Conflict and Communication

This week, I learned that nonviolent communication can help me to avoid or address conflict.  When conflict arises, nonviolent communication strategies can be used to "increase authenticity in communication, increase understanding, deepen connections and ensure conflict resolution" (Center for Nonviolent Communication, n.d.).  These strategies are useful because I can reduce the stress and tension that occurs during conflict by working with others and using language that encourages a resolution to the conflict.  Noviolent communication is also beneficial when working with diverse groups of people.

I have further learned that using "respect, reciprocal communication, and being responsive to others helps to improve communications and reduce conflict" (O'Hair & Wiemann, 2012).  I will use these strategies to become a better communicator and to work well with others.  I understand that showing respect and being responsive to others shows that I am listening and concerned.  As a result, I will use these strategies to become a more informed communicator.

References

Center for Nonviolent Communication. (n.d.). The center for nonviolent communication. Retrieved from http://www.cnvc.org/

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

Communication

This week, I evaluated myself as a communicator.  I believe that I have good communication skills and that I communicate well with others.  I also make an effort to listen to what others have to say.  I also use make an effort to see other people's point of views when I talk to them.  After evaluating my communication skills, I believe that I can use cultural diversity and cultural competence to communicate better with diverse people.

Others have pointed out that I use a lot of hand gestures when I talk, which is a form of nonverbal communication.  It is also reported that I communicate different with various people.  For exmaple, my coworker stated that I am very formal at work; however, I am more casual with friends.  This change in my communication style stems from changes in the context and situation.

Communicating with different cultures

I have noticed that I communicate differently with people from different cultures.  When communicating with people from my own culture, I tend to use more culturally relative terms and slang.  In a professional setting, I am more comfortable communicating with my own culture.  On the other hand, I am more tense when communicating with people from other cultures.  For example, when I work with people from the majority culture, I tend to be more professional and self conscious. 

I have also learned that cultural competence is important when working with people from different cultures.  It is important to assess how people from different cultures assess information and their values and beliefs.  This helps me to make some adjustments with my communication skills.  Therefore, I have learned that it is important to develop strategies for communicating with different cultural groups.

Week 2 Communication

This week, I watched my favorite show online called the "Tommorrow People".  I watched the show with the sound turned off, and I could tell when the characters were tense or upset based on their facial expressions and the situations they were in.  The characters had issues that caused them to be tense, which included fights and arguments.  In some scenes, the characters were excited or laughing. 

I watched the show with the sound turned on, and there were some scenes where I was correct about the facial expressions and body language.  In other scenes, I was a little off.  This helped me to understand how body language and nonverbal communication play a role in understanding others.  In face-to-face communication, I have the ability to read the verbal and nonverbal communication of others.  Therefore, I have learned that I must pay close attention to determine a person's mood or tone.

Competent communicator

My supervisor is a very competent communicator.  My supervisor communicates with a variety of people within the organization.  She works with people from other cultures and other organizations, and she is able to communicate effectively with each group.  One of the behaviors that makes my supervisor a competent communicator is that she uses inclusive language.  She is also a culturally competent person who understands how to talk to diverse groups.  Whenever we have meetings, she takes the time to speak to people to clarify information. Therefore, I would like to model my communication after my supervisor.