When I think about communication and if I communicate differently depending on who I am communicating with, I think that I would have to say yes. I am a wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, teacher, and a pastor’s wife. Each of these groups that I am assembled with produces a different style of communication. I do not communicate with my students the same way that I communicate with teachers or even the parents of my students.
Some strategies that I feel will help me when I communicate with these different groups is to first of all remember the how important it is to communicate. I also need to make sure that I am paying close attention to body language and facial expressions so that I can make adjustments in our communication. Last, making sure that I am not forcing opinions on others is an important strategy as well.
I think that we must understand that people are unique and we should strive to develop communication with each person that we communicate with. It will not always be an easy task, but listening to what others have to say is very important.
Amy,
ReplyDeleteI agree that with the many different roles we play, we come across different groups of people and to communicate with each group effectively, we need to adapt our style of communication accordingly. Since each individual is unique, I like the idea of viewing them as having unique communication needs as well. I agree that taking ourselves out of the equation and focusing on others is not an easy task. But by doing so, we will increase our effectiveness as communicators.
Hi Amy,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog and I agree that listening to others is not always easy, but very important. Thanks for sharing.
Amy
Amy,
ReplyDeleteBody language and facial expressions say a lot about the person speaking....or not speaking; and sometimes those non-verbal cues give away how you really feel. You may be saying one thing with words and something very different with your body language and facial expressions. I think that paying attention to your body language and facial expressions are a very good strategy. Thanks for sharing.
Crystal