Communicating

I definitely find myself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures.  When I communicate with others I must communicate in a way that they will understand.   I would not talk to those at the store the same as I would my family.  This would be because I most likely would not know the individual at the store, therefore, I would keep my communication more on a formal level instead of a personal level.  When I am at home I am able to communicate more freely, however, it is still important to let my family members know that I understand what they are telling me.  I also recognize that I communicate differently with children than with adults.  This is essential as the level that I communicate with adults would be too much for children to understand.  Further, my communication with parents that I work with on a daily basis is also different than how I would communicate with other adults.  In this situation, I must ensure that they recognize that I understand their needs as parents and I am willing to work with them as a partner to ensure the best outcome for their child or children.  It is important to consider the thoughts, feelings background, perspectives, attitudes and values of the other individuals that I communicate with as it will lead to better communication (Beebe, Beebe & Redmond, 2011). 

The three strategies that I have learned this week that I believe will help me to communicate more effectively are that body language can tell me a lot (Gonzalez-Mena, 2010).  For example, when I know that I need to set up a conference with a parent about their child, I know when a parent comes to pick up their child and their body language clearly states that they are in a rush and unable to talk that this would not be the time to converse with them about setting up a conference.  Second, I can ask questions or paraphrase what I have talked about.  By using these techniques I will be able to make sure I understand what we have talked about and it will let the person I am communicating with know that I also understand.  Finally, It is important that I am mindful of others and that I recognize that my view is not the only view because cultural differences are amongst us.  Further, it is important that I consider other peoples point of view or worldview when communicating (Beebe, Beebe & Redmond, 2011).   These are just three strategies that will help me to adapt to cultural differences which will allow better communication to prevail.

References

Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Redmond, M. V. (2011). Interpersonal communication: Relating to

others (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

Gonzalez-Mena, J. (2010). 50 strategies for communicating and working with diverse families. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.