Age, gender, race, ability, or culture can all be barriers to effective communication. People have a tendency to share less with people who have different cultural backgrounds than themselves ( Beebe, Beebe, & Redmond, 2011). We may even be confused or have anxiety or stress (culture shock) when we are in these situations. We find comfort in what is familiar to us. Age and gender also affect how we communicate with people. Would you speak to a 2 year old the same way you speak to a colleague? Do you speak to your grandmother the same way you speak to your spouse? Communication needs to be considerate of the individual. Our wording, tones, gestures, and eye contact are different within different situations. The following photos all show communication in different ways:
communicating with an unfamiliar culture
non verbal communication
Aggressive communication
Strategies for effective communication include listening, being respectful, and creating a "third culture".
Listening with thoughtful interactions to gain understanding shows that you have a genuine concern for what is being said (O'Hair & Wiemann, 2012).
Being respectful of the values, beliefs, and opinions of who you are communicating with will allow for two-way communication that is open and honest. Being mindful and respectful of others opinions does not mean that you have to agree with them.
Creating a "third culture" is useful when communicating with someone from a different culture over a period of time. This is when aspects of each culture are combined to create a new or third culture which is more comprehensive than either culture alone (Beebe, Beebe, & Redmond, 2011).
References
Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Redmond, M.
V. (2011). Interpersonal communication: Relating to
others (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn
& Bacon.
O'Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2012). Real communication: An
introduction. New York: Bedford/St.
Hi Lynn, I like the part you stated here, ‘Would you speak to a 2 year old the same way you speak to a colleague?’ We definitely have to define our language differently when it comes to speaking with children; our sentences are limited to the extent of 4-6 words and with gestures, it helps a lot. Children decipher words differently and I believe eye-contact is definitely needed in any conversation; however, your approach on communication depends on how your tone and volume is emphasized… Thanks for sharing with us, Jay (your choice of graphics is great!!)
ReplyDeleteHi Lynn,
ReplyDeleteYou know I would never speak to a 2 year old like I would speak to an adult.I am not sure if this has happened to you, but have you noticed that children speak to adults as if they are speaking to their friends. Lines of communication is all about respect. Not everyone interprets everything the same way. I am not sure if my bias slip is showing but lately I wonder if children are taught to understand the meaning of respect. I know that we are long gone with the concept that "Children are meant to be seen not heard", but some of the things the children are saying now a days are just plain frightening.
Ivelisse