In daily communication people differ in the way they behave socially and consequently in the effectiveness of their behavior.
In this regard people differ in their speaking and listening skills, communication styles and adjustment abilities as well. Communication skills influence among others the way in which they adequately convey their message, their degree of attention to the message of others, the pleasant course of conversation and finally it affects the degree in which the confidence of the communication partner will be won. Furthermore, these skills differ between cultures and can at the same time be learned and tested for adequacy: “saying and doing the right things at the right moments“.

These cultural differences and other factors affecting intercultural communication are thoroughly discussed in Shadid, W. (2007): “Grondslagen van interculturele communicatie” [Fundamentals of intercultural communication]. Kluwer, Amsterdam, pp. 364.
Intercultural Mediation and Consultancy can be of assistance in situations where intercultural communicative competence is necessary.