Cultural Differences in Public Speaking — What Nepal Should Know

If you’ve ever watched a speech by an American leader and then compared it with one by a Nepali teacher, you’ve probably noticed the difference. The words, the body language, even the way the speaker looks at the audience—it all feels different. These are not just personal styles. They are the result of cultural differences in public speaking.

For students and professionals in Nepal, understanding these differences can make a big impact. Whether you’re preparing for an international exam, joining a global conference, or giving a talk at your college, the way you speak matters as much as what you say. At Sugam Academy, we guide learners to become confident speakers who can adapt to any cultural setting.

Why Culture Shapes the Way We Speak

Culture influences how people dress, greet, eat, and also how they communicate. A speaker in New York might tell a funny personal story at the start of a presentation, while a speaker in Kathmandu may open with a respectful greeting or a proverb. Both are effective, but only in the right setting.

When you understand cultural differences in public speaking, you can avoid mistakes such as sounding too shy in one culture or too aggressive in another. More importantly, you learn how to adjust without losing your own identity.

Public Speaking in Nepal

Let’s start with home. Values like respect, humility, and community deeply shape public speaking in Nepal. Some common traits include:

• Politeness first – Nepali speakers often avoid speaking too directly.
• Respect for elders – Honorifics and formal greetings are important.
• Eye contact kept low – Looking too directly at someone older can be seen as rude.
• Formal style – Many speeches feel more like a lecture than a casual conversation.
  

This approach works well in local contexts, but on a global stage it can sometimes be misunderstood. A polite tone may be seen as lack of confidence, or limited eye contact may be read as nervousness. That’s why many learners come to Sugam Academy courses to develop balance—keeping Nepali respect while adding global confidence.

Global Styles of Public Speaking

If you travel or even just watch international speeches online, the contrasts are clear. These cultural differences in public speaking can be grouped into a few styles:

• Western (US, Europe): Energetic, confident, persuasive, with strong body language and lots of stories.
• East Asian (Japan, Korea, China): Formal, calm, and respectful, with fewer gestures and less eye contact.
• South Asian (India, Nepal): A mix—respectful and polite, but also increasingly bold and interactive in modern settings.
  

For example, an American motivational speaker might walk around the stage, point at the audience, and raise their voice to inspire energy. A Nepali academic speaker, on the other hand, may stand behind the podium and keep a steady, humble tone. Both styles work, but only in the right environment.

Key Cultural Differences to Notice

Here are a few cultural contrasts that matter when you’re speaking:

1. Eye Contact
   • Western speakers: steady eye contact shows confidence.
   • Nepali speakers: too much eye contact may feel uncomfortable.
2. Gestures and Body Language
   • Western: wide hand movements, open posture.
   • Nepali: smaller, calmer gestures.
3. Interaction with Audience
   • Western: questions, jokes, and active audience participation.
   • Nepali: mostly one-way, more formal.
4. Tone of Voice
   • Western: bold and assertive.
   • Nepali: soft and polite.
5. Storytelling
   • Western: personal success or life lessons.
   • Nepali: stories that reflect community, morals, or tradition.
     

These cultural differences in public speaking don’t mean one is better than the other. They simply show how culture shapes expression.

How Nepali Speakers Can Adapt

Adapting doesn’t mean giving up your identity. It means adding skills to make your communication effective everywhere. Here are some ways:

• Balance respect and confidence – Be polite, but don’t be afraid to project your voice.
• Practice eye contact – Not staring, but looking at different people in the audience naturally.
• Use clear body language – Simple hand movements and posture can make your talk lively.
• Keep your language simple – This helps international audiences follow easily.
• Tell relatable stories – Use Nepali examples, but explain them in a way global listeners understand.
• Get feedback – Record your practice speeches and ask for honest opinions.
  

At Sugam Academy, we focus on these exact techniques. Through guided practice, students learn to speak in ways that feel natural in Nepal but also make sense internationally.

Why It Matters for Nepal Today

More Nepali students than ever are preparing for IELTS, TOEFL, and global scholarships. Professionals are attending online meetings with international teams. Entrepreneurs are pitching their ideas to global investors. In all these cases, being aware of cultural differences in public speaking is a game-changer.

When you know how to adjust, you:

• Do better in job interviews abroad.
• Impress professors and classmates in foreign universities.
• Lead confidently in international projects.
• Build stronger networks and relationships.
  

Public speaking is no longer just a local skill. It’s part of succeeding in a connected world.

Conclusion

For Nepali speakers, the goal is not to copy someone else’s style but to blend the best of both worlds. Our culture gives us humility and respect, which are powerful qualities. By learning to add global confidence, storytelling, and audience interaction, you can shine on any stage.

Understanding cultural differences in public speaking is the first step. Practicing with the right guidance is the next. If you want to start that journey, check out our courses or reach out through our contact page. At Sugam Academy, we help you grow into a communicator who feels at home anywhere in the world.

FAQs

1. Why are cultural differences in public speaking important?

They help speakers adjust to different audiences and avoid misunderstandings.

2. How is public speaking in Nepal different from the West?

Nepali style is polite and formal, while Western style is direct, energetic, and interactive.

3. Can I keep my Nepali style when speaking globally?

Yes, you can keep the respectful tone but add more confidence and clarity.

4. What are some mistakes Nepali speakers make abroad?

Speaking too softly, avoiding eye contact, and being overly formal can sometimes reduce impact.

5. Where can I learn to improve my skills?

You can join training at Sugam Academy, where experts help you master both local and global public speaking styles.