Communicating Differently

I do find myself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures.  I adapt my communication style depending on the different people I am with, the different situation I am in, and the different environment I am in.  I communicate differently with my family than I do with my colleagues or coworkers.  I also may communicate differently with each child and family that I see at my center.  I am more casual with my friends and family vs. colleagues and coworkers.  With the children and families at my center, I find out which form of communication works best for them.  I have definitely become a better listener.  I try to speak clearly and at a pace that is understood.  I am also much more aware of not only the body language of others but also my self.  If there is a language barrier, I try to find a translator.  If one is not available, I have resorted to Google translate.  The most important thing I try to do when communicating is not being too quick to respond.  I try to absorb, ponder, then respond.

Communication through Television - Hot in Cleveland

    I watched a show called Hot in Cleveland.  I had never watched this show before.  All I knew in the beginning was that Betty White was in it.  As I watched the episode with no sound, I assumed this story was about three friends who lived with one of their mother's.  Later, as other older women were introduced I thought they were three friends and their mothers.  During this episode, I felt I was able to read their facial expressions and emotions well.  The friends were all on dates.  They showed happiness (smiles), annoyance (eye-rolls), attraction (hair flips, touching), and anger (shaking fists).
As I watched the episode with sound, I realized how wrong I was regarding the relationship of characters.  Betty White was not a mother of the girls, but a roommate and friend, and the other older women were her friends from fifty years ago.  They were having a reunion at the same place where the other girls were each on dates.  I was pretty accurate with predicting the emotion, feelings, and happenings of this episode.  I found this show very amusing with the sound on.  Without sound, I found it difficult to pick up on the humor and jokes.  I think if I had watched a show that I watch frequently, I would not have made incorrect assumptions.  I loved this exercise!

Effective Communication

  The person I find to be an effective communicator is one of supervisors, Jamee Thrush.  She speaks honestly and clearly so her message can be understood.  She uses descriptive language, a little humor, and presents numerous examples so everyone understands her.  You can tell how she feels about a topic by observing her body language.  She always exhibits a tremendous amount of confidence. She also has a way of validating the feelings of who ever she is with.  She listens to what is being said to her, but then she restates it so she demonstrates understanding of the message.  She asks others a lot of questions and she encourages questions to be asked.  As I gain more experience with public speaking, I hope develop the self confidence Jamee Thrush has.