I don’t feel that I communicate differently with the different
cultures I encounter but I am sure something is different because each person
responds differently to you so sometimes you adjust your personal style to accommodate
who you are with. For example, when I am with my college friends, I tend to be very outgoing and social but if
I am with a group of people I don’t know very well, I tend to be more quiet and
shy – observing the group dynamic before “letting loose”. When I am with my family, I am uncensored completely
– speaking my mind and not worried about being judged by anyone but when with
colleagues, I am very censored and particular in what I say and how I say
it.
Three strategies I
could use to help me communicate more effectively could be:
The platinum rule – do unto others and you would have others
do unto you – basically speak to others in the way I want them to speak to me. This
is a process of listening and learning from each other and yourself.
Be aware of my audience and adjust my communication style so
I do not offend or make them uncomfortable.
Withhold judgment about the audience until I have a better
understanding of them and my own intentions without bias.
I think that your suggestion of being aware of your audience is an integral facet to effective communication. When the communicating parties feel comfortable with one another, interactions tend to be more relaxed, information is shared effectively, and positive progress is often made. I think that our ability to make adjustments depending on our audience proves that we are able to listen well and pick up on the cues we receive from others. It also maintains that we have expectations of how we would like others to perceive us depending on context.
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