COMMUNICATION STYLES

In this week's blog assignment we were asked the question “Do you find yourself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures?

Based on what you have learned this week share at least three strategies you could use to help you communicate more effectively with the people or groups you have identified.

I find myself communicating with colleagues at work in which I keep communication about the job sometimes sharing family life but always being professional. I think it is important to be professional but socialize in respectful and professional ways. I could communicate more effectively with my colleagues by striking up conversations with others from different departments finding out more about what they do in their particular department. I also believe that being other-oriented will help me at my employer as well staying motivated to develop positive relationships with others who are different from me will help with communicating in intercultural competent ways.   

I also communicate differently with elderly people whom I come in contact with especially in my line of work. I have to be an active listener. Some tend to stereotype towards our elderly, making the assumption that they are all slow and not sharp as they are.  I believe strategies such as eye contact, a hug for comfort helps with communicating letting them feel reassured and that you understand them. I recognize that establishing rapport gives them a sense of comfort you want to be kind and understanding. You also have to be patient knowing that they may need an extra amount of time. In communicating verbally know that you may need to talk slow and pronounce words slowly and accurately. I understand as well that due to their experiences of cultural and historical events they will view life differently. Evidence has shown that we hold stereotypical views of others in reference to their perceived ages (Beebe, Beebe & Redmond, 2011).

References:

Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Redmond, M. V. (2011). Interpersonal communication: Relating to others (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon. Chapter 4, "Interpersonal Communication and Diversity: Adapting to Others" (pp. 85–114)