Different Styles of Communicating

Different Styles of Communication

Do you find yourself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures? If yes, in what ways do you communicate differently?

 

This question is one that I never thought about because; I do not believe that I communicate differently with people from different groups and cultures.  However, I did a deeper analysis of my communication style this week and learned that I do communicate differently. When communicating with people from my own culture such as family and close friends, I tend to be more open and direct and use more cultural verbal and non-verbal language, body language and gestures are different.  In a professional setting,

However, when I communicate with people from other cultures regardless of their race, I am more reserved and tend to think very hard about what I am saying and how I say it.  I do this to not offend them or make them feel that I do not appreciate their culture. I tend to use better grammar and slow down my speech pattern to allow the other person to understand what I was saying.  I also find myself listening more carefully to understand the message they communicating to me.

The three strategies I would use to help me communicate more effectively are:

• Utilize the “Platinum Rule” at all times when communicating with people. Do not ever judge the other person because they may look and speak different to you.
• Do your best to actively listen to what the other person is communicating to you.
• Be very observant of the other person’s verbal, non-verbal and body language and behaviors. Always treat people regardless of culture, race, and religion with respect.

Communication through body language

Communicating through body language and facial expressions

Communication is not always straightforward – The show that I watched was “Shark Tank”; I do not normally watch this show but decided to record it last night and then watched a portion of the show to be able to write about my experience on this communication. It “featured a panel of five wealthy entrepreneurs who are called “sharks”. Mark Cuban, Kevin O’Leary, Robert Herjavec, Barbara Corcoran, Daymond John and Lori Greiner were the investors this third season. The panel evaluates and negotiates investment proposals from entrepreneurs” (sharktankzone.com).

What I realized from watching this show in the mute was that I could only read the facial expressions and gestures of the characters in the show. I understood some of what was going on base on their body language, gestures, and nonverbal behaviors. As the text states, “Non-verbal communication is the process of intentionally or unintentionally signaling meaning though behaviors other than words” (O’Hair & Wiemann, 2012). I realize that some of the facial expressions, body language, and gesture were negative and positive to some extend and they were accompanied by verbal language. They were bargaining and making deals that seem to upset the other person on the panel.

I realized that the panelist position on the show is to either become partners or not in the investment proposals from entrepreneurs. They would give advice, negotiate a deal or totally disagree with the entrepreneur and express dissatisfaction or interest in the proposal. These panelists are some hard nose business people and can be extremely negative and discouraging as well as positive and encouraging especially if it is an investment they could make money.

When I turned it on to hear the sounds I realize that on some situations I was correct in what was being said and at times, I was wrong. The two entrepreneurs I watched were the Veteran selling K-9 meal bars and the other was selling illumination lights that fold up. The reality for me was that there are situations when verbal language is very important to convey a message because the nonverbal language may not be interpreted correctly. Moreover, that we may assume certain meanings with nonverbal language that is not necessarily correct.

This made me realize that when I am interpreting for my mom, that I could be conveying the incorrect message she is trying to get across. I now realize how hard and frustrating it is for her to communicate with us or anyone so that they are understand exactly what she is trying to say.

I also realize that if it were a show that I normally watch; I would have known what Kevin was saying when he made a comment that is normally negative.

Reference

O’Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2012). Real communication: An introduction. New York: Bedford/St.

 

Martin’s.

http://www.sharktankzone.com/

 

 

Communication

The person who I feel demonstrates competent communications within a particular context is our President Barak Obama.  I feel that Mr. President is one of a kind communicator especially when he is delivering a speech.  He demonstrates communication skills in his verbal and nonverbal behaviors.  His body language and facial expression is always poise and competent.  He commands the attention of his audience and keep them engage as he present his topic.  I believe that he is effective because he is a great orator and his audience is captivated by his messages. I believe that he brings a certain style of engagement and interactions with people.  I definitely would want to model some of my own communication behaviors after President Obama.