I believe that I do communicate with others differently based on the situation rather than their affiliation with a social group or culture. I can see this when I speak with different sized groups or groups made up of different audiences. I am much more conscious of my language when speaking with larger groups and also when speaking with others in a professional manner versus when I am talking with family and friends. However, overall, I believe I speak to others as I would want them to speak to me. I tend to be polite and genuine in my communication with others regardless of who they are. The three strategies I would identify when communicating with diverse individuals would be:
1. Be mindful. This means being aware of your own behavior as well as the behavior of others. Looking for signs from non verbal communication as well as being aware of the potentially unintentional messages that you may be sending through body language. It also means thinking before you speak and considering the possible effects of what you are going to say.
2. Be Respectful. Regardless of whether you share beliefs with the person you are communicating with or not, it is important to be respectful in communicating. Appreciating others who are different will help to appreciate their different ways of communicating and interacting. Appreciation can be built by getting to know the person you are communicating with.
3. Listen. I believe that every person wants to be heard. I think it is an important skill when communicating with anyone regardless of culture.
Terri,
ReplyDeleteI find that I also switch up my communication pattern when speaking to colleagues and when speaking to family and or close friends. You're more relaxed and feel that you can be yourself for a change. One of your strategies is very important, and that's listening. If more people just took the time out to just listen, communication would be more productive and successful as well.
Sherrell
Terri, I too communicate differently based on social situations. I find that as a professional my communication with my co-workers and families on the job differ than when I am with family or friends outside of work. I like that you stated that you speak to others as you want them to speak with you and when you incorporate the three strategies that you mentioned above, that is sure to happen.
ReplyDeleteTerri,
ReplyDeleteI also find that the demands of various professional encounters require communication that expresses mindfulness, respect, and a willingness to listen that far surpasses casual encounters with mundane pieces of information. I also respect the idea that different populations lend themselves to different approaches to communication, style, and interaction. As early childhood professionals begin to extend themselves to members of the community, practitioners themselves should find different ways to individually cater their methods of interaction to fit the needs of the populations that they serve. Detailed case notes on prior interactions with family members; focused plans of interaction; and continous ways to engage contact and interaction can aid practitioners in this quest for effective cultural communication.