Week Three

Do you find yourself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures?

Yes, I do communicate differently depending on who the listening audience is.      

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If yes, in what ways do you communicate differently?

I find that when I am communicating with friends and family I use low language, which is more casual. When I am in a more professional setting (parent meetings, speaking with co-workers, etc.) I use high language which is more formal.

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.

Remember the Platinum Rule: “Do to others as they themselves would like to be treated” (Beebe, Beebe, & Redmond, 2011, p. 114).

Try to learn key words or phrases and become familiar with gestures of respect/disrespect in various cultures.

When communicating with parents who speak a different language than you do, get a translator if possible. This will help diminish misunderstandings and will ensure that you will be able to clearly communicate with the parents. I found it helpful when using a translator to speak to the parents and face them instead of the translator. I think this shows the parents that you respect them.

References:

Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Redmond, M. V. (2011). Interpersonal communication: Relating to others (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.