After thinking about the ways I communicate, I realize that I do communicate differently with people from different groups and other cultures. As a teacher, I communicate with my students by using language to give information. I am always giving them directions to follow. When I communicate with family and friends, I use language to express feelings. When I communicate with people from different cultures, I focus on my use of high language.
Strategies for Effective Communication:
1. Use Lower Abstract Language
I believe that my communication with children would be more effective if I used lower abstract language. Children need very specific details in order to complete tasks successfully. Furthermore, they depend on direct language to learn about the world around them. I will try to avoid euphemisms to make sure they have a clear understanding of the verbal message I am giving them.
2. Use the Platinum Rule
I plan on using the Platinum Rule when communicating with family and friends. Because I know them well, I can treat them the way I think they want to be treated (Beebe, Beebe, & Redmond, 2011). I will be able to respond to their messages in an effective and appropriate way because my focus is on their feelings and not my own.
3. Use Adaptation
I can communicate with people from other cultures more effectively by adapting to their form of communication. If I adjust my behavior to meet the expectation of others, they will feel comfortable communicating openly with me. I will also be enhancing my listening skills as I receive their messages to make the appropriate adjustments as the communication continues.
Reference:
Beebe,
S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Redmond, M. V. (2011). Interpersonal communication: Relating to others (6th ed.). Boston,
MA: Allyn & Bacon.
Hi Krista,
ReplyDeleteIn my experience I have also found that it's important to can the way you communicate depending on who the listener is. Great examples on that.
I also liked your strategies. I also used The Platinum Rule as one of my strategies! I had never heard of it before this weeks reading assignments, but I think it is a great concept. I wish more people had this mindset, I think there would be less misunderstandings in cross-cultural communication.
Thanks so much for posting early! I like having the choice to complete the blog assignment mid-week instead of Sunday afternoon. I'll make sure to get my post out this evening.
Hi Angela,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post. I love the way that you included the Platinum Rule as a strategy to communicate with others. You really gave great and effective ways of communicating with different people.
Hi Krista,
ReplyDeleteYour three strategies were excellent references for all of us to remember. I think the Platinum Rule is a great strategy and plan to type it up and put it by my desk.
Thanks again!
Lori
Krista,
ReplyDeleteI agree that we have to be direct and not abstract when we are dealing with the children in our classroom. I think that this is also true with the families. We want them to know our expectations just like we want their children to. I also liked what you said about adaptation. When we focus on the other person and adjust to meet their expectations they will find it easier to be open with us.
Hello Krista,
ReplyDeleteI like with whom you use the platinum rule with to communicate. Sometimes we know our friends and family members better than themselves. This rule would fail if we did not know the peole we are to try and communicate with. In that case we would be assuming and not knowing. With the platinum rule as your form of communicating with the ones you know and care about, you must be a really good friend. Thanks for your ideas on strategies.