外資のオフィスには外国人社員がいるものですが、最近、僕のオフィスでは、日本人スタッフに外国人スタッフとの上手なコミュニケーションの取り方をアドバイスしよう！という話になりました。というのも、僕のオフィスは少し特殊であり、社員の半数以上が外国人であるため、英語による意思疎通の難しさ以上に、わかったつもりでまったく違う認識をしていたということが多発するからです。

以下、どこかにあった文献を誰かが引用して内容をアレンジしたものですが、特別驚くような内容でもありませんが、少し参考になる部分もあると思うため、皆さんと共有します。ちなみに以下の6つは、外国人とコミュニケーションを図りたい日本人に向けたアドバイスです。

１）　If something is not understood, always ask a question. The opportunity may not come again, and people may be waiting for you to act on this information.

２）　Always try to confirm your understanding at the end of meetings and discussions, especially when you are responsible for follow-up actions.

３）　Speak out and participate actively in meetings. No matter what you do, giving your opinion clearly and logically is an expected behavior. This behavior is also the most important for contributing to the success of the
company. “Silence is not golden.”

４）　Don’t defeat yourself by saying my English isn’t good enough to participate. A wheel doesn’t have to be perfectly round to roll down a hill.

５）　Don’t hesitate to differ with non-Japanese, even if you have to struggle with English. A good manager is interested in what you have to say and will support your efforts.

６）　If you have an opinion, state it clearly then follow it up with a list of your reasons. A well-supported argument is always very impressive.

さて僕らは外国人スタッフにも何かアドバイスが必要だ！という結論になり、こちらもどこかに書いてあった情報を寄せ集め、次のような外国人向けのアドバイスをまとめました。日本人の僕らにとって、なかなか面白い内容になりましたので、ご覧ください。

１）　Speak slowly and clearly. Avoid the slang and colloquialisms. Most of the time, the understanding level of average non-native English speaker shall be around 60 - 70% of what you have just expressed. Be patient, and always check whether the other party understands you or not.

２）　Idioms are a major headache for non-native speakers. Since these are a major component of spoken English they cannot be avoided, but native speakers still need to be aware of this problem.

３）　When explaining complicated key issues, try repeating the information in a slightly different wording to help offset difficult language.

４）　Key points should be summarized confirmed at the end of discussions and meetings. Send out brief meeting minutes after the meeting.

５）　Visual aids and handouts are always helpful, not only in meetings but also in one-on-one discussions.

６）　Be a good listener. Try not to interrupt or finish when other party is talking to you.

７）　Create a “low threat” environment where non-native speakers feel comfortable expressing their thoughts freely.

８）　Try to learn something about Japanese business etiquette and interaction styles. This doesn’t imply behaving and/or thinking like Japanese, but it will show that you are interested in getting over communication problems and, more importantly, will engender respect both for you and your decisions.

できることなら、外国人ビジネスマンとスムースに会話をしたいものです。ここで紹介したのは、日本人と外国人による合作のため、ぜひご参考にされてください。