Communication and Culture

I think as much as we hate to admit it many people find themselves communicating with people of the same age, race or religion. Reason being, there are more commonalities; you are more likely to have things in common. I do find myself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures. For instance, having a conversation at lunch may go completely different depending on what group of people you are talking to. I have experienced situations where I was talking to a colleague, who is a different race, religion and much older. The conversation appeared smooth but my feelings inside did not match. Actually, I was on edge with every word coming out of my mouth, not sure her perspective on issues or how she would interpret what I was saying.  I found myself wanting to agree with her just so the conversation would not go south. I also found myself talking about things I had no interest in or really wanted to talk about. Now, when I am talking to someone who I feel we share plenty in common close in age, race, religion etc. the conversation is differently. It may appear similar but I am more relaxed the conversation flows natural; we share commonalities without looking for something in common. If there is dead silence, I do not feel awkward. I can look at a person directly in the eye because I am not leery of what I am saying. It may be laziness not trying to put forward the effort to communicate with people who are different from us or fear at times but it is easier during certain situations to communicate with someone with similar likings. 

Communication Skills: Language, Nonverbal, Listening

I decided to watch a television show called “10 Things I Hate About You”. The title should have given things away but I wanted to watch the show and not incorporate the title. The show is based around teenagers in a High School setting. At the beginning of the episode I gathered that the relationships were two sisters and their father living in a house. Based on their behavior I sensed plenty of sarcasm. The sisters were giving each other side eye looks, batting their eyes, rolling their eyes at each other and long sighs. Sarcasm continued at school, it was obvious there was a popular girl who was full of herself from the way she walked as if she were bouncing on a trampoline with every step she took, throwing her hair constantly and making everyone move out of her way as she pranced around the school.  It was hard watching the show without hearing what they were saying. However, when I turned the sound on I was exactly right; the show was based on sarcasm and rude remarks toward each other. The conversation I gathered in my head was actually very similar to the actual conversation. If I had of watched a show I know well, I would not have second guessed my thoughts about what I was observing. After this assignment I feel more confident about my opinion about people from their expressions. We all at times we judge people by their actions and the last thing I want to do is misjudge anyone. 

What Is Communication?

Out of all the people I have ever met, my aunt is the person who demonstrates competent communication better than anyone I know. I have always felt comfortable talking with her because of her behavior and mannerism, she embraces my thoughts with a gently nod of the head. She looks at me straight in the eye, so I know I have her attention. She possesses wonderful listening skills and always listens completely before interjecting. I can clearly be wrong about a topic but she will never degrade me. Instead she will try to get me to think about a situation from a different perspective. Even as a child I would run to her before my mom because I knew she had the best communication skills. Whatever I had done, I knew when she told the story to my mom it would go more smoothly than if I had of told my mom. I definitely try to model my communication skills after my aunt. I try to listen to a person’s thoughts completely before expressing my opinion. As well, I try to ensure people that whatever we talk about stays confidential and I never try to put anyone down for feeling a certain way. My goal is to incorporate what I have learned from my aunt and what I will learn in this class to better my communication skills.