Communication and Culture

Three strategies for communicating more effectively with people or groups:

1.    To  continue to use the “Platinum Rule”, treating others as they want to be treated. Using communication techniques that are culturally and individually responsive will help to ensure that I am communicating in a way that facilitates mutual

2.    To facilitate the “Platinum Rule,”  I will strive to make the effort to learn about the people with whom I communicate, forming a relationship built on respect. Additionally, I will continue to gain understanding of different cultures.

3.    Finally I will always try to remember that each group of people is comprised of individuals with individual perspectives.  “If we suspend judgment, we can come to understand that what looks wrong from our personal perspective might look right to someone else. We can learn something by looking through someone else’s eyes. It’s uncomfortable to begin questioning what we already know, but it’s important to do so when working in early childhood setting that includes diverse families…” (Gonzalez-Mena, pg 2010).

Competent Communication

When I think of effective communicators that I would model communication behaviors after, I think of the Ms. Nelly Richards, School Liaison Officer MacDill AFB. Ms. Richards believes in the exchange of thoughts and equal opportunity in communication. She promotes active listening, using open-ended, probing, leading, and reflective questioning to ensure understanding for both parties and to promote a feeling of respect and worthiness. Additionally, she practices active listening, and is able to mediate between two parties, understanding both sides of issues.  Her communication skills are have allowed her to be an effective liaison between military families and public schools, and would be excellent skills to include in my own communication behaviors. The level of success in working with any group of people is communication, and adopting her effective commmunication behaviors would ensure that I also practice successful communication.