Public Speaking Tip: Think Global

The world is getting smaller. Now, it is no big deal to put us on a plane and expect us to address an international audience twelve hours later. Or we might face a U. S. audience made primarily of people from Japan, or India. A handy and inexpensive source of international background information is the Culturgram published by the David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies, which is part of Brigham Young University, in Provo, Utah. Each Culturgram is a four page newsletter, updated every August, that gives you an easy to understand overview of the country of your choice. It includes customs and common courtesies, along with information about the people and their lifestyle. References are also included for additional resources. Currently 168 Culturgrams are available. Prices range from $6.00 for a single copy to 50 cents for bulk purchases. Call (800) 528-6279 for details.