Since becoming an educator, I take pride in the way I communicate with others. I often find myself thinking of what I am saying before I say it and even correcting myself when I say something that I think may not make sense to the person I am speaking to. My family is made up of different abilities, political beliefs, and races. I believe the only situation that I communicate differently is when concerning different abilities. I would explain something a little more or speak a little slower if needed. A good example of this is with my grandmother. She grew up in a completely different generation than I did, so when talking about technology or something that she is not familiar with, I have to explain things usually numerous times and in simple terms. A recent example of this is when she asked me something that she could get my nine year old son and his cousin that is the same age, I mentioned that an Itunes gift card would be something that I thought they both could use to get music for their Ipods. She said, " a what card for their I- what." She had no idea what Itunes or Ipods were.
Within my neighborhood, there are many races, religions, political views, abilities, and other differences. When having neighborhood gatherings, I find myself communicating with others differently than I would communicate with close friends or family. I am more careful about what I say because I am not sure how other people feel or think about certain situations. When around people that I am comfortable with, I communicate more openly and more expressive with my feelings. At these gatherings, I find myself being more of a listener and taking in what other people are saying. Listening to others helps me to learn more about them.
There are some strategies that could help me communicate more effectively in these situations. First, I could learn more about the backgrounds of the people I plan to communicate with. Understanding their culture can help me feel more comfortable when communicating with them. When communicating with people of different abilities, it may be helpful to have other tools/props when explaining something to them. It would have helped my grandmother to take her to the store and show her what kind of gift card was correct or show her what an I pod looks like. Last, it would be helpful to find something that I have in common with my neighbors, so that we can begin our conversation with something that we feel comfortable talking about. This would establish a commonality between us and help us to communicate effectively.
Thanks for sharing an example of age and its impact on communication! I visited my grandmother today and my sister and I were trying to help her save phone numbers into her new cell phone and then showing her how to retrieve the numbers. My sister's boyfriend leaned over and commented that the phone will not get opened again until the next time we come to visit - she is just not comfortable using it! We cannot make someone communicate in a way they are not ready to use.
ReplyDeleteCommunicating to others in different environments is a way that we all adapt to our environments. When I worked at a correctional facility there was a difference how I communicated in the classroom with my students and a different way I communicated with my co-workers. Then those two versions were completely different from how I communicate with my friends.
ReplyDeleteTabitha,
ReplyDeleteYou bring up an interesting point, when speaking with our grandparents or perhaps our parents we often have to change what we are talking about so that they can understand it. Especially if we are talking about technology or pop culture. I also notice that when it comes to situations with my own children I may leave out some details or spare them some details because I know that they will not accept the situation due to the morals and values of their childhood. My mother will lecture me every time I mention that my 13 year old went skating. She does not think that I should allow her to go skating on her own with her friends. But I feel as if I can trust her and the environment is safe. Our generational identities also influence our communication.
Thank you for your comments.
Jennifer
Tabitha,
ReplyDeleteI also tend to communicate openly with those I share commonalities, or when I feel acceptance. Generational differences in communication styles and topics are great examples of communication barriers. When I am around my grandparents, I always say "yes mam, or yes sir" because that is what they expect of the younger generation and is a reflection of the culture they were raised. I do not always typically say this to others who are my elders unless I am familiar with them on a personal basis.