As
individuals, we all have our own original way of communicating, and it is normal
that we may communicate differently with the particular crowds we accompany. I
myself have the tendency to speak in different manners while in the presence of
those with different groups and cultures, such as: race, religion, sexual
orientation and varying abilities.
When speaking with those that are of a
different race than I, (Preferably Caucasian), I tend to speak in a more generous
tone that helps my listener feel more at ease in the conversation. Keeping eye-
contact and an occasional smile here and there is required to me as well. This
particular form of communication is important to me due to the fact that there
has been quite controversy on the relationship between African Americans and
Caucasians since my older generations, and because I hardly get the chance to
actually affiliate with Caucasians, I always try to make the best impression as
possible when that opportunity does present itself.
When
communication with those of a different religion than mine, I am more of a
listener than speaker. My reason for this manner is the intentions I have to perceive
others than myself and considering the cultures they obtain, in order to enhance
my ways of understanding ones differences, than judging.
Communication
with those of diverse sexual orientation, I usually carry the conversation with
the reduction of labeling. “The labels we choose for our beliefs affect how we
communicate them to others.” (O'Hair & Wiemann, 2015, p. 76). Avoiding
biases and prejudice when speaking of individuals of LGBT is very important to
me, therefore I speak neutrally to avoid any signs nicroaggressions.
“You
let others know about yourself through self-presentation-intentional
communication designed to show elements of the self for strategic purposes.” (O'Hair
& Wiemann, 2015, p. 55). How we communicate with others, especially those
different from our culture can say a lot about our character. No two people
communicate the same, but it is vital that we learn to respectfully communicate
with others through listening, as well as responding. I personally have a
method for communicating with certain individuals for specific reasons.
References:
O'Hair, D., Wiemann, M., Mullin, D. I., & Teven, J. (2015). Real communication (3rd. ed). New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.
References:
Hi Diedra
ReplyDeleteGreat blog. I do my best to keep my to keep my communication skills the same with everyone. I know sometimes I might speak a little different to the parents of the children in the classroom. I love to learn new things so if there is a parent from a different culture I will ask them different questions to learn more about them. I too am more of a listener when wanting to know more about someone new.
Diedra,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your post! I agree that I also may communicate a little differently with others. Definitely staying clear of culture myopia can help with getting to know others better. Being open to diversity can be an effective way to communicate.
Great post! I too, listen more than talk when it comes to a topic I am A. passionate about or B. unsure about. That leaves alot of listening and less talking. You really learn about somebody by listening to them anyways. When we listen instead of talk we learn about the person and how we can be a better person too!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Diedra. I as well listen more than talking when it comes to learning about my families etc. You tend to learn more about cultures and who are families are when you listen to their needs, comments, thoughts and experiences.
ReplyDeleteNicole