When I communicate with different people I use different communication strategies. In fact communication accommodation theory “suggests that all people adapt their behavior to others to some extent” (Beebe, Beebe, & Redmond, 2011, p. 112).
Some examples of this change in communication strategies are; if speaking to a child I adjust my vocabulary so I can be understood. When talking with other professionals I use jargon they understand, but wouldn’t use the same language when talking with a family new to our early childhood program. Beebe, Beebe, and Redmond support this practice, “We are suggesting, rather, that you be aware of what your communication partner is doing and saying, especially if there are cultural differences between you, so that your message is understood and you don’t unwittingly offend the other person” (2011, p. 112).
It is important that I develop a set of strategies to communicate with diverse people. Some of those strategies include adapting my message due to information I know about the person, adapting based on what I perceive the other person to be thinking or feeling, or adapting based on my history with the person.
Great ideas! Its important to remember when communicating with those who communicate differently to ask questions as well. Sometimes its better to ask questions than assume what one might think. This helps to clarify your perception and gives more understanding to what the person is communicating.
ReplyDeleteHi Amber,
ReplyDeleteGood points made. The communication adjust theory does make a difference when communicating with people form all ages. I remember as a grocery store manager, I had to adjust the way I communicated with new hires verses people who had been on the job for a long time. This concept also easily apply to interaction with children of different ages. For example, when communicating and playing with a 8 month old baby, I find myself talking baby talk, and when I am talking to my two year old toddler, I communicate with him differently.
Hello Amber,
ReplyDeleteGood ideas on adapting message to suit audience. I relate this makes communication more effective, especially in multicultural scenarios. I do think that, the use of figurative speeches, slangs and idiomatic expressions should be avoided or used carefully, as this could be misunderstood or impact communication negatively.
Thanks for sharing.
That is so true about the way we address different audiences. I speak differently to children then I do their parents. This difference is intentional because children are young and may not understand everything I would say to an adult. So this is a great example of how communicating with different people is a positive thing.
ReplyDeleteAmber,
ReplyDeleteGreat Post! I especially liked when you mentioned adjusting the way that you communicate based on your communication partner. I had not consciously thought about that but I feel that we automatically make that shift based on the person's ability to comprehend the message that we are attmepting to transmit. It is important to consider the language, culture, intellectual level, and age of communicatee.