When I reflect about the cultural diversity that
I am surrounded with on a daily basis whether with individual people or groups
of people, I must say that I am aware of the ways that I modify the way I communicate.
The college that I teach at is quite diverse. This diversity that I see in my
classrooms range from gender, culture, ethnicity, language, abilities,
personalities, interests, as well as many other components of diversity. I need
to be aware of how I communicate with each student so I can meet their
individual needs so they can be successful in learning. If I am in a meeting with
colleagues I ensure that I am using respectful and professional language. The
way I communicate with my two children is quite different at times as well. My
son has a learning disability and at times I need to make modifications and
accommodations to the way I communicate with him compared to his sister.
Based on what I learned this week regarding
communicating with diverse groups, three strategies that I could put into
practice that would help me to communicate more effectively with my students,
colleagues, and my children would be;
1. When
explaining a concept or idea it is important to provide additional information so
you are not leaving any gaps in anyone’s learning (Beebe, Beebe & Redmond,
2011). If you are using examples to help
explain a topic, idea, or concept it is important to adapt your examples so they
are relevant to all (Beebe, Beebe & Redmond, 2011). We can’t make assumptions that the way we
explain a concept, idea, or topic will be relevant to everyone. Being aware of
cultural myopia will help to ensure that you are NOT making an assumption that
because you think a concept is easy doesn’t mean that it is easy to everyone
else. It is important to understand that all individual come with an array
skills and abilities and knowing that you may have to explain the material or
concept over again or explain it in a different manner is crucial for everyone’s
success (O’Hair & Wiemann, 2012).
2. When communicating with any individual whether English is not their first language or not, you need to be aware of the use of slang or idioms as they may not understand the meaning behind the slang or idioms used.
Each of the strategies that I identified
can be used with the individuals and groups that I identified. They are not limited to one singular group or person as each
strategy could be implemented with my son, students, and my colleagues. Having strategies help to ensure that we are communicating effectively with different groups of people. Not one person is the same, so adapting the way we communicate will ensure that everyone understands what is being communicated as well as allowing them to feel valued, respected, and empowered.
References
Beebe, S. J., & Redmond, M.V. (2011). Interpersonal communication: Relating to others (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon pp. 85-114
O'Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2012). Real communication: An introduction. New York: Bedford/St. Martin;s
Hi Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate you very insightful post, it had me thinking about even my own children, how different they are and how appropriate it is to see them as individuals when communicating. Often times we group our children together as a responsibility and overlook the fact that they are unique in every way, and that we should truly respect what they have to say. Thank you for sharing in such a thoughtful and effective way.
I like the strategies that you use because they are adaptable to all the different groups that you mentioned, they can even be applied to other scenarios that you may encounter. Very thoroughly thought out post, thank you!
Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteThank you for pointing out that we need to remember all of the people we encounter, both on a professional and personal basis, are individuals who have their own unique view of the world. Your strategy of being prepared to provide several examples when explaining a concept or communicating an idea is important. I have had interactions with others when I have tried to explain something, and I can usually tell by their non-verbal communication that they don't quite "get it." We need to be prepared to sometimes explain the same concept in different ways, in order to be mindful of their individual perspectives and needs. This strategy helps us to become other-oriented, and ultimately demonstrate the principle of The Platinum Rule.
Thank you for your great perspectives on communication!
You listed great strategies to help others become a more effective communicator. Eliminating the use of idioms and slang is very important when communicating with anyone. Others may not understand fully and it may cause confusion.
ReplyDeleteYour post was so accurate. We wear so many hats, as mothers, as professionals, as friends, as family members, etc. Communication involves so many exhanges, between so many different groups of people that we come in contact with in our everyday lives. It's such a powerful thing.
ReplyDeleteHello Stephanie! I too work in an environment that has people from various cultures and diversities. I agree with you that it is important to communicate with people in a way that is easily understood to them. When dealing with people, it is important to get to know them so that communicating will be presented in a way that they understand. Your three ways of effectively communicating were interesting! Thanks for sharing!
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