Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present a model of inter-cultural communication that enumerates and structures latent factors affecting such communication and elaborates on the process of self-reflection as a guiding mechanism of successful communication. Design/methodology/approach: The five factors and various moderators that are introduced in the model are discussed by making references to existing psychology, sociology and education literature and its integration with everyday examples. Following this, overview is an argumentative discourse on self reflection and its role in inter-cultural communication. Findings: The paper argues that inter-cultural communication competence can only be attained when self-reflective processes increase a person's awareness of her own culture, personality, identity in that particular situation and various other factors. Further exposes how these factors surface in everyday situations. Research limitations/implications: The model is at this stage purely conceptual and lacks concrete operationalisation. The factors do not necessarily present an exhaustive list. Practical implications: By identifying relevant factors and promoting the strategic employment of self-reflective processes, the approach can alert individuals to become more aware and thus more successful in their inter-cultural communication. The conceptual nature of the paper can also guide future empirical research aimed at facilitating inter-cultural communication. Originality/value: This paper provides an introductory, meaningfully structured overview of issues that impact on inter-cultural communication. It ties established concepts together in a novel way that can guide individual growth in the domain. (Contains 1 figure and 1 table.)