We live in a diverse world and I do find myself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures. On a respectful level, everyone communicates differently and I find myself adjusting to ensure I respect everyone and that they are able to understand what I am saying and vice versa. I can change my tone, gesture and so forth to meet the needs of the person I am communicating with. With my neighbors around us, we have come to meet and great with everyone in our small subdivision. You pretty much know a little bit about the person in regards how to speak with them, if handshake, if they prefer you not to say yes ma'am or no ma'am or sir.
This summer, some of the women decided to walk around the neighborhood to get in shape. It was then when most of us women really built a relationship and got to know one another. Walking around we would stop and talk with some neighbors, some were distant and gave a nod or wave and we would do the same. We have a neighbor from Germany who lives in our neighborhood and I would speak a little bit of German to greet them.
Working with children you definitely find yourself communicating differently as my tone is more empathetic to their needs as I am helping them learn and grow. I have two children who are receiving Speech Therapy through Baby Net and I do have to slow down and pronounce words and phrases for them so that they can understand. I would try (even though my family and friends will laugh at me and children too) to speak the language of the children and families I serve. There are many other ways I am sure I communicate differently to ensure I am being respectful to the person or group I am speaking to.
Great Post! We have also just bought a new house in a subdivision. It has been so crazy we havent had time to actually communicate with our neighbors very much, but I hope to get to know them soon and sit down and just talk to them.
ReplyDeleteWhat is Baby Net? I don't think I am familiar with this. We moved to our house a year ago and just today while we were outside doing yardwork a guy from across the street came to talk to us for the first time. He was friendly, but we never caught his name. Communicating with neighbors is definately different than communicating with friends or colleagues and I think that is what you were talking about in the beginning of your post when you said you communicate with different people in different ways. Each of these communications is important even though they are different.
ReplyDeleteHey Amber,
DeleteSorry it is taking me a while to answer. BabyNet is a service provided to parents to screen children from birth to three. If there is a concern regarding the child's development, they conduct a screening and see if the child qualifies for Early Intervention Services. This a program through South Carolina First Steps.
I collaborate with the parents and the Early Intervenstionist and Therapist if needed. As a Foster Parent, I collaborate with BabyNet, Caseworker, Parents, EI, Speech Therapist, Pediatricians and others that should be informed.
www.scfirststeps.org/BabyNet.html