I do communicate differently when it comes to different people in different groups. For example, I speak to my children in a loud high pitch voice. I speak one or two word sentences. I use a lot of animation. When it comes to their parents, I speak in a slower more adult voice. I use professional communication skills. I conduct my body language differently as well. With my colleagues, I speak clearly, with professional tone and vocabulary.
When I am with my friends, most of my normally communication skills are out the window. We had an assignment where we had to observe scenarios where we looked at communication skills of the group. I used a dinner out with my friends. I learned that we are awful when it comes to communication skills that would be used in a professional setting. The catch was that my boss at the center I worked at was part of that observation. At work we are very professional and use the communication skills that are needed there. However, you get us out with our mutual friends, it is crazy that they are mostly thrown out the window.
The one thing that I have learned is that context plays a major role in what communication skills are used. The context could be a place, relationship, or connection to a group or individual.
Samantha, your observation about the role of context in communication is consistent with all that we have learned. It was interesting to read about the different styles of communication that you use with diverse groups. You have illustrated application of the Platinum Rule, as you interact with a wide variety of people in the way that they would like to be treated.
ReplyDeleteI am crazy as well when I am with my students as well. I always find myself feeling embarrassed when an unexpected parent shows up and sees me being a goofball with the kids. I also find that a lot of people throw out the rules of communication when they are with their friends. It's like a unspoken rule that your allowed to do and say anything with friends!
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