Communication and Culture

Think about the cultural diversity you see in your colleagues at school, in your neighborhood, in your workplace, and also, possibly, within your family. Consider all the aspects that make up culture, including race, religion, political affiliation, sexual orientation, varying abilities, and so on.

• Do you find yourself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures?
• If yes, in what ways do you communicate differently?

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 communicate differently depending on my audience. For example, when I am at work in the classroom with my four year olds, I speak like a mother and teacher. When I am with my colleagues at work in a meeting, I speak like a professional teacher and practice my good listening skills. When I am out and about with myfamily and friends , we are relaxed, use slag and other in-group lingo that I wouldn't use in any other situation. I use technical language when necessary and also more casual, low language depending on the topic or context.

Three strategies I can use to communicate more effectively when in an intercultural situation would be:

Recognize cultural differences

Clarify behaviors as appropriate
Adjust to differences

 

References

O'Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2012). Real communication: An introduction. New York:      Bedford/St.  Martin's.

Communication styles

Consider what you have been learning about communication skills and styles. Then record an episode of a television show you do not normally watch. Watch the show with the sound turned off.

• What do you think the characters' relationships are based on the ways in which they are communicating?
• What are they feeling and expressing based on the nonverbal behavior you are observing?

Now, watch the show with the sound turned on.

• What assumptions did you make about the characters and plot based on the ways in which you interpreted the communication you observed?
• Would your assumptions have been more correct if you had been watching a show you know well?

This was a very interesting and eye opening assignment.  I chose to explore "The Big Bang Theory" sitcom.  With the sound turned off, I would of never guessed the characters were friends and in a social circle.  Their facial expressions were extremely interesting and powerful without words.  Based on nonverbal behavior, I would assume the characters were in constant confusion or disagreement over something.  I noted body language of being uncomfortable, having mistrust, or dislike and the plot was difficult to decipher.  When I watched the episode again with the sound the plot was extremely clear and facial expressions/ nonverbal cues seemed to match the verbal communication and exchanges.  If I had been watching a show I knew well, I would have been able to more clearly decipher the communication without verbal cues. 

competent communication

I chose to think of someone who demonstrates competent communication within my organization and the first person who came to mind was the Director of our Head Start program, Tobita Posly-Mckinney. In my sixteen years with the organization, I have heard her speak on multiple occasions. Each time she speaks or facilitates a meeting, she has my focused attention.

                The behaviors exhibited by Ms. Posley-Mckinney are preparedness, a calm voice, articulation, and knowledge. Rarely does she say “um” or stumble over her words. She appears to be very comfortable speaking to groups and presents herself in an upstanding manner.

                Reflecting on my own communication skills, I would like to model some of Ms. Posley-Mckinney's  behaviors. I would like to appear calm and comfortable, not turn 50 shades of red. I would like to have fluidity in my communication with others, not lose my train of thought, stumble over my words and say “um.” I do enjoy presenting and talking to groups, I just let my anxiety get the best of me.