PUBLIC SPEAKING

AND PRESENTATION SKILLS

 KNOWING OURSELVES

There is a saying that goes: “Knowing people is knowing their

culture.”. Whether we deal with people in business or in social setting, it is
important to learn about their cultural backgrounds. Very often people still
fail to communicate because of their cultural differences and the
misinterpretations that ensue. In many Javanese societies, for example,
making eye contact when speaking is considered impolite, whereas in
Sumatra this is not the case.
It is good to know about yourself. What are your characteristics? What
personality traits belong to you? You may be sociable, confident an
optimistic, while your friend might be a timid, “I’m-a-loser” type of person.
But do you know what makes an individual carry certain trait

Recognize different ethnic groups and their

ACTIVITY 1 cultural characteristics

Below you see a list of Indonesian ethnic groups. A list of cultural

characteristics is also given. Look them over, then choose one ethnic group
and decide what cultural characteristics that ethnic group has. Feel free to
add other ethnic groups and characteristics.

Cultural characteristics

straightforward outspoken easy-going modest adventurous

fashion conscious persuasive humorous

hardworking helpful
soft-spoken friendly assiduous
musical artistic

No Ethnic Groups Cultural characteristics

1. Javanese

2. North Sumatran
3. Sundanese
4. Balinese
5. Madurese
A. Cultural Characteristics

Below are two examples of cultural characteristics which have often

the source cross-cultural misinterpretation.

• Unequal status of interlocutors

One of the keys to Javanese interpersonal relationship is the notion
that in many influences no two people are equal; people relate to each
other in a hierarchical position. In conversational encounters, one
participant may be higher in status than the other. In order to demonstrate
that they are “true” Javanese, very often interlocutors try their best to win
the lower position by showing higher respect from the other. This can be
seen clearly from the language that they use. One is considered well
mannered if he/she uses language in accordance with his/her position or
status in the relationship. Due to cross-cultural influences, many Javanese,
especially the younger generation living in big cities, no longer share this
cultural characteristic.
Determining whether the statements are true,
ACTIVITY 2 false, or not clear

Decide whether the following statements from the passage above are
True, False, or Not Clear by writing T,F, or NC in the space provided.
1. The Javanese believe that there is no difference in status in ......
communication.
2. When one Javanese speaks with another Javanese, they ......
maintain their discourse in a formal manner.
3. To show respect to the one he/she is talking to, a Javanese ......
usually tries to put himself/herself in a lower position.
4. It is considered impolite to act in accordance with one’s true ......
position or status.
5. The younger generation in Java has been influenced by other ......
cultures or ethnic groups.

• On Punctuality
Rubber time is an expression suggesting that the time of an
appointment is something like a rubber band that you can stretch as far as
it allows you to. The fact is that, in many cases, many Indonesians do not
realize the importance of time. Take, for example an interdepartmental
meeting at a company that starts 30 minutes behind schedule only
because some members do not show up on time. Although some delays
are unavoidable (such as bad traffic, a sudden visit of an important guest,
or a flat tire), irresponsible people tend to take advantage of a situation.
Such people always find excuses for being late.
 But do we, as Indonesians, need to change this habit? A lot of
business people from foreign countries recognize this as part of the
Indonesian culture. Many feel this hampers doing business with
Indonesians. As competition in the international world of business heats
up, Indonesian business people have started to realize that in some ways
they must strive to change this habit. If they want to be part of this
business world, they must learn to be more concerned with time. They
cannot deny that in many cases lack of punctuality may result in lost
business opportunities

ACTIVITY 3 Judging the negative aspects of “rubber time”

Rubber time, an Indonesian notion, is considered negative in the eyes

of foreign business people. This habit must be changed But how? Discuss
this problem with your classmate and report later to the class. While
discussing, you should consider the following

• What are some possible reasons for this cultural characteristic?

For example, is it due to lack of discipline or influence from the
environment?
• Is it possible that there is a misconception about value? Take as an
example the Javanese expression. Alon-alon asal kelakon (slow but sure)
people tend to look at it superficially. Contrast it with kebat kliwat (haste
makes waste).
• If, in any way, you can find a positive aspect to rubber time, inform the
class about it

B. Factors that influence a personality

Personality traits or characteristics are divided from 2 sources:
 Hereditary factors, or qualities that are passed on from parents to their
following.
 Environmental factors, or experiences that an individual has gone
through since birth.
It is generally believed that the first five years are the most important
in life. It is the period in which the future personality, physical fitness and,
in some instances, they are survival of the individual are determined. It
would be fair to say that negative influences have a greater effect in this
respect than positive influences.
As far as a child’s future personality is concerned, it is the immediate
environment of the family that exerts the greatest influence. No individual
is born with an inherited capacity for happiness or the ability to get on
with, and relate to, other people. These qualities are learned and, not
surprisingly, from those closest to him or her – the parents.
 Nothing can negatively influence personality development more than a
bad emotional environment. It can profoundly affect growth and mental
development, and may have a permanent effect on a child’s subsequent
ability to relate to people. In short, tenderness, nurture and understanding
of the young child is crucial importance for his or her future well-being.
Fortunately, one does not have to be of high intelligence to provide such
support.
(Source: Child Care – by: Graeme Snodgrass –Macdonald Guidelines)

ACTIVITY 4 Answering comprehension questions

Answer the following questions based on the previous passage.

1. Mention two things that can determine personality characteristics,

2. The first 5 years of life are the most significant in terms of
development. Can you explain why?
3. What has the greatest influence on a child’s life in terms of personality
development?
4. Do you think that the ability to relate well with others is inherited, or is
this ability acquired after birth?
5. Do you think that, to a certain extent, a person can change his/her
personality to become a better person?