Direct vs. Indirect

Germany

Germans are direct. They say what they mean. And they mean what they say. Germans don’t use euphemisms to soften a message. They use unambiguous language. For Germans directness is efficient, effective, honest, transparent. Patterns

United States

Americans approach sensitive work topics cautiously. Euphemisms communicate uncomfortable messages. Ambiguity can be helpful. For Americans indirect communication is considered to be both polite and effective. Patterns

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