The Silent Signals You’re Sending—and What They Mean Across Cultures
You're in a client meeting. You’re nodding, smiling, maintaining eye contact, and trying to look engaged.
But your client?
They're crossing their arms. Their eyes are scanning the room. The vibe feels...off.
You wonder, “Did I say something wrong?”
Maybe not. But you might have signaled something unintentionally.
In cross-cultural relationships, nonverbal cues—eye contact, hand gestures, personal space, even silence—can communicate just as loudly as words.
And sometimes, what feels “normal” or polite to you may land as off-putting, dominant, or disrespectful to someone else.
That’s why it’s critical to use the ARC Method® not just for what you say, but also for how you show up.
Step 1: Ask – Get Curious About Nonverbal Norms
It’s rare for professionals to ask about body language directly—but subtle, culturally-aware curiosity can go a long way.
Instead of guessing how your client prefers to communicate, build rapport by opening the door to conversation:
“I’ve worked with clients across many regions and styles. If there’s ever something I do that feels off or overly casual, please feel free to let me know.”
“Are there any cultural customs or meeting protocols I should be aware of?”
This kind of openness positions you as someone who’s paying attention—not just to the work, but to the relationship. It also gives your client permission to express preferences.
Step 2: Respect – Tune in and Adjust
Once you’ve initiated curiosity, Respect means paying close attention to how your client communicates—and adapting based on what you observe.
Here are just a few cross-cultural nonverbal differences:
Eye contact:
In the U.S., eye contact is often a sign of confidence and credibility.
In some Asian cultures, it can be perceived as rude or confrontational.
Gestures and facial expressions:
A thumbs-up or “OK” gesture may be offensive in some countries.
Smiling too much—or not enough—may send different messages depending on cultural norms.
Personal space:
Some cultures prefer more physical distance in meetings.
Others are more comfortable with close proximity.
Nodding:
In some regions, nodding can mean “I hear you,” not necessarily “I agree.”
Respect means you notice, you adjust, and you don’t take it personally when signals feel unfamiliar.
Step 3: Connect – Align and Reflect
If something seems off in the interaction, don’t gloss over it.
Connect by gently checking in:
“I want to make sure I’m communicating clearly—does this all sound aligned to you?”
“I noticed I may have misread the moment—thank you for your patience as I find the right tone.”
Even naming the dynamic with humility can build credibility. It shows you're committed to collaboration, not perfection.
What This Looks Like in Practice
You’re presenting to a new client from the UAE. You notice they rarely make eye contact and remain fairly still throughout your pitch.
You feel thrown off—you’re used to nods, smiles, or eye contact to show interest.
But instead of assuming disengagement, you pause and remind yourself: These signals don’t always mean the same thing across cultures.
So you say:
“I want to check in—how is this landing so far?”
“Would it be helpful to pause and discuss before I go further?”
By asking and respecting their cues, you invite connection without pressure.
Why This Matters
We’ve all been taught to “read the room,” but rooms don’t come with one manual. The body language, energy, and tone that build trust in one culture might erode it in another.
The ARC Method® helps you stay grounded, curious, and adaptable.
It lets you avoid projecting your norms onto your clients—and invites mutual understanding instead.
Try This
Reflect on a meeting where the client’s reaction surprised you. Could cultural signals have been at play?
Before your next client meeting, research common nonverbal communication norms for their region or culture.
Practice pausing and asking if something feels unclear instead of assuming all is fine.
Want your team to master the art of cross-cultural communication?
Our Voices Carry workshop helps professionals recognize and adjust to diverse nonverbal and verbal signals—so your message always lands with impact.