Communication with Others
This week’s blog question was interesting and made me more aware of how I communicate. It is amazing to watch others who communicate and it is amazing to step outside my self and watch myself communicate with others.
The Question: Do you find yourself communicating differently with people of different groups and cultures?
Absolutely! As I stepped outside of myself to observe what I was saying to others I found that communicating with others of different cultures I tend to higher my volume and use many hand and facial features. I am using much body language. I am not sure why I feel that I need to talk louder. I notice that when I am talking to others, especially those of another language, I make sure that I focus on one topic at a time. Where as if I am talking to close friends we tend to jump all around, however, we keep up.
One thing that I noticed when I am talking to others that are not close is that I tend to take things personally, I internalize it and later analyze it and then understand what they were saying. I sometimes do not have an answer to say at the time.
When I talk to my family there is much body language and eye gestures. There also is much sarcasm. It seems as though when I communicate with my family we almost read each other’s minds. We can predict what the other is going to say and then we build on that topic.
This was an interesting observation and made me aware of that it is not necessary to talk loud. I am not sure why I ever did this.
I have learned many new strategies that I could improve with my communication. Beebe, Beebe and Redmond (2011) suggested that it is two-fold in its purpose. The first part is about social decentering; whereby one takes into account the other person’s thoughts, values, background, and overall perspective. The second part includes empathy, which is about emotions, being aware of and taking into consideration the other person’s feelings, thoughts, attitudes, values, background and perspectives and adapting to their interactions appropriately and sensitively.
Being non-judgmental and assuming what others say is two other strategies that I need to be aware and take into account. It is important to practice the Platinum Rule in all aspects of communication.
In conclusion, I feel that being an effective communicator will be to put these strategies into effect. Really we are all alike and talking loud should not be a way of communicating.
References
Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Redmond, M. V. (2011). Interpersonal communication: Relating to others (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
Hi Tracy, I can identify with a lot of what you have shared. Interestingly you mention something that I often experience, but have not mentioned in my reflection, "I sometimes do not have an answer to say at the time". This is usually when someone has been rude or when I am under pressure and am expected to defend myself for whatever reason. I suppose I am so taken aback by the behavior or expectation that in a way I guess I freeze. In that moment I have no idea how to respond. I will often think of many things I could have said or wished I had said later on when removed from the situation. Sometimes, I glad I was unable to respond as it has avoided many huge misunderstandings, but mostly I wished that I had the ability to respond quickly and effectively. Another part of communication I find fascinating that you mention is when you know someone so well you are able to instinctively know what they are talking about or thinking and finish their sentences for them.
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