Week 3 – Blog Assignment
I do find myself communicating differently with people from
different groups and cultures. Beebe,
Beebe, & Redmond (2011) stated that your generation has important
implications for interpersonal communication, especially as you relate to
others in both family and work situations (p. 92). Each generation has developed its own set of
values, which are anchored in social, economic, and cultural factors stemming from
the times in which the generation has lived.
For example, I speak more freely with people who are within a similar cultural
group as mine. I am more quiet around older
people. I was raised to respect the
elderly. This included listening
respectfully and not speaking up if my opinion differed from theirs. I also tend to avoid political discussions
with anyone.
Three strategies I could use to help communicate more
effectively with the people/groups I have identified are:
*Ask more questions than I normally would in order to learn
more about their worldview and perspectives based on the different cultural and
historical events they have experienced (pp. 91 & 98).
*Learn to understand why other people think and act as they
do and be able to empathize with their perspectives (p.99).
*Actively seek information about others by asking questions
and listening for the answers, so that we can establish a common ground
(p.105).
Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Redmond, M. V. (2011). Interpersonal communication:
Relating to others (6th
ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
Diane,
ReplyDeleteI love that you put a comment in about discussing politics. I find that that is off limits for me as well. I have a hard time not stating my opinion or view point on certian topics of discussion. I have to focus sometimes on letting other take center stage, espically when its an irrate parent.
Haley
Dianne,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your post. I appreciate that you pointed out that asking questions is not only okay but necessary in order to gain more information. As we discussed in our last course, people are afraid to ask questions because they do not want to end up offending someone. Asking questions is the only way we won't end up offending someone.
Dianne, it is interesting to discover that we all have topics we avoid in conversation. Politics is something that many people avoid, for others it's religion. I find it fascinating how one's schemas and up bringing also influences how one communicates, and how our communication styles adapt depending on context. I find the title of Haley's blog for this week "Delicate Dance" appropriate and even more fascinating is that for the most part the adjustments happen without one realizing that it is happening. Listening effectively is such a vital part of communication.
ReplyDeleteDianne,
ReplyDeleteI also avoid political discussions with everyone. They always become heated, and the discussions can go on forever and never come to any type of conclusion or resolution. I enjoyed reading your post. I enjoyed reading about how you engage with your elders, and no matter what your opinion you do not state it out of respect.
Janell