Communicating
Differently with People from other Groups and Cultures
Upon reflection, I have realized that I communicate
differently with people from various groups and cultures. I believe this may be true with many people;
especially, if we have an awareness of these groups. I find myself interacting with children in
stores, restaurants, and my classroom in my “teacher mode”. Communication becomes more formal in certain
situations with colleagues and community leaders in positions of
authority. I try to form a comfortable
bond with my children and parents. They
need to feel they can interact with me on a more equal level. I never want them to feel uneasy or intimated
to approach me. The way I interact with
professional colleagues may differ from the way I interact with my Church
family to some extent. However, I hope
my Christian values show through in every situation. We need to acquire background knowledge in
order to communicate with diverse cultures.
It takes time and dedication to become an effective communicator. A competent communicator has knowledge of
others, becomes motivated to enhance the quality of communication, and possess
the skills of being other-oriented (Beebe, Beebe, & Redmond, 2011).
References
Beebe,
S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Redmond, M. V. (2011). Interpersonal communication:
relating to others. 6th Edition. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon. Interpersonal
communication
and diversity: adapting to others. Chapter 4, pp. 85-114.
