I have realized that depending on who I am talking to, I will communicate differently. I am definitely more comfortable communicating with people who come from similar cultural backgrounds as I do and find that I become more guarded in the things I say to people who are from different cultures. I have some family that are different races, religions, and social classes and I typically feel like I have to communicate differently than I normally would when I am around them. A few strategies that I have thought of that can help me communicate more effectively with people who are different than me are:
1. Think before you speak. It is easy to just speak without really thinking about what you are saying or whom you are talking to, but it is important to consider the person and to make sure that what you are saying is appropriate.
2. Consider what they say. When speaking to anyone, it is crucial to work to understand and reflect on what that person is saying. Effective communication comes from effectively listening to the other person and actually hearing what they say.
3. Put yourself in their shoes. Similarly to the Platinum Rule, I feel that it is important to work to understand who you are communicating with and then speak and treat them the way that they would like to be treated.
Linzie,
ReplyDeleteThinking before you speak is a great goal. I have many friends that do not seem to have a filter. They will say something without reflecting on how the recipient might react to what they said. Unfortunately, it is hard to take words back.
Great communication perspectives Linzie. I try to give people my attention, and practice allowing people to finish their statements before responding. Because if we cut them off, we may misinterpret what the whole conversation is about, and make assumptions. Nobody enjoys when people talk over them. As a child my parents always told my siblings and I, "I'm talking, wait until I'm done, and then you speak." It wasn't harsh, but it showed me how to be a patient communicator.
DeleteI agree that we should think before we speak and consider the other persons perspective. Something we have the best intentions with could be misperceived by the receiver. Tone and timing play a huge role in how messages are perceived.
ReplyDeleteGreat communication skills. I love that you said think before you speak. That's the way I communicates daily now that I've grown and matured. When I was in college I would say the first thing come to my mind not thinking about the next person and their feelings. I still come into contact with ones that doesn't think before they speak and I'm still polite and generous with them. Great post.
ReplyDeleteDo you know what makes you feel uncomfortable? It's great that you was able to think of strategies that may make you feel more comfortable around your family.
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