I think that most people communicate differently with different types of people. I know that I communicate differently with my co-workers, students, parents and administration. I talk to my co-workers with respect and on an equal playing field. I talk to my students in kid-friendly language. The parents I have to sometimes talk to with authority because I am of a different race and sometimes much younger than they are. I talk to my administration with respect and very professionally.
I find that I talk to my friends and family the same but often times about different topics. I am myself around them and tend to speak my mind. The only time that I really catch myself talking differently is when I know people have a more religious background. I tend to watch my language more and be more respectful towards their beliefs.
No matter what when I talk to someone I am always me and let that come across. I never want to be fake to anyone or not let them know the real me. I think this is very important when building relationships.
Lauren,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post! I agree that no matter who we are communication with, we must be true to our real self and not fake. I too have to "tone" down when I am around certain people, especially in a professional environment.
Thanks!
Monette
Great Post! You are absolutely right. When speaking to different people of different age levels and titles we need to be very mindful of how we are talking to them. Children should be talked to in a friendly positive and welcoming manner. I tend to see a lot of younger women in the society in which I live talk down to their children, yell at them, and call them all types of hurtful names. As educators we know differently. We know how to communicate lovingly, affectionately, and effectively to gain a better relationship of those we are speaking with. It breaks my heart to see children being verbally abused. Words are very hurtful and that's why effective communication is the key to better relationships.
ReplyDeleteI caught myself nodding in agreement as I read your post! My colleagues joke at work about how sometimes we forget to turn the "teacher" off when we get home and being to talk to our families like we do our students. It's funny because they actually get upset and will tell us "We are not your students! Leave the teacher at school!" So that just shows you the power in cultural differences when we communicate with others. We can easily offend others if we are not aware of the cultural differences.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
Jessica