In thinking about how I communicate in my culture, I realize that I do communicate differently when I am talking with my home girls on the phone and when I am talking with business colleagues. I have been told that I sound "white" on the phone when I answer it at work. What that means I am unsure but I am simply speaking in a professional manner. It is professional to answer the phone and to speak clearly and state the business with my name. I hope that I am respecting the other person on the phone by following the "Platinum Rule".
The 3 strategies that I could use to communicate effectively with people are:
1) To speak using correct grammar
2) To speak clearly and concise
3) To listen with respect and respond with respect
These 3 strategies will be effective with all cultures because it is not based on the culture but on the person. I want them to understand what I am saying and I want to understand what they are saying. These strategies apply to written and verbal communication. I enjoy conversing with others but I know that my non-verbal communication effectivness is just as important as the verbal. All must be taken into account.
Barbara - I have had several of my non-white friends say that people thought htey were white on the phone because the were speaking proper English. One of my best friends is Asian and people are always surprised to meet her in person. I believe it is easier to communicate if we do not talk in slang, unless the crown might be from an area where it would be appropriate to speak in slang. That is why it is importnant to know our audience.
ReplyDeleteBarbara,
ReplyDeleteI really love your third strategy. Listening and responding with respect is something the younger generation is sometimes lacking.