Communicating Differently

I think everyone communicates differently depending on whom they are with at the time. As the text states, “Communication skills are behavioral routines based on social understandings” (O'H air & Wiemann, 2012, p. 19). It would only be appropriate to communicate differently with your own family than you would with colleagues.

This week I have understood the meaning and impact behind the Platinum Rule "Do to others as they themselves would like to be treated" (Beebe, Beebe, & Redmond, 2011, p. 114). I have always lived by the ‘Golden Rule’, which is similar. This weeks reading provided me insight that even treating another, as I would wish may not be appropriate. We must also take into consideration the differences in diversity. Culturally it may not be proper to treat others’ as we would want to be.

I have also gained an understanding cultural myopia. Cultural myopia is, "Individuals who fail to consider other cultural perspectives” (O'H air & Wiemann, 2012, p. 45). This is something that is important when looking at communicating with others. I know that there are instances when I have cultural myopia and feel that my style of potty training or the best time to introduce structured writing is the write way. I also need to remember that families and colleagues come to a conversation with their own cultural myopia about these same topics. To communicate we must be willing to listen to each other, compromise, and probably most important understand. I need to remember that there is not just one path to the finish line but rather many and just because someone takes another path does not mean it is wrong.

I think the biggest thing I have learned thus far is to remember to my body language as I am in conversation with different groups of people. I tend to be a more relaxed and casual person and I realize that this may be offensive to some cultures in a professional setting. I also have to remember that some body language can be offensive to other, for example the thumbs up sign. I think that is why it is best to know the people you are communicating with before using casual body language.

Reference:

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. Martin's.