I do find myself communication differently with other people from different groups and cultures. I think that this happens because I do not want to offend anyone with the words that I say. For example, if I am in a group of individuals of a different religion and culture that I am, I would be mindful of the questions and comments that I would share in the coversation. While when I am around a group of individuals who are the same culture as me but not necessarily the same religion, I am more comfortable and I feel I am able to ask questions without offending anyone.
I also relate to and communicate more openly with individuals in the LGBT community. I feel like I share a special bond with these individuals and regardless of their culture, we are all in a family and can relate to a lot of common factors. It is extremely easy for me to meet individuals in the LGBT social setting and quickly strike up conversations verses me being in a different setting, I am more reserved and guarded.
When I am engaged with children, their culture, race, SES, abilities, family makeup does not matter to me. I treat all children with the same respect and I love all children equally. I guess in a sense, I am more comfortable communicating with children because I know they are not judging me and simply learning, evolving and exploring, I also understand that I am their role model and I should display the characteristics that we would want them to have as they grow older.
Based on what I have learned this week the three strategies that I could use to help me communicate more effectively with diverse groups are:
1. Use active listening skills to truly understand and comprehend the message the other person is trying to convey, while remembering to remain unbiased.
2. Recognize my own non-verbal behaviors and work to make sure I am not offending someone by simply looking at them in a strange way or standing in a way which gives off the impression I am uninterested in the conversation
3. Remember that ultimately everyone wants to share information and be respected, while at the same time most individuals are eager to teach others about their backgrounds and cultures, therefore it is important that I am genuine in my interest of the conversation; in short, listen and communicate to others as you would want them to listen and communicate to you.
Gonzalez-Mena, J. (2010). 50 strategies for communicating and working with diverse families. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.
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ReplyDeleteTasha,
ReplyDeleteI loved your post and how open and honest you are about the spaces in which you are most comfortable in communicating openly. I am also very comfortable communicating with children. They are nonjudgemental and love you unconditionally.
I also like that you were open about your sexuality and the comfort you find in communicating with those who share the same path as you. The same is true for those who are not a part of the LGBT community, I suppose, as all people are most comfortable with what is their own reality. I think the greatest challenge we all face is becoming more at ease and being able to effectively communicate with those outside our own realm of comfort.
Excellent post!
Raina