I feel that in different contexts, people communicate differently.
This is just how we are biologically and socially “trained” to do. There is a
difference for example on when I talk to my students between my parents and
between my coworkers. Each group of individuals need to be given different communication
tactics to best understand what the message is. For example, if I was to talk
to the three groups mentioned above about a natural disaster here is what I
might say to each:
Students: I know many of you have heard what happened in
XXX. Where we live there are things that can happen to us that we cannot
control, but we have ways to keep us safe. Does anyone know what are some of
the ways that we stay safe during a XXX?
My Parents: I cannot believe what happened in XXX. It is crazy
to think that something that seems so harmless can hurt so many people.
Coworkers: I am glad that you have been watching the news as
well about XXX. Do you know any more information about the topic? What are the
students saying in your room about it?
Within each type of people the formality of the conversation
changes and the structure changes as well. I feel these needs to happen to give
each group the best message possible. I also know that people talk to me
differently. An example of this would be when I am in school parent’s talk to
me very formally. When I see parents out of the school setting some are more
relaxed.
Within every context and groups of people communication will
always vary depending on the relationship, age, and culture of the individual’s.
I like the way you illustrated with examples,truly the people we talk to,the relationship we share with them, their differences and the various context we interact determine how we communicate with them.we therefore need to be aware and acknowldege this difference when we engage in our day-to -day conversation if want to communicate effectively with people
ReplyDeleteAbigail,
ReplyDeleteI like your scenarios of the responses to different groups of people. In your culture, don’t you think you would get confusing looks if you responded to your mom, the way you spoke to your students and vice versa? When I speak with my student’s parents in the school setting, they don’t realize that I am old enough to be their parent also. So when they begin to speak to me, I give non-verbal cues by elevating my eyebrows. I want them to be able to speak to me but I don’t want to be mistaken for their cousin around the corner. It is important that we maintain a professional repertoire for the benefit of all involved.
You always have such great insights when it comes to communicating with all the groups we work and interact with daily. You are right that we communicate differently depending on the person/group we are with at the time. Your examples were great and helped show how different we might sound within each group. It is so important to take into account age, relationship and many other factors when communicating. Great job!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to show the different ways in which to communicate with different groups of people. I would never have thought to look it in those terms. It is "all in the way we word things".
ReplyDeleteAbigail,
ReplyDeleteYou are right...we are taught to communicate differently depending the setting and the people. Excellent example of how you would address the same topic conversation with children, parents and co-workers.