My Commuication

Do you find yourself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures?

If yes, in what ways do you communicate differently?

            I find that indeed my communication is different when surrounded by certain type of people or different people to say.  If I am around my family and friends I am very laid back and open to discuss any topic to say.  The comfort of nonjudgement is very high, as they love us and support us.  If I am around a group of individuals from another culture that I am limited in knowledge, I am a bit more reserved to say.  I observe and try to gather as much information that I assume I interpreted.  As I have recently learned from our last blog assignment, assumptions in communication can indeed be inaccurate.  For example when we do not understand the language being spoken, do we only read the body language of the individual or do we seek an opportunity to find a source for assistance in interpretation.  This is what I try to do if I encounter these situations.  Other situations where I may have a different approach or persona to say, would be around a group of professionals.  I would not utilize the use of slang or jargons, unless those jargons are appropriate for the conversation.  Based on the event and situation, will determine the individuals you are encountering or communicating with.  There may be special circumstances that will require an approach or communication of someone you were not expecting.  For example the bagger at the grocery store may speak a foreign language and you can not communicate.  I would not treat this bagger any different, minus small talk that I would partake with someone speaking English.  The reality that everyone has several personas that they utilize during many days.  The fact we need to constantly keep in mind the fact that we are all different and that is what is so wonderful about diversity.  “Intercultural communication competence is the ability to adapt your behavior toward another in ways that are appropriate to the other person’s culture” (Beebe, Beebe, & Redmond, 2011, p 104).  Adaption is prime in allowing ourselves and others to feel comfort in their unknown or in communicating.  Trust is vital for anyone to share information to another.  Therefore we must be sincere in every communication situation.  Remember to implement the Platinum Rule in your life, and you can hopefully gain trust within differences.  Allowing the comfort of communication with different people to become easier.    

References

Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Redmond, M. V. (2011). Interpersonal communication: Relating to others (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.