Last week, I led a Business English session for NowOnline, focused on conflict resolution in multicultural teams. The group works daily across Dutch and Indian cultures — and the feedback I received afterwards genuinely moved me.
“The insights about cultural differences, body language, and interpretation of words got us thinking — and gave us practical tips. We’ll definitely take this knowledge into our projects and collaboration.”
— NowOnline, via LinkedIn
That kind of response reminds me why I do this work.
What We Don’t Say
We kicked off with a deceptively simple question:
“What really annoys you in a conversation?”
Interruptions. Sarcasm. Silence.
The answers weren’t just about others — they were clues about ourselves.
Because conflict isn’t always loud.
Sometimes, it’s a missed deadline. A vague email. A gesture misunderstood.
Sometimes, it’s what’s felt — but not said.
“I never realised how much silence can signal discomfort — or disagreement. That was a real eye-opener.”
Holding Up the Mirror
We explored how tone, body language, and cultural interpretation shape our experience of conflict.
Dutch directness. Indian nuance.
We ran a Four Corners activity — exploring styles like Avoidance, Confrontation, Harmony, and Honesty.
And yes, there were moments of laughter, reflection, and surprise.
One of my favourite lines from the day:
“Sometimes, conflict isn’t about what’s said — it’s about what’s felt and not said.”
That landed.
“The Four Corners exercise helped me see my own style — and how it might come across to someone from a different culture.”
The Power of Non-Verbal
We touched on Mehrabian’s principle — the idea that only 7% of meaning comes from words.
The rest? Tone and body language.
We ran the “Handbag Sentence” exercise (if you know, you know).
And we walked emotions — literally — in silence.
It was playful. It was powerful.
And it reminded me that communication is never just about language.
It’s about presence. Interpretation. Intention.
“I’ll never forget the Emotion Walk — it showed me how much we say without speaking.”
A Quiet Invitation
I won’t give away everything we covered — that’s for the room.
But if your team works across cultures, and you’ve ever felt that “something’s off” in a conversation…
It might not be the words.
It might be the rhythm, the tone, the expectations underneath.
And that’s where I come in.
Let’s Talk If your team’s communication feels a little “off” — across cultures, across time zones, or just across the hallway — I’d love to help.
Drop me a message. Let’s make the unspoken… speak volumes.
— Stuart Carson
Business English Trainer | Conflict Resolution Enthusiast | Tea Provider (when required)
French 
English 
Dutch