Differences in the way we communicate Week 3

 

I found this topic to be very interesting and one that is apparently very true for me according to my boyfriend, John. He has been around me in various settings such as the classroom, the restaurant, with colleagues, family, and our friends. He was the first one to point out how I communicate differently in each setting. For example, in the classroom he mentioned that I use simply words for the most part, but also very clear and use correct English. This is also the way I am when I worked as a served in the restaurant. I just did not think it was appropriate to talk to costumers like they are your long time buddies.  The major difference is when I am around friends and family. Often times around my friends I speak fast, relaxed, and full of slang. It is around my family that John pointed out my "Southern roots" showing. It wasn't until he pointed it out, that I realized my drawn out words and dropped endings in my words. I feel the majority of the change in the way I communicate has to deal a lot with  the setting in which I am communicating. It is  expected that you speak clearly and use proper English in the work place, just as it is important to do this as a way of teaching a child in the classroom. In the other settings I feel I am in a more relaxed environment. As I thought about this topic, I also realized that as we are exposed to different ways of communicating, we also pick up on that style especially when it is the dominant. In my school I am one of two White teachers, I was exposed to slang terms I had never heard of before, and over time learned what it meant and began using them myself. I feel this is just something that occured over time and happens without even thinking about it.

The first strategy I feel will help me communicate more effectively with people includes talking on someone's level. This is extremely important when we talk with children and parents. When talking with children we need to make sure we are talking in a way they can comprehend and also make sure we are modeling proper English to them. It is also very important when talking with parents because we want to make sure we do not talk over them. In one undergraduate course, my professor reminded us that many times parents are already hesitant to come talk with the teacher, sometimes simply by being intimidated. If we talk on their level rather than using fancy terms, it could help set that parent at ease for coming to you whenever needed. The next strategy that will help me communicate more effectively is to avoid cultural myopia. We need to make sure we remain open minded to all families cultural perspectives otherwise this could develop a major barrier between parent and teacher. The third strategy is to be aware of the Platinum Rule. While the Golden Rule is wonderful; it is the Platinum Rule that can foster effective communication with families.