Diversity in conversation

Yes, I definitely find myself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures. I try to adapt my way of thinking and speaking depending on the specific individual I’m communicating with. My adaptation is determined by the other person’s background, socioeconomic status, education level, etc. I honestly don’t have any strategies I could use to help me communicate more effectively because I attempt to communicate effectively at present. Communicating differently doesn’t mean I’m not communicating effectively. I try to remain conscious of the different groups and their culture, hence changing the way I engage in the conversations to ensure I respect the person’s differences.......I would listen more (makng sure the speaker feels heard and understood), be aware of the emotions of the other person, and pay attention to nonverbal communicaton of the other person as well.

 

 

Communication Assumptions

The show I chose to watch is Love and Hip Hop Atlanta. I have heard about the show but have not had the opportunity to watch. I understand that this is actually the second season for the show. While watching the show with the volume turned down I was able to determine exactly what was going on because I can read lips. I observed a lot of animosity among the people as well as several  heated arguments. The only assumptions I made that were wrong were the relationships between some of the people on the show. It’s a reality tv show that follows several people and couples around Atlanta. It was hard to determine which of the groups of ladies were friends and which were not.  Once I watched the show with the volume turned up, of course I was surprised to see that several of the women who were having disagreements were actually considering themselves to be friends. My assumption would have most certainly been more accurate had I been watching a show I know well.

Competent Communication

The person I have chosen to discuss for this assignment is my dad. He exhibits competent communication every time we speak. Whenever I call and really need to talk to him about something, the first thing he does is makes the time to give me his undivided attention. If he is busy at the time of my call he will advise me to call him back at a certain time so that he can effectively communicate with me. He listens very attentively when I speak and often repeats what I say to ensure he has a good understanding of what I am saying or asking him. By listening to me, he determines whether I am seeking his advice, his opinion, his approval or disapproval, or simply an ear to vent in. After I speak he accommodates what I need. For example, if he can tell by what I say that I really don’t want him to solve my problem for me he will ask questions like “what do you think would be the best way to handle the situation?” or “ what makes you feel the way you fee?l” etc.,  and he eventually guides me to solve the problem on my own. He is successful because he listens. If he didn’t actively listen he would not understand what it is I need from him. I have been trying to model his way of communication for the last 3 months and I notice that with certain individuals it has been extremely helpful.