the right message.” Indeed that intercultural
communication is very used nowadays and that is why in every encounter,

THINK, BEFORE YOU CONNECT AND COMMUNICATE. Be knowledgeable enough, be

aware enough.