8 Things I Learned About Communication When Traveling to Ireland

In March of this year, my significant other and I had the good fortune to take a 9-day trip to Ireland, traveling through the entire southern portion of the country. We had been planning this trip for nearly a year and were committed to immersing ourselves in Irish culture. My partner is Irish by descent and was excited to visit his father's homeland. My primary objective for the trip was to disconnect from work and get lost in the beauty of the Emerald Isle. I did not expect to get a master class in communication. Yet, every day, I found myself reflecting on the work I do and how it was impacting my experience. When we returned home, I started thinking about some of the most critical skills I employed and the lessons I learned. Even when looking at our photos with family and friends, I shared some of the most interesting stories about our interactions with the locals. This trip became one of the most powerful learning experiences for me. Here are some of the key insights I gained during my time in Ireland that can benefit business professionals and travel enthusiasts alike.

1. Adaptability is Key

One of the basics of effective communication is the ability to adapt to others' styles and preferences. Naturally, when traveling to another country, even one that speaks the same language as you, there are going to be cultural differences that require you to think differently about how you communicate and interact. Business communications in Ireland can be more relaxed and less formal than in other countries. We learned this quickly when interacting with staff at hotels, restaurants, and retail shops. Of course, they were friendly, but they were also very informal with us in a way that ultimately felt incredibly comfortable. Initially, I wasn't sure how to react to the chattiness and the ongoing offers of assistance. As Americans, we think about the tip culture here in the US, and when you find a server being so friendly and helpful, you think they are working for their tip. However, in Ireland, this is just their nature. Tipping was optional and often refused so we had to quickly adapt from our instinctive cynicism to embracing the warmth and hospitality. This is true in any setting. We come into our interactions with preconceived ideas about the dynamics of the people, and our ability to be open and flexible to adapt to others is a powerful tool that will help build stronger relationships and foster mutual respect.

2. Non-Verbal Communication Speaks Volumes

Even though English is the dominant language in Ireland, it sometimes felt like we were not speaking the same language. The dialects, accents, and sometimes interwoven Gaelic words made it challenging at times to understand what was being said to us. Similarly, we found that in more rural parts of the country, others didn't fully understand what we were saying. So, naturally, we resorted to non-verbal communication quite frequently. Aside from the gesturing to help describe what we were saying, we were cognizant of the need to be more expressive in other ways. Smiling goes a long way in Ireland. The locals are generally quite friendly and appreciate a wave or a smile to help make a connection. In any situation where you are meeting someone for the first time or trying to make a positive impact, being mindful of your non-verbals and ensuring that they match the situation and your message is key.

3. The Power of Active Listening and Patient Speaking

As I shared, sometimes it felt like there was a language barrier in parts of the country. Irish English and American English are similar, but their phrasing can be very confusing. My partner was certain he would excel in understanding the locals since he was raised by Irish natives, but even he struggled to understand. So, we listened carefully, looking for context clues and we were mindful of slowing down when talking to ensure we were understood. This is important whenever you are speaking with someone who has a different native language than you. Take the time to listen carefully and speak slowly to ensure that both parties understand each other, minimizing misunderstandings and fostering clearer communication.

4. Humor and Storytelling: Tools for Engagement

Needless to say, we spent our fair share of time in the Irish pubs. If you have ever sidled up to a bar in an Irish pub here in the US or in Ireland, you know that the bartenders are friendly, funny, and tell great stories. We were regaled with great stories and did our best to follow suit. I found myself leaning into my storytelling skills when connecting with the bartenders or others sitting around us. Yes, the Irish have a rich tradition of humor and storytelling, but these are powerful tools we all need to engage and connect with our audiences. Whether you’re making a business pitch or sharing a personal story, incorporating humor and anecdotes can make your communication more relatable and memorable.

5. Direct vs. Indirect Communication Styles

I tend to be very direct in my communication. I say what I think and try to be as clear as possible. I learned very quickly that this is not the norm in Ireland. In more sensitive situations, the people tended to be less direct. For instance, the morning we arrived was the day after St. Patrick's Day and was a national holiday. Our first stop was in Kilkenny, and we hoped to get an early check-in at the hotel. When we arrived, after flying overnight, I spoke to the lovely woman at the front desk, pleading with her for a room so we could get some sleep. I noticed that she waffled with her response even though it appeared that the hotel was full and the partygoers from the night before were not vacating their rooms anytime before the scheduled check-out. Rather than simply telling me that (because it would have felt rude to do so), she kept offering us consolation and promised to try to get us a room as quickly as possible. Ultimately, we figured out that we would have to slog through our day until we could check in and get a nap. The hotel staff did their best to accommodate us, and I learned a valuable lesson about how the Irish avoid ever letting you down directly! This was in direct contrast to what I am accustomed to in large cities in the US, having spent most of my life in the NYC area. People here are blunt and direct. I understand when I am working that, I need to assess the style of the people with whom I am interacting, and understanding that people have different styles related to direct or indirect communication can help you navigate conversations more effectively and avoid coming across as too blunt or aggressive.

6. Understanding Local Customs and Traditions

Communication is not just about words; it’s also about understanding and respecting local customs and traditions. Even traeling through the US, we see such different styles and customs in various cities. I spent a great deal of time on the road and must be mindful of where I am and the customary traditions related to communication and interactions to ensure I do not unintentionally offend anyone. In Ireland, I found that simple gestures like a firm handshake or making eye contact can go a long way in establishing trust and rapport. Being aware of these nuances can enhance your communication effectiveness.

7. Building a Diverse Network

I was so grateful that my partner had a different background than me, enabling us to have a touchpoint on this trip. We traveled to the town from where his family hailed, north of Galway. It was an indescribable experience to see him step on the ground that his family walked upon for generations. We visited the local church where his father was baptized, and I cherished the expression on his face as he walked through the small but beautiful building. We also made some new friends while we were there that we will continue to connect with after the trip. I love traveling and interacting with people from different cultural backgrounds because it can help you build a diverse network. This diversity can lead to new opportunities, broaden your perspective, and enhance your problem-solving abilities.

8. Long-Term Impact of Cross-Cultural Communication Skills

As a professional coach, I have always had a cross-cultural lens when it comes to communication. This enables me to be more effective in my work and develop greater empathy for others. This European trip only broadened my lens in that it expanded my understanding to a different population and allowed me to navigate through another culture. Communicating effectively with people from different cultures has made me more empathetic, open-minded, and adaptable. These skills are not only valuable in business but also enrich my overall life experience. When you lean into other cultures and seek to understand their behaviors and styles, you will find that you are more effective even when interacting with those within your own culture because it helps you to realize that we are all different and bring different aspects of ourselves and our experience to every interaction.

The Learning Doesn't End Here

I love to travel and try to get out into the world as often as possible. Ireland was on my bucket list for a long time, and finally, getting to experience it was a reminder of how effective communication is not just about speaking the same language; it’s about understanding and respecting cultural differences. While I practice this every day at work, I sometimes forget how critical these skills are in my personal life as well. I like to think that I am mindful of how I communicate with people in all aspects of my life, but sometimes, I take things for granted and am less mindful. Whatever the situation, always remember that the skills you learn at work are universally transferrable. Communication is about interactions between humans. It is not about managers to team members, salespeople to clients, or parents to children. It is about one person connecting with another. The more. You understand them and what drives them, influences them, or impacts them, and the more successful your interactions will be.

We'd love to hear from you about your experiences or how we can help you or your team members be more dynamic communicators. Feel free to DM me or reach out at [email protected] .