Who am I as a communicator?

I chose a staff member/friend and my daughter to evaluate me. Both had similar answers to mine. It was nice to see consistency. I was low in communication anxiety, moderate in verbal aggressiveness scale and people oriented in listening styles. 

Communication and Culture

There can be many barriers to effective communication age, gender, race, ability, or culture. Differences may cause anxiety or stress  in situations. It is important to be open and honest and gain an understanding through communication.  Generally I speak differently with different groups of people. I speak differently with staff, parents/families and children. Communication needs to be considerate of individuals and situations.
 My three strategies:
1.Keep the message simple, but deep in meaning.
2. Demonstrate respect for cultural diversity in all communication with children, their families, staff,  and others
3. use communication to develop and maintain effective relationships, make efforts where language barriers exist, to communicate in the most effective way possible.


References:
http://sielearning.tafensw.edu.au/MCS/9362/Sterilisation%20disk%203/lo/7373/7373_00.htm
http://blogs.hbr.org/2011/08/eight-ways-to-energize-your-te/

Thought for Today:

Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment. ~ Benjamin Franklin

Communication Skills and Styles

I watched a show called "Good Luck Charlie". In the opening scene it seemed to be a mother son relationship by facial expressions and body language. It appeared as though the mother was asking the son to do something and he dismissed her and then walked away.

The next scene seemed to be a brother sister relationship it was difficult to figure out what was happening.
The next scene was a young daughter- father, the father appeared to be a tad upset as he was talking to the little girl. She then climb up onto the couch and gave him a hug.

It was a mother and son discussing that he should be put his laundry away. His phone rang and he ignored and walked away.

They were a brother sister and the sister asked if she could use his apartment for a slumber party to get away from their Mom.

The Dad was upset his former employee left and started the same business. The young daughter comforted Dad with a hug.

I was shocked as to how much disrespect was shown toward the mother. I am concerned as to what youth is watching on the Disney Channel.

Competent communication

I attended a Creative Curriculum training this past week. The presenter was

Kendra Curtiss-Tomaski, MA

kcurtiss@midmich.edu

Ms. Curtiss-Tomaski has been an Early Childhood Education adjunct instructor at MMCC for nearly 20 years. She has held a variety of positions in this field and is a Conscious Discipline Trainer. She brings professional experience to her teaching role in the classroom. Ms. Curtiss-Tomaski is currently the Early Childhood Director at Clare-Gladwin RESD.

I did ask her if I could use her in this blog. She replied "Thank you" and "yes".

Kendra was warm and welcoming. Throughout the presentation Kendra was prepared, knowledgeable and shared her personal experiences. She walked the room and  made eye contact with group. She asked questions and listened to the responses of the group. She showed respect to the group and in return the group was respectful of her. They were attentive and participated in the training. Kendra showed great qualities in communication throughout her presentation.

I enjoyed the review of Creative curriculum and  was impressed at the skills that Kendra showed in being a competent communicator.  I will used this experience in the future in doing my own presentations with staff and families.